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Congratulations to the 2023 Class Of North Carolina’s Military Hall of Firsts

Author KC Atkins

Just days before Veterans Day, eight incredible men and women were inducted into North Carolina’s Military Hall of Firsts. The ceremony was held at the North Carolina Museum of History this past Thursday, with Governor Roy Cooper and retired LtGen Walter E. Gaskin, USMC among the esteemed guests in attendance.

As secretary for the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NC DMVA), LtGen Gaskin also presided over the evening’s events. In a stirring and touching speech, he explained the importance of the Hall and the honor bestowed among this year’s inductees.

“The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts will serve to publicly honor the sacrifices of our veterans and their families and highlight the diverse contributions representative of all members of our society,” said Gaskin. “It provides our state with an incredible opportunity to learn the stories of these heroes, many who were previously unsung, and how they have greatly enriched the very fabric of North Carolina, our nation, and the world.”

Along with the inductions, the ceremony also included a special proclamation by Governor Cooper. November 9, 2023 is now proclaimed as “North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts Day” in the Tarheel state. You can read the full proclamation here.

The 2023 class of North Carolina’s Military Hall of Firsts are listed here along with their incredible accomplishments. The class includes:

  • Charles George – first member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to receive the Medal of Honor
  • William McBryar – second African American soldier from NC to receive the Medal of Honor
  • William C. Lee – instrumental in establishing airborne forces for the US Army
  • Mary Bayard Wooten – first woman in the NC National Guard
  • Frederick C. Branch – first African American commissioned officer in the Marine Corps Reserve
  • Robert Thomas – among the first African American soldiers in the USMC as part of the Montford Point Marines
  • John D. Lewis – NC’s first African American radio announcer and TV host
  • Francis M. Hooper Jr. – worked with Japanese police interpreters during the Korean War to learn how to write and speak fluent Japanese

Congratulations again to the new class of North Carolina’s Military Hall of Firsts! The entire state of North Carolina is honored to host such amazing individuals who served their country so dutifully.

KC is bringing you the Workday Wind Down, afternoons on KML. He’s a Carolina boy making Carolina noise! When he's not slinging music and mouth sounds on the BIG 95.7 WKML, you can catch him at the gym, live wrestling shows, open mics, or wherever fine pasta is sold. KC is a big fan of self-expression, as his many tattoos will show you. KC's favorite pastime is making others laugh. In his mind, if he can bring a smile to your face then it's a day well spent. KC likes to write about TV and film, especially Spider-Man, and Fayetteville happenings.

Veterans Day Savings: Deals, Discounts, and Freebies

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, a day initially known as Armistice Day, which was established in 1919. This day commemorates the historic moment of November 11, 1918, when World War I ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

On Veterans Day, numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-casual dining establishments express their gratitude to veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel by offering various discounts and promotions, often providing free or reduced-price meals. It’s worth noting that most of these establishments typically request verification of military service, and the types of identification required vary among businesses.

What type of ID do you need to prove you’re a veteran?

According to information from Military.com, people currently serving in the military, including those in the Guard or Reserve, or military dependents, can easily show their veteran status by presenting their official military ID card. Those who receive VA health benefits typically possess a VA benefits photo ID card, which is also accepted as proof of veteran status by many businesses.

In 2017, the Department of Veterans Affairs introduced a new ID program for all honorably discharged veterans in accordance with a congressional directive from 2015. This veteran ID card is provided free of charge to veterans who apply for it, though it does not serve as an official federal ID. The primary purpose of this program is to offer veterans a means to demonstrate their service to private businesses.

For veterans with DD-214 documents, these can be used as proof of service at numerous businesses. The VA’s veteran ID card program was introduced to reduce the necessity of carrying the DD-214 form.

In some states, there is the option of adding a veteran designation to driver’s licenses. It is advisable to inquire with your state’s driver’s license office to determine if this option is available.

Additionally, several online businesses extend discounts to veterans, often using verification platforms like ID.me. Users are typically required to register once and provide supporting documents to prove their veteran status or other affiliations, such as with law enforcement. These businesses rely on ID.me to verify users before applying the offered discounts.

Not all franchise locations participate in national chain Veterans Day programs, so it’s a good idea to contact your nearest establishment to check if they offer these discounts.

Take a look at some of the places offering Veterans Day deals, discounts, and freebies.

  • Applebee's

    Applebee’s is giving veterans a free dine-in entrée for the 16th year in a row, available nationwide. There are eight meal options, and veterans also get a $5 card for their next meal within three weeks. The menu includes a six-ounce sirloin, classic bacon cheeseburger, Oriental Salad, Three-cheese chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Chicken Tenders Platter, or Double Crunch Shrimp.

    Veteran's Day

    Serving those who serve us. On November 11th, all Veterans and Active Duty Military members eat for free!

    Posted by Applebee's Grill + Bar on Friday, November 11, 2022

  • Carrabba’s

    Veterans and active-duty military personnel, upon presenting their ID, are eligible for a free dine-in appetizer or dessert along with a soft drink. Additionally, service members and first responders can benefit from a year-round 10% discount on any visit. It’s worth mentioning that some of their franchise locations may not have this offer available.

    Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸 All veterans and active-duty military that dine in with us today will receive an appetizer or...

    Posted by Carrabba's Italian Grill on Friday, November 11, 2022

  • McDonald's

    Current and former military personnel at McDonald’s can receive a complimentary breakfast combo meal, provided they have a valid ID. This offer is available during breakfast hours. This includes a breakfast item, hash browns, and a choice of any size soft drink, tea, or coffee.

    y’all want anything from mcdonald’s

    Posted by McDonald's on Monday, July 31, 2023

  • Starbucks

    Participating Starbucks in the United States offers complimentary tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, military service members, and military spouses. Starbucks has a network of over 35,000 locations, as stated on their website. It’s something worth checking.

  • Dave & Buster's

    Dave & Buster’s is offering veterans something other than just coffee or breakfast. On November 11, veterans with a valid veterans ID card can enjoy a complimentary entrée (up to $20 in value) and receive a free $10 Power Card. This special offer is available at participating Dave & Buster’s locations.

  • Buffalo Wild Wings

    On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries by presenting a valid ID. This offer is exclusively for dine-in customers, and it’s worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be participating, but the offer is limited to walk-in orders placed at the counter.

    Veterans, thank you for your service! Get 10 boneless wings and fries on us today with proof of service.Valid for dine-in or takeout via call-in orders.

    Posted by Buffalo Wild Wings on Thursday, November 11, 2021

  • Dunkin'

    On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a complimentary donut of their choice. This offer is valid at participating locations. It’s exclusively available for in-store customers.

    Veterans Day

    This Veterans Day, we salute all the brave men and women who help keep America running with a free donut. Participation may vary. Limit one per guest.

    Posted by Dunkin' on Monday, November 11, 2019

  • IHOP

    Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy complimentary Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or a Pancake Combo on November 11. This offer is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s only for dine-in customers and is only at participating restaurants.

    Posted by IHOP on Wednesday, October 27, 2021

  • Red Lobster

    Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and reservists can obtain free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time on November 11. A valid military ID or proof of service is required for voucher issuance. These vouchers can be redeemed for dine-in meals between November 13 and December 10.

  • Hooters

    On November 11, active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy a complimentary entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu when they purchase a beverage. This offer is valid for dine-in customers at participating locations. The Veterans Day menu features options such as 10-piece boneless wings, buffalo chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, buffalo chicken salad, and the Hooters burger. Please note that there may be additional charges for any modifications or add-ons.

    Thank you, Veterans. ❤️We’d like to give back the best way we know how - with some free food! Today, all Veterans and...

    Posted by Hooters on Friday, November 11, 2022

  • Little Caesars

    On November 11, veterans and active-duty military members can receive a complimentary Lunch Combo. This offer is available at participating stores between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please note that this offer is available for in-store only.

    Wishing a Happy Veterans Day to all of the U.S. military men & women who have proudly served our country. #thankyouveterans

    Posted by Little Caesars on Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Author KC Atkins
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