Local businesses give service members, families a discount

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Katie Batchelder
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  Travis and the surrounding Solano County communities share an invaluable relationship that strives to honor service members, their families, and local business and civic leaders.

Travis contributes more than $1.5 billion annually to the local economy and the surrounding communities have found a way to give back with the Military Medallion Program.

The program allows businesses to support service members and their families visibly and tangibly by offering at least a 10 percent discount on services and merchandise. The program is offered by the Fairfield-Suisun, Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista Chambers of Commerce and supported by the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee. TRAFC is working to get Benicia and Vallejo involved as well.

"We decided to join the program in support of the troops and their families for the courage they display for our country every day," said the Kerns family, owners of Mena's Bistro and Tamaleria in Vacaville.

In return, contributing businesses receive a military medallion logo to place in their windows to attract military customers.

"Introducing a discount program for military personnel helps businesses by driving consumers to their locations," said Mark Creffield, president of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and medallion program administrator. "The chambers see it as offering our members another opportunity to build up their business while also supporting service members."

Colonel James Vechery, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, said Team Travis is extremely honored to have such an outstanding foundation of support from our local business partners.

"Their efforts show the tremendous support our community partners have for our service members who sacrifice so much for our great nation," he said. "We are thankful to have these community partners as members of our Team Travis family."

The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee provided the foundation, allowing the Military Medallion Program to take flight.

TRAFC is comprised of more than 150 local business and civic leaders, including elected officials from the county, state and federal government. Its mission is to maintain liaison with Travis personnel, promote the base mission in the community and enhance the importance of Travis as an instrument of national security. TRAFC facilitates communications between the military and civilian communities and provides support and recognition to the men and women of Team Travis.

"TRAFC is proud to offer our business partners a unique way to say thank you and show their support for our Travis Air Force family while getting the good word out on their business," said Sandy Person, TRAFC chairman and Team Travis Golden Bear.

Periodically, TRAFC members visit congressional leaders in the nation's capital to seek support for military construction projects, military benefits, equipment improvements and additional missions. The organization also leads efforts to obtain support from local governments, agencies and businesses on matters crucial to base operations.

"TRAFC is a bridge between our installation and local business and civic leaders," said Colonel Vechery. "It allows us to foster and sustain close relationships where we can share our dynamic mission with our community partners, a key part of our Team Travis family."