• The Military Wallet is marking Veterans Day with more than 50 free meals and discounts for veterans and active-duty military members, with new offers added daily.
  • A new, free app puts military discounts on users’ phones, while a $1,111 giveaway gives service members and veterans another way to participate.
  • The annual offers recognize military service, but federal data on veteran homelessness and suicide underscore needs that extend beyond Nov. 11.

A day to recognize service

Today is Veterans Day, and The Military Wallet has released its annual list of free meals and discounts for veterans and active-duty military members. The resource lists more than 50 offers available Nov. 11, with additions daily. Participating businesses include Chili’s Grill & Bar, Smashburger and In-N-Out Burger.

Two men talking, one wears a veteran hat
Image: Land O'Lakes, Inc., Unsplash

Appreciation through the years

The Military Wallet has published its annual list for more than a decade, and nearly 1 million veterans use it each year. Its team spends hundreds of hours finding and verifying offers from national and regional chains.

Founder Ryan Guina said, “A free meal on Veterans Day is about more than just saving money,” describing businesses’ gestures as a way to make service members and veterans feel appreciated.

a man standing in front of a row of american flags
Image: David Valentine, Unsplash

Discounts on the go

This year, The Military Wallet is introducing a free app available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Users can search for military discounts and Veterans Day meals on their phones. The website also provides access to the offers, giving users another way to plan their stops.

Image: Military Wallet

A holiday giveaway

The Military Wallet is offering a $1,111 Veterans Day giveaway for military members and veterans. Entrants receive an additional entry by downloading the app and completing a profile. Three Creeks Media sponsors the giveaway, with eligibility requirements, prize details and deadlines outlined in the official rules.

soldiers in brown and green camouflage uniform standing on road during daytime
Image: Ian MacDonald, Unsplash

Before heading out

Bring proof of military service, such as a military ID, qualifying veteran identification or discharge paperwork. Call ahead to confirm participation, hours and location-specific policies, particularly at franchises. When dining, the organization encourages customers to tip based on the meal’s full value.

man in green and brown camouflage uniform holding black rifle
Image: Simon Infanger, Unsplash

Guidance beyond the holiday

The Military Wallet provides personal finance guidance and military benefits information for service members, veterans and their families. Its expert-reviewed resources cover VA loans, military pay, insurance, investing and retirement planning. That coverage spans military life from enlistment through retirement.

A person in camouflage tactical gear and a helmet walking along a dirt path
Image: Specna Arms, Unsplash

The bigger question

Beyond free meals and public thanks, is the United States doing enough to ensure veterans can secure stable housing, afford nutritious food and receive timely mental health care — and how should the country measure whether its promises translate into lasting protection?

men in green and brown camouflage uniform
Image: Filip Andrejevic, Unsplash

The stats

Veterans Day offers recognition of military service, but federal data show a continuing need for housing and mental health support.

  • 32,495 veterans were experiencing homelessness during the January 2025 count. department.va
  • Veteran homelessness had declined 56.1% since 2010. department.va
  • 6,407 veterans died by suicide in 2022, according to the VA’s 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

Additional resources

Eligibility and available services vary by program.

  • HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) - combines rental assistance with VA case management. Support can include connections to mental health care, substance use treatment and employment resources. Its purpose is to help eligible veterans obtain and maintain permanent housing.
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) - helps low-income veteran families experiencing or facing homelessness. Community organizations deliver homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing services. Assistance focuses on obtaining or retaining stable housing.
  • Veterans Crisis Line - connects veterans, service members and their loved ones with qualified VA responders. Support is available through a confidential hotline, online chat or text. The service addresses crises involving veterans and service members.
  • VHA Food Security Office - works to improve veterans’ food security. Its resources help connect veterans with food assistance programs and community services. Veterans experiencing food insecurity can also contact Social Work Services or Nutrition and Food Services at their nearest VA facility.
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - assists veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Call 877-424-3838 for assistance available around the clock. Family members, friends and people helping veterans can also access these resources.
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