Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
You may have already seen this story, as it has been widely reported in the last few days. It’s a story about “Mr. Doug,” a 98-year old World War II veteran who is still able to make a daily trip to his local Arby’s location in Chandler, Ariz. Mr. Doug has become a familiar face to the Arby’s staff at that location and they enjoy their loyal customer.
Arby’s location manager, Christina Gamage, said she absolutely loves Doug, which she says is a feeling that is shared by many of the location staff members. Gamage said that staff members rush to open doors for him when they see him trying to come through with his walker. One day, they asked him what kept him coming back to that Arby’s location every day. Mr. Doug replied that he has a stomach disorder and that the roast beef slider with Swiss cheese he orders every day, is the only thing that doesn’t make his stomach hurt. Many of these employees have listened to Doug’s stories and know that he has been through a lot in his lifetime, through his military service, his time in the retirement center and now his health issues.
Staff members are not aware of any family members, so they became his family. They know his standard order and start cooking it the moment they see him walk through the door. The staff also pooled their resources and gifted Doug a $200 gift card, saying his lunch was on them for a while. That gift left Doug absolutely speechless, but he was especially touched when they gave him their personal phone numbers so that he can call them if he needs anything. They also told him that if he is unable to make the trip to Arby’s, they will deliver his meal to him at his retirement home.
The staff at the Chandler location was a little nervous when the story went live, not knowing how their corporate office would feel about them becoming so personally invested in this one customer’s life. They needn’t have worried, since Arby’s stepped in and told them that Doug’s free food would continue after his gift card runs out, for the rest of his life.
Doug’s story was inspiring, but I found that Veterans Day is one of the most patriotic days of the year, inspiring businesses and retailers to offer our military and veterans free food, drinks, and other discounts to say thank you for their service. While saying thank you is important all year long, there are many restaurants that offer free meals and desserts to our service members on and around Veterans Day. I share a few of these with you, in case you are in the vicinity of one of these restaurants on Veterans Day.
Call ahead, though, as some locations may choose not to participate in Veterans Day offers! The list I found was extensive, but I have only included those that I know are doing business in North Dakota.
Little Caesars Pizza
Grab your free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY lunch combo on Veterans Day.
Famous Dave’s
Get a free 2 meat combo served with one side item and corn bread muffin.
IHOP
All active-duty and Retired Veterans in observance of Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, are invited to come in to IHOP and enjoy a “free” breakfast. IHOP also offers continual discounts of up to 20% daily on all IHOP breakfast and menu items, depending on location, in appreciation for their efforts and their protection of this country.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Their “Wings for Heroes” means you’ll receive one small order of wings with a side of fries.
Olive Garden
Choose from six popular entrees from Olive Garden’s menu for free on Veterans Day.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active duty military and reservists with a valid military ID on Monday, Nov. 11. The offer is available in-restaurant or on To Go orders picked up in-restaurant.
Texas Roadhouse
Choose from 10 lunch offers, including a complimentary beverage.
Village Inn
Build your own free INN-credible breakfast on Veterans Day by choosing four eligible breakfast items. Dine-in only.
Applebee’s
When you show your ID card, all active military members and veterans will receive a free meal from any of our participating locations on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Perkins Restaurant
With your military ID, get a free Magnificent 7 breakfast at participating Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations on Veterans Day.
Take advantage of one of these offers if you are traveling on Veterans Day. Military.com, a website for both current military and veterans, says that many retailers also offer everyday special discounts for those who have served in the military, to thank them for their service and to lessen financial burdens for current military members.
An extensive list of these everyday discounts can be found on the American Legion website, on the Everyday Veterans Discounts and Services page, https://www.legion.org/veteransbenefits/military-veteran-discounts. The listings of discounts are subject to change, so it is important to ask if the discount is valid at that location.
It’s also necessary to provide qualifying proof to receive the military and veterans discounts, an Active Duty ID card, a Reserves/Guardsman ID card, a Military Retiree ID card, a Veteran’s Affairs ID card or a State Driver’s License that is stamped “Veteran.”
The businesses included on the list, including companies offering auto care and parts, auto manufacturing, banking, electronics, fitness and medical, hardware, hotels, insurance, restaurants, retail, services, storage, theme parks, cruises, entertainment and transportation offer the discounts as a way of saying thanks and offering support to those who have served our country so selflessly.