It was very fitting that I received this certificate recognizing my Grandfather’s Military Service over Memorial Day Weekend. He served in the Navy in World War II. The military funeral service for him last year was very moving.
Thank you Grandpa and all of the other veterans, past and present, that have served our country.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Thank you to all our veterans that have served our country over the years. Your service is appreciated.
Here is a list from Christian Carlson and the Friday Five that includes some businesses that are doing a little extra to show their support. He suggests bringing your military ID or wearing your uniform to take advantage of these. Some offers may vary by location.
Ameristar Casino Hotel – Free Lunch (11-2) or Dinner (5-9)
Applebee’s – Free Thank You Meal
Bar Louie – Free meal up to a $12 value Monday and Tuesday
Bob Evans – All–you-can-eat hotcakes
Barrabba’s – Free Appetizer
Center for History and Studebaker Museum – Free admission
Chili’s – Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu
Chuck E. Cheese’s – 20 free tokens Sunday thru Saturday the 15th Drive & Shine Car Wash – Free Diamond Car Wash Flags International – 21% discount for veterans through Tuesday Golden Corral – Free buffet and beverage from 5 PM to 9 PM November 17th Great Clips – Free haircut Tuesday thru December 31st
Grissom Air Museum – Free admission, gospel country concert by Rene Jones at 10am, honor guard at 3:30pm
Hair Crafters – Free haircuts and root beer for veterans Honkers – Free Polish buffet from 2 to 8pm with beverage purchase
IHOP – Free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7am to 7pm (may also include eggs, bacon and hashed browns)
Krispy Kreme – Free Doughnut & Small Coffee Martin’s Supermarkets – Free Honor Meal (two pieces of fried chicken, a side of mashed potatoes, a side of cold salad, a roll, a hot or cold 16-ounce deli beverage, a single serving of milk, a serving of ice cream and a slice of Martin’s cake while supplies last) Olive Garden – Free meal from Veterans Day menu Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage Ponderosa – Free buffet on November 17th Red Lobster – Free appetizer from a special menu (Monday thru Thursday) Red Robin – Free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries Ruthmere Museum – Free admission and free flags for veterans on Tuesday Ryan’s – Free dine-in lunch from open until 3:30pm Sport Clips – Free Haircut – Sport Clips is also raising money for the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) Operation Uplink program and will donate a $1 for every haircut service to the program. Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee (includes spouses) Texas Roadhouse – Free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides between 11am and 2pm Tuesday TGI Fridays – Free Lunch from 11 am to 2 pm Travel Centers of America – All CDL Drivers who are Military Veterans eat free with valid ID
Take a moment this Veteran’s Day to consider the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families. Some have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives. Some are still sacrificing their lives in missions around the world. Please consider if there is something you can do to show your appreciation.
Locally, I have told you about Veterans Theraputic Art Center and their mission to reintegrate veterans into our community.
Nationally, I am impressed with Bugles Across America and their mission to provide a live bugle player to play taps when a veteran is laid to rest.
Internationally, I am pleased to see the work of the USO to bring a piece of home to our soldiers serving overseas.
These are just a few good groups out there. I’m sure you have your own favorites. Consider doing something today to make a difference through the group of your choosing… or directly if the opportunity is available to you.
Easterday Construction continued to participate in Red Shirt Fridays this summer to show our support for the troops. We will be looking for other ways to continue our support in the coming years.
You might notice some bright red shirts on Easterday Construction Co., Inc. job sites this summer. This is because we’re participating in Red Fridays to support the troops. You can check in here to learn more. We purchased ours through Triple Crown Products if you are interested in participating.
A portion of the proceeds goes to the Wounded Warrior Project. Their mission, “To honor and empower wounded warriors.”
Our employees are participating in this on a strictly voluntary basis. Everyone got a shirt, but it’s up to them if they want to wear it. (Though this past Friday, everyone that had a red shirt on got a $5 on the spot bonus. Ha!) It is a “support the troops” effort and not any kind of political statement. It seemed like a positive way to show our patriotism around the 4th of the July and to promote some camradery on the jobsites with a simple give-away. Consider checking out the Wounded Warrior Project, the USO or Bugles Across America. All good organizations that support our troups and their families at home and abroad.