Homeless Veterans receive second chance at life

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Homeless veterans are getting a second chance due to Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia.

William Dodson and James Humphries have come a long way since leaving the U.S. Army.

They’ve battled with being homeless and drug and alcohol abuse.

Their struggles have almost cost them everything from family relationships to mental and physical health.

“The depression to not being able to finish soldering and that career and a lot of pressure being a father with having the responsibilities outside a discipline that the government had produced for me.”

His co-worker, James Humphries, is also a veteran seeking help from the rescue mission.
 
Humphries’ dream was to be an Airbourne Army Ranger.

His party lifestyle led him to alcohol abuse, ultimately forcing him out of the military and into the streets.

“In my own experience in being homeless and talking to some veterans they just don’t feel like they fit in to that nine to five punch a clock lifestyle.”

Both Dodson and Humphries say the rescue mission took them in when they had nothing.

The non-profit organization is also helping them get back some of their military benefits, such as health care.

“They’ve totally created a safe environment for me, giving me clothes, they just totally gave me a whole new life,” Humphries said.

Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia has been serving the community for over sixty years and helped numerous veterans turn their life around.

To learn more about Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia or to donate visit Maconrescuemission.com

Restaurants giving free food or discounts to Veterans

Applebee’s Free Meal
On Tuesday, November 11th, from open to close, veterans and active duty military can choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee’s favorite items, including a 7 oz. House Sirloin, The American Standard All-In Burger, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform.

Bob Evans
Veterans and active military personnel will receive free all–you-can-eat hotcakes at its restaurants. All these honored servicemen and women need do is show a valid military ID.

Burger King:

10% off military discount, just show proper ID.

Carrabba’s Free Appetizer
All active and retired veterans receive a free appetizer at participating locations November 8th through November 11th, 2014.

Chili’s Free Meal
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. Must show proof of military service.

Chuck E. Cheese’s
All U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active-duty military get 20 free tokens upon a visit to Chuck E. Cheese’s from Sunday, November 9, through Saturday, November 15. Military ID or proof of service is required, but no coupon is needed.

Golden Corral Free Meal
Monday, November 17th from 5 PM to 9 PM get a free Veterans Day buffet and beverage 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. No identification is required to get your free Veterans day meal.

Hooters Free Meal
Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to a free meal, up to $10.99 in value with any drink purchase, by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any Hooters location across the country.

IHOP
On Veteran’s Day, November 11, participating IHOP Restaurants around the nation will be honoring the brave men and women who have served, or are serving, in the United States Military by offering them free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At some locations, the Red, White and Blue pancakes will be featured as part of a free combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns.

Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee
Offering a free doughnut and small coffee to all those served or currently are serving on Veterans Day. A free doughnut and small coffee will be given to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active duty military personnel (no ID required). Only at participating locations.

Krystal
Active and retired armed forces members this Veterans Day with a free sausage biscuit to any active or retired service member with military ID.

Longhorn Steakhouse Free App
Service members receive a complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Includes veterans and current service members.

Olive Garden Free Meal
All veterans and military active duty will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day.

On The Border Free Entree
This Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military will receive, for free OTB’s “Create Your Own Combo menu,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
All active, retired military and veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. Plus, all military personnel get 15% off from November 12 thru December 31, 2014.

Panda Express:

10% military discount for active personnel. Just flash your ID before ordering your tasty grub.

Ponderosa Steakhouses
Monday, November 17th – All former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet. Contact your local Bonanza for more details.

Red Lobster Free App
Monday, Nov. 10 to Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 service members past and present receive a complimentary appetizer from a special menu.  Proof of service required.

Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch
Select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides on Nov. 11, 2014.

Travel Centers of America Free Meal
On Veterans Day, all CDL drivers who are Military Veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants with proof of service. Must present valid ID.

Buca di Beppo
Free individual pasta for veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day. Proof of service required.

Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes
All active, inactive and retired military personnel,at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide, diners with a valid military ID will receive free all-you-can-eat pancakes.

Little Caesars Free Crazy Bread
All United States armed forces veterans and active military members get a free order of Crazy Bread® with proof of military status at participating stores nationwide this Veterans Day.

O’Charley’s Free Meal
All veterans and all active-duty military personnel will have their choice of one of nine meals on the O’Charley’s “$9.99er” menu. Options include O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Twisted Chips, Cowboy Sirloin, Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie and Santa Fe Tilapia, among others.

Starbucks Free Coffee
This Veterans Day veterans, active duty military and their spouses get a free tall brewed coffee at participating U.S. company-owned stores.

“Go Have Fun” Discounts for Military & Veterans

1. Six Flags: Discounted tickets to all Six Flags properties.

2. U.S. National Parks: Free annual pass to all National Parks in the United Sta

Retail Discounts for Military & Veteran

American Eagle Outfitters: Show your military ID and get 10% off your in-store purchase

Apple Store: Federal employee discount and show your CAC card.

Auto Accessories Garage.com:10% off to veterans and active military members plus their families.

AutoZone: 10% off your purchase.

Banana Republic Factory Store: 10% off for veterans every day of the year.

Bed Bath & Beyond:10% off discounts for vets and their families. Varies from store to store.

Bass Pro Shops:10% discount with your military ID.

Best Buy:Varies from store to store, but many retail locations offer a 10% discount to vets.

Big Lots: Be sure to shop on Tuesdays and take advantage of their military discount.

Cabela’s: 5% military discount except on firearms at your local Cabela’s.

Charlotte Russe:10% discount with ID.

Dell Computers: Dell offers a variety of military programs.

Dick’s Sporting Goods: 10% discount for vets. Varies from store to store.

Eddie Bauer: 10% discount for active and retired military personnel.

Footaction: Vets and active military can save an awesome 20% off w/ proper ID. Family members can get the discount as well.

Home Depot:All year long military personnel, active or retired, get a 10% discount.

Jiffy Lube: To honor those who have served our country, Jiffy Lube service centers in the Macon area will offer a $10 discount

Kelly’s Auto Parts: 10% discount all the time for all vets and active service members.

Lowe’s: 10% to all active and retired military personnel. For all other vets they give a discount on Veteran’s Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day. It is also worth noting, from the Lowe’s website, that “immediate family member(s) of someone with a valid military ID Card” is also eligible for the 10% discount.

Michaels: 10% off entire store.

Nike Store: 10% in-store discount to vets, active service, as well as those in the reserves.

Old Navy:Military Monday’s at Old Navy, active and retired military personnel get a 10-15% discount.

O’Reilly Auto Parts:“In-store only” discount of 10-15% off with valid ID.

Payless Shoes:10% military discount. Just show your ID.

Pottery Barn:10% discount for vets.

Radio Shack: 10% discount to active and retired military.

Sports Authority: 10% discount with proof of Active or Veteran status.

Walgreens:Varies from store to store, but most Walgreens offer a military discount.

Williams-Sonoma:10% discount with proper ID or proof of service.

Zales Jewelry: 10% off discount for active and retired military.

Travel Discounts for Military & Veterans

Alamo Rent a Car: Discounted rates for military families and free rental insurance and waived fees for military personnel.

Amtrak: Active military and their families get a 10% discount on train tickets with Amtrak.

Best Western:Discounted room rates at Best Western hotels for active military. Present ID at check-in or when reserving via the phone.

Choice Hotels:Discounted room rates for active military and their families.

DoubleTree by Hilton: Get 15% off Bed & Breakfast rate.

Greyhound: Ride the hound for 10% off all walk up fares. Good for active military and vets.

Hampton Inn:15% discount on your reservation. Works for retired and active military and their families.

Hertz:Free car upgrades from Hertz for military folks and their families.

La Quinta Hotels: 12% discount on room reservations.

Marriott Hotels: When booking your room mention the military discount and you’ll get inundated with special offers.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Save 10% off specific cruises for active military, veterans, and their families.

U.S. Airways: Special rates to military personnel traveling on an officially excused absence and to discharged personnel within 7 days of discharge.

Banking Discounts for Military & Veterans

American Express: AMEX waives ALL fees for active duty military, including the annual fees on all of their cards.

Chase Bank: “Show your ID or in my case discharge papers at any Chase branch when opening a checking/savings account and get the Premiere package for free, which includes a fee free safety deposit box, debit visa and many goodies.”

U.S. Bank: “US Bank gives all active duty & veterans free Premiere checking & savings with ID or DD214.”

Wireless Discounts for Military &Veterans

AT&T Wireless: Veterans and active military can get 15% off “qualified monthly service charges”

Sprint Wireless: Get 15% off your monthly bill by showing evidence of your service.

T-Mobile Wireless: 15% off their monthly bill.

Verizon Wireless: Just provide your work email address, your pay stub or proof of your veteran status, such as your Veteran’s ID card, Veteran’s Advantage card, DD Form 214 or Military Retiree Account Statement.