Honoring veterans with military deals and discounts

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

(MoneyWatch) Many companies offer members of the military and their families special deals and discounts on Veteran's Day (Nov. 12) -- a once-annual thank you for the service these American heroes deliver day in and day out. However, in addition to these once-annual offers, Veteran's Day is a great time to remember that a number of other companies provide special discounts to members of the military all year round. By and large, all that's required to get the deals is to show a military I.D. In some cases, the discounts are offered to family members too.

Where can members of the military get great deals and discounts?

Veteran's weekend deals
Several restaurants offer coupons for free meals on and around Veteran's Day, according to BeFrugal.com. These include California Pizza Kitchen, which is offering a free pizza and non-alcoholic drink; McCormick & Schmicks, which is giving away a meal from a limited menu; and Max & Erma's, where Veterans and active duty military eat free on Nov. 11.

In addition, all of the restaurants in the Darden chain -- that's Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Longhorn Steakhouse -- will be offering Veteran's Day deals. The Olive Garden has a complimentary entr?e from a menu that includes salads and pasta; Red Lobster and LongHorn will provide free appetizers.

On Monday the 12th, Friendly's is offering free breakfast and coffee.

Applebee's and Hooter's are also offering free meals for both Veterans and active duty military members, according to EatDrinkDeals.com.

Denny's, Coco's, Chili's and Cheeseburger in Paradise are offering similar one-day deals, according to CouponSherpa's post on 48 deals for Veterans. 

Year-round deals
However, some of the better deals are the ones that don't expire. According to Military.com, dozens of retailers offer year-round price-breaks, but some of the deals require a coupon code, so check the military deal page before shopping. Some of the better options:

Banana Republic provides a 15 percent discount on full-priced merchandize to military members and their families.

Lowe's offers a 10 percent discount all year.

Kranich's jewelry offers a 10 percent discount to both retired and active duty military members.

Loveandvows.com offers a 20 percent discount to service members on wedding supplies.

Trips and vacations
Since ski season is just starting, it's worth mentioning that a handful of ski resorts also offer military discounts, according to GetOutSkiing.com.

Eldora offers a 40 percent discount on lift tickets to military members with an active-duty I.D.

Granby Ranch offers a 50 percent lift-ticket discount, allowing members of the military to ski for just $29.

Sandals Resorts, which offers all-inclusive resort vacations, provides a 10 percent discount to members of the military and their spouses.

Anheuser-Busch Parks, which operate SeaWorld and Busch Gardens (among others) offers free admission for active duty military, reservists and National Guardsmen, together with up to three dependents, according to CouponSherpa. Military members should register here.  

Some 230 Bed & Breakfast operations also offer a free night's stay to members of the military and a guest.

[peter_out]

Keep my discount. Write the President and ask why he ordered the boys to "stand down" despite pleas by Seals and others for back-up in Libya. How could he watch real time video for hours up until the time of the demise of good Americans and not send help? How could he order help not to be sent? Whose side are you on Mr. President?

[danny514]

I am thankful for the companies who are recognizing the service of the veterans.

As a veteran who had a great lunch at Texas Road Steak House, I want to thank you all.

[maripaul-2009]

I have a great deal of admiration for those who volonteered and fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Men and women are being recognized all over.
But, people of America, we the men and women who served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam were DRAFTED. Can we compare the "allowances" given us, during Korea all wwe had were the leftovers from WWII in weapons and the food, oh yes the wonderful dehydrated food. Conditions of combat were very similar,
you attacked, you defended, you were killed or wounded. Promotions were delayed or overlooked.
Then we came home INCOGNITO. BUT, we had our own factories here in the USA not in China. We could find jobs. Today, the factories are in China (mainly) and the top brass made sure the factories. Hence the SUPERPACS.
The vets have to go begging for a job. Since the House of representatives does not want to see the factories return, let us cut their salaries in half. Let them get a feel of what it is to WANT and NEED.
Tenpa

[Daid132]

What about the military who serve in times of "No conflict"?
Those of us who "enlisted" during the Suez Crisis" are not even counted as having "served"!!!

[Daid132]

What about the military who serve in times of "No conflict"?
Those of us who "enlisted" during the Suez Crisis" are not even counted as having "served"!!!

[Bleddyn71]

Everyone feel better about themselves? How about doing something that really helps a veteran and his/her family. Like 10% off groceries by grocery stores, or a couple hours of free day care so they can make their VA Appointments? How about helping that struggling vet and their families during the holidays with a Holiday meal and few extra toys for their kids. Do something with meaning, something that isn't a cheap marketing gimmick.

We don't need a free meal or a gimmick. We a need sustained real life quality of life improving assistance. VA Compensation will only go so far and jobs are hard to come by. How about the Wounded Warrior Project and IAVA really producing something other than slick ads and empty promises.

Welcome home to what....a bigger mess than when we left?

[Jaylah54200]

Lowes discount only applies to Veterans Day weekend (as well as 4th of July and Memorial Day) for ALL veterans.

In order to get the all-year discount, you must either be 1) on active duty, 2) retired, or 3) be currently receiving VA benefits.

[Olecal]

Lowes and Home Depot offer 10% discounts all year long to veterans and active duty as well. Just need to show your gov ID card prior to totaling your purchases.

[hullfinancial]

I'm offering two hours of free financial planning to the first 50 active duty military or veterans who sign up: http://www.hullfinancialplanning.com/giving-back-in-honor-of-veterans-day/

It's my way of giving back to those who served and continue to do so.

[SheerID]

Good list, but there are SO many more deals out there. I appreciate the sentiment, but there are a lot of companies who are super loyal to the military market that were missed. Applebee's, Outback Steakhouse, just to name a couple. Just search for "veteran's day deals 2010" for a lot of great companies.