Last year, I served on a sub-committee of the Veterans Advisory Committee with County Clerk Ann Ciarpelli and Veterans Service Agency Director Bob McLane to discuss possible programs to help and honor veterans. From these meetings, the F.A.V.O.R Discount Program (Find & Assist Vets of Record) was brought to Onondaga County.
The F.A.V.O.R. discount program is a card that is available to county residents who have served their country. Eligible residents will be issued an I.D. card by the County Clerk’s office identifying them as a qualified, honorably discharged Veteran of any of the U.S. Armed Forces. Any honorably discharged military Veteran residing in Onondaga County can get their F.A.V.O.R. card by bringing their discharge or DD- 214 to the County Clerk’s Office located in the County Court House.
This program is a joint effort by the County Clerk’s Office, the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency, and the Veterans Advisory Committee of the County Legislature. This would not be possible without our corporate sponsor, Anaren, Inc., of East Syracuse. They have provided funding for needed startup costs for the program.
“Anaren is proud to support this important effort to give something back to those who have put themselves in harm’s way for our country,” says John Hoeschele, Anaren’s government relations manager. “As a defense contractor who shares their mission, albeit through the development of military technology, we are especially aware, and appreciative, of their sacrifice.”
Onondaga County is reaching out to county businesses and merchants to encourage participation in this discount program designed to recognize military Veterans for their sacrifices and service to our country. So far, more than 70 businesses have agreed to honor the card by providing these Veterans with a discount on purchases, services, or some other special offer. A list of participating businesses and their special offer or discount can be found online at ongov.net. The F.A.V.O.R. page is accessible through the County Clerk or Veterans Service Agency department pages.
County businesses and merchants interested in participating or helping to sponsor the program should contact the Onondaga County Clerks Office at 435-2227 or the County Veterans Service Agency at 435-3217.
Judy Tassone represents the 4th District which includes the town of Salina, the village of Liverpool and the southern portion of the town of Clay. Judy welcomes constituent feedback; she can be reached by email at [email protected] or at home, 457-5458.
