We Honor Those Who Are Serving and Have Served: Veterans Day 2025 in Wichita Falls

We Honor Those Who Are Serving and Have Served: Veterans Day 2025 in Wichita Falls

November 11, 2025 – Veterans Day is a special day here in Wichita Falls, home to Sheppard Air Force Base and thousands of military families, this day means something special. It’s more than just a holiday. It’s a chance to say thank you to the men and women who put on the uniform and answered the call to serve.

As a retired Air Force officer who spent over two decades serving this country – including multiple PCS moves and two deployments – I know firsthand the sacrifices that come with military service. The long hours, the time away from family, the uncertainty, and the commitment to something bigger than yourself. That’s why tomorrow matters.

A Personal Thank You

To every veteran reading this – whether you served at Sheppard AFB, deployed overseas, or retired right here in Wichita Falls – thank you. Your service protected our freedoms and made it possible for families like mine to build lives in communities like this one.

I’ve lived the PCS life. I’ve said goodbye to friends and family more times than I can count. I’ve navigated the challenges of military transitions, and I’ve seen the resilience of military spouses and families who keep things running while service members are away. The military community is strong because of people like you.

Wichita Falls Shows Its Gratitude

One of the things I love about Wichita Falls is how this community rallies around our military families. Tomorrow, local restaurants across North Texas are honoring veterans with free meals and special offers. If you’ve served – or you know someone who has – here are some places where you can enjoy a meal on Veterans Day:

Local Wichita Falls Restaurants

The Branding Iron Restaurant & Catering

This local favorite has historically participated in Veterans Day free meal events. They’re known for great steaks and hospitality. Call ahead to confirm this year’s offer and make sure you bring your military ID.

Pioneer 3 Restaurant

Another Wichita Falls staple that’s known to honor Veterans with special meal deals on Veterans Day. These folks have been serving the community for years, and they know how to take care of our military families.

National Chains (Participating Locations)

Here’s the deal with these national restaurants – most have Wichita Falls locations, but it’s always smart to call ahead and confirm they’re participating. Bring your military ID or proof of service, and don’t be shy about saying thank you to the staff who are making these offers possible.

Applebee’s

Free full-sized entree from a select menu, plus a $5 bounce-back card for your next visit. Seven entree choices including 6-ounce top sirloin, classic bacon cheeseburger, chicken tenders platter, and more. Dine-in on November 11.

Chili’s Bar & Grill

Free entree from a select menu. Options include Oldtimer with cheese and fries, chicken bacon ranch quesadillas, or three-count chicken crispers. Show your military ID.

Olive Garden

Complimentary entree from a special menu (chicken parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, and more) with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad. Dine-in only.

Denny’s

Free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon. Get there early – this is a popular one.

IHOP

Free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast (two buttermilk pancakes with two eggs or breakfast meat). Available all day.

Texas Roadhouse

Free meal voucher redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026. This one gives you flexibility to use it later if tomorrow doesn’t work for you.

Red Robin

Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries. Dine-in only.

Starbucks

Free tall (12 fl.oz) hot or iced brewed coffee. Military spouses included. Available at participating locations for café and drive-thru orders.

Cracker Barrel

Free Sunrise Pancake Special (two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs or breakfast meat). Dine-in with proof of military service.

Important Reminders

• Bring your military ID or proof of service (DD214, discharge papers, or other documentation)
• Call ahead – While these offers are typically honored at most locations, it’s worth confirming with your local restaurant
• Be patient – Veterans Day is busy for restaurants, and wait times might be longer than usual
• Tip your servers – The meal may be free, but your server is working hard. Please tip generously based on what the meal would have cost
• Some offers are dine-in only – Check the details for each restaurant

Veterans Organizations and Events

Thomas Fowler American Legion Post 169 Veterans Day Ceremony

The Thomas Fowler American Legion Post #169 leads a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Plaza at 5:30 PM on November 11, 2025. Community members are invited to attend this public event to thank veterans for their service.

VFW Post 5019 Honoring our Hometown Heroes Banquet

VFW Post 5019 will host the ‘Honoring our Hometown Heroes Banquet’ on November 11, 2025. Full event details and any RSVP requirements can be found by contacting the Post directly.

Salute to America’s Finest Concert Presented by Fain Fine Arts Instrumental Department, November 11 | 7:30 p.m. at Akin Auditorium. Free admission for all!

Beyond the Free Meals

Look, free meals are great. But here’s what I really want you to know: You don’t need to wait for a special offer or a holiday to show appreciation for veterans in our community.

Hire veterans. They bring discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are hard to match. Support veteran-owned businesses in Wichita Falls. Show up for military families when they’re going through a PCS move or dealing with deployment. Say thank you when you see someone in uniform.

At my team, we specialize in helping military families navigate real estate during PCS moves because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to get orders with a tight timeline. I know the stress of selling a home when you’re already halfway across the country. And I know how important it is to have someone in your corner who gets it.

That’s service that continues beyond the uniform.

To Our Veterans: You Matter

If you’re a veteran reading this, I want you to know: Your service matters. The sacrifices you made – and the ones your family made alongside you – matter. This community sees you, respects you, and is grateful for you.

Tomorrow, I hope you’ll take advantage of one of these meal offers. Let the community thank you. Accept the gratitude. And know that what you did – what you gave – made a difference.

Final Thoughts

November 11th is about more than free meals (though those are a nice gesture). It’s about remembering that freedom isn’t free. It’s about honoring the commitment that millions of Americans have made to serve this country. And it’s about supporting the military families and veterans who are our neighbors right here in Wichita Falls.

To every veteran: Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. And thank you for making our country and our community stronger.

If you’re a military family in Wichita Falls – whether you’re PCSing to Sheppard AFB, preparing to leave, or you’ve retired here – my door is always open. I’m here to help with your real estate needs, but more than that, I’m here as someone who understands the military journey and is committed to serving those who served.

From Orders to Sold. Faith. Strategy. Results.

Happy Veterans Day.

Tim Lockhart is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and REALTOR® with the Lockhart Real Estate Team in Wichita Falls, Texas. Having personally navigated multiple PCS moves, including two times having orders while deployed, Tim specializes in helping military families buy and sell homes with confidence and clarity. For real estate guidance, call Tim at (940) 249-1228 or visit LockhartRealEstateTeam.com.

Please note: Restaurant offers and availability may vary by location. Always call ahead to confirm participation, hours, and specific offer details. Most offers require valid military ID or proof of service.