Veteran’s Day

Paladin Howitzer Photo by Pfc Leigh Armstrong, 2ID Public Affairs Office April 05, 2007 Soldiers from Bravo Battery 2-5 Field Artillery fire 155 mm Paladin Howitzers at St. Barbara training area in South Korea as part of the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration exercise. The Soldiers traveled from Fort Sill, Okla. to familiarize themselves with terrain and train for relief procedures in conjunction with 1-15 Field Artillery stationed in Camp Hovey.

On Veteran’s Day, many of the area businesses recognize the contribution of all of our military veterans. This post is just a shout-out to say thanks to all that these businesses gave out today. The lines were really, really long, but it was worth it in the end.

Started off the day with a free Dunkin’ Donut. $1.27

Then a free breakfast at Village Inn worth $8.99

Free carryout lunch combo at Little Ceasar’s, I think about $5.00. This was 2 slices of pepperoni and a bottle of pop. They only do the other, icky cola but they did let me have a Mountain Dew instead. 20 ounce.

Texas Roadhouse sirloin steak smothered with mushrooms and onions with 2 sides, one of which was steak fries covered in cheese and bacon. $17.99

Picked up a coupon from Freddy’s for a combo that can be used anytime. Not sure of its value.

Finally, all-you-can-eat buffet at Golden Corral, including steak and shrimp and everything else a buffet has, plus beverage, $17.89

So, that’s over $50, not counting that, if there are 3 Dunkin’ locations, you can visit each one of the three and if there are more Little Ceasar’s you can stop at each one.

Why do these places do it? Well, I think they really do appreciate the military and the sacrifices that come with serving your country. I believe that. But, I also believe it’s good marketing. In a town with five military bases and an unknown population of former and/or retired military, it’s good PR. and it just has to be a boost in sales, because most of the vets I saw were accompanied by someone like I was. My wife went out with me for breakfast, lunch, and supper and her meals weren’t free.

And I haven’t mentioned all of the deals that were available that we didn’t have time to take up. Son-In-Law and number 5 Son did some of those. All-In-All it was a good day and a great date day.

It does come at a price, though. Whether it’s being blown up by an IED like Carter was, or being away from your family and working long, hard hours into the night, or many other things that many have suffered that are too private to tell about for someone else which can’t really be understood by others. There is a price that every veteran has paid. It’s more than a cliche or an old hackneyed phrase, it is an undying, undeniable, solemn truth when they say, “All gave some. Some gave all.”

Remember, the good book says, “TANSTAAFL!” There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.

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