List of Veterans Day benefits includes food, other perks

In addition to formal Veterans Day ceremonies, there are usually many Iowa businesses that offer discounts or free products or services to active duty military or veterans. Jasper County Veterans Affairs Director Chris Chartier recently sent out information about a variety of businesses that are acknowledging Veterans Day — which is Nov. 11 — in this way.

Most businesses or organizations offering these products or services will require some form of military ID or other proof of military service. This might include a military ID card, a VA ID card, a current leave and earnings statement, a driver’s license with a special veterans designation, a veterans organization ID card (such as the American Legion, AMVETS or VFW), DD Form 214 or discharge paperwork.

Wearing a uniform in public — if that branch of the service permits it — might suffice as proof of service. In some cases, a photograph of yourself in uniform might be all that’s required; other restaurants and companies may go strictly by an honor system.

Check with each business or organization personally to get the latest update on their 2015 Veterans Day policy. At restaurants, beverages and gratuity are not typically included.

Here is a partial list of businesses with at least one central Iowa location that will honor veterans with a discount this year. All specials are Nov. 11 only, unless specified:

• Applebee’s: Free entrée from a menu that includes seven options. Military ID or proof of service required.

• Bar Louie: Free meal on Nov. 10 and 11, up to a $12 value. Available at participating locations. Military ID or proof of service required.

• Bonanza Steakhouse: Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations.

• Chili’s Restaurant: All military and veterans receive their choice of any lunch combo, or a choice of a dinner meal from a select menu, including any full-size flatbread. Dine-in from limited menu only; Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service.

• Denny’s: Free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only; call ahead.

• Newton Great Clips: Paying customers who come in for a service on Veterans Day get a free haircut card to give to a veteran, redeemable Nov. 11 through Dec. 31, 2015.

• Home Plate Diner (two Des Moines locations): Free meal to all veterans with proof of service, such as a veteran’s card or a DD214).

• Hurricane Grill & Wings: Free meal from special menu at participating locations. Proof of service required.

• Newton Hy-Vee: Free breakfast buffet to all veterans and active-duty military members.

• International House of Pancakes: Free stack of red, white and blue buttermilk pancakes crowned with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating restaurants.

• The Olive Garden: Free entrée; proof of service required.

• Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. Available to military and veterans with ID, who will also receive 15% off each purchase from Nov. 12 to Dec 31.

• Newton Perkins Restaurant: Free “Magnificent Seven” breakfast, served any time to a veteran or active-duty military during all Nov. 11 business hours. Proof of service required.

• Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double and bottomless steak fries for all guests with a military ID or proof of service.

• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans Day Meal; Free lunch event to honor the armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify times and locations.

• Village Inn: Free breakfast any time of day (choice of buttermilk pancakes, French toast, or a Belgian waffle). Wednesday is also free pie day, and veterans will be able to receive a free slice of pie. Veterans who visit on Veterans Day will also receive a “Thank You for Your Service Card” valid for 20 percent off their total bill on their next visit. Participating locations only.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com