Menifee 12-year-old saves up for special present for Dad

It is commonplace for family members to pay for a military banner in tribute to a loved one in Menifee. Throughout the city, these banners hang on light poles, displaying names and pictures of active and former military personnel.

It is not common for the family member paying the cost to be 12 years old, however.

Kaylee Faucher is the granddaughter of Menifee 24/7 editors Doug and Kristen Spoon – perhaps the only reason the editors found out about this story. For more than a year, Doug and Kristen heard about how Kaylee was saving up to pay the $135 bill for her father’s military banner all by herself.

"I saw a lot of banners all around of veterans, and I thought it would be cool to get one for Daddy,” Kaylee said. “It took me a while to get the money."

Jeffrey Faucher has served for 14 years in the U.S. Air Force. He currently serves as a Technical Sergeant at March Air Reserve Base. The family has lived in Menifee for about eight years.

How did Kaylee manage to save all that money?

"I saved money from my birthday and Christmas, and I earned some money throwing newspapers (for her grandparents, of course)," Kaylee said. "I got this money bank for Christmas and I put all the money in that because it would be hard to open."

Was she ever tempted to break the bank and spend some of the money?

"All the time," she said with a smile.

Jeff Faucher said it was a pleasant surprise when his family drove him over to the location and showed him the banner, which was placed along with several others recently.

"I’m proud and humbled that my daughter decided to take the time and effort to save the money and do all the things necessary to do this," he said. "I’m honored she thought of me that way and had something dedicated to me."

Kaylee remembers how happy she was a couple years ago when she welcomed her dad home from an overseas deployment. She says it will be a pleasure to see that banner every time the family drives by.

"It makes me feel proud that my dad works for our country," she said.

The City of Menifee Military Banner Program was established in 2012 to honor and recognize hometown active duty member of the United States Armed Forces and Veterans. Applications are accepted on a year-round basis. For details, visit the City of Menifee website or call City Hall at 951-672-6777.