RTA unveils bus honoring military members, veterans

(DAYTON, OHIO)… As they say in the military, “Keep your head on a swivel” because the Greater Dayton RTA is rolling out a bus to commemorate the United States military and the veterans who bravely served our country for National Military Appreciation Month. The veterans-themed bus will begin circulating the routes on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

The bus is patriotically painted in red, white and blue and features all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Space Force and Marine Corps. The design features three silhouettes of military members saluting the American flag with the words ‘thank you for your service’ and ‘honoring our community veterans’ on the side of the bus. 

The RTA proudly employs more than 50 veterans, whose service will be highlighted onboard the bus. Four RTA veterans will be featured each month via an interior card that states their name, branch, time served and current role at the RTA. A third interior card with contact information for veteran resources in Montgomery County will also be onboard.

The bus will be on display at various local veterans’ organizations throughout the summer, where local vets can learn about RTA services. Local veterans will also have the opportunity to take a photo with the bus and share their memories. 

The idea for the bus was driven by RTA Maintenance Supervisor and U.S. Army veteran Gary Daugherty. 

“It means a lot to me. I come from a family with a lot of military backgrounds. In fact, I’m third generation Army, my son is fourth generation Army and I’ve got a grandson who will be fifth generation military,” Daugherty said. “I’ve always had a high respect for veterans and the military even before I served.” 

To further celebrate National Military Appreciation Month, the RTA will be holding a scavenger hunt for riders. The scavenger hunt features six locations along RTA routes that highlight veterans. Starting May 5, the RTA will post a clue about each location on social media. Riders who find the correct location will then need to scan a QR code at the bus stop and enter a code on the website along with their contact information. The first rider to visit each location and enter all six codes will win a month of free rides. The second person to do so will win a week of free rides and the third person will win one day. 

You can also catch a glimpse of the bus during Centerville’s Americana Parade on Independence Day and at various touch-a-truck events. Check RTA’s Facebook page and Instagram throughout the summer for event details. 

Click here to learn more about veterans working at the RTA and the bus's schedule.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristi Newton (937) 425-8379, Communications and Community Relations Manager