Honoring Our Veterans

On Monday, November 11^th, Americans will pause to commemorate our veterans, whose patriotism, service and sacrifice defending our great nation can never be appropriately repaid. In an effort to extend their gratitude for our veterans’ service to our country, the VA has compiled a list of the following organizations and businesses that are providing the following discounts and offers in honor of Veteran’s Day:

Veterans Day discounts and meals at restaurants

Hometown Buffet – November 11, 2019
Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID receive 15% discount on Military Mondays (Every Monday including Memorial Day) at Hometown Buffet. Be sure to ask your server for more details. Visit the BJs Wholesale website for details. http://www.hometownbuffet.com/military/

Old Country Buffett – November 11, 2019
Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID receive 15% discount on Military Mondays (Every Monday including Memorial Day) with up to four members of the family at Old Country Buffett. Be sure to ask your server for more details. Visit the BJs Wholesale website for details. http://www.oldcountrybuffet.com/military-2/

Applebee’s – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu at participating Applebee’s on November 11. Dine-in only. Visit the Applebee’s website for details.

Chili’s Grill & Bar – November 11, 2019
All Veterans and active duty military personnel can get a free meal on Veteran’s Day Monday, November 11, 2019, at all participating Chili’s Grill and Bar restaurants. Please call ahead to your local Chili’s restaurant if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day meals. Visit the Chili’s website for details. https://www.chilis.com/restaurant-events/veterans-day

Baker’s Square – November 11, 2019
All Veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal on Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2019) from Baker’s Square. Visit the Baker’s Square website for details.

54^th Street Grill and Bar – November 11, 2019
Veterans + Active Duty military personnel who dine inside a 54^th Street Grill and Bar  receive a free entrée up to $12 on Veteran’s Day (11-11-2019). Visit the 54^th Street Grill and Bar website for details.

Golden Corral – November 11, 2019
Military Veterans, retirees, and active duty members are being offered a free sit-in “thank you” dinner on Monday, November 11, 2019, from 5pm -9pm. For more details visit the Golden Corral website. https://www.goldencorral.com/military-appreciation/

Red Robin – November 11, 2019
Veteran’s and Active Duty Military are being offered a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veteran’s Day, 11/11/2019. Visit the Red Robin website for details.

Mission BBQ – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty members will receive a free sandwich and slice of cake (while supplies lasts) at Mission BBQ on Veteran’s Day, 11/11/2019. Visit the Mission BBQ website for details.

O’Charley’s Restaurant – November 11, 2019
Veterans of the armed forces and/or officers still serving, you can enjoy a free meal at O’Charley’s this Veterans Day, with several fan favorites from the restaurant’s menu to choose from. Visit the O’Charley’s website for details.

Grub Burger – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active military members can get a free meal at a Grub Burger Bar location on Saturday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Visit the Grub Burger website for details.

IHOP – November 11, 2019
All Active duty and Retired Veterans in observance of Veteran’s Day, November 11, are invited to come in to IHOP and enjoy a “free” breakfast. Visit the IHOP website for details. https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/ihop-military-discount/

Lucille’s BBQ  – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military will enjoy a complimentary dessert with proof of service on November 11. Visit the Lucille’s BBQ website for details. https://www.lucillesbbq.com/promos/military-family-month

Fogo De Chao –  November 8-11, 2019
Veterans and active duty personnel receive discounts on November 8-11, which includes 50% towards their meal at Fogo De Chao, in addition up to three of their guests enjoy 10% off. Visit the Fogo-De-Chao website for details.

Texas Road House – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active military receive a free lunch on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all Texas Roadhouse locations. Visit the Texas Road House website for details.

TGI Fridays – November 11, 2019
Military guests with a valid military ID will be treated to a free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These guests also will receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Call your local TGI Fridays for details.

Subway – November 11, 2019
Military Veterans with a valid ID are being offered a free six-inch sub on November 11 at select locations. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

Outback – November 11, 2019
Veterans with a military ID can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, and 20 percent off their check Nov. 12 to Dec. 31. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

BJs Restaurant Brewhouse – November 11, 2019
Military and Veteran’s with a valid ID are being offered a free entree up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11. Call your local BJs Restaurant Brewhouse for details. https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/VeteransDay

Bandanas BBQ Restaurant – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military are being offered a free meal on November 11. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

Manhattan Bagel Company – November 11, 2019
All active, former and retired military personnel with valid identification are invited to enjoy a free bagel and cream cheese at Manhattan Bagel Company’s participating locations on Veterans Day November 11.  No additional purchase is required. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

Houlihan’s – November 11, 2019:
All military members – both active-duty and Veterans – will receive a free and complimentary meal on Veterans Day. Guests must come with proof of duty by an I.D., photo in uniform, earning receipt or any other form of proof. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

Bombshells Restaurant & Bar – November 11, 2019
Veteran’s families and active service members receive free meals at Bombshells Restaurant & Bar on November 11 from 11 AM – 2 AM.  Please call ahead to your local Bombshell’s restaurant if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day meals.

California Pizza Kitchen– November 11, 2019
Veterans and active U.S. military members with proof of service have an invitation to enjoy a complimentary meal from CPK’s Veterans Day menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen locations nationwide. Please call ahead to your local California Pizza Kitchen if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day meal.

The Chop House – November 11, 2019
Veterans receive a 50% discount with a valid military ID on November 11. This does not apply to alcoholic beverages. Please call ahead to your local Chop House if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Cici’s Pizza – November 11, 2019
All active duty or retired military with a valid military ID are being offered a free pizza buffet on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Cicis Pizza if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Connors Steak & Seafood – November 11, 2019
Veterans with a valid military ID receive a 50% discount on November 11. This offer does not apply to alcoholic beverages. Please call ahead to your local Connors Steak & Seafood if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Cotton Patch Cafe – November 11, 2019
All Veterans and active military members are being offered a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken with a drink on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Cotton patch café if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Famous Dave’s – November 11, 2019
Military personnel and Veterans are being offered a free meal on November 11th at participating locations only. Proof of military service is required. Please call ahead to your local Famous Dave’s if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Farmer Boys – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof of service get a free cheese cheeseburger on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Farmer Boys if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof of service get a free lunch or dinner entree on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Firebirds Wood Fired Grill if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Fired Pie – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof of service or are in uniform on receive a free entree November 11 for Veterans Day. Please call ahead to your local Fired pie if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Joe’s Crab Shack – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid ID will enjoy 20 percent off on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Joe’s Crab Shack if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Little Caesars Pizza – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid ID will receive a free $5 hot-n-ready lunch combo.On November 11, from 11am to 2pm. Please call ahead to your local Little Caesars Pizza if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Logan’s Roadhouse – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof of service will receive a free American Roadhouse Meal on Veterans Day. Please call ahead to your local Logan’s Roadhouse if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Luna Grill – November 11, 2019
Veterans, military service men and women with valid proof of service will receive their choice of a complimentary meal when they purchase a meal from November 9-11. Please call ahead to your local Luna Grill if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Menchie’s – November 11, 2019
Veterans, military service men and women with valid proof of service will receive the first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Menchie’s if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt – November 11, 2019
Retired and active duty military with valid proof of service will receive a free froyo at participating locations on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Sonny’s BBQ – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid ID will receive a free Pulled or Sliced Pork Big Deal combo (photos here); dine-in only.

Veterans Day discounts at grocery stores

BJs Wholesale – November 11, 2019
Active duty military personnel and Veterans receive discounts on November 11, 2019, at BJs wholesale, which include 30% off standard membership fees. Additional incentives like extra money off coupons are occasionally offered for new members. Visit the BJs Wholesale website for details.

Publix – November 11, 2019
Veterans, active military, and their families receive 10% off purchases on November 11, 2019. Exceptions apply. Must show Veteran or military ID, discharge documents, or driver’s license with Veteran designation. https://ww4.publix.com/pages/veterans-day-discount 

Hy-Vee – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid ID receive a free breakfast buffet during regular breakfast hours from 6am to 11 am on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Hy-Vee if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.

Veterans Day discounts for haircuts

Great Clips – November 11, 2019
Veterans and current military members can visit a U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11 to receive either a free haircut that day or the free haircut card to use at a later date. Visit the Great Clips website for details. Visit the Great Clips website for details.

Sport Clips – November 11, 2019
Some locations will be offering free haircuts on November 11. Visit the Sports Clips website for details.

SmartStyle Hair Salons – November 11, 2019
Current or former military members, and veterans are being offered a 10% discount off any services and professional products on November 11. Please show proof of service to receive this special discount at participating salons. Walk-ins welcome. No double discounts. Discount may vary per location. Visit the SmartStyle website for details.

Veterans Day health

American Family Care – November 11, 2019
Veterans are being offered free flu shots on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. Veterans interested in obtaining a free flu shot are encouraged to visit AFCUrgentCare.com to find the nearest American Family Care. Visit the American Family Care website for details. (Reminder, Veterans receiving health care at VA are eligible for Free flu shots at your local Walgreens)

True Rest Float Spa – November 11, 2019
Free True Rest Float Spa 60-minute float session for active duty military and Veterans.Visit the True Rest website for details.

Veterans Day discounts in retail

The Home Depot – November 11, 2019
Veterans are being offered a 10% military discount on in-store purchases on select items. All veterans are eligible for this discount during the Veterans Day weekend. Visit the Home Depot website for details.

Walgreens – November 8-11, 2019
20% off for military, Veterans and their families. Walgreens also provides free flu shots for VA-enrolled Veterans. Visit the Walgreens website for details.

Rack Room Shoes – November 11, 2019
United States Military and families with a valid ID receive 10% off your entire purchase on November 11. In store only. Visit the Rack Room website for details. https://www.rackroomshoes.com/military-discount

Dollar General – November 11, 2019
Veterans and families receive an 11 % discount on qualifying items in store and online. See website for details.

Rack Room Shoes – November 11, 2019
United States Military and families with a valid ID receive 10% off your entire purchase on November 11. In store only. Visit the Rack Room website for details. https://www.rackroomshoes.com/military-discount

Living Spaces – November 4-24, 2019
For every purchase of a select Revive product, Living Spaces will donate a mattress to a Veteran. Qualifying Revive products range from select mattresses to adjustable bases. Learn more: https://www.livingspaces.com/event/buy-one-give-one/veterans

Kohls – November 11, 2019
Kohl’s is offering double its military discount for Veterans Day, increasing it from 15% to 30%.

Bed Bath and Beyond – November  9-11, 2019
Military guests with a valid military ID or Bed Bath and Beyond VetRewards Card will receive 25% off your entire in store shopping cart from November 9-11, 2019. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

LLBean – November 8-11, 2019
25% off for Veterans for online and in store orders. Verify with LLBean.

Veterans Day Discounts on travel

La Quinta – November 11, 2019
Veterans and their families who book and stay at La Quinta hotels in the U.S. and Canada can take advantage of the 15% off military discount in light of Veterans Day on November 11. Visit the La Quinta website to book.

Legoland – November 11, 2019
Each U.S. service member on Monday, November 11, can receive a free American flag wristband and flyer (describing the discounts and events of the day) at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort ticket window. A wristband entitles the wearer to the special discounts on November 11 only. Visit the LEGOLAND Florida Resort website for details.

Harley Davidson Museum – November 11, 2019
All active military, Veterans and their families can gain free Museum entry into the Davidson Museum with valid Military or Veterans ID for 1 additional adult and up to 4 children 18 years old or younger On November 9-11. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum website for details.

National Parks – November 11, 2019
Over 100 national parks will waive admission fees on November 11, 2019, in honor of Veterans Day. Contact your local park for information.(Disabled Veterans eligible for free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass)

Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, Georgia) – November 9-10, 2019
Veterans and disabled Veterans will receive one free admission ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia with a valid Military ID card or DD214 and can purchase an unlimited amount of additional tickets for family members or friends at 50% off plus tax per ticket.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, California) November 9-11, 2019
Proud to offer active military members, Veterans & first responders free admission when visiting during Heroes Days. Additionally each eligible hero may also bring up to three guests for half price each plus city fee. All participants must present proper First Responder ID, Military ID, or DD-214 at time of purchase.

Six Flags Great America (Chicago, Illinois) November 9-10, 2019
On November 9 & 10, all active members and Veterans of service will receive free admission to Six Flags Great America. All you need to do is bring your proof of service to the park to receive a free, complimentary ticket for access. Also offering discounts on up to four companions.

Grace for Vets – November 11, 2019
Veterans and service personnel are being offered a free car wash on November 11, 2019. by Grace for Vets. They are a non-profit organization who has gotten together over 1,500 independent car washes in four countries, to offer this service. Visit the Grace for Vets website for details http://graceforvets.org/

Free Veterans Day Burger Meal in Airports – November 11, 2019
On Monday, November 11, U.S. active-duty military and military Veterans with ID can enjoy a complimentary Pimento Cheeseburger* while they dine-in at more than 70 participating HMSHost airport restaurants. Participating free burger locations here: http://bit.ly/FoodFightForVeterans2019

KGB Espionage Museum – November11, 2019
Instead of the usual price of $22 for adults and $17 for seniors, all Veterans will only pay $13.

September 18, 2019 marks the 72^nd birthday of the United States Air Force. This holiday commemorates the day when the Air Force was officially separated from the Army. Before it was its own branch of the military, the Air Force was known as the Army Air Force.  The United States Army created the predecessor to the Air Force when it created the Aeronautical Division of the Signal Corps on August 1, 1907. Eventually, this department would turn into the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps from 1914 through 1918. Over the years, this department continued to take shape becoming the U.S Army Air Service from 1918 through 1926 and the U.S Army Air Forces from 1941 through 1947. However, the value of airpower was heavily illustrated to the leadership of the Armed Forces during World War II and they decided that the United States Military Forces needed a major organizational change in order to remain a successful fighting force. American air power was put to the test in World War II as a method of intelligence gathering, as a way to deliver troops to the battlefield, and ultimately as a way to deliver atomic weaponry that would bring the war to its final end with the surrender of Japan following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Army Air Force was said to operate almost independently from the rest of the U.S. Army at this time. To create a separate branch of service would be more than a symbolic move to more formally address the issue of American military air power. It recognized that combat in the air, from the air, and from surface to air required a whole separate type of planning and organization.

The Air Force became a separate military service with the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947, which was a major restructuring of the United States government's military and intelligence agencies following World War II. The majority of the provisions of the Act took effect on September 18, 1947, the day after the Senate confirmed James Forrestal as the first Secretary of Defense.  Stuart Symington became the first Secretary of the Air Force. Army Air Bases were re-designated as Air Force Base. New uniforms and insignia were rolled out and a new command structure was put in place to recognize the specialized training and experience of Air Force pilots and commanders.

Air Force Commander Carl Spaatz created a new policy that kept tactical commanders from being interfered with by military leadership with no flight experience. The tactical commander would not be permitted to be subordinate to a station commander. Later, a “provisional wing plan” would place a wing commander above the base commander.

The Act merged the Department of War, which was renamed as the Department of the Army and the Department of the Navy into the National Military Establishment (NME), headed by the Secretary of Defense. It also created the Department of