CLEVELAND, Ohio — Once upon a war, looting and pillaging were an accepted part of vanquishing an enemy — hence the term, “spoils of war.“

by Arnaldo Rodgers

Though the practice has generally diminished, that doesn’t mean that today’s warriors of past and present conflicts can’t avail themselves of a little side compensation for their service, without sacking a city.

Among area businesses showing their appreciation for the military on or after Veterans Day are:

• The Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, in Northfield, is offering a free buffet meal to service members on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at its Fresh Harvest restaurant. Military identification is required. Additionally, from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11, Rocksino guests will be able to write individual messages of support and appreciation to military personnel by signing a special banner, that will be presented to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6768 in Northfield on Nov. 12.
• Great Clips salons will give a free haircut to any active, inactive or retired military service member (with proof of service) from Nov. 11 through Dec. 31. Veterans must visit a Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 to get their free haircut or a free haircut card (required for a haircut after Nov. 11). Any customer who comes in for a salon service on Veterans Day can get a free haircut card to give to a veteran, limit one card per customer while supplies last.
• Texas Roadhouse restaurants will serve a free lunch to veterans and active-duty members of the military, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, offering a selection from 10 entrees plus beverage. Proof of service includes military or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) card, or discharge papers.
• Golden Corral restaurants are offering a free dinner buffet and beverage, from 5-9 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 17, for active duty and retired military personnel. Identification is not required. The restaurant chain also will be collecting donations for Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The 13-year “Military Appreciation Monday” program has served more than 4 million complimentary meals to service members and generated over $8 million in donations for state and local DAV chapters.
• On Nov. 11, Outback restaurants are honoring all active and retired military personnel with a free “Bloomin’ Onion” and a beverage. Veterans need to show a valid military ID at participating restaurants. Outback is also offering all active or retired military personnel and their families a discount of 15 percent off their entire check from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31, at participating restaurants. For more information visit Outback.com/troops.