Card available from county clerks’ offices
Putnam and Dutchess county residents who received an honorable discharge from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Merchant Marines are eligible to participate in a program called Return the F.A.V.O.R. (Find & Assist Vets of Record) that offers discounts on a variety of merchandise and services. Reservists and National Guard also qualify under certain circumstances.
Veterans who file their Certificate of Discharge or Release from Active Duty (form DD214) with the Putnam or Dutchess county clerks’ offices are issued an identification card that enables them to take advantage of discounts. Many merchants honor cards from either county.
“Filing the DD214 with the County Clerk’s Office is an important thing for veterans to do,” explained Putnam County Clerk Michael Bartolotti. “By my office keeping it on file you do not have to worry about losing it. It is an essential document required for many veterans’ services. The Return the F.A.V.O.R program is a bonus.”
Discounts offered by Cold Spring merchants include 10 percent off at Automar, the Gift Hut and Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, 15 percent off food at Cold Spring Pizza and the Foundry Café and 25 percent off at Romeo & Juliet salon.
A complete list of the participating Putnam County merchants is available at putnamcountyny.com, along with the rules and conditions. The site also has an application for merchants who are interested in participating. For more information, call 845-808-1142, ext. 49301.
For a list of merchants in and near Beacon, visit www.co.dutchess.ny.us. To participate, veterans must bring their DD214 to the Division of Veterans Services Office at 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 105 in Poughkeepsie weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. After processing they will be able to obtain their card at the County Clerk’s Office at 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call 845-486-2195 or email [email protected].
