An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Scott Patriot Program starts strong

  • Published
  • By Christi Spargur
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Since it began two months ago, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois' Scott Patriot Program has registered more than 300 businesses, created a website and set up a Twitter account.

The Scott Patriot Program is designed to help servicemembers and their families easily recognize military-friendly businesses. After businesses register, they receive decals to display on their storefronts and certificates to post inside their facilities.

The program's website, at www.scottpatriot.com, provides a central listing of these businesses, as well as information about area events targeted to the military community.
Designed to be user friendly, the website also allows businesses and the Scott Air Force Base community to make comments about the Scott Patriot Program. For more instant feedback, the Leadership Council created a program Twitter account at @ScottPatriot.

To qualify for the program, businesses must demonstrate their support in one of the following ways:

· Providing discounts or free items to military personnel or veterans

· Supporting the hiring of veterans, retirees, military spouses, active-duty separating from service, military Reservists, or National Guardsmen

· Offering VIP treatment programs in their communities or establishments such as special parking or tables

· Volunteering or allowing employees to volunteer for military efforts and/or charitable causes
 
· Participating in organized events and activities that support the military at Scott Air Force Base to include participating in the Commercial Sponsorship Program

· Donating items or funds to programs that support the military such as donations to the Airman's Attic

· Supporting military advocacy programs such as American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War or military professional associations

· Supporting education for military members or veterans such as tuition reimbursement

· Donations to military supportive organizations such as the United Service Organization, St. Louis Fisher House, HEROES Cares, the Scott Field Heritage Air Park etc.

Businesses whose support doesn't fall into one of the nine categories above may still participate in the Scott Patriot Program by describing their unique method of support.

The Scott Patriot Program is not only attracting local businesses but also nearby communities who also want to show their support for Scott AFB. Copies of these communities' proclamations of support are also posted to the program's website and in their city halls.