TA Invites Military to Eat Free on July 4

WESTLAKE, Ohio – TravelCenters of America LLC, operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, will give all active-duty military, veterans and reservists a complimentary meal on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, at any participating TA or Petro sit-down restaurant nationwide.

Customers simply have to show their proof of service before ordering to receive the free meal of their choice, up to a $15 value. 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.

More than 170 Iron Skillet, Country Pride and other full-service, homestyle restaurants inside TA and Petro locations are participating in the giveaway.

Customers at participating TA and Petro full-service restaurants are also being invited to participate in a charity drive for the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Program from June 30 through July 1. Donations will be accepted for paper flags that will be displayed in the restaurants, and donors may write their own name on the flag or write in the name of military service personnel they wish to honor with the donation.

The National Military Family Association provides services to families in the different phases of military life, including deployment, reintegration and coming together after an injury.

“We are again honoring our service men and women, who have sacrificed so much for our country, by inviting them to our restaurants to share a meal,” said TravelCenters President and CEO Tom O’Brien. “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 experience for everyone."

This marks the third year that TravelCenters is honoring military with free meals in its restaurants on Independence Day and the second year it is supporting the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Program. TravelCenters has served more than 21,000 free meals to veterans and active-duty military service men and women in the last two years, the company said.