Mike and Patty Kossak are lifelong Marysville residents and owners of the Golden Corral Buffet at 1065 State Avenue. For the past nine years, the Kossaks have joined other Golden Corral operators nationwide in hosting Military Appreciation Monday, offering free buffet meals for veterans and active duty servicemembers.

"Last year we served about 600 free meals," said Mike Kossak. "We want to feed as many people as possible this year."

The ninth annual event takes place November 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. at all 485 locations nationwide. The Marysville restaurant is the only Golden Corral in western Washington, and the special event attracts veterans and military personnel from all over the state.

The chain estimates nearly 270,000 free meals will be served nationally this year.

All current and former service members are invited to the event, and no proof of service is required. Military Appreciation Monday is also one of the few veterans' recognition programs that doesn't require any type of accompanying purchase.

Representatives from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will also be on site to collect donations for the organization that supports the nation's disabled veterans and their families.

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