Bay area salon treats Travis Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Doing more with less, consistent deployments and temporary duty assignments add levels of stress to military members and their families. 

A salon in Lafayette, Calif., recognized this and decided to give a day of pampering to Travis' Airmen and their families March 30. 

"We were having our weekly meeting when Julia Murray, our hair stylist, came up with the idea to give something back to the troops," said Daniel Robinson, salon manager. 

The salon decided to offer a day of pampering to include manicures, pedicures, massages, waxing, haircuts, dyes, facials and more to Travis' Airmen Leadership School instructors and students along with five military couples. 

"I thought it was touching that they would spend all that time and effort - I was humbled," said Staff Sgt. Tabitha Bennett, ALS instructor. 

The Airmen and there families were also treated to refreshments and a lunch. 

"The lunch was awesome, the salon staff prepared authentic Thai food and delicious salmon," said Sergeant Bennett. 

The salon's staff came in on their day off to serve the troops with positive attitudes. 

"As soon as I found out the salon was doing this I asked to sign up to help," said Michael Castello, salon volunteer. "I lost a cousin in Iraq," he said. 

When Airmen asked if tips should be given to the staff for the various services, the manager had a quick response. 

"Absolutely no tips, it defeats the whole purpose of us doing this for you," Mr. Robinson said. 

This service and pampering were appreciated by the Airmen and their families. 

"It's nice to know that people recognize what we do," said Tech Sgt. Kiera Daniels, ALS instructor. "The salon staff found a way to give back to us," she said.