Veterans and active military personnel in Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding Central New York region have access to a variety of freebies, discounts, and special offers. These gestures of appreciation are available from local businesses, national chains, and county-sponsored programs. While many deals are concentrated around Veterans Day, several merchants and organizations provide year-round recognition for military service. The following guide details the specific offers, eligibility requirements, and locations based on available information.
Veterans Day Freebies and Deals
Several businesses in the Central New York area offer specific free items and meals on Veterans Day. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are often valid for dining in or carry-out.
Local Syracuse Area Offers
- Peppino's: Offering a free order of Risotto Bombs on Wednesday, November 10, during business hours. This offer is available at both the Peppino's Restaurant & Catering Co. location (1849 Grant Blvd, Syracuse) and the Peppino's Neapolitan location (409 S. Clinton St., Syracuse). It is available for pick-up only or with a delivery minimum and requires a military ID for active and retired personnel.
- Revercomb Dental Group: Located in Manlius, this practice is offering veterans a free cleaning, filling, or extraction on Veterans Day. Appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 9076 Cazenovia Road. Interested individuals should call 315-682-8400 for more information.
- Marron Law Firm: Offering free estate-planning services to veterans. Contact information provided is (303) 884-0858.
- Tops Markets: Offering an 11 percent discount off the total order for all veterans and active military personnel at any Tops location.
National Restaurant Chains
Numerous national chains with locations in Syracuse participate in Veterans Day promotions. * Applebee's: Provides a free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Some reports indicate this is a yearly tradition. Additionally, a $5 Bounce Back Card is sometimes included for redemption on future dine-in, To Go, or delivery orders within three weeks. * Texas Roadhouse: Offering a free lunch on Wednesday, November 11, for active, retired, or former United States military personnel. * Red Robin: Inviting veterans and active-duty service members to enjoy a free Red's Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Wednesday, November 11. * Denny's: Offering a free Original Grand Slam from 5:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Veterans Day. * Chili's: Providing a free meal from a select menu for in-restaurant dining. * Little Caesars: Offering a free lunch combo from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. * 7-Eleven: Offering a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog through the 7NOW app. * Another Broken Egg Cafe: Offering free Patriot French Toast Combo & Coffee, dine-in only. * Aroma Joe's: Providing veterans with a free 24oz drink. * Dunkin': Offering a free donut at participating locations.
Retail and Service Offers
- 110 Grill: Offering a free lunch from a special menu from 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Year-Round Military Discounts in Syracuse
Beyond the specific Veterans Day events, several Syracuse businesses and organizations offer discounts throughout the year for veterans, active military members, and occasionally their spouses and families.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Blue Star Museums: Several museums in Central New York participate in the Blue Star Museums program, which provides free admission to military families (including active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members) from Armed Forces Day (May) through Labor Day (September). Participating museums include:
- All Things Oz Museum (Chittenango)
- The Barrow Gallery
- Munson
- Skaneateles Historical Society
- Note: The All Things Oz Museum is noted to go above and beyond the typical Blue Star offering, though specific details on the enhanced offer were not provided in the source text.
Onondaga Historical Association: Veterans receive a 10 percent discount on walking tours and gift shop purchases. Additionally, the association allows for the nomination of a veteran or active military member to be honored at a Syracuse Crunch hockey game. One military member per game receives 4 tickets and 4 passes to the "All Who Served" Club.
Syracuse Mets: Veterans and active military can receive $2 off box seating. Alternatively, if seating preference is not a factor, they can obtain free upper reserved or general admission tickets on game day.
Syracuse Stage: Offers two types of military incentives. For select performances, military members can show their ID to receive up to 4 free tickets (limited seats available). Additionally, military members can call the box office to purchase up to 4 tickets at a discount. Military ID must be shown at the show.
Recreation and Parks
Onondaga County Parks: A discount is available for veterans, active military, and their spouses for the occupants of one car. This applies to park admission at Beaver Lake Nature Center, Highland Forest, Jamesville Beach Park, Oneida Shores Park, and Pratt’s Falls Park. The discount is valid only for park admission and does not cover rental fees or special events.
Syracuse Yoga: Offering a 20 percent discount for veterans and active military members.
Health and Wellness
- Revercomb Dental Group: In addition to their Veterans Day offer, it is implied that they may provide services to veterans, though specific year-round details beyond the event were not fully detailed in the provided text.
Onondaga County "Return the FAVOR" Program
Onondaga County has established a specific program to support veterans residing in the county.
- Program Name: "Return the FAVOR" Discount Program (Find & Assist Vets of Record).
- Eligibility: Any honorably discharged military Veteran residing in Onondaga County.
- How to Obtain: Eligible residents must bring their discharge papers (DD-214) to the Onondaga County Clerk’s Office located at 401 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, or to any local Town Clerk’s Office.
- Benefit: Participants are issued a photo I.D. card. Participating county merchants agree to honor this card by providing veterans with a discount or special offer on purchases and services.
- Merchant Participation: Businesses interested in participating or sponsoring the program can download an application or contact the Onondaga County Clerk’s Office at (315) 435-2227.
Events and Ceremonies
While not strictly "freebies" in the product sense, several community events honor veterans with free admission or participation.
- USS Slater Destroyer Escort Museum (Albava): Offering veterans free admission following a ceremony on Veterans Day.
- National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (Cooperstown): Providing free admission to all military veterans for the entire month of November.
- Syracuse University: Hosting an annual Veterans Day Ceremony from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium of the National Veterans Resource Center, followed by a catered lunch reception.
Important Considerations for Veterans
- Proof of Service: Almost all free meal offers and discounts require proof of military service. Acceptable forms typically include a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers (DD-214). It is advisable to carry proper identification.
- Dining In vs. Carry-Out: Many restaurant offers are valid for dine-in only. Some, like Peppino's, specify carry-out options or delivery minimums.
- Participating Locations: While national chains often participate nationwide, it is always recommended to verify with the specific local Syracuse location, as participation can sometimes vary.
- Combining Offers: Generally, military discounts cannot be combined with other discounts, promotions, or special events. This is explicitly stated for the Onondaga County Parks discount and is a standard policy for most businesses.
Conclusion
Syracuse and the greater Central New York area offer a robust selection of freebies and discounts for veterans and active military personnel. These range from complimentary meals and dental services on Veterans Day to year-round discounts on cultural experiences, sports events, and park admissions. The "Return the FAVOR" program provides a structured way for county residents to access discounts from participating local merchants. Veterans are encouraged to carry proper identification and contact specific venues to confirm offer details and availability.