Every year the President signs a proclamation declaring November be the month of the military family. During the month of November, the Department of Defense and the nation honor military families around the country to show their gratitude for the sacrifice and commitment military families make.
Columbia is home to the U.S. Army’s largest training center for Basic Combat Training, Fort Jackson. In fact, Fort Jackson trains 50 percent of the Army’s Basic Combat Training load and 60 percent of the women entering the Army each year. But, there are service men and women from other branches of the military (Air Force, Marines, National Guard) who make Fort Jackson their home as well. Columbia boasts a very large military community that deserves to be celebrated!
So, military moms, how can you celebrate? Below is a list of events and businesses honoring the military this month.
Not a military family but wondering how you can support those around you? Scroll down a little further and find out.
Events
40th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade
People from across the state gather in downtown Columbia for the City of Columbia’s Annual Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States. This celebration occurs at the corner of Laurel and Sumter Street, November 12, from 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Special Deals
Army & Air Force Exchange
Get Veteran’s Day deals on many items, including gift items. Deals start on Nov. 9.
Brides Across America
Brides dream of having the perfect dress, and a beautiful gown is an essential part of every bride’s special day. Brides Across America plays a role in making their dreams come true by giving a military or first responder brides a free wedding gown during “Operation Wedding Gown Event” held during the month of November. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form and paying a $30 fee. Once verified, the organization assists in finding a gown from the selection.
Enterprise Car Sales
Active duty military members, veterans, and their dependents get a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package with any used vehicle purchase during the month of November.
Goodwill
Get 50% off all donated apparel with a valid military ID.
Great Clips
Veterans and current military members can visit a U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11, to receive either a free haircut that day or the free haircut card to use at a later date.
Home Depot
The Home Depot offers a 10% military discount on in-store purchases on select items.
Legoland Florida
Veterans and active duty members get free admission Nov. 1 – 30, as well as 50% off tickets for up to six guests.
Publix
Active and retired military personnel and family members receive a 10 percent discount on Veteran’s Day. Proof of service required.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
All military veterans, who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces, will receive free admission to the zoo and garden in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Rack Room Shoes
Military personnel and their dependents get a 10% discount off entire purchase on Nov.11.
Food & Restaurant Specials
There are many restaurants offering FREE food and/or special discounts on food to both Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard, and Retired veterans on Veteran’s Day. Be sure to bring your military ID as many places require ID to receive the promotion. Unless otherwise noted, all offers will be available on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Applebee’s
Veterans and active duty military receive a FREE MEAL from a limited menu at participating Applebee’s. Available from open to close. Dine-in only.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
Complimentary entree up to $12.95 plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Veterans and active duty military personnel receive one small order of wings and a side of fries for free.
California Dreaming
Any U.S. veteran or active duty military member is invited to enjoy a FREE entree with a valid military ID or proof of service.
Chili’s
Join us on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11 to enjoy a meal on us. Special menu offerings applicable.
Cracker Barrel
FREE slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake (not a free meal, but hey, it’s free cake!) or a FREE crafted coffee.
Dunkin’ Donuts
One FREE doughnut.
Golden Corral
Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.
Little Caesar’s
All U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active military a free $5 Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo.
Olive Garden
FREE meal for all active-duty military and military veterans.
Red Lobster
In honor of Veterans Day, Red Lobster will be offering all veterans, active-duty military and reservists a free appetizer or dessert on Sunday, Nov. 11 and Monday, Nov. 12.
Red Robin
Veterans and active duty military get a FREE Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries.
Ruby Tuesday
FREE appetizer. To participate, military personnel can visit their favorite Ruby Tuesday, present military identification, and let their server know which complimentary appetizer of their choice they would like to order (some terms apply).
How to Support Military Families
Perhaps you’re not in the military and don’t have a spouse or family member who is. But, chances are, you know someone (even just an acquaintance) in the military. Below are some ways you can support military members and their families during the month of November and all year round.
- Tell them thank you! Both the military member AND their spouse deserve to hear how much what they do each and every day is appreciated.
- Write a thank you note showing them your appreciation for their sacrifice for our country.
- Perform a random act of kindness for the family.
- Offer to babysit and/or make them a meal. This one is especially valuable during a deployment or when the military member is away for training and work (many Active Duty service men and women travel frequently as a part of their job).
- ASK how you can help them out. Every family is different with different needs.
Military families, we appreciate YOU! Take advantage of these great services above and enjoy your Military Family Appreciation Month! And sign up for the Military Deals and Discounts Newsletter to get even more discounts and information on how Military Families can save big.
