DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton Regional Transit Authority is honoring National Military Appreciation Month by unveiling a bus that pays ode an ode to military members, past and present. 

What You Need To Know

  • The bus honors all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces

  • It'll be around throughout the summer

  • Additionally, the Dayton RTA will host a scavenger hunt

National Military Appreciation Month is in May, and on Thursday, May 1, the bus will begin to make its rounds. 

The bus is painted in red, white and blue, and it features all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Space Force and Marine Corps. The design also features silhouettes of military members saluting the American flag. 

The Dayton RTA employs more than 50 veterans, it said. Four RTA veterans will be feature each month through an interior card that has their name, branch, time served and current role at the RTA. 

The bus isn't just coming out for the month of May, though. Throughout the summer, it will be on display at local veterans' organizations where local vets can learn about RTA services. The idea was created 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.” 

Additionally, the RTA will be holding a scavenger hunt for riders in honor of the month. The hunt will feature six locations along RTA routes that highlight veterans. Clues will be posted by the RTA starting May 5 on its social media pages. 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 information. The first rider to visit each location as well as enter all six codes will win a month of free riders. The second place winner will also win a week of free rides, and the third person will win one day.