County Executive Robert P. Astorino is asking local businesses to show a patriotic spirit this Veterans Day by joining a special program to offer discounts on their goods or services to men and women who have proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In a recent letter, Astorino asked merchants throughout Westchester to participate in the Find and Assist Veterans of Record (or “FAVOR”) Program by providing a discount of their choosing to honorably discharged veterans who shop or use their facility or business. The Veterans Services Agency will also be asking chambers of commerce, business associations and local officials to help get the word out, as well as making a direct plea to large chain stores in the area.
In the letter, Astorino said the size and nature of the discounts would be completely at the discretion of the individual businesses, but all levels of participation would be a wonderful way to indicate strong support for our veterans.
“We can never repay our debt to these brave servicemen and servicewomen, but we can publicly recognize their service and offer them a small token of our appreciation,” Astorino said. “This is a way for the county’s business community to partner with the Westchester County Veterans Services Agency in giving something back to those who have given us so much.”
Under the FAVOR program, veterans will be issued a picture I.D. card certifying their eligibility. Participating county merchants would agree to honor the card by providing holders with a discount on purchases or services. The program will be formally rolled out and cards will be made available at a Nov. 4 Veterans Town Hall meeting the week before Veteran’s Day.
Similar programs have already been successfully launched in neighboring Hudson Valley counties.
“This is an opportunity for local businesses to stand up and show their support for our troops while benefitting from a little economic boost of their own,” said Vito Pinto, director of the Veterans Services Agency. “The FAVOR program is a great way to bring in new customers and cultivate those personal relationships that are so important in making small businesses thrive and grow.”
Participating merchants’ names, addresses and discount specifics will be listed on the county’s website and included in a pamphlet to be distributed annually to Westchester’s returning veterans. Merchants will also get posters and decals to place on their windows if so desired.
The first cards will be distributed at Nov. 4 Town Hall meetings at the County Center which start at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Veterans will need to show their discharge papers (DD- 214) in order to receive a card.
After Nov. 4, FAVOR cards may be obtained anywhere county parks passes are issued: the County Center in White Plains, the Parks administration offices in Mount Kisco, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, Croton Point Park in Croton, Playland Park, and any of the six county golf courses (through December). Specific days and times are listed at www.westchestergov.com/parks. Click “Park Passes.”