VA’s Veterans Canteen Service is serving free breakfast combo meals and free Starbucks tall coffee the morning of Nov. 9 at PatriotCafés and PatriotBrews.
Also, in honor of Veterans Day, Veterans can now enjoy free shipping on all orders at ShopVCS.com. Browse thousands of top-brand items from apparel to power tools to event tickets and more, and have them shipped free directly to your door.
Existing accounts will also receive a $10 credit on VCS. These special online deals begin Nov. 7 and end Nov. 14. Veterans can create their free ShopVCS accounts on www.shopvcs.va.gov.
Throughout the month of November, VCS PatriotStores will feature many Veteran-centric and military branch apparel, décor and other products, all at reasonable prices. Veterans can stop in their local PatriotStore for more deals throughout the week.
10% off tire orders
VCS PatriotStoreDirect is taking an additional 10% off top-brand tires from Goodyear, Firestone and Bridgestone, Nov. 8 through Nov. 15. Customers can call 1-800-664-8258 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT to place a tire order.
While VCS offers reasonably priced merchandise and services to America’s Veterans throughout the year, Veterans Day is a perfect time to give thanks to the men and women who served our country.
VCS locations will be closed Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day.
Since 1946, Veterans Canteen Service has provided reasonably priced merchandise and services for America’s Veterans enrolled in VA health care. VCS is a self-sustaining service embedded in nearly 200 VA medical centers and clinics, providing retail, café, coffee, vending, retail optical and many other customer-facing services.
As an integral part of the VA community, VCS is also a benefit for the caregivers, family members, volunteers, visitors and VA employees who all strive to improve the Veteran experience. The 3,000 dedicated VCS employees deliver this benefit to Veterans in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Find a VCS location near you.
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Hello and happy Veterans Day.
So I have not received or used the VA for any Benefit.compensation or medical care until the Summer of 2022 !
I served in the US NAVY from April July 1986 to September of 1989 so all of that time I could have used my VA for all of the above benefits!
I agree with you! I’m a Squid and have more brains than the Grunts or Jar Heads , but not using the VA because of my EX Wife liked her female Private Dr, and loved to pay the ridiculous payment for a office visit!!
So I got Bit by brown recluse Spider in 2022 ,Arm was swollen like a ballon and I was in excruciating pain!
Off I go to the Palo Alto VA CA !!!
Not knowing what kind of care I was going to get when I got there,
I will tell you that Treatment ,Emergency Room and the staff were the very best care I ever received in my 67 years of life here on this planet!
The doctors are Interns and they attend Stanford University, my primary care doctor is the nicest,caring,concerned person about my health much more than my Ex Wife ……
Thank you USS Shenandoah AD 44
USS Merrill DD 956
See you at Chow (Free Breakfast) tomorrow morning
So here’s a quick update!
I NEED A JOB in the SF Bay Area!
I can do it all !
Anything will work!
[Editors note: Please do not include personally identifiable information on this website].
William Hobart
Thankyou for the great care over the years. I am extremely greatful to the Veterans Administration.
You might Have a Link, telling us on Locations, or a place to receive some breakfasts,, As for me I live in Cottonwood ca. 96022
And the only way- I can order anything, is to be mailed, I have no idea, on any location near me,
Is there a catalog I can get
Hi there and happy Veterans Day, I served in uS Navy from 7/1986 to September of 1989 and I did not receive or go to the VA for any Type of Care,Benefits .Compensation . Until last summer of 2022!
I got Bit by a spider and my arm swolled up big and I was in pain like I had never been!.
Palo Alto CA VA emergency is the best Hospital I ever went to.
The Doctors are Stanford Interns and my primary care doctor is the best doctor I ever experienced in my 56 years of life.
So I’m going for my Free VA breakfast and coffee,with a huge smile on my face and so happy and proud that I served my country in the US NAVY!!
AD 44 USS Shenandoah / DD 956 USS Merrill
Now I need a job ,some type of Employment anything in life SF Bay Area,
Please contact me or leave a comment on my job search plz!
William Hobart
Thank you and god bless!
Thank you all. Your gratitude is very much appreciated.
Thank you VCS Units for thinking about us vets,you all do a great job for us all
Thank you very much to the Buffalo, New York VA. Got out of the Army and Nam in 1969 and didn’t sign up for VA Health Care until about 2015. Worse mistake I ever made by waiting so long. I really didn’t know or search for info until a friend/volunteer gave me forms and then I waited for a couple of years until a high school friend contacted me and told me all about it. Thank God. I have passed the info on to several other Vietnam Vets who also are very grateful to the VA and all the Doctors, volunteers and employees. I just had a bout with facial skin cancer and they took care of everything. I’m fine and check-ups will be every 6 months. I used to take patients, even in wheel chairs, fly fishing. They had a good time, got a free massage and a good meal. It got them out for a whole day.
Thank you all again for what you do!!
I appreciate the service I receive at the VA HOSPITAL in Sioux Falls Top Notch! Thankyou!
You want to give veterans something? Give us a real soapbox in DC rather than the fat cat service groups who forgot us. Allow us real situations where we can not only give input, but show what needs work versus bloated corruption – indifference. Been two years of VERY smug VA employees and executives thumbing there noses at us. A free meal on veterans day is a joke. Because, people are treating us like dogs with food treats. Like its enough. 26 years now Ive been point blank watching VA get worse every year, more snide, more corrupt. Time to go back to open door policy rather than hiding behind a locked door cowering.
I’m sorry kirt that you are displeased with the veterans administration.
As a Vietnam veteran I got out in 1974, and received no gratitude until the mid 90s. Didn’t sign up to receive service’s until 2008. The VA has done a phenomenal job keeping me alive, helping me with my medical needs. And I am extremely grateful. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude by them and the public.
I’ve only heard one other veteran that wasn’t pleased however in his case I believe attitude played a big part with his dissatisfaction. The VA does what they do as a way of thanking us vets, and all of us should be thankful. Mean, hateful comments are not appreciated by anyone. They make the rest of us look bad. Please notify your local VA rep with any grievences you may have. Thank you kirt for your service, and I hope you have a happy veterans day.
I am not sure what problems Kirt has experienced with the VA health care system but, and this is no exaggeration, I would be dead if not for the VA.
When my gall bladder was in the process of rupturing, the local “civilian” hospital emergency room sent me home because they couldn’t find anything to explain the excruciating agony I was in. One of my sons finally took me to see my VA doctor and she contacted the surgeon on duty at the VA hospital in Salisbury, NC and was told to get there ASAP. After the operation to remove my ruptured gall bladder (and a week in the hospital on I.V. antibiotics), the surgeon told me I was one of worst cases he had ever seen and it was just luck that kept me from going septic.
I will always be grateful to VA for keeping my sorry ass alive!!!
Thankyou for thinking about us veterans. Just had a quick question. If I would like to come and enjoy a breakfast is it permissible to bring my spouse with me so I can enjoy fellowship with other veterans.
Thank you to Bay Pines VA St Pete Fla !!! Great Doctors, nurses and staff
???❤️
Thank for all the information in your comments to veterans ! And also for the free breakfast listed! As a Vietnam vet ,I thank you for all you do for us!?
We are not able to find the right answers to our questions by being upset so many years 50 plus is bitter sweet, some got it, some get it, we made it back to more mess here
Thank you vets for our freedom
Thanks to all the Veterans who has serve our country proudly and to the one who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I am proud to live in a country that is willing to give all to protect our freedom. People forgets that “Freedom isn’t free” and we must continue to defend our nation with everything we have to keep it free from tyranny and oppression from others who tries to destroy what we have. Give my free breakfast or anything that I am entitled to someone that is in need of care, homelessness, trying to provide for a family or for anything else for those matters. I serve proudly not to get stuff for free but to serve to keep this country from losing its freedom. God Bless you all.
Thank you VA for taking the time and making the effort to take care of our Veterans.
How do I prove that I’m a vet? Do I need to present my dd214?
The answer to your question Robyn; would be yes. That is the best way. I live in Oregon and we are able to get an imprint on our driver’s license after presenting our dd214. You can also register at your local VA clinic, and they will assign you a picture VA card, that you would use also for checking-in to your VA medical appointments. Hope that helped.
Where in Frederick County can I get breakfast
I thank the va for taking care of our veterans. we all put our life on line when we serve our country. I am a dav veteran and they take good care of me with my meds. the va is always helping the veterans I am very happy to be with the va god bless all of our veterans .
My Identification & privilege card has expired. Even though my husband/spouse is now deceased, can I still get a new one? In Nebraska where would I get a new one, IF I can?
I did leave a thoughtful comment, then VA’s IT vaporized it.
s
How are you letting Starbucks in on this. They support Hamas.
Don’t worry victor they won’t spit in it.
Thank you VA
Thank you SanFrancisco VA for taking of me the last fifty years.
Thank you for what you are doing, this is better than what me and 15 other marines received from American ladies serving coffee and donuts and probably sandwiches to the Army and Air Force Navy personnel when we got to yokushka, Japan in mar/15/56, we were given one cup coffee, and can’t forget the brand Old Gold cigarettes when they had Lucky Strike and camels with them. Semper Fi 3rd marines.
My idea of a “Free Breakfast”? I cook it all myself & for my wife, any way I want, with as BIG as I want! All for pennies–I cook & eat at home! I’d even put all of those civilian eating places “To Shame!” as I cook large portions of: Western style 3 fold Omelet with all the fixin’s (or eggs any style!); Lots of crispy bacon, carne asada flat steak or chicken fried steak, sausages, & Crazy Cajun Hot links; shredded or squared crispy hash browns seasoned well; Tons of seasoned SOS meaty gravy that I put together myself and pour all over the hash browns and omelet(even better than the Mess Halls ever did at midnight chow!); slices of fresh cut avocado, tomato & white onions; Tobasco or Louisiana Hot sauces on the side French toast or 3 stack high pancakes that I make myself!; and to top it all off, served with a big, Army sized hot cup of coffee! After 34 years, honorably retired USAF & Army NCO, now that’s “All GOOD Eating! No complaining needed from me! Chow Time! ;-)
Sounds Good! SOS for me every time :-)
I’m eating at your place instead
Man, that sounds great. Carry on!
Nothing here in
Glad to see the Canteen paying it back a little.
What time will bkfast open at the Riverview va center
I can’t say enough nice things about how the Phoenix VA has treated me for my medical needs. It helps to be proactive on my part, which in turn helps those who work for the VA to better serve me. Thank You Phoenix VA for all you do for me.
I would never expect or ask for anything beyong the fantastic care I receive from my local clinic in Redding, CA. I am grateful to have such fine people ( N.P Shanti D’Sousa, Dr. Martin and all) who assist with my care. Blessings to all of you!
This link goes to a map and list of canteen locations in 49 states and the District of Columbia (nothing in Hawaii). The bottom line for each location tells what services are offered there (store, cafe, coffee, optical).
https://www.vacanteen.va.gov/VACANTEEN/Canteen_Locations.asp
Keep up the good work
Say Thank You for the FREE breakfast & stop whining! If I had whined like y’all are doing, I wouldn’t have lasted in military for half a day!!!!! You were smart enough to find this article, so you should be able to figure out how to find your local VCS! I also find it hard to believe some of you don’t know what VCS is:
Veterans Canteen Service; especially when the article told you what it is! Oh, btw
try looking up vacanteen.va.gov & go from there :)
Last month I had an appointment at the Charleston, SC VA located on Rivers Avenue
I saw a vet with a T-shirt with the message “Vets for Trump 2024”
I politely asked the vet how about Trumps known aversion to wounded, captured and killed in combat??
Refusing to visit American cemetery in France for vets killed in WWII, with General Kelly, he questioned what was in it for him
When General Millie included an honored disabled vet in a publicized honors ceremony, Trump told the general not to include disabled vets in parades or in public ceremonies
Lastly we know Trumps disdain for John McCain; didn’t regard him for his honor in viet nnam, because he was captured! When in Japan as President, his staff saw the cruiser in the harbor named USS McCain, named after McCains father, they arranged for another ship to block the view so Trump wouldn’t see it and go bonkers and rant
How can vets be for Trump with his attitude to vets???
I totally agree!!!! classified documents also got me,they just hand out top secret clearances …
Trump did a lot of good, but many people won’t listen, so why bother?
FKing A, we’ll said and I totally agree with you
Nothing here in Sarasota fl. or Bradenton fl. so i guess were out of this offer ! Only Bay Pines.
Anthing close?
Is the offer good at the VA Hospital in Portland??
Why don’t you just call them?
As I have traveled around with the Veterans Golden Age Games I’ve come to realized how much VCS donates and sponsors so much of these kinds of activities throughout the year, and not just remembering us because it’s Veterans Day or Memorial Day. They seem to do a lot behind the scenes.
This gesture to us vets is nice since I’ve not heard of this before. Hopefully this will be allowed to be offered in Oklahoma City VA. I feel the administration running our building is not so giving…less money spent on us means bigger bonuses for them, and from my experience dealing with the admin system here, our VA is run more like a ‘cold’ business than a hospital. Guess they have pushed aside the fact that because of Veterans there is a VA hospital, the reason it was created, and how they got to work there. But, for the most part, our caring medical staff keeps it worth while…that I am grateful for.
As a 22 year retired vet, I really appreciate what you are doing. Please keep up the great work.
I am a veteran but also a retired Police Officer. Starbucks does not care about Police Officers. I will not participate with any organization that supports Starbucks
Aren’t you special.
He seem’s to forget that every single american that pays taxes in effect supports the Police. You dont need a Special Flag or Ribbon to Support the police. You pay Taxe’s & Taxe’s Support the Police.
I agree with Michael Drew, it’s a free opportunity, if you can take advantage of it that’s great, if you can’t I don’t want to hear your petty rhetoric. Grow up!
Is the Coatesville, Pa VA Canteen offering a free breakfast on Nov. 11?
I can’t get new equipment but I can get free food at the va. What next, free garden seeds or maybe a bed time story?
To all interested, here is the site for VCS services:
//www.vacanteen.va.gov/
Most questions can be found using info on the site.
When I look up that site, it does Not give me location sites. I’m not complaining if there is not a site near me , I’m just curious where they all are at.
If VA spent as much time on their mandated mission as they do on feel-good activities, just maybe they could solve the problem of 1 Veteran suicide every 36 minutes. Quit wasting money meant for Veterans medical care. You fail on your Primary Mission, so you start trying to make it look like you might actually care about the 18 million plus Veterans. VA is correct, we are more concerned with a free cup of coffee than we are about staying alive under VA’s TARFU actions regarding their sole mission of taking care of Veterans.
Mike
Most of the problems are not the VA’s fault. Most of the problems relate to our dysfunctional congress that would rather cater to the wealthy than the Veterans.
Wasting money on frivolous investigations and voter fraud claims that find zero evidence of anything relevant.
You check out the mental health services offer by the va or maybe just get a dog.
Problem is with the radical magas who don’t want to support vets, just their big money donores.
I agree with Mike,
Respectfully,
James Taylor
USMC Retired, DAV
If you only actually knew how much time, money and effort the VA spends to decrease suicide and take care of veterans medical and mental health needs your comment would be different
As a retired SGM, retired law enforcement, and current VA social worker, I have a pretty good understanding of these efforts.
Yes the number should be lower – it’s not what you quoted here – and there are massive efforts by the VA. Also, just because someone is a veteran does not mean they actually come to the VA for care – so stats are not correlated.
Finally, access to mental health should be available to EVERYONE. Lord knows the problems we all face as a country as a result of lack of resources and access. These incidents have resulted in the death of innocent people.
And here is where I agree with Larry but that’s another paragraph entirely.
It would have been nice if you listed the names & addresses in the Salt Lake City, Utah areas. Plus other areas in the state
That’s very nice, but I’m not travelling 5 miles to get a free breakfast.
Is there a list of hospitals?
The only VCS in the whole state of Maine is at the Togus VA Hospital. Actually it is not in the hospital, it’s in another building, if you can find it. It takes me an hour to get there.
There is a beautiful new VA clinic in Portland, Maine, why does it not have a VCS ?? This clinic serves the entire southern part of the state.
A simple thank you is enough. Serving my country was the greatest pleasure I could have,
A simple thank you is enough. Serving my country was the greatest pleasure I could have,
For those that are whiners, make your own breakfast and be glad your in a FREE country. I’ve seen Communism, you wouldn’t like it
I know Bryan. It would take me 4 hours to get there from where I live in Maine. Crazy to think this is the thank you. LOL.
Wow! I SO appreciate this! :-) It was an honor to serve my country and very much appreciate being served breakfast and coffee on Veteran’s Day! Thank you!
16th Annual car show Nov,4th This Saturday. Salute the Troops Car Show. at 4599 West Chester Pike Newtown Pa. 19073 $20.00 donation/registration walkins free. 10 to 2pm.
That should be “promptly.”
I’d like to take this opertunty to thank the veterans administration
And the VA medical staff ,for helping me through some tough times ,I loved serving and I’ll do it again if needed,thank you VA ,I’d like to toss out a big thank you for Janis Gillingham lexington ky VA administration, for listening when I needed you ,thank you from the bottom of my heart,your my go to person when I need some guidance, and I’d also like to let other veterans in need ,reach out to your local VA ,there there to help ,with whatever your situation,GO BIG GREEN !!!!! ???
I don’t see anything going on at the Memorial Bridge Park in Delaware . This is a big event. Vets from Delaware MD NJ and Pa always come to this event ..It starts at 10:30 prompley.
I would like to thank the men and women who work for the VA system. I have had no less than outstanding service at the VA locations in Las Vegas, NV. I use them very extensively at this time. I do want to comment on a couple of previous comments. You can find the various locations of Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at VCS Central Office (7:30am – 4:30pm CST) 1-314-845-1200 or orhttps://www.vacanteen.va.gov/VACANTEEN/Contact_Us.asp
Also, although veteran’s spouses are very valuable to the veteran and typically very valuable when it comes to helping the veteran navigate through the VA system. I do not believe anyone besides the veteran should be honored not only through the VA system but also the various non-profit organizations and commercial locations. Again, thank you VA.
The veterans are so very much appreciated Thanks for their services
Are there any VCS locations in Montana?
I’ve been to many VA Facilities. Never, ever seen 1, except in Salem, Virginia. I live a few miles from a VA facility, and nothing, unless it’s hidden underground.
Thank you Veteran’s Canteen Representatives & employees who strive to provide the best customer service and products and keep up the integrity and honor of the US Armed Forces. You are what keeps the United Forces in land and overseas motivate dedicated and what makes the United States proud of our armed forces. And for us veterans you make proud to have served.
Thank you! “Semper-Fi”
It’s unfortunate that the bulk of comments are from whiners that make little effort to research their subject matter before complaining on line.
If you served, thanks. But if you just want to post a complaint, keep your petty comments to yourself.
Stand down Mike, the complaints are valid for the most part,
James Taylor
USMC, Retired DAV
Is the Spokane WA VA Hospital doing this?
Check with the Spokane WA VA Hospital yourself.
Just go to Chili’s or maybe call spokane VA and ask yourself
Yes, we are. We would love to have you stop by and see us.
Appreciate you recognizing ALL veterans!!!
What’s VCS??
https://shopvcs.va.gov/
I live in Murrells Inlet SC, where’s the VCS near me??
Nearest VCS Canteen is down in Charleston
I live in Whitaker’s NC what the nearest vçs near me
Hahahahha it would have been nice if you listed the locations for the free breakfast
Where are these PATRIOTS CAFES ?
Should be on at all VA Facilities.
what is vcs?
Is there any reason why, the surviving spouses are left out of this?
Because surviving spouses are not Veterans and it’s for Veterans Day.
Kizzie, there is absolutely no reason what so ever. Every surviving spouse should be included some of our veterans paid the ultimate price, and the surviving spouse was part of that price. I am so sorry for your loss. Please check with your local veterans representative to get the help you’re requesting.
Very confusing. Had no idea what VCS is or where Patriot Brews are. Finally read this is located in the hospitals. I’ve never seen any of these names at my hospital, but I do know they have a cafeteria.
And why do you ask for a website; you wrote this?
There are older and some younger Veterans who don’t have Internet, phone or a computer. These people need it mailed.
I just wanted to say that what you are doing for veterans is wonderful.
Bernie Frank SGT E-5
Thank you very much for the information it was most helpful.
Where are those restaurants located in the Antelope Valley?
Lubbock has a canteen but it has never been open sense the new VA was opened..
Where is the breakfast on the Central Coast of California?
What a joke. Free coffee and no way of of knowing where. Please stop the tease…
Does the free breakfast include the Biloxi, MS locatio
Nothing follows
VA is the best.
Outstanding ! Thank you ???
To God be the Glory!! Blessing go out to Veterans.
What about people who don’t drink coffee ? What do we get to Drink ?
Every now and then, when I wear my VIETNAM VETERAN hat I hear “Thank-You for your service!” To me that is more than enough .
Thumbs up ?
I think that’s great for the veterans to get a decent breakfast for Veterans Day. Thanks.
Where are these VCS locations app?
Are there any VCS in Tallahassee Fl
I think that’s a really good idea, we as veterans have gone through so much. And think God for the people and the VA system. Thank you all so very much.
I’m retired Army. I’m 67 years old and I want to volunteer at the new Fredericksburg VA clinic when it opens up. Can you assist me
Good seeing VA offering free breakfast and coffee. Although any veteran can take advantage of this offer this is especially helpful to veterans in marginalized financial situations or even homeless. Since VA does not always come through on the larger issues veterans encounter, small gestures like this are certainly welcome.
I am hoping that they will be serving one of their delicious vegan options. When looking at all the free meals that are supposed to honor the vets, I have not found any vegan options. I don’t feel honored.
Mary, try your local Applebee’s or Denny’s on Veterans Day. Call first. Thank you for your service.
I agree with Mary, you are serving food that is not offering a healthy lifestyle
Mary is right, you are serving food that is not offering a healthy lifestyle
So how about posting the locations if you really want to provide service to veterans!
Were is the breakfast?
I am interested in the online gaming with other veterans
Can you get Starbucks coffee at Starbucks free for veterans day
Thank to the V.A.
I still have not figured out how to use your services. When I go to the VA in Butler is when I see the stock they/you carry and is very nice and appreciated
Many thanks for the nice services the VA provides for us Vets….especially liked the tire discount with Goodyear…..look forward to more savings in the future
Sincerely,
RalphBrandewiede USMC
THANK YOU SO MUCH, ENJOY SEEING THIS ARTICLE, KEEP UP WITH THE UPDATE FOR VETERANS.