Discounts and ID Cards Coming For Montco Vets

Veterans, rejoice.

Thanks to a new initiative by Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Nancy Becker, local veterans will soon be able to receive discounts on goods and services from several county merchants.

Becker's office has been recording veterans' discharges for the last few years and she said she couldn't help but notice that many of the veterans she was dealing with needed help. While trying to come up with a way to offer them support, Becker's grandson, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, gave her the final push to put a program in place.

"My grandson, at the time, was serving in Afghanistan and when I asked him what I could do for him he said, 'Do something for the veterans at home.'" Becker said.

That prompted Becker to contact the local VFWs, the American Legions and other veterans group to brainstorm a way to help. The veteran's ID program was born of those discussions.

In order to participate, veterans are asked to bring their DD-214 Certificate of Release to the Recorder's office at One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown. Upon arrival, the service record will be recorded with the county, and the veteran will receive a photo ID card along with a list of businesses that are participating in the discount program.

The discounts may come in the form of a percentage of the sale, or possibly a flat dollar amount.  Participating businesses will be listed on the Recorder of Deeds website, and the list will update monthly.

Businesses like Gimaro Seafood and Steakhouse in Montgomeryville, in Lansdale and the Shoprite in Hatfield have already signed up to participate.

For other Montgomery County businesses that may be interested in supporting their local troops, the county requests a one-year enrollment with an annual automatic renewal. In the event that the a business no longer wishes to participate in the program, they are asked to give 30-days written notice of their intent to withdraw.

"This is a unique opportunity for businesses to advertise their products or services, increase their customers, and most importantly, show  their appreciation to our veterans who have served to protect our  freedoms," said Becker, in a press release.

For additional information on the program, or if you'd like an application, contact Nancy Becker at 610-278-3294.