Saratoga County launched its new “Return the Favor” veterans’ discount program today, with 120 businesses across the county offering potential savings to the county’s 18,000 veterans.
For more information
For information on Saratoga County’s “Return the Favor” veterans discount program, including a list of participating businesses, visit the county’s website at www.saratogacountyny.com.
Plans for the program were announced in January. County officials have spent the last six months signing up businesses to offer discounts. They didn’t want to start the program until at least 100 businesses had agreed to participate.
The county clerk’s office, meanwhile, has been establishing a process for issuing a new photo identification card to veterans, which they can present to participating businesses to receive a discount. The office will be making the free identification cards for people who show they are eligible by presenting a copy of their DD-214, the form certifying they were honorably discharged from the military.
Participating businesses range from restaurants to building supply companies to attorneys. Retail discounts are generally in the 10 to 20 percent range, while some other businesses, like banks, are offering free check orders or gift cards to new customers.
The business list is expected to grow over time, so updates will be posted on the county website at www.saratogacountyny.gov.
Starting Tuesday, a new information and help desk for veterans have been set up in the building lobby outside the county clerk’s office in Ballston Spa, because of the influx of veterans who are expected to seek the ID card. The desk will be in place for at least a couple of weeks, said County Clerk Kathy Marchione.
Applications will be taken 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Also, on the next two Saturdays, July 9 and 16, the clerk’s office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon to take applications. Veterans will need their original DD-214. Davis said his office can also help people who can’t locate their DD-214, though getting another copy can take several weeks.
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