First and farmers. Meals vehicles. And the combat for freedom.
All of these issues got here collectively on the Friday earlier than Independence Day when First & Farmers Nationwide Financial institution in Somerset held a particular occasion honoring those that have served their nation, giving them deep meal reductions on a number of the tastiest packed lunches on this planet. space. locations.
“Lots of of veterans have come right here at present,” stated Andrea Clue, director of promoting for First & Farmers Nationwide Financial institution (FFNB). “… In our 4 markets (Albany, Burkesville, Columbia and proper right here in Somerset) we’re giving out $15 free vouchers to each veteran so he can get a free meal from the meals truck of his selection.”
Though the idea of “Meals Truck Friday” will not be new to FFNB in Somerset, it began in 2019 after transferring to its present location; “We thought it was the proper place to have the ability to showcase meals vehicles,” Clue stated: It is the primary time there’s been a “Veterans Appreciation Version,” one thing Clue stated may ideally grow to be an annual occasion.
The Somerset FFNB location on US 27 South had 4 meals vehicles in attendance: Mac Chaos, The Moody Cow, Piggin’ Out, and Antojitos Chabelitos, on Friday afternoon throughout lunch hours.
“We did a mixture of locals and a few from out of city,” Clue stated. She identified tents and tables arrange so individuals may get out of the warmth and sit and revel in their meals with followers blowing over them.
Within the different places, the meals vehicles do not often collect across the financial institution on Fridays, however for this occasion, “it was no downside getting the meals vehicles to come back” to smaller markets to honor veterans.
Clue additionally famous that FFNB had particular hats designed to honor veterans that had been out there.
Specifically, Clue stated First & Farmers was honored to have the American Legion’s 38th Publish Honor Guard drop by between space funerals.
The occasion was additionally open to the general public to come back and go to the meals truck of their selection.
“We have had every kind of individuals excited concerning the vacation weekend come out and have lunch with us as properly,” Clue stated.
Veterans in attendance appreciated the gesture from FFNB and the meals truck homeowners in attendance.
“I believe it is nice for the totally different firms doing this,” stated Mark Daniels, an E-Four within the US Air Pressure, who served till 1991 as a part of the safety police. “I take a look at veterans – they stepped up for his or her neighborhood. You’ve got different residents who volunteer, however you go into the navy, you are taking a danger… So I believe it is nice. I actually thank First & Farmers for this .”
Daniels was happy with the turnout and the way busy the parking zone was, filled with automobiles on a Friday afternoon.
Additionally happy was Alex Rodríguez, who helps his household run Antojitos Chabelitos. It is maybe the latest meals truck within the space, serving meals like road tacos, tortas and quesadillas, and doing the FFNB occasion was good publicity for a start-up enterprise and significant to Rodriguez.
“We have solely been open for a few week and a half, however to this point it has been an enormous success,” Rodriguez stated. “My brother is within the Nationwide Guard… So we have had lots of buddies within the navy, we’ve got household within the navy, so I am past comfortable to be right here, doing this for everybody.”
Steve Ramquist, proprietor of Mac Chaos, additionally appreciated being part of the Meals Truck Friday particular.
“We’re grateful to First & Farmers Nationwide Financial institution for together with us on this alternative to indicate gratitude to our nation’s navy veterans,” he stated. “On this, our first anniversary of being in enterprise, we additionally wish to thank the Pulaski County neighborhood for his or her large present of help for our meals truck! What a ravishing day and what an excellent turnout!”
