VetLikeMe News Alert

What is His Motive?
VA Chief of Acquisition Spills Guts Regarding
“Veteran’s First” Sham

In this episode of the Twilight Zone, we have a very special guest on the set who you’ll meet further down the column. In an astounding display of bureaucratic stupidity or marvelous cunning, Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Acquisition and Logistics phoned Wayne Gatewood, a fierce advocate for veterans—with a weight on his chest than needed to be re-leased. Wayne, take it away:

“Yesterday I had a conversation with Mr. Jan Frye, VA’s Chief of Acquisitions. Mr. Frye talked with me about the workings of the VA FSS Program and what he believes to be the importance of the FSS in relation to procurement methodology and the importance of the VA Supply Fund to OAL Operations. At the following Link, please read about the VA FSS Schedule: http://www.fss.va.gov At the following Link, please read about the VA Supply Fund: http://www.va.gov/oal/about/finance.asp.

Mr. Frye also let me know that Secretary Shinseki stands by the VA FSS Schedule as the go-to procurement methodology and it was Secretary Shinseki’s personal decision to not go Vets First! (I am attempting to get a past Press Release from VA PA Office that is supposed to contain the Secretary’s words relative to this matter). Please read the below two paragraphs from the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL) webpage – “About Us.”

“The complex functions required to support the diverse programs of VA are reflected in the mission and organization of OAL. In addition to its primary role of supporting VA’s pro-grams, OAL has a Government-wide role in the supply management of medical supplies and non-perishable subsistence.”

“All OAL operations are funded through the self-sustaining VA Supply Fund which is managed by OAL. The operating costs are recovered through a variety of cost recovery mechanisms that are designed to pass the costs of services provided along to the beneficiaries of such service.”

The VA’s Supply Fund offsets the operating costs of OAL, such as the VA Acquisitions Academy, Denver Acquisitions and Logistics Center, National Contract Service, National Acquisition Center, and the staff that operates these activities. The fund also pays for bonus’ and other items. How does it work? VA gets .05 % of every dollar of every FSS Schedule contract that is let. Given the VA purchases billions of dollars in products, supplies, medicine, services, etc., per year, with much of that through FSS, the FSS program brings in millions of dollars to the Supply Fund. In addition to the money that comes back to the Supply Fund to support OAL, Mr. Frye also told me that VA believes that FSS provides the best cost and the most reliable and timely source of services and supplies to support our millions of Veterans. (But, since there are no cost comparisons with SDVOSBs for certain products and supplies I ask, ―how can that claim be supported”?)*

A GAO Report on the Supply Fund along with an “anonymously prepared Analysis of the VA FSS and the Supply Fund”, are also attached. I have looked over the Analysis but can-not confirm its validity or support its claims. Nonetheless, it appears to be very thorough.

So there you have it folks….FSS Priority…so says Secretary Shinseki! If you want to comment on this matter, send me an e-mail and I will place it in the News for Mr. Frye and staff to read. For me personally, nothing changes until the Law changes and until that happens, it re-mains Vets First as required by PL 109-461. Also, for any and all purchases under the small purchase threshold (to include the “griddle” Aldevra was trying to sell to VA when VA went FSS), by Law, has to be purchased from a small business! So says the Law, so says SBA….. Small purchases are for small business only and not VA FSS to large business.

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VetLikeMe is developed by BluePoint Productions,
Hardy Stone Publisher
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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Inc. Magazine is looking for successful business owners who are prior military for a potential national article:

“How has your military experience influenced your business leadership style?”

Veteran Owned Business was recently contacted by a writer for Inc. Magazine who is working on an article about: “…how military experience influences the leadership styles of veteran business owners?“  In short, VOB has been asked to reach out to our members to find veteran owned businesses (with a minimum of 10 employees) to answer two (2) survey questions for possible inclusion in this–and future–business article(s).

If you are a military veteran (active duty and/or reserves works too), run a successful business and have at least 10 employees, please email us your answers to the following questions.  Also, please include your contact information in case we and/or the writer needs to get back in touch with you.

1. Do you have any specific stories or examples that illustrate how the discipline instilled in you during your military career has translated into your career as the leader of a business?

2. As you developed your own leadership style and practices, did you model yourself after any particular military leader: someone you served under or with, or whom you just know a great deal about? If so, who is that person (or people)?

Because of the demographics of the publication (and because the subject is “leadership styles”), Inc. Magazine is stipulating  the response come from a business owner who a) was/is in the military b) is still in business and c) has a minimum of 10 employees.

Please email your responses to: info@VeteranOwnedBusiness.com. Don’t forget to include your contact information including: name, business name, phone number, and email address.

We are keeping our fingers crossed we get a good response to this media request in order to help a few of our members get national exposure!

Women Veterans Conference!
Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) Conference Is Coming to Orlando, FL
U.S. Small Business Administration
And Syracuse University
Bring
V-WISE to Orlando, Florida
March 1-3, 2012

Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) is an entrepreneurial training program for female veterans of all service eras and branches with a passion for and interest in either starting a new small business or growing an existing one.

This unique entrepreneurship training program was designed specifically by Syracuse University with the Office of Veterans Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration to encourage and support female veterans interested in pursuing careers as small business owners and entrepreneurs. V-WISE is committed to helping female veterans interested in pursuing careers as small business owners and entrepreneurs. This unique entrepreneurship training program is committed to helping women veterans by providing them the tools to become successful entrepreneurs; its goal is to integrate their leadership, integrity, focus and drive into a premier education training programs taught by accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the United States.

V-WISE enables female veterans to find their passion and to learn the business-savvy skills to turn their ideas or businesses into growth ventures while recognizing entrepreneurship as an important part of economic growth nationwide. This program is key for female veterans to truly pursue their dreams and make them a reality!

V-WISE is a three-phase program

• Phase 1: What’s first? A 35-day online, self-study course focuses on the basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business.
• Phase 2: Ready, Set, Go! a three-day conference where participants are exposed to accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the United States. This segment includes two tracks or training: a growth track, tailored to those participants already in business, and a startup track focused on potential future entrepreneurs. Courses include business planning, marketing, accounting/finance, operations/production, human resources and work life balance. (The online course segment is a prerequisite to conference training.).
• Phase 3: Keep Moving…provides ongoing support and mentorship delivered online and through a robust, comprehensive network of mentors and partners.

Admission is on a rolling basis so early application is highly recommended. Participants are responsible for a one-time $75 registration fee and their transportation to and from the on-site conference. All hotel and conference fees are covered through the support of the Small Business Administration.

If you are a female veteran, active-duty female transitioning within 24-months, spouse or female partner of a veteran who is running or growing a small business, or if you are interested in starting a new small business, then V-WISE is your answer!

To apply visit Whitman.syr.edu/vwise.
U.S. Small Business Administration
And Syracuse University
Bring
V-WISE to Orlando, FL
March 1-3, 2012
Female veterans should apply immediately!
Click here to view the V-WISE Brochure (PDF)

Detroit to Host VA Small Business Conference, Hiring Fair
Help for Veterans Who Own Businesses, Seek Jobs

The National Veterans Small Business Conference, the government’s premier event for Veteran-owned small businesses, is coming to Detroit’s Cobo Center June 25-29, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today.

VA also announced that a “VA for Vets” Hiring Fair will be held during the conference for Veterans looking for careers in the public and private sectors. The conference is expected to attract thousands of Veterans, business owners and federal employees, and bring an estimated $3 million in direct spending to the city.

“VA is committed to bringing more Veteran-owned businesses into the public-private partnership,” said VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich. “In addition to the National Veterans Small Business Conference, our Detroit Hiring Fair will provide Veterans with on-the-spot job opportunities and interviews, while also offering career search classes and one-on-one counseling.”

Last year’s National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo in New Orleans drew almost 5,000 attendees, and more than 6,000 participants are expected this year.

The Detroit Hiring Fair builds upon VA’s success Jan. 18 in Washington at which a partnership of federal agencies and private industry attracted over 4,100 Veterans and resulted in over 2,600 on-the-spot interviews and more than 500 tentative job offers.

“These events are part of Secretary Shinseki’s ongoing efforts to help Veterans find employment in both the public and private sectors,” said Gingrich. “As the President said in yesterday’s State of the Union address, Veterans are crucial to our economy, and we need to find them jobs.”

This year’s conference will include an open house that gives Veterans the chance to learn the wide range of resources available to help them with their own businesses.  Also available will be the VetGovPartner online platform, which enables networking, viewing the business profiles of all participants, and identifying business opportunities with more than 400 government procurement decision makers in attendance.

Known historically as the world’s capital for the transportation industry, the Detroit metro area is reinventing itself with six booming industries: medical research, defense, entertainment, green tech, urban farming, and aeronautics.  About 330,000 Veterans are served by the city’s VA medical center, and more than 704,000 Veterans live in Michigan.

VA invites all interested persons and businesses to attend.  More information is available at www.nationalveteransconference.com. Registration for the conference begins Friday, January 27.

Technology Innovation Funding for Small Businesses and Exporting

Date: February 28, 2012 10:00am-12:00pm
Venue: CT Northwest Chamber of Commerce
Suite R101, 333 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790
Parking: Free
Registration: 9:45am-10:00am
Click here to register and find out more about this event

Join Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), the Small Business Association (SBA), the CT Procurement Technical Assistance Program (CT-PTAP), the U.S. Commercial Service, and the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce at this informational seminar concerning Federal Small Business Innovation grants and Export assistance. If you are a veteran, woman, or minority-owned small tech business in Connecticut, come to this event to find out more about how we can help your small technology business compete in local, national, and global economies!

About the Connecticut Small Business SBIR Office:
A Federal and State Technology partnership program exists in Connecticut to provide education and support services in 2012 to women, minority, and veteran owned technology owned small businesses to help them understand and access federal Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) grants. The federal Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program is a way for small tech. businesses to fund their research and development without taking out loans and without giving up equity or intellectual property. The Connecticut SBIR office has built best practices and an extensive networking database including major defense contractors and other leading firms that share an interest in increasing the diversity of their innovative and talented supply chains.

About the U.S. Commercial Service:
The U.S. Commercial Service is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. The U.S. Commercial Service promotes economic prosperity, enhances job creation, and strengthens national security through a global network of the best international trade professionals. It promotes and protects U.S. commercial interests aboard and delivers customized solutions to ensure that U.S. businesses are successful in the global marketplace.

About Connecticut PTAP:
The Procurement Technical Assistance Program provides marketing and technical assistance to Connecticut businesses selling, or interested in selling, their products and/or services to federal, state and local government agencies. Services include customized client bid matching, individual counseling, seminars, bid/proposal preparation, assistance with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and specialized marketing assessments. Services are state wide and offered at no cost to businesses.

About the SBA:
SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.
For more Information/Registration Contact:
Joshua Maurer: 1-860-638-6950 or joshua.maurer@trade.gov
Roberta Rossi: 1-860-257-2338 or roberta.rossi@ctionnovations.com
Anthony Sargis: 1-860-638-6950 or anthony.sargis@trade.gov

*Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Please contact Roberta Rossi at 860 257 2338 to make arrangements.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is proud to announce the addition of several new categories added to our Free Veteran Owned Business Directory of nearly 10,000 members.

The following approved sub-categories have been suggested by one or more of our Veteran Owned Business Directory members.

1. Sub Shops (in the main Food and Drink Category)
2. Cajun Style Restaurants (in Restaurants and Dining in the main Food and Drink Category)
3. Tanning Salons (in Bath, Beauty and Body in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
4. UPS Stores Owned by Veterans (in Shipping and Packaging Stores in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
5. Oil and Lube Services (in Automotive in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
6. Automotive Brake Services (in Automotive in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
7. Automotive Window Tinting (in Automotive in the main Stores, Dealers and Products Category)
8. Moving Truck Rentals (in Relocation Services in the main Real Estate Related Category)
9. Security Guard Trainings (in the main Security and Safety Category)
10. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) (in Business Resource Centers (BRC) in the main Nonprofit and Free Help Category)

A special “Thank You” to our members and visitors who suggested one or more of the aforementioned new sub-categories!

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If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com is proud to announce the addition of several new categories added to our Free Veteran Owned Business Directory of over 8,000 members.

The following approved sub-categories have been suggested by one or more of our Veteran Owned Business Directory members.

1. Funeral Transportation Services (in the main Transportation Category)
2. Hearse Services (under Funeral Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
3. Motorcycle Hearse Services (under Funeral Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
4. Coffins and Caskets (under Burial Equipment and Supplies in the main Stores, Dealers and Supplies Category)
5. Coffins and Caskets (under Cases, Crates and Packaging in the main Manufacturing Category)
6. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Services (under Mental Health Services in the main Health and Medical Category)
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (under Health Care Services for Veteran under Veterans Services in the main Nonprofit Category)
8. Veterans Service Offices (in the main Nonprofit Category)
9. Insurance Adjustment Services (in the main Insurance Services Category)
10. Consignment Stores (in the main Stores, Dealers and Supplies Category)

A special “Thank You” to our members and visitors who suggested one or more of the aforementioned new sub-categories!

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If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

According to the most recent Census Bureau Survey of Business, the percentage of Veteran-owned businesses under Hispanic ownership doubled from 2002 to 2007.   Hispanic veteran-owned businesses now number over 113,000. These businesses employ about 141,000 people and account for nearly $25 billion in receipts.

“Hispanic veterans have demonstrated an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit worthy of our continued support,” said Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the USHCC. “These talented veterans and service members have honored our country with their commitment, and it is critical that we ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities that will turn their training, experience, and drive into prosperity for the American people.”

he U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) acknowledges the importance of supporting veteran entrepreneurs as well. The SBA’s bipartisan efforts to ensure that veterans have access to necessary resources should be applauded. In fiscal year 2011, the SBA has funded 4,300 loans totaling upward of $1.5 billion in financing for veteran-owned small businesses. Furthermore, all government agencies remain committed to meeting requirements that at least 3% of federal contracts be awarded to service disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and at least 5% of all federal contracts be awarded to minority-owned small businesses.

As thousands of veterans return to the U.S. in the coming months, it is crucial to assist them by providing a strong foundation for their economic success, and the USHCC will continue to commend the SBA and policies that allow for veteran-owned small businesses to flourish.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that combined generate in excess of $420 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. 

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Just in Time For Veterans Day 2011:

In addition to the ability to search over 8,000 Veteran Owned Businesses by:

Status (VOB or SDVOSB)
Keyword
Business Name
State
County
City
Zip Code
Radius (x miles around a zip code)

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com site visitors are now able to easily search our members specifically by military branch.  If you want to take your support to an even more specific level, you can search for businesses owned by veterans who served in certain military branches.

To do an advanced search of our growing Veteran Owned  Business member-base of over 8,000: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/advanced_search.php.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Many wonderful organizations have put together special “thank you” offerings for veterans and active duty military members (in some cases their respective families as well). Do you know of a special offer we are missing?  Email us details and we will be sure to add it or call us toll free at: (877) 862-5478 (extension #1).

Here is a growing list of what some of these companies are offering for Veterans Day 2011 (and beyond):

Updated 11/10/2011 (3:00pm EST):

Spinning Fork Italian Restaurant
Fairfield Ohio
20% off for Veterans and their families this 11/11/2011. Not to be used with any other offer or promotion. Alcohol Beverages Excluded.

UFood Grill
Boston Area
UFood Grill in Boston at Downtown Crossing, 530 Washington St, Landmark Center, 201 Brookline Ave and 222 Arsenal St in Watertown will be feeding all past and present military personnel free tomorrow for Veteran’s Day (11/11/11). Military guests will just need to provide ID. This is their 3rd year providing this service. UFood Grill’s CEO and COO are very proud to be veterans.

Charlie and Jake’s
West Melbourne Florida Location: “50% off for military members on Veteran’s Day”.
All other locations: “10% off and a free alcoholic beverage”.

Papaya King Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Veterans and Active Duty Military receive one of their renowned hot dogs, for free, all day on Veteran’s Day.  In addition, for 11.11.11 (also Veteran’s Day), we’re offering everyone $0.11 fries with the purchase of any hot dog.

Bar Louie America
Nationwide
Offering one free lunch or dinner on Veterans Day.

Southwest Moe’s
Nationwide
10% off for veterans

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Restaurants

Applebee’s
Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required.

Champps Americana
We’re celebrating our Veterans with an All American Meal! All Veterans and Active Military will receive a free burger on November 11th! Proof of service required. Offer not valid for the Pepperjack Bacon Stack Burger or Kobe Burger. Dine in only, valid at participating locations.

Chili’s
Visit Chili’s on Friday, November 11, 2011, to get your Veteran’s Day free meal if you are a veteran or on active military duty. You’ll get to choose between 7 great entrees at participating restaurants.

Denny’s
Denny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 11. 2011. Free Grand Slam breakfast to any veteran from 6:00am – 10:00pm. Only valid in Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo NY areas.

Duffy’s Sports Grill
Duffy’s is donating 5% of all sales on Veterans Day 2011 to Honor Flight of South Florida.

Famous Dave’s
On November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day, Famous Dave’s would like to thank all former and current military personnel for their dedication and commitment to our country. Discounts vary in each of the 150 United States Locations.

Golden Corral
For the 11th year in a row, Golden Corral Restaurants will offer their Military Appreciation Monday dinner. The event is scheduled this year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 14. All personnel are welcome, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves.

Hooters
On November 11^th, in honor of Veterans day Hooters is offering a free meal to veterans and active military. The free meal is 10 free wings boneless or traditional. (Drink Purchase Required).

Hy-Vee
Free breakfast buffet – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans
Available at participating Hy-Vee grocery store with in-store dining.

Krispy Kreme
Free doughnut – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores.

McCormick and Schmicks
On Sunday, November 13^th Mccormick and Schmicks pay tribute to our veterans with a complimentary entree from a special menu. Space is limited. Reservations are highly recommended.

Olive Garden
On Friday, November 11th, all veterans and active duty military are invited to enjoy a FREE entree during regular business hours.  ID required.  Go here to see menu options and for more details.

Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Coca Cola from Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11.

Shoney’s
Bring a veteran or active duty military to Shoney’s on Friday, November 11th from 6AM to 2PM receive a FREE BUFFET with the purchase of a regularly-priced buffet!

Spaghetti Warehouse
11-cents meal with coupon – Nov. 11
Applies to: Everyone
Print the coupon here and get a serving of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, or any original recipe spaghetti entree for just 11 cents.

Subway
Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This offer is valid only on November 11, 2011 at participating local SUBWAY® restaurants.

Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will be giving away Veteran’s Day free meals on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

T.G.I Fridays
On Friday, November 11 2011, Veterans can take advantage of a Buy One, Get One Free deal on entrees. This offer is not valid with any other offer, must present acceptable ID, and valid only at participating locations.

Tijuana Flats
50% off military and active duty on Friday (11/11/2011), 10% off year round.

Tim Hortons
Free donut – Nov. 11
Applies to: Veterans

Twin Peaks Restaurants
Free entrée, up to $10 – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Dine-in only and a tip is not included.

Uno Chicago Grill
Show up on Veterans Day in uniform, with a photo of yourself in uniform or with a military or veteran’s I.D. and receive a 19.43% discount on their food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages purchases.

Restaurants.com
Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for only $10; $100 eGift card for only $10.99.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Entertainment

Anheuser-Busch Parks
(SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, Water Country USA)
Single Day Complimentary Admission.

Battley Harley-Davidson – Veterans Day Ride to Arlington National Cemetery
Gaithersburg, Maryland
All Riders Welcome. Join us for ride to Arlington National Cemetery as we pay tribute to Veterans past and present.
Meet 7:45am Kickstands up 8:30am SHARP.

Battleship Cove
Fall River, Massachusetts
The world’s largest naval-ship museum, located in Fall River, Mass offers free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active duty and reservists on Veterans Day.

Brevard Zoo
Melbourne Florida
Free admission to all active and retired military from November 11 to 13.

Boston Duck Tours
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Duck Tours will also offer all spouses and children of any present or past military personnel a special $10.00 per person ticket.

Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia
Free admission – Nov 11 to 13
Applies to: Active-duty, retirees, veterans, Reserves and their immediate dependents
Tickets are only available on-site.

FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling)
Florida
Offering free admission to  both Florida wrestling shows on November 11 and 12.

Historic Jamestowne
Jamestowne, Virginia
The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13.

Knott’s Berry Farm/ Knott’s Soak City
Buena Park, California
Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran’s Month, November 1-26.

Navy Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Free admission to any veteran or member of the armed forces.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.

National Parks, Forests and Monuments
Nationwide
Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Natural Elements Salon & Spa
Chesapeake, Virginia
Providing free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military.

The North Carolina Aquarium
Free admission to everyone on Thursday, November 11.

Pro Football Hall of Fame
Canton, Ohio
Any veteran or member of the armed forces and their spouse or a guest will be admitted free of charge to the Hall of Fame for a day-long recognition of  US Military veterans.

Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Cincinnati, Ohio
In honor of Veterans Day, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is pleased to offer all veterans and active military members (with valid I.D.) complimentary general admission from Tuesday, Nov. 8 though Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum
La Porte, Texas
Free admission – Nov. 7 to 13
Applies to: Veterans and their families
Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor and, on Nov.12-13. the special exhibit.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Discount options for tour and attraction tickets to all armed-forces members all year long, including Veterans Day.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Stores

7-Eleven
Free small Slurpee – 11.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans

Amazon.com
Free Veterans Day Honor MP3 album download. Album includes 12 songs by bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Big Lots
10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID.

Brides Across America
Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

Build-A-Bear
Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11th-15th on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store
Employee discount of 5% to 50% – Nov. 11 to12
Applies to: Veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.

Dollar General
From  November 11, 2011 till November 13, 2011 11, all veterans, active duty military, National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount.

Fashion Bug
Get 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.  Contact your local store for more details.

Foot Locker
Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20% discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports, even on sale items.

Jos. A. Bank
Veterans Day Sale- 1 Day Only! All Suits On Sale- 2nd for $47 Mix ‘n Match. 40% Off All Dress Shirts, Sportshirts, Ties & Sportswear. Free Shipping on Orders $195+. Valid: November 11.

Lowe’s
All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Home Depot
Offers a 10-percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.

K-Mart
Exclusive Early Veterans Day Sale – Nov. 10th! EXTRA 5-10% off Almost Everything.

Macy’s
15% off – through Nov. 13
Applies to: Everyone

Sears
5% to 15% off almost everything – through Nov. 10
Applies to: Everyone
Applies only to sales through Sears.com.

Sport Clips
Discounts on haircuts -  Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans

Surdyke Harley Davison
Fetus, Missouri
10% of sales (MotorClothes, P&A, & Service) from Nov. 11 – 12 will be donated to Camp Hope–an outdoor recreational camp for wounded soldiers.

Sams Club
In honor of Veterans Day, Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 11th and 12th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Accommodations

Red Roof Inn
Offering 15% off all stays for veterans for the month of November.

Bed & Breakfast for Vets
B&Bs throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Miscellaneous

Free Car Wash (various locations around the United States)
Grace For Vets is a united front of car wash operators that provide a FREE CAR WASH to veterans & service personnel each year on November 11 to honor their past & present service to their country.

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Many offers come with disclaimers. Please be sure to contact each company directly with any questions/concerns.

Do you know of a special offer we are missing?  Email us details and we will be sure to add it or call us toll free at: (877) 862-5478 (extension #1).

This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.