Kindness for Troops and Veterans

In honor of World Kindness Week and Veterans Day, this is obviously a day to give thanks and show kindness to our troops. Find out what you can do to support our troops by reading about Operation Gratitude. As for veterans? There are bunch of fun things for you to enjoy today. A huge thanks to those who serve our country.

Support our Troops

I found this wonderful Website called Operation Gratitude. This group sends 100,000 care packages annually over to the troops. They also have all kinds of ideas of how you can help. Their blog is filled with ideas of things you can do to support our troops. Check out 10 Ways to Support Our Troops in November for details on everything from knitting scarves, to writing letters, to recycling cell phones.

Veteran's Day Freebies

It's nice to see that the community honoring veterans today, too. Here are some events and freebies for Veterans that I found in my Free Things to Do in Denver newsletter:

Veteran’s Day is November 11, 2010 and did you know there are nearly 24 million Veterans living among us? Well, we’re glad to see so many freebies out there for our active duty and retired military. Everything from a free one-day cruise to free dinners! Military ID is required for some offers. As Veteran’s Day approaches, it is refreshing to see that there are more and more companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, we give a collective thanks. Check out the free ticket offers, free drinks and other fundraisers and celebrations for members of the military.

Anheuser-Busch Parks Free Admission

Complimentary admission for active duty military representing all five service branches, active members of a reserve or National Guard unit, and/or up to three direct dependants. Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks:

SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg

Sesame Place

Adventure Island

Water Country USA

Offer valid through 12/31/2010. Operating days and hours vary by park. Please check with specific park for current operating schedule. Learn more.

Applebee’s — Come on out and enjoy a free meal. Veterans and active duty eat free on Nov. 11, 2010. The freebie menu has seven options, including a burger, salad, chicken, sirloin, and shrimp. Dine in only. Beverages and tip not included. ID required.

Bed and Breakfasts free — A long list of B&Bs are offering a free night stay to veterans on Nov. 10, 2010. Most of the B&Bs are already booked (those marked FULL), but there are a few left.

Brides Across America – Military wives can get a free wedding dress Nov. 8-13 at select locations across the county. The dresses are donated by a slew of designers and sell for $500 to $3,000. Sizes range from 4 to 22.

Claim Jumper — Free dessert for veterans and active duty military with ID is available on Nov. 10, 2010. Dine in only.

Dollar General — Veterans, active duty, national guard and their immediate families get a 10% veteran discount on all purchases on Nov. 11, 2010. (See screen one in above link.)

FLW Outdoors Digital Magazine – For National Guard Members. Here’s what you get: Bass or walleye editions , Player’s Advantage for Fantasy Fishing, Digital editions…and the ability to read FLW Outdoors Magazine anywhere you serve.

Free Audio and paperbacks – Free paperbacks and audiobooks – MilitaryOneSource.com offers ten free paperback / audiobooks per year to those in the military and their families.

Free one day cruise to the Bahamas – Discovery Cruise Line is inviting all Military who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan during the last year on a complimentary one day cruise from Ft,. Lauderdale, FL to Grand Bahama Island valid until December 31, 2010. Discovery will provide the free one day Bahamas Cruise including the cost of all buffet meals, all service charges, taxes and Bahamian Departure Fees. There are no additional costs involved.

Golden Corral — On Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 from 5-9 p.m., veterans, active duty, reserve, and national guard members can get a free dinner buffet. Last year they fed 335,000 people!

Hooters – Get a free meal from a special menu at participating restaurants when you purchase a beverage. Available for veterans and active military with ID. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Up to an $8.50 value.

The Home Depot – Veterans get a 10% military discount year round. Show your military ID at checkout.

Hy-vee – The midwestern grocery chain with in-store dining is serving free breakfast buffet to veterans on Nov. 11 from 7-11 a.m.

Knott’s Berry Farm — Through Nov. 24, 2010, admission is free to veterans or active duty military personnel plus one guest. Get up to six extra tickets for $15 each. ID required. Eligible person must be present. Dependent I.D.s will not be accepted.

Lowe’s — Just like rival Home Depot, Lowe’s offers a 10% military discount year round. Show your military ID at checkout.

McCormick & Schmick’s -- Veterans get a free meal from a special menu on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. Reservations strongly suggested. ID required.

National Parks — Some 393 National Parks across 49 states are free to everyone on Nov. 11, 2010.

New Balance — Shipping on sneakers and everything else is free for everyone through Nov. 11, 2010.

Outback Steakhouse – Veterans and active duty will be treated to a free bloomin’ onion and non-alcoholic beverage of their choice on Nov. 11, 2010.

Red Roof – Veterans get a hotel discount of 15% at participating Red Roof hotels for the month of November. Mention your military status over the phone or when you book online use coupon code 606310. ID required.

Sam’s Club – Free Canes for for Veterans – For Veterans Day (November 10th, 11th and 12th), Sam’s Club will be giving away 36,000 free Hugo canes to United States Military Veterans in need of mobility assistance. Quantities are limited per club. Available while supplies last. Sam’s Club Membership is not required but proof of military service required.

Sea World — Admission is free for active military duty personnel and up to three dependents for Sea World Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, or Water Country USA. Some exclusions. One per person per year. ID required.

Sleep Number — Veterans get a mattress discount, free shipping on bed sets, and special discounts through Nov. 14, 2010.

Universal Studios (Hollywood, CA) — Military discounts are offered year round to military retirees, DOD personnel, members of the National Guard/Reserves, dependents and all other base personnel when you buy tickets in advance through participating MWR/ITT offices or through the mail.

Uno Chicago Grill – Get a free meal or pizza when you show up in uniform, have a picture of you in uniform, or have military ID. Nov. 11, 2010 only. No coupon needed.