Albany County kicked off its Return the FAVOR Program on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Marra’s Pharmacy in Cohoes, and veterans can now access discounts in participating businesses throughout the county.
The program was developed through a collaborative effort with the Albany County Executive’s Office, the County Clerk’s office and the various chambers of commerce throughout Albany County. County Executive Mike Breslin said the program offers the county and private businesses a chance to show their appreciation for veterans.
“This is an opportunity for us to thank those many veterans — there are nearly 20,000 of them in Albany County — thank them in a way that’s meaningful,” he said. “And allow businesses throughout the county to step up and recognize those veterans and say their thanks as well.”
Various stores, recreational facilities and other services have already enrolled in the program, Breslin said, with the opportunity for more businesses to enroll still available. Veterans are required to bring their DD form 214 and complete a FAVOR application and submit it to the Albany County Veterans Bureau at the Harold L. Joyce County Office Building at 112 State Street. In return, the veteran will receive a photo I.D. to use at participating stores and businesses for a discount. The county will keep the record confidential, record them and mail the DD-214 back to the veteran.
FAVOR stands for “find and assist veterans of record.”
Mark Eagan, president of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that when the county reached out to the various chambers about the program that many of them came together to get involved. He said the freedoms many Americans are able to enjoy are a result of the many men and women in the military who fight for them daily. He said area businesses community can now provide a new “perk” at home for all they have sacrificed.
“It’s a win for them but it’s also a win for the businesses that are participating,” he said. “Not just because they get a new customer, that’s a nice thing, but because the reason most businesses said ‘yes’ is to salute our veterans for what you have done and for what you continue to do.”
This also gives the Albany County Veterans Bureau a better idea of how many veterans live in the area, said MaryAnn Jones, director of the Veterans Bureau. She said she is pleased with the participation the chambers had in the program as it made the entire thing possible.
“We want to make sure Albany County veterans are aware of all the benefits and services available to them,” she said in a statement. “By recording their discharge form with the county, the veterans will be able to save money on goods and services and the veterans bureau will be able to reach, interact with and assist more veterans to receive all the benefits to which they are entitled to.”
County Clerk Tom Clingan said the county is now following suit after Rockland County created the first Return the FAVOR Program and that he is proud to honor those that fight for our freedoms.
“Albany County is proud to join this effort to thank our veterans for their service to America because freedom isn’t free,” he said, quoting former Congressman Mike McNulty.
