Veterans Connection 10/30/2026

On Friday, November 13, the Miami Valley will mark a historic milestone with the unveiling of the new Medal of Honor Memorial and Honor Park. Located at the gateway to Dayton’s historic Wright Dunbar District near the Third Street Bridge, this newly transformed space stands as a permanent sanctuary of remembrance for those who answered the call of duty.

At the heart of the site stands a striking granite obelisk honoring local recipients of our nation’s highest military decoration for valor, including Vietnam heroes A1C William "Bill" H. Pitsenbarger and Spc. 4 Joseph Guy LaPointe Jr., and WWII Marine hero Cpl. Anthony "Tony" Michael Stein. The grounds also feature interactive QR technology, allowing visitors to scan the markers and instantly read detailed biographies of these extraordinary local figures.

Beyond the centerpiece memorial, the surrounding grounds serve as Honor Park, paying tribute to the tens of thousands of veterans living throughout the greater Dayton region. As part of the project, historic World War I markers and local Gold Star memorials have been meticulously restored, creating a seamless bridge between past sacrifice and present-day gratitude.

Community members, local veterans, and military families are warmly invited to attend the dedication ceremony on Friday, November 13, at the northeast corner of the Third Street Bridge. Join us as we gather to celebrate a space that ensures the legacy of our region’s bravest men and women will endure for generations to come.

Details

2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13
50 N. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
RSVP by emailing honorpark@yahoo.com

Please RSVP by Veteran's Day, November 11, 2026.

Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support is inviting local veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to an evening of dinner, music, and community appreciation at its annual Veteran Celebration on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

The event will be held at Edison State Community College (1978 Edison Drive, Piqua, OH).

Evening Highlights:

• Catered Dinner: Enjoy a catered meal provided by Olive Garden.
• Live Entertainment: Experience a special performance of the Glenn Miller Tribute Show by the Tom Daugherty Orchestra, bringing the classic sounds of the 1940s Big Band Era back to life in tribute to World War II veterans.
• Community Recognition: The evening will also recognize the dedicated volunteers and supporters who have helped the organization serve local military families throughout 2026.

Registration Details:

• Reservations: Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.
• Cost: A $10 reservation fee is collected in advance to secure each seat and will be fully refunded in cash upon arrival at the event.
• How to Sign Up: Reservations can be made online via the Operation Veteran Celebration Zeffy Portal (see link below). For those wishing to make a cash payment, call (937) 606-2333 to make arrangements.

Mark your calendars for a major local tradition honoring the Miami Valley military community! The Dayton VA Medical Center invites veterans, families, and community members to its 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Resource Fair.

Taking place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this festive community event is designed to celebrate those who have served while connecting them directly with essential services, healthcare information, and community support.

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Where: Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45428
• Cost: Free (Open to veterans, families, and the general public)

What to Expect:

• The Parade: Enjoy an inspiring parade featuring local entries, units, and community groups.
• Extensive Resource Fair: Connect face-to-face with experts on disability claims, VA healthcare enrollment, PACT Act updates, housing and homelessness assistance, mental health resources, and women veteran health care.
• Community & Family Fun: Enjoy live music, food, refreshments, and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

Whether you are looking to connect with benefits assistance or simply want to join fellow Montgomery County community members in celebrating Veterans Day, all are welcome to attend.

Ever wondered what it was really like to fly a vintage fighter jet, navigate a strategic bomber, or service aircraft during active military service? Local veterans and community members can hear these firsthand experiences straight from those who lived them during the upcoming Plane Talks event at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

In honor of Veterans Day, veteran pilots, aircrew members, navigators, and engineers will be stationed throughout the museum’s galleries alongside the very aircraft they once flew or maintained. Attendees can stop by to ask questions, view historic photos, and hear personal stories of service and aviation history.

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH 45433)
• Cost: Free admission and parking

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or want to connect with fellow military members, "Plane Talks" offers a unique and personal look into military service across generations.

Join local community members, veterans, and military families for an evening of honor, fellowship, and fundraising in memory of Capt. Zach Hollingsworth.

The annual Freedom Whiskey Veterans Day Celebration raises funds for local organizations supporting service members. Proceeds from this year's event benefit Joseph House and Warriors on Wheels Cycling, while honoring the 2026 Freedom Whiskey Veteran of the Year, Thomas "Drago" Dzieran.

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Where: Miamisburg Moose Lodge 1645 (2110 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342)
• Tickets: $50 per person (Includes a catered dinner by Heather's Café, two drink tickets, desserts from Five Loaves Bakery, and live music)

The evening features live entertainment, silent auctions, a live painting experience, and a bourbon pull.

Some restaurants in the local area are offering some great deals for Veteran's Day, some even providing free meals for veterans. Not only do you get a free meal, but it's also a great opportunity to hang out with other veterans.

• Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11 receive a free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu (including options like the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, or Chicken Tenders). (Dine-in only; bring a military ID or wear your uniform).
• Bob Evans: Offers a free meal from a special restricted menu of traditional homestyle breakfast and lunch favorites for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. (Dine-in only with proof of service).
• Chili’s Grill & Bar: Participating locations serve a complimentary dine-in meal from a curated select menu for all veterans and active-duty service members on November 11.
• Outback Steakhouse: Running their "Military Mate" special on November 10–11, giving veterans and service members a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage (Coca-Cola product or 16 oz. domestic draft beer) with a dine-in visit.
• Red Robin: Veterans and military members score a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger served with bottomless steak fries for dine-in on November 11.
• Texas Roadhouse: On November 11 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, locations distribute meal vouchers that veterans can either use on the spot or save to redeem for a future visit (valid through May).
• Yard House: Offering veterans and active-duty military one complimentary appetizer per person on November 11 with no purchase necessary. (Dine-in only).