This Memorial Day we should all be aware of a new program that is intended to give Veterans a break when it comes to the cost of their purchases. It’s called the Thank-A-Vet Program, and there are businesses all over Greater Buffalo that are signing up to offer Veterans discounts on goods and services. To date nearly 200 businesses have signed up. What better way to say thanks than to have a program where a sticker or sign on a door says, “We appreciate what you’ve done for us… not it’s our turn to say thanks.” In order for a Veteran to participate in the program, a Vet must produce a card that can only be obtained at the Erie County Clerk’s office.
Often times it can be extremely hard for Vets to adjust to non-military society. From landing jobs to paying mounting bills, the post-military life can be tough. Thankfully there is now a way to ease the burden that so many vets are faced with. So far, the majority of businesses that have signed up for the program, in order to offer the discount, are small local businesses. To that effect, the spin-off of the initiative is that veterans (53,000 in total) are helping to support the local small business economy.
Greater Buffalo Vets are being encouraged to bring their Honorable Discharge Papers into the Erie County Clerk’s Office so that the office may have a permanent record on file, and that will also help Veterans who may be seeking benefits in the future or for families who are requesting Military Honors at a Veteran’s funeral.
*If a Veteran would like to obtain a card they can come to the Clerk’s Office at 92 Franklin Street (Old County Hall) during regular business hours. We have also organized outreach days to make the clerks office more accessible. Please see the county website www.erie.gov/clerk or contact Martina Rehorik at (716) 858-6985 for more information.
**Expanding the number of businesses participating in our “THANK A VET” Discount Program is an on going effort. Businesses interested in signing-up can go to the county website at www.erie.gov/clerk and download a Merchant Application Form (details/quantities of discounts are chosen at the discretion of the business-they are not bound to any contract) or contact Martina Rehorik at (716) 858-6985 for more information.