TA, Petro offer free meal to military members on July 4

TravelCenters of America (TravelCenters), operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, invites all active duty military, veterans and reservists with proof of service to enjoy a complimentary meal on Independence Day, July 4, 2013, at any participating TA or Petro sit-down restaurant nationwide.

Independence Day meals can be enjoyed at more than 170 participating Iron Skillet , Country Pride and other full-service, home-style restaurants within TA and Petro locations.

“We seek to honor the service by the men and women who have valiantly fought for our country by inviting them into our restaurants to share a meal. We recognize that they sacrifice personal and family time doing what needs to be done to keep America safe,” said Tom O’Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters. “We know that about one-third of drivers in the trucking industry are military veterans. Not only did they serve our country in the armed forces, they continue to serve by ensuring the safe and reliable transport of goods across the country; often times away from their families for days and weeks at a time.”

In 2012, TravelCenters served meals to more than 15,000 veterans and active duty military service men and women on Independence Day. This year, the company is offering its guests the opportunity to support the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Program.

“We invite all of our guests to participate in the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Program, donating what they can,” said John Ponczoch, senior vice president of restaurant operations. This valuable organization provides services to families in the different phases of military life – deployment, reintegration and coming together after an injury.”

This July 4, any veteran, activity 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.

The National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple camps give military children a break from wartime tension at home, friends to confide in, coping skills to handle mom or dad’s absence, and some fun to offset the extra responsibilities in their complicated young lives. Operation Purple family retreats help families reconnect and heal after wartime separation. Some retreats are specially designed for families of the wounded, as they rebuild bonds and find a new way forward. Customers can make donations to Operation Purple at participating TA and Petro locations.