TravelCenters of America honors military members with free meals and a donation drive.
All active duty military, veterans and reservists with proof of service are invited to partake in a complimentary meal on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2015, at any participating TravelCenters of America LLC (TravelCenters) or Petro sit-down restaurants nationwide.
Independence Day meals can be received at more than 170 participating Iron Skillet, Country Pride and other full-service, home-style restaurants within TA and Petro locations.
Guests are also invited to participate in a charity drive for the National Military Family Association’s (NMFA) Operation Purple Program at participating TA and Petro full-service restaurants from July 1-4. Donations will be accepted from customers on behalf of the NMFA. Paper flags will be displayed in the restaurants commemorating each donation and guests may write their own name or the name of military service personnel they wish to honor on the donation flag.
“It is an honor to acknowledge the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country by inviting them to our restaurants to share a meal,” said Tom O’Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters. “We will also be honoring all of those who gave their life defending our country by preparing Fallen Soldier Tables at our restaurants. A single place setting at an empty table represents the wish that fallen men and women of our armed forces could be present to dine with us. Having set these tables on patriotic days over the last few years in our restaurants, employees at our sites have seen and shared in the emotion and memories of those who lost friends and loved ones while serving. It’s a moving and special experience for everyone,” continued O’Brien.
This July 4, any veteran, active duty or reservist from the military can receive a complimentary meal of their choice (up to a $15 value) by simply showing proof of service to their server prior to ordering their meal.
Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services ID Card or Retired ID Card; Current Leave and Earnings Statement; Veterans Organization Card; Photograph in uniform; DD214; or Citation or Commendation.
This is the fourth year that TravelCenters is honoring military with free meals in its restaurants on Independence Day. TravelCenters has served more than 30,000 free meals to veterans and active duty military service men and women in the last three years. This is the third year that TravelCenters is supporting the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Program.
TravelCenters of America LLC is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, and is a travel center business in 43 states and Canada with 255 convenient locations operating under the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands.