Are you planning to go get a free meal at a restaurant on Veterans Day? Why or why not?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:49:56 -0400

It’s almost that time of year! Veterans and those currently serving will celebrate Veteran’s Day. Many will take advantage of those free meals and deals for Veterans. Have you done that? Are you planning to this year? Have you ever seen folks abuse it? I once saw a surprise APFT the day after Veterans Day. Along with height/weight. You know....just because. What say you?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Oct 26 at 2018 1:51 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:51:15 -0400

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 26 at 2018 1:55 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:55:56 -0400

I plan on visiting two places. A gentleman my mother knows, hits up every place in the town he lives in. I am not greedy.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 26 at 2018 2:02 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:02:43 -0400

Hell no! There are way too many posers and clowns out and about on Veterans Day. I will however say a prayer for my fallen comrades and attend a dignified memorial service in their honor.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 3:13 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:13:58 -0400

No. I never did it for the freebies. I have on occasion had someone anonymously pick up my lunch tab, or otherwise thank me and my brothers and sisters for our service, and I've had businesses slip me a discount when they realized I was prior service. For that I am very grateful. But I'm not seeking it out.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 3:36 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:36:40 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver I will attend a Veterans Day ceremony/parade at Fort Vancouver, Vancouver, WA. Afterwards I will eat a free meal at Olive Garden. Olive Garden is my favorite restaurant that I eat at about once a month. I take advantage of all veteran/senior citizen discounts that I can. If they do not offer a discount, that is fine. I have not seen any folks abuse it.

I was at the Economy parking lot at the Portland Airport last week and handed the cashier my ticket. I had my wallet out and was getting ready to pay. The lady saw my cap and asked if I was a disabled veteran, and I said I was. She then asked to see my VA card. I handed it to her, and she said that since it said I had a service connected disability, that I owed nothing. I thanked her as this saved me 120 dollars. I have parked at this lot about six times, and was not aware of this policy.

As long as you are polite about it, why not take advantage of what is being offered? I was discharged in 1972, and things are much different that they used to be.

Response by LCDR Keith Trepanier made Oct 26 at 2018 3:38 PM

LCDR Keith Trepanier — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:38:44 -0400

Most places get packed with so many people looking for a free meal that it isn't worth going. Have I done it in the past? Yep, once or twice when I happened to be out anyway but have never gone out just for the meal. Haven't gone on Veteran's day for years to a place that offers a free meal.

I don't like to wait around at a restaurant anyway, I am not going to wait longer just to save a few bucks. I have seen lines literally around the building. No chain restaurant's food is worth that.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 26 at 2018 3:55 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:55:07 -0400

After all the experiences I had, while I got paid to do them, nobody owes me anything. My life was so much bigger than it would have been if I "shoveled $#!*" in Louisiana.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 26 at 2018 4:12 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:12:05 -0400

No but I attend a Veterans function that does offer a free lunch.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 26 at 2018 4:36 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:36:07 -0400

I have never done that. of course, I usually have to work on Veterans Day. it would be appreciated if all the non-Veterans in my department would step up and work so the Veterans can have their day to themselves.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 26 at 2018 5:38 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 17:38:24 -0400

It's a nice gesture, but I'm not much for crowds and don't feel that I'm owed anything.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Oct 26 at 2018 6:09 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:09:39 -0400

I’ve not taken advantage of Veterans Day freebies in the past, CH (MAJ) William Beaver, and I don’t plan on it this Veterans Day either. Also, I’ve never seen anyone take advantage of or abuse the offers to the best of my knowledge.
As far as a surprise APFT after Veterans Day, as a commander I personally would not have done such a thing. However, it’s up to each individual soldier to always be in good physical condition, so had that happened to me, I simply would have taken and passed the APFT whenever required.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Oct 26 at 2018 7:02 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:02:42 -0400

No, crowds, especially at restaurants, don't appeal to me, nor do establishments that only do this on Veterans Day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 7:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:12:54 -0400

I get asked this every year back home because there are a lot of eateries that promote free meals for Vets. I stay away from those places as every one of those places gets packed and stay packed plus I can't stand large crowds. I also don't go because I would rather stay in the house and have a meal with my family.

Response by SPC David Dougherty made Oct 26 at 2018 9:46 PM

SPC David Dougherty — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 21:46:31 -0400

Never cared for a free meal. Give it to the homeless veterans!

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Oct 26 at 2018 10:15 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 22:15:46 -0400

I used to go with a few army friends when I was still living near them but since moving to where I really don't have any of my veteran friends nearby I usually stay in on veteran's day; I use it as a solemn occasion to remember some people.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 27 at 2018 12:19 AM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:19:47 -0400

Have never asked for or gotten a free meal on Veterans Day,the steak dinner the Air Force gave us upon landing in California after my tour in Vietnam was and is the only recognition I appreciated then and now ,over fifty years later,better money well spent would be the restaurants feeding homeless Veterans.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2018 12:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 00:56:31 -0400

I never have - it's far too busy and not worth it to wait for that and I hate being in crowded places. I don't ever go looking for military discounts either. If it gets offered when I go to pay ok. But I really don't ask for it.

Response by PO3 James Ducat made Oct 27 at 2018 1:19 AM

PO3 James Ducat — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 01:19:36 -0400

I won't actively seek out free meals or free anything. Considering i'll most likely be on the road driving i'll probably stop in at once if the truck stops on my route and grab dinner, most of them will give a free meal, but that's the extent.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2018 9:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 09:33:42 -0400

I think it’s great that businesses are offering this, but if you’re an officer or Senior NCO, is recommend not taking advantage of this offer. Allow those Soldiers with larger families or who are struggling to take advantage of this offer. If you make enough and are doing well, then I think it sends a bad message to seek free food when you can afford it. In fact, Leaders should do more to help our less fortunate service members by donating food or opening thier home to others. Just my thoughts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2018 9:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 09:50:48 -0400

No. While I'm proud of my service, I try to go through life rarely having to expose my military status. I want to know how the world will treat me without knowing I am a Soldier or veteran.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2018 10:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 10:05:00 -0400

When I was a single e4 and below I used to go with some of my buddies that served. Well because its free and i dont really make too much money so why not?

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Oct 27 at 2018 10:34 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 10:34:39 -0400

Hell no! I never have and never will. I am a Soldier for Life but you would never know. I wear no Veteran hats, pins or been there clothes. I enjoy goofing on the posers and will talk with a Soldier or Veteran that displays his service in a modest way.

Response by 1SG Lyle Miller made Oct 28 at 2018 9:58 AM

1SG Lyle Miller — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 09:58:02 -0400

I don’t go mooching at restaurants, but I do go to the Elks lodge for their breakfast. They have a ceremony along with the meal that, if done correctly, can be pretty impressive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2018 3:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 15:16:28 -0400

That is a great question! Even though I appreciate the gesture that businesses offer for Veterans and still serving members. I myself usually avoid any business during Veterans Day. I can only give an example of one time when I went to a restaurant with family, (in civilian attire, must of been the hair cut) and the waitress took my order off the ticket, when I saw that I just left her a regular tip plus the cost of the food I ordered. Like I said, I appreciate the gesture these companies offer during this day of remembrance, but I was not asked or drafted to join I did it because I wanted to. So, it is hard for me to except free stuff mostly because I was brought up to earn my way. I still get yelled at by my spouse for not using Home Depot or Lowe's 10% off lol. I will be visiting a national cemetery and walk through looking at all the service men/women before me and just take some time to thank them as I always do on this day.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Oct 28 at 2018 8:32 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 20:32:07 -0400

No. There isn't a restaurant here that offers that consideration but then I wouldn't anyway. Participating on RallyPoint is about as social as I get.

Response by PO2 Randy Roe made Oct 30 at 2018 7:26 AM

PO2 Randy Roe — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:26:53 -0400

No - I can pay for my meal, and would rather contribute to those businesses that offer them. Mission BBQ is an example - Sure, I can get a free meal, but those guys still need salaries paid and do a lot of work for vets and law enforcement - I feel better contributing...

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Oct 31 at 2018 9:09 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:09:02 -0400

Some years yes, some no. But anymore, only when there isn't a crowd - so mostly no.

Response by SrA Stephen Beasley made Nov 2 at 2018 12:53 AM

SrA Stephen Beasley — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:53:19 -0400

Only if I was planning to eat out anyway. I greatly appreciate the effort, but I'm not big on dinner out.

Response by SGT Beth Day made Nov 8 at 2018 6:52 PM

SGT Beth Day — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 18:52:01 -0500

Yes, but not a restaurant. A local organization puts on a soup supper lunch for veterans and their families. I will attend that both as a veteran and to cover it for my newspaper.

Response by SFC Ronald Hebert made Nov 8 at 2018 8:55 PM

SFC Ronald Hebert — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 20:55:29 -0500

No, I don't bring attention to myself.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Nov 10 at 2018 2:33 PM

SSG Rick Miller — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 14:33:45 -0500

Nope. It's a great gesture, but that's all it is, a gesture. I don't need freebies, I don't want thanks for serving. Donate those meals to a homeless vets program, or to a military hospital. Cater a meal at the mess hall, for soldiers who live in the barracks.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Nov 12 at 2018 9:47 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 09:47:38 -0500

No, it's not my thing. I did join and serve for the freebies and discounts. I a business offers me a discount for being a Vet or old, I won't turn it down but I don't go to places looking for it.

Response by SGT Quentin Moore made Nov 12 at 2018 10:20 AM

SGT Quentin Moore — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 10:20:50 -0500

My wife is a veteran also so we do go out and have a good time and we always tip according to what the regular price is not the discounted price

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2018 11:07 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:07:29 -0500

No free meal for me. Never had one, never will. I can afford my meal so I'll leave those free meals to Vets less fortunate than I.

Response by CPO Dennis Conley made Nov 14 at 2018 1:24 PM

CPO Dennis Conley — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 13:24:20 -0500

Got my free meal and tipped the server the price of the meal.

Response by SSgt J McCurdy made Nov 30 at 2018 11:26 AM

SSgt J McCurdy — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:26:04 -0500

Amen Brother..

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Dec 14 at 2018 3:07 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 15:07:22 -0500

I always find a homeless veteran and get him the meal

Response by SGT Xenophon Garcia made Dec 15 at 2018 8:15 AM

SGT Xenophon Garcia — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 08:15:02 -0500

I do go to the Olive Garden on Veteran's Day. They do have free food for veterans. However, what I want to eat is not on the veteran's menu, so I pay.

Response by SSG Jason Denham made Jan 22 at 2019 6:55 AM

SSG Jason Denham — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:55:25 -0500

I have no problems with getting a free meal in recognition of my service.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Jan 22 at 2019 7:45 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:45:48 -0500

Quite possibly, the places that offer these discounted/freebies may be owned, operated or managed by veterans and they just feel compelled to honor their brothers and sisters in this manner. On the other hand, quite possibly, those that own, operate or manage these places have some carried over guilt issues because of the way our Vietnam veterans were treated on their return. With that said, do I take advantage of it? Yes sir I do. Disrespect in this country has always been an issue. They’re trying to show their thanks. On the same token, I Pete them know how much it appreciated. I ask for military discounts everywhere I go. Do you use AARP for discounts? Same thing. Never feel guilty because of your service.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Jan 22 at 2019 9:23 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:23:21 -0500

My wife and I went a few years ago to Golden Corral. We had a long wait. We haven't gone again. Will have to see what and who offers this year.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Jan 23 at 2019 9:00 AM

CPL Sheila Lewis — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 09:00:45 -0500

No, I never ask because I have the financial means to pay for my meal.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Jan 23 at 2019 9:04 AM

CPL Sheila Lewis — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 09:04:20 -0500

"Free" is never free...somebody somewhere always pays.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 11:33 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 11:33:56 -0500

No, The line is usually really long when you live near a military post. Most companies do not have military benefits near a base, because they can not financially handle the onslaught of bargain hunters.There are younger soldiers that need it more than me. I do appreciate that companies show this kind of support for the troops! Thank you!

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jan 23 at 2019 5:15 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 17:15:02 -0500

The millinums might like it. its like throwing a dog a bone. I wonder how many Vietnam Vets. take the free meal. Their are too many wannabes out their taking advantage of the veterans. I would not except a free meal unless I was homeless. Semper Fi.

Response by SPC Charmaine Kelly made Oct 3 at 2019 12:53 AM

SPC Charmaine Kelly — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:53:51 -0400

Can't go..no ride to go..

Response by LCpl Ken Greene made Oct 10 at 2019 8:43 PM

LCpl Ken Greene — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 20:43:24 -0400

Yes