Eligible Westchester veterans can now get a special thank you year round – discount cards accepted by local merchants who want to show their appreciation to those who have honorably served their country.
"This is just a small way for merchants to stand up and show their support for U.S. troops who have done so much for us," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "While we can't ever repay our veterans for what they've done for us, we can at least make a goodwill gesture that says 'thank you.'"
In a similar promotion, the county's Tourism Office has partnered with the Westchester Restaurant Association to offer discounts at area restaurants, hotels and attractions from Nov. 6 through 14. Participating locations are listed at www.westchestergov.com/tourism and will be identified by a large "Red, White & Chew" sign at their entrances. Veterans need to provide proper ID, such as a Veterans Administration card, retired ID, veterans organization membership card; present an in-uniform photograph; or wear a jacket, tie, hat or shirt with a veterans or armed forces logo.
For the retail promotion, called the Find and Assist Veterans of Record (or "FAVOR") program, Astorino had asked local businesses to show a patriotic spirit this Veterans Day by providing a discount of their choosing to men and women who have proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
So far, more than two dozen merchants have responded, and more are still being solicited. Interested merchants may go online to www.westchestergov.com/veterans and click on "favor," or call 995-2145 or 995-2146 for further information.
Under the FAVOR program, veterans will be issued a picture I.D. card certifying their eligibility. Participating county merchants have agreed to honor the card by providing holders with a discount on purchases or services. Similar programs have already been successfully launched in neighboring Hudson Valley counties.
The county sees this as an opportunity for local businesses to stand up and show their support for U.S. troops, while benefiting from a little economic boost of their own. The FAVOR program will also bring in new customers and help cultivate the personal relationships that are so important in making small businesses thrive and grow.
Participating merchants' names, addresses and discount specifics are listed on the county's Web site at http://veterans.westchestergov.com/ and will eventually be included in a pamphlet to be distributed to Westchester's returning veterans.
Veterans will need to provide any of the following in order to receive a discount card: DD214, Veterans Administration ID Card, Active or Retired Military Service ID Card, or any of the Service Organization membership cards; American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars(VFW), Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veteran, Jewish War Veteran, Korea War Veteran or similar organizations for which proof of military service is required
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."
For more information, call (914) 995-2145.