Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts

Posted on November 10, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

First things first:

Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), VA ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Note, there is a New Federal Veterans ID Card coming soon. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
Participation. It is a good idea to call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. For more updated information, please visit the complete list available at http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/

Applebee’s, Nov. 11, 2016: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. All current and former military personnel will also receive a $5 coupon to be redeemed on additional food and beverage offerings or for a later time. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. Guests over the age of 21 are also invited to raise a glass to veterans for just $5 each. They can choose from BJ’s award-winning 11 signature beers and cider on tap. More info. Locations.

Bob Evans, Nov. 11, 2016. Free select breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. For active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. More Info. Locations.

Bonefish Grill, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill for veterans and active duty military. Valid military ID required. Locations.

Boston Market, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Brownie or Cookie with any purchase for all veterans, service members, and their families. No ID required. Locations.

Buehler’s Grocery, Nov. 11, 2016. Free breakfast menu meal for veterans and active duty military. From 7:00 am until 11:00 am at participating locations. Locations.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Nov. 11, 2016. Free order of wings and a side of fries to veterans and current military members. Dine-in only. Bring proof of military service. Locations.

Burntwood Tavern, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch or dinner for all active duty military and veterans. Proof of service or ID required. Available at all locations. Visit website.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2016. Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Find a location near you.

Carraba’s, Nov. 7 – Nov. 13, 2016. Free appetizer of your choice for active duty servicemembers and veterans. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Chili’s – Free meal, Nov. 11 2016. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of any lunch combo, or your choice of a dinner meal from a select menu. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Chipotle, Nov. 11, 2016. Buy One Get One Free from 3pm-close on Nov. 11th, 2016, at all Chipotle locations in the U.S. More info.

City Barbeque, Nov. 11, 2016. Free sandwich platter at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.

Cracker Barrel, Nov. 11, 2016. Complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake. More info.

Denny’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.

Famous Dave’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free 2 Meat Combo served with choice of side and corn bread muffin – for veterans and current military members. Bring proof of service. Participating locations only more details.

Fazoli’s. Nov 11, 2016. Free Build Your Own Pasta Bowl for veterans. Please bring proof of military service. Locations.

Friendly’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Big-Two-Do® breakfast (choice of two slices of French toast, two buttermilk pancakes or two slices of toast; two strips of crispy bacon or two sausage links and two made-to-order farm fresh eggs), or All American Burger (fries and a beverage ) during lunch or dinner. Dine-in only. Limited to one per person. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only. Locations.

Golden Corral, Nov. 14, 2016 (5pm – 9pm): The 15th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Granite City Food and Brewery, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch and Coke for veterans and active duty military. Locations.

IHOP, Nov. 11, 2016, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee, Nov. 11, 2016. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees, & veterans. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating. Locations.

LongHorn Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions). Additional 10% off for guests that dine with Veterans on November 11. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.

Max & Erma’s, November 11, 2016. Participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes seasoned fries and a fountain drink. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Menchie’s, Nov. 11, 2016. All veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Veterans Day. Locations.

Olive Garden, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entrée from a special menu. Entrées are served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. Offer good for veterans and active duty military; proof of service required. Locations.

Outback Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15% off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2016. Locations.

Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery, Nov. 11, 2016. Participating restaurants are offering current servicemembers and veterans a free Magnificent Seven meal which includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links. Beverage not included. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Ponderosa Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations only.Locations.

Red Lobster, November 10 – 11, 2016. Free Appetizer or Dessert during the week of Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Find a location near you.

Red Robin, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations.

Ruby Tuesday’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free appetizer (up to $10) at participating locations, proof of service required. More info. Locations.

Sheetz, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch at participating locations. Free car wash also available at participating locations, Proof of service required. Locations.

Shoney’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, Proof of Service required. Shoney’s also offers a 15% everyday hometown heroes discount (military, fire, Police, EMT). Locations.

Spaghetti Warehouse, Nov 11th – Nov 13, 2016. Buy one entrée, get one free. Coupon Required (available on their website and FaceBook page on Nov. 4). Choose any of 11 Original Recipe Spaghetti entrées and receive a second entrée free. Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat a veteran to a meal. More Info. Locations.

T.G.I. Friday’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details. More info. Locations.

Texas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal from special menu. Includes sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Proof of service required. Dine-in only. More info. Find locations.

Travel Centers of America, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal and beverage from select menu for military members and veterans who are CDL holders. Participating locations only; proof of service required. More info.

Thank you for your service. Enjoy!

Caring Cubs Create Cards to Help Heroes Celebrate Holidays

Posted on November 7, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Children Use Artistic Talent to Say “Thank You” to Service Members, Veterans

The annual American Red Cross Holidays for Heroes Campaign is in full swing, and Caring Cubs is making its annual contribution. The Northeast Ohio-based organization holds monthly events for children ages 2 and up, designed to teach various lessons of social responsibility. On Saturday, November 5th, dozens of children and their parents gathered in the Main Galleria at Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus in Parma to create cards to send to members of the military.

Bryn and Elle with mom Anne

“It’s great to partner with organizations like Caring Cubs,” said Jessica Tischler, Regional Director of Service to the Armed Forces. “The cards they created will no doubt bring smiles to many faces this holiday season.”

Unlike previous campaigns, this year we hope to solicit cards that can be sent to service members and their families at every holiday during the year. We are asking for personal, heartfelt messages in every card, even if it means collecting fewer cards. See our earlier post, which includes a video highlighting the need for meaningful messages, as well as a list of items we are collecting for patients at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Log onto our Flickr page to see more photos of the Caring Cubs’ efforts to brighten the holidays for our heroes.

CPR Instructor Honored for Saving a Life

Posted on November 4, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Red Cross Honors Instructor Who Used His Training at the Cuyahoga County Fair

Officer Jim Mikesina

Jim Mikesina is not a superhero. He did, however, scale a wall at the Cuyahoga County Fair this year to assist man who was in need of immediate medical attention.

Officer Mikesina was providing security at the fair in August when a worker suffered cardiac arrest. The fallen man was on a carnival ride platform, and Jim took the most direct route to get to him…by climbing a wall adjacent to the platform.

Fortunately for the fair worker, Jim is a certified American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED instructor, and administered CPR immediately. Coworkers estimate Jim applied chest compressions approximately 400 times before the emergency squad was able to get to get the victim into an ambulance.

The Cuyahoga County Agricultural Society recently honored Jim with a plaque, in recognition of his “Extraordinary lifesaving heroism in the line of duty.”

The Red Cross also recognized Jim with a Certificate of Appreciation, “For exerting extraordinary effort and utilizing your American Red Cross CPR training to alleviate the suffering of a fellow human being.”

Officer Jim Mikesina is congratulated by Mike Parks, CEO, Northeast Ohio Region

“Officer Mikesina went above and beyond the call of duty to reach the victim so swiftly,” said Mike Parks, CEO of the Northeast Ohio Region. “His determination and his Red Cross training certainly paid off, as he was able to save a life that day.”

First Aid/CPR/AED training is available throughout Northeast Ohio. Log onto redcross.org/neo and click “Training and Certification” at the top of the page to find a list of classes.

Who knows…maybe your instructor will be someone who has used his or her training to save a life, like officer James Mikesina did this year at the Cuyahoga County Fair.

At 80, She’s Still Going Strong

Posted on November 2, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Passionate About Donating Blood, Running

By Paul Wadowick, American Red Cross Volunteer

Eighty years young, Jean Toth lives a life bigger than you would imagine. At first, you meet a petite lady who, like others, arrives with desire to help others with a donation of blood. Then she mentions that she’s eighty years old. Your interest is piqued. Now, you are ready to hear more of Jean’s story.

Jean raised her children like we all would. When she arrived in her forty second year of life, Jean was ready for other challenges. “That’s when I started training for the marathon and donating blood,” she said. That would be thirty-eight years, ago. Jean shared, “I didn’t donate before a marathon.” When asked how many times she’s donated, Jean replied, “I don’t know how many I’ve done.” This calculates to a probable minimum of 152 units or 19 gallons to a high of 228 times or 28.5 gallons between then and now. Along with the training runs, Jean qualified at a Columbus, Ohio marathon and did run the Boston Marathon in 1982 and 1985. Jean stated, “I still run eight to ten miles about three times a week. Does she still run the marathons? “No, not anymore,” Jean clarifies. “I started running half marathons this year. There are others who are there at the end, so I’m not alone.” She added, “I can donate blood more often, now.”

When Jean volunteered that she takes vitamins, diet was the next question. “I eat lots of salad, vegetables, rice, pasta, and some meat.” Further inquiry discovers that her five children gave her eight grandchildren who in turn made her a great grandmother twelve times. And there is one great, great, grandchild. Other achievements also came to light. Jean has earned twelve trophies, contested in light weight body building four or five years, and is in the Wickliffe Hall of Fame for Sports.

With all said and done, maybe we can say that Jean C. Toth is truly Eighty-Years-Strong.

Jean C. Toth at the LaMalfa Blood Drive, October 27, 2016 Photo credit: Paul Wadowick/American Red Cross Volunteer

Working Locally to Affect Change Globally

Posted on October 31, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Jessica Tischler, International Services Director, Northeast Ohio Region

Each year, disasters around the world devastate the lives of millions of people. The American Red Cross is taking action to help save lives by:

-Providing urgent assistance to people affected by disaster in countries across the globe;
-Helping to vaccinate children against measles;
-Investing in disaster preparedness, making communities less vulnerable;
-Reconnecting families separated by international war and disaster;
-Educating about international humanitarian law.

In Northeast Ohio, we are actively engaged with reconnecting family members who have been separated by international war and disaster, and with educating individuals in our community about International Humanitarian Law.

I had the pleasure of recently meeting with Asma Sameen Bangash of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Crescent. Asma is an attorney based in Peshawar, Pakistan, and serves as a Communication Officer focusing on International Humanitarian Law. She is visiting the United States as a Fellow in a U. S. State Department-sponsored program, studying U. S. law and policy, and is spending time in Washington and in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.

Jessica Tischler, Director of International Services, Northeast Ohio Region and Asma Sameen Bangash of ICRC

As a member of the ICRC, Asma interacts with the Red Crescent Society in Pakistan, and expressed an interest in learning about the programs and services offered through the American Red Cross. I was happy to explain to her the many ways in which the Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies, by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors in Northeast Ohio.

For more information about Red Cross International Services, click here.

Homes Remain Under Water Weeks After Hurricane Matthew Hits Land

Posted on October 27, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Thousands of people in the southeast continue to deal with the effects of Hurricane Matthew more than two weeks after the storm made landfall. We are with them, providing food, shelter and help with recovery. The Red Cross and partners have already served more than 1.3 million meals and snacks and provided more overnight shelter stays than after Superstorm Sandy. The massive response is far from over, and Red Cross workers will support those affected for as long as help is needed.

As we continue to provide critical relief to those affected by Hurricane Matthew, the Red Cross will begin helping residents start the recovery process by connecting them to services and resources they need. A good first step is to register with FEMA, as there is federal assistance available to help people recover. For those who do not qualify for federal disaster assistance, the Red Cross is able to provide limited financial assistance to ensure that they have access to additional support.

Teresa Bellamy of Fair Bluff, N.C.

In the U.S. alone, the response to Hurricane Matthew is anticipated to cost between approximately $24 – $28 million. At present, we have raised only $8.1 million in designated donations and pledges for Hurricane Matthew—so we need the public’s support to help the thousands of people still suffering.

The Red Cross depends on donations to provide immediate relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Matthew by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

Red Cross World Series Challenge: We’re Out for Blood

Posted on October 26, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

We, Team Red Cross in Northeast Ohio, formally challenge the Red Cross of Chicago & Northern IL and Cubs Fans everywhere to donate blood and help save more lives than us.

Using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, Indians fans can join the Cleveland Indians blood donor team by downloading the app, logging in, navigating to “My Teams,” and joining the team with the script Indians logo. Cubs fans can join the Chicago Cubs team on the app. At the end of the World Series, the team with the most donated blood, and thus lives saved, gets ALL the bragging rights as the “Donor Champs.

To sweeten the deal, if the Cubs win, our region’s CEO, Mike Parks, will travel to Chicago to help install 100 smoke alarms. But, if the TRIBE wins, we challenge their CEO, Celena Roldán, to come to Cleveland and install 100 smoke alarms.

The added benefit to this challenge? By downloading the Blood Donor App you will have all of your donor information handily available, including your donor card. You can also see where your blood travels and your donation history.

So, Indian’s fans! Let’s go help save some lives!!

‘It Was a Relief’: Red Cross Helps Residents Displaced by Fire

Posted on October 25, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

North Olmsted Residents Receive Red Cross Assistance

Christine Kisela needed a place to stay after her apartment building in North Olmsted recently caught fire.

A ceiling fan in one of the units sparked the blaze, which spread quickly to the building’s attic. Firefighters had to use so much water to put out the fire that all eight homes became uninhabitable.

Displaced without food and belongings, Kisela had many questions and no sense of when she could return to her daily life in North Olmsted, Ohio.

To help Kisela and her neighbors navigate their next steps, four workers from the American Red Cross Greater Cleveland Chapter arrived to meet one-on-one with residents to discuss their needs and connect them with available resources.

“I thought it was great when the Red Cross showed up,” Kisela said. “Not knowing when we could get back into our apartments, it was a relief to get some answers and some assistance.”

Resident Christine Kisela assisted by Red Cross volunteer Gary Grano

Her neighbor, Keith Kasprzyk, agreed.

“To see the Red Cross here was great,” Kasprzyk said. “The help they gave us will definitely be put to good use.”

red-cross-volunteer-taylor-ley-assists-north-olmsted-ohhio-resident-keith-kasprzyk

Red Cross volunteer Taylor Ley assists resident Keith Kazprzyk and dog Lola

The Red Cross responds to nearly 66,000 disasters every year, with the vast majority of them home fires. People can help residents in their darkest hours by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

north-olmsted-ohio-resident-joan-kravets-assisted-by-red-cross-volunteer-mark-cline

Resident Joan Kravetz receives assistance from Red Cross volunteer Mark Cline

Famed Speaker Makes Jubilant Return

Posted on October 24, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Thanks Responders Who Performed CPR, Used an AED, Saved His Life

“You guys saved my life. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

Dr. Stephen Sroka

Those were the first words uttered by Dr. Stephen Sroka at the Medina Performing Arts Center on Friday morning, October 21, 2016, on the very stage where 9 months earlier, he died.

Dr. Sroka, President of Health Education Consultants and a popular speaker at professional educational and school safety conferences, suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on January 15, 2016, while delivering a presentation on heroin use to the staff of the Medina City Schools. Fortunately, two School Resource Officers and an associate principal were able to respond immediately. All had received CPR/AED training.

“We were at the right place at the right time,” said Officer Mike Wesner. “I mean we were there within seconds.”

School Resource Officers Al Roland, left, and Mike Wesner with Dr. Stephen Sroka on Octiber 21, 2016

Officer Wesner retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) while Officer Al Roland performed CPR. Associate Principal Andy Brenner, who had received AED training just two weeks earlier, administered the shock that restarted Sroka’s heart.

He has returned to the lecture circuit, but Dr. Sroka’s message now includes support of CPR and AED training, such as that offered by the American Red Cross.

Log onto redcross.org, click on Training and Certification, and enter your zip code to find a list of classes, times and locations. Classes are also available for groups, organizations and companies. Call Phil Ormandy at 216-426-5080 for more information.

“It saves lives,” Stephen Sroka notes. “I can attest from my still beating heart.”

Ashtabula Residents Get Free Smoke Alarms for Their Homes

Posted on October 22, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Ashtabula Fire Department, Aqua Ohio Workers Help Red Cross Make Neighborhoods Safer

Residents who live in close to 100 homes in Ashtabula now have working smoke alarms, thanks to the efforts of the Red Cross, the Ashtabula Fire Department and Aqua Ohio.

More than 20 volunteers fanned out throughout Ashtabula on Thursday, October 20 to provide residents with fire safety information and to install, at no cost to the residents, smoke alarms featuring batteries with a 10-year lifespan.

“We urge residents to check the batteries in their smoke alarms, especially at this time of year, when we’re about to turn the clocks back,” said Karen Conklin, Executive Director of the Lake to River Chapter of the Red Cross. “And even if the batteries are good, if the alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced because the sensors are out-of-date.”

Gary Offerdahl, the Red Cross volunteer who coordinated the installation event, called it a success. “We’re protecting more people from smoke and fire casualties and possibly fatalities, which is the motivating factor.”

Ashtabula resident Carmen Rocco receives fire safety information in his home from a Red Cross volunteer on Octiber 20, 2016

Now in its second year, the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign is meant to reduce the number of fatalities caused by home fires by 25% over a five year period.

The Red Cross has more smoke alarms to install, thanks in part to the generosity of the United Way of Ashtabula County and the Ashtabula Foundation. Companies interested in helping make residents safer in their homes by allowing their employees to participate in similar smoke alarm installation events can call 866-319-7160.

Photo credit: Paul Wadowick/American Red Cross Volunteer

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region