History of the Holidays: History of Veterans Day | History
HOUSTON (KTRK) --
A family is grieving the loss of Adrian Herrera, 31, who died in a Gulf Freeway crash in uniform Friday while he celebrated Veterans Day.
Carlos and Olivia Herrera describe their son as dedicated to his family, friends and country saying he knew he wanted to join the military since he was in elementary school.
"I think he started going down to the recruiting office when he was 13 or 14 trying to join," Olivia said.
Adrian served three tours in Iraq with the U.S. Navy and was active in the VFW when he came home a few years ago.
"Whenever Veterans Day would come, he would get dressed and go see his friends, go see the VFW guys," Carlos said.
That"s why Friday, his family says he was in uniform driving when he took a curve too fast and crashed.
Police came to tell his family what happened.
"We opened the door for them, and as a mom, I knew. I saw the look on their face and I was praying that"s not what they were going to say to me," Olivia said.
The family said the outpouring of support from friends and fellow veterans has been comforting.
"He was coming out of his shell. We didn"t realize how many friends he had. It"s unbelievable," Olivia said.
BOISE - Businesses across the Treasure Valley are showing appreciation to our military men and women on Veterans Day by offering up free and discounted services - from food to haircuts to oil changes.
RELATED: Veterans Day event guide
Here is a look at the freebies available to veterans and active duty military members on Friday, Nov. 11:
FOOD & DRINK
Angell"s Bar and Grill-Renato: Veterans will receive a free meal with purchase of meal of equal value.
Applebee"s: Veterans and active duty military members with I.D. can receive a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day.
Bonefish Grill: Veterans and active military can kick off their meal with a free Bang Bang Shrimp Appetizer.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty military will receive a free small order of 10-12 traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries.
California Pizza Kitchen: All veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to select a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu including pizza, salads and pasta. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.
Chilis: Veterans and military duty will receive a free entre from a special Veterans Day menu. See the menu here.
Cracker Barrel: Veterans will get a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert.
Dennys: All veterans and active-duty military are invited to Build Your Own Grand Slam at Dennys on Veterans Day from 5 a.m. noon. Must show proof of service.
Dickey"s BBQ: Veterans and active military who eat at Dickey"s on Friday will enjoy a free meal which includes a sandwich, side and a Big Yellow Cup, up to a $12 total value. Anyone who dines with a veteran is offered a free Big Yellow Cup with applicable purchase.
Famous Dave"s: In honor of Veteran"s Day, all former and current military personnel will receive a free two meat combo.
Flying Pie Pizzaria: Veterans and active duty militarycan show their military ID to receive a free lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. Valid at Fairview (Boise), Meridian and State Street locations. At the Broadway location, veterans will receive a free fast fire"d lunch pizza between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Golden Corral: On Monday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m., Golden Corral offers a free sit-in thank you dinner for Military veterans, retirees, and active duty members.
IHOP: Free stack of red, white and blue pancakes to all veterans and active duty military. Available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Krispy Kreme: On Veterans Day, a free doughnut and small coffee will be given to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active military personnel (no ID required).
Little Caesar"s Pizza: Vets and active duty military will get a free deep dish pizza lunch combo from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Olive Garden: Veterans can choose a free entre from a special menu featuring six Olive Garden favorites on Nov. 11 with proof of military service.
Red Lobster: Veterans and active duty military, and reservists will get a free appetizer or dessert from November 10 - 11. Must show proof of service with military ID card.
Red Robin: All Veterans and active duty military members will get a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak fries on Veterans Day. No purchase is necessary. Must show proof of service.
Sizzler: Free lunch and beverage for veterans on Friday until 4 p.m.
Starbucks: Any veteran, active-duty military, and military spouse will be treated to a free tall coffee on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active military receive a free lunch and drink from a special menu. Must show proof of service.
Tucanos Brazilian Grill: Free meal with the purchase of another meal for veterans and active duty mililary. Veterans dining alone will receive a 50 percent discount. Available Thursday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 12.
Twin Peaks: In honor of the holiday, diners with valid military I.D. can choose free food item from the Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Menu.
BOWLING
Big Al"s, Meridian: Free bowling and 50 percent off all burgers for veterans and active duty military
HAIRCUT
Great Clips: Free haircut for veterans and active military on Nov. 11. Customers can also receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran, redeemable through the end of 2015.
SportClips: SportClips will offer free haircuts to all active duty military and veterans with valid ID.
CAR WASH
J"s Ultimate Hand Car Wash: Free car wash for all veterans and military personnel between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Located at 3756 Chinden Boulevard, Boise
Mister Car Wash: Free car wash for all veterans and active duty personnel
OIL CHANGE
For the 16th straight year, three Treasure Valley businesses are teaming up to provide over $5,000 in free oil change services to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
The businesses participating are:
Garry"s Automotive, 2200 S. Cole Road, Boise, 562-1693
Maz-Tech, 3310 W. State Street, Boise, 385-0339
Heritage Auto Repair, 175 N. Linder Road, Meridian, 887-1442
Oil changes will be given by appointment only. Call one of the above locations now to make an appointment.
Meineke Car Car Centers: Veterans can also get a free oil change at Meineke Car Care Centers across the nation. Call ahead and schedule an appointment.
RETAIL
Gordmans: Veterans and active duty military will receive a $10 Gordmans Savings Card with any in-store purchase on Veterans Day. In addition, they will receive 15 percent off their entire purchase. Must show proof of service.
JCPenney: From Nov. 10 - 13, current and former military personnel and their immediate families will receive a 5 percent discount from Nov. 10-13. Can be combined with coupons and special offers. Must show proof of service.
If you are a business offering free or discounted goods or services to veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day and would like to be added to our list, please email tmiller@ktvb.com.
