Sunday, November 11, 2012

What Is a Veteran?

What is a Veteran?
written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien/USMC


Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.

Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity.

Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem.

You can't tell a vet just by looking.

He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.

He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.

She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back AT ALL.

He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.

He is the parade - riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.

He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.

He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies
unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep.

He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.

Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU".

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the
freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag."
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts

Here is a listing of the area restaurants that are offering discounts or free meals in honor of Veterans Day. Please note that most of these offers are for the service member only and proof of service is required.  These are national offers and some locations may be independently owned so make sure to check ahead of time and verify that the location nearest you is participating.


SATURDAY NOVEMBER, 10TH

Chick-Fil-A (Harker Heights location only)
Free Chicken Sandwich

Big Lots
10% discount during normal business hours.


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

Olive Garden
On Sunday, November 11, 2012 all veterans and military active duty will receive a choice of 1 of 5 entrees plus unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks.

Applebee's
Applebees is offering a free signature entree on Sunday November 11th, 2012 at participating locations. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification.

Hooters
Ten free boneless wings with drink purchase.

Chili's
Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 11 am to 5 pm Veterans and active-duty military get a choice of 7 free meals. Must show proof of military service.

Little Caesars
Receive free Crazy Bread with valid ID Sunday, November 11, 2012.

Subway
Free six-inch sub.

7-Eleven
Free small slurpee from 11am - 7pm.

Einstein Bagels
Receive a classic or signature bagel on Sunday November 11, 2012.

Great American Cookies Free Cookie
Sunday, November 11, 2012 all those who served get a free cookie with valid military id.

Red Lobster
Sunday, November 12, 2012 a free appetizer to all veterans and active-duty personnel.

Boston's
Free individual pizza from 5pm - 7pm.

McCormick and Schmick’s Free Entree (Austin)
Enjoy a complimentary entree Sunday, Nov. 11. All veterans must show official verification. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant. No to-go orders permitted.

On The Border Free Entree (Austin)
On 11/11/12 15% of purchases will be donated to Carry The Load plus veterans and active-duty will receive a free entrée certificate, valid up to $10 and good through 11/30/2012.

Krispy Kreme (Austin)
On Sunday, November 11 is offering a free donut to all those served or currently are serving. Proof of military service required or those in uniform.


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

Texas Roadhouse
Lunch from 11am-2pm. Select a free entree and soft drink/tea from their Veterans lunch* menu.

TGI Friday's
One free lunch entree from 11am - 2pm on Monday, November 12th.

Denny's
Get all you can eat pancakes for all active duty military and veterans with a valid ID on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 6am - 2pm.

Golden Corral
Get a Veterans Day free meal to any veteran who has served in the United States military or is a current active duty service member. All Golden Corral locations will be participating On Monday, November 12, 2012 from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Arby’s
Free roast beef sandwich at select locations only. (Must confirm with your nearest location.)
Longhorn Steakhouse (Austin)
On Monday, November 11 get a free appetizer and drink.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse (Austin)
Free lunch entree or a one-topping mini or individual pizza.


ALL WEEKEND

Dollar General
11% discount on entire purchase on Veterans Day. Offer good for all active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employee. Also good online from Nov 11-13, use Coupon Code VETERANSDAY.

Amazon.com
Free mp3 album download "Veterans Day Honor." Now through Monday, November 12th.

Outback Steakhouse
On November 11th and 12th, 2012 military personnel and veterans get FREE Bloomin’ Onion® and Coca-Cola®. Must have valid identification. Also, receive 10% off the entire guest check (excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuity) from November 13- December 31, 2012.

Spaghetti Warehouse (Austin)
Buy one get one free lasagna or spaghetti.  Coupon is available on their website.  Available Friday, November 9th and Monday, November 12th.

California Pizza Kitchen (Austin)
California Pizza Kitchen is honoring Veterans and Military personnel by inviting them in to dine for free on November 11 (Veterans Day) and November 12. Enjoy an pizza and a non-alcoholic beverage for free. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.

Cabela's (Buda)
Cabela’s is giving their standard employee discount to all US military veterans, active duty military, Guard/Reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on Nov. 10-11. Discount varies from 5% to 20%, depending on the item.


OTHER DISCOUNTS

Banana Republic – Veterans, military personnel and their families can get 50 percent off three full-priced items from November 12-15. Servicemembers, veterans and families who shop at Banana Republic on November 13 also can participate in special events geared towards helping veterans find jobs, including interview and resume tips from an HR expert, styling advice and refreshments.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Local Halloween Events

City of Killeen Halloween Carnival

Wednesday October 31st, 2012 6pm - 9pm Killeen Special Events Center, 3301 S. WS Young Dr., Killeen, TX A FREE Family-Fun Spooktacular time awaits you at the Killeen Special Events Center. The Halloween Carnival features face painting, free candy, bounce house, games, a haunted house, pumpkin patch, pie eating contest and much more. *Haunted House *Pumpkin Patch *Trunk-or-Treating *Pumpkin Smashing *Games *Bouncies *Costume Contest *Food *Entertainment *Donut Eating Contest *Pie Tossing *Arts & Crafts *Face Painting *Displays *AND SO MUCH MORE! For more info call: (254)501-8889


Halloween Hoopla

October 31, 2012 5:30pm - 8:30pm Carl Levin Park, 400 Miller’s Crossing Admission is free. There will be games, inflatables, candy, Pumpkin Patch and more. 7th Annual Halloween Hoopla Safe alternative to door to door trick or treating. Families can dress up in costume and enjoy a spooky evening with inflatables, games, CANDY, and more. Rain Location: Harker Heights Recreation Center, 307 Miller's Crossing. City door to door trick or treating will be from 5:30pm-8:00pm For more info contact: Nichole Broemer 254-953-5465 or Email Heather Cox: hcox@ci.harker-heights.tx.us


Fall Fest Open House

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012 6pm - 8pm Spirit Of Fort Hood Chapel (31st and Tank Destroyer) Chapel Next, along with the Catholic Community and Bob's Diner, is sponsoring a Fall Fest Open House! It will be an alternative location for the FT Hood Community to "Trick or Treat". From 6 - 8pm on 31 October children along with their families can come play carnival like games and receive CANDY!!!! More info: https://www.facebook.com/ChapelNextFortHood


FREE Haunted House
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012 6pm to 9pm 51257 Mescalero Ct, Fort Hood, Comanche I For the last 3 years, Brittany Weimert and her husband have put on a FREE haunted house for military families on Fort Hood. Last year they gave out 10 large bags of candy and had prizes for children. This year they have raised 25 large bags of candy, to be given away. There are 2 1/2 lawns of decorated scary fun. They will have soldiers that will scare children as well. 1) Jason from Friday the 13th movie 2) Jason with a hockey mask the classic jason everyone knows 3) A butcher with prop power tools that will be running for noise 4) Nurses from the horor movie Silent Hill 5) Vampires pirates and zombies passing out candy for the children 6) One still feature will be of Michael Myers ghost face from Scream Spiders 7) Flying bats strobes 8) Fog machines hanging bodies and much much more This is a great chance to bring your families out to a true free haunted lawn. For more info contact Brittany Weimert: https://www.facebook.com/brittany.bergweimert Here is a video on YouTube which shows past years Haunted House. http://youtu.be/E-24asY5370


Fright Fest on Main St Temple
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012 5pm - 9pm 13 S. Main St, Temple, Tx Free and open to all No tricks, only treats when you spend Halloween on Main St! On October 31st, Main St is transformed into a festive Halloween celebration. Vendors line the street with a variety of arts, crafts, goods and food! Vendors provide treats and fun Free activities for the kids. For more info, call: (254)298-5900


Killeen Mall
The Killeen Mall will be having their Trick or Treating this year from 5:30pm to 7pm, Oct. 31st and stores will have candy to distribute to all the ghouls and goblins. While adults in their costumes are more than welcome, no one over the age of 10 will be allowed to have their face covered (i.e. face paint or masks). More info: https://www.facebook.com/KilleenMall?ref=ts&fref=ts


Trunk-or-Treat AREA Listings:

Trunk-or-Treat, Wed, October 31, 6pm – 8pm, First Baptist Church Copperas Cove, 300 West Ave B Copperas Cove, TX 76522
(254) 547-3717

Location: HFCC - parking lot
Date(s): Oct 31, 2012
Time: Starts: 7:00 PM Ends: 9:00 PM HOLY FAMILY
CATHOLIC CHURCH
COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS 76522
(254) 547-3735

RABC Trunk or Treat
Wednesday, October 31 at 5:30 PM
Location: Robertson Avenue Baptist Church
305 East Robertson Avenue, Copperas Cove Texas

October 31, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
First Baptist Killeen (3310 So. W.S. Young) offers a wholesome awesome alternative to Halloween! There will be lots of free candy and drinks, bounce houses, games and fun-decorated “trunks” full of treats for everyone. All ages invited. Wear your favorite costume (PLEASE no witches, devils or death – rock stars, alligators and princesses welcome). Hallelujah Trunk Party is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Adams Chapel AME Church, 125 E. Arlo Road in Harker Heights. The event, featuring candy, prizes and games, will be held in the church parking lot. The community is invited.

Grace Lutheran Church and School of Killeen will hold its 6th annual Trunk R Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the church parking lot. This event gives children a safe alternative to traditional trick or treating because participants will collect candy from decorated “trunks.” Join us for lots of games, prizes, food and fun. The church is at 1007 Bacon Ranch Road across Trimmier from H-E-B.

First Assembly of God of Copperas Cove and Cove Christian Academy will be hosting a Fall Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The public is invited to bring their children in costume. Activities will include a bounce house, face painting, carnival games, and lots of candy and prizes. “Meal deals” for $1 will be available for purchase and include choice of a drink and a food item — hot dog, nachos or popcorn. All other games and activities will be free. Prizes will be awarded for the top three costumes, must be 12 years old or younger to enter, with the winners announced at 7:30 p.m. The church is at 2205 Farm-to-Market 3046, across from South Park and Martin Walker Elementary School. For more information or directions, call (254) 547-3724.

The First Baptist Church of Trimmier is hosting a “Trunk-or-Treat” Fall Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Join us for games, activities, inflatables, fun and food. Donations of non-perishable food items and cash are being accepted to benefit the Killeen Food Care Center. Snacks will be available for purchase. The church is at 6405 Chaparral Road in Killeen. For more information, call the church office at (254) 634-9717 or go to www.fbctrimmier.com. The church is at 3213 Lake Road in Killeen. For more information, call (254) 690-4400 or (254) 699-8125.

Belton:
Wednesday, October 31 5:30-7:30pm
First Baptist Church Belton Fall Festival

Temple:
Wednesday, October 31 10-11:30am
Halloween Kids Kraft Wilson Park Recreation Center $7 ages 2-6 For more information call 254-298-5474

Wednesay, October 31 5:30-8:30pm
Trinity Church of Temple Fall Festival 7101 West Adams

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Friday, October 26, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012