Vacaville’s former mayor awarded for lifetime of service

When Len Augustine walks into a room, it’s a bit like an episode of “Cheers” where everyone knows his name.

At 87-years-old, this Vacaville resident has an impressive resume of accomplishments that on Dec. 3 grew longer. Travis Credit Union at its annual awards ceremony recognized Augustine for his lifetime of community service in Solano County and greater Northern California.

“He has a priceless knowledge of this area’s rich social and cultural history, as well as a keen business sense,” Kevin Miller, Travis Credit Union president and CEO, told the Business Journal.“ He has deep roots and relationships throughout the region and is respected and well-liked by the people of Solano County and the communities we serve.”

Augustine’s lasting imprint is so significant that the credit union renamed the honor the Len Augustine Community Impact Award.

His community involvement isn’t about getting attaboys, awards or money. It’s about doing what’s right.

He is quick to praise those who have helped him through the years, and points to luck as being a big part of his success.

“I believe if you give credit to other people, you will get a helluva lot more done,” Augustine said.

Augustine grew up in Pennsylvania in a single-parent household after his dad died when he was 8. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, then worked as a civil engineer for a year before joining the Air Force. He retired as a colonel in 1988 after 28 years, part of which included being a combat pilot.

It was being stationed at Travis AFB for six years starting in 1975 that introduced him to Vacaville and Travis Credit Union, which was founded on the Air Force base in 1951. In 2025, he will have been a member for 50 years.

While in the Air Force he was instrumental in obtaining financial literacy for families at Travis. Augustine also worked with his superiors and the credit union to launch a first-time car buyer and credit-builder programs, deployment waiver options, incentives for opening accounts, and home loan services for veterans.

His dedication to financial resources for the community has not wavered.

“Len is an advocate of credit union values and for the city of Vacaville. He’s an incredible ambassador for Travis Credit Union, and no matter what the task, he’s always been ready to serve,” Miller said. “Len is always thinking about how the community can benefit from Travis Credit Union and vice versa.”

Augustine’s heart is definitely with Travis Credit Union, as he praises how it works to help those who need financial aid the most.

“During the pandemic the credit union handed out $10,000 to 100 different nonprofits to get them through,” Augustine said. “It’s that caring about the community that gave me the impetus to want to do more for them.”

After retiring from the Air Force, Augustine turned his attention to civic engagement — political and nonprofit.

He was appointed to the Vacaville Planning Commission from 1992-96, was on the Vacaville City Council from 1996-2002, and was mayor from 2002-10 and 2014-18.

People still often introduce him as mayor.

Augustine’s push for Vacaville to adopt a strategic plan in part was about being fiscally solvent. By the time he left elected office he said the city had 30% reserves, which helped it survive the pandemic.

At one time he belonged to 30 organizations. That commitment has tapered off, but he’s still involved in a number of service clubs, military related groups, and nonprofits.

He was on the Travis Credit Union board from October 2010 to May 2024. Now he is the community liaison, a role created just for him.

“Hardly anyone on the board shows up for fundraisers, but I do,” Augustine said. “The credit union wanted me to represent them.”

As Miller sees it, “You couldn’t have Travis Credit Union without Len.”