Monmouth County businesses are invited to take part in a new veteran’s discount program called “Honoring Our Heroes.” The program is organized by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office
By agreeing to offer a discount to vets with a Veterans ID card, the county will list the business in its guidebook, on the county website, and be given a specially designed window cling to place in their establishments. The clings are donated by members of the Asbury Park VFW Harold Daley Post 1333
“More than 33,000 veterans call Monmouth County home,” said Clerk Christine Hanlon. “We want our Veterans to know that we appreciate their service, so my staff and I have created a Veterans Discount Guidebook that is available to veterans with a Veterans ID card issued by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office.”
Several stores have already signed on.
The Shrewsbury Banana Republic Factory Store will offer 15 percent discount on full price items. Also in Shrewsbury, Eddie Bauer will offer 10 percent discount on clothing, Pottery Barn will offer a 10 percent discount for active service members only, Radio Shack will offer a 10 percent discount online and in stores, and Williams-Sonoma will offer a 10 percent discount.
At the Tinton Falls Outlet the following stores have signed on to offer 10% discount to military veterans. They include Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic Factory Store, Charlotte Russe, Eddie Bauer (clothing only), Gap, New York and Company, Pac Sun, Timberland Outlets, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armor, Wilson’s Leather, Yankee Candle and Zales Diamond Store.
Restaurants that offer discounts to veterans include Boston Market, which provides a 7% discount at all locations. Veterans Advantage members are eligible to receive a higher discount. Dairy Queen in the Chapel Hill Shopping Center will offer 10% off.
In Holmdel, a 10 percent discount will be offered at Lowe’s, Michael’s, Old Navy, Pac Sun, Payless Shoes and Texas Roadhouse. Massage Envy offers the discount on membership.
Middletown’s Radio Shack, Outback Steakhouse, and Sonic are participating with a 10 percent discount. Boston Market will offer 7 percent, and Pizza Hut will offer 20 percent on both carry in and sit down customers.
The following services with a Middletown address offer the following discounts: Autozone (10 percent on auto parts and accessories), Budget Car Rental (5 percent off, must pre-book), Hertz (discount contingent on when veteran is renting) Leslie Pool Supplies (5 percent), Meineke (10 percent) and Sports Clips (20 percent).
There are numerous other companies in the Monmouth Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, and other local towns.
Hanlon and County Freeholder John P. Curley personally thanked Taka owners William “Bill” Kessler, David Martocci, Takahiro “Taka” Hirai, General Manager Adam Broussel and Jacki Sharpe, owner of Purple Glaze, for their support of the program.
“Our Veterans have put their lives on the line to defend our country, and when they arrive home we need to provide for them in the best ways possible,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Veteran’s Service Office
To join the ‘Honoring our Heroes’ program, business owners in Monmouth County should contact the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office in Freehold with the name of the business, address, phone number and type and amount of discount being offered to Veterans who show a Veterans ID card issued by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office.
The Monmouth County Clerk’s Office and Monmouth County Connection issue Veterans’ identification cards (Veteran’s ID cards) to veterans who are residents of Monmouth County and who served our country in active military duty.
“Getting a Veteran’s ID card is fast and easy, and there is no cost,” said Hanlon.
Veterans must bring in a NJ Driver’s License and ORIGINAL DD-214 “Report of Separation” to the County Clerk’s Freehold office or the Neptune Monmouth County Connection. A photocopy of the DD-214 will not be accepted; it must be an original DD-214. Information about how to replace a DD-214 may be obtained by calling 866-272-6272 or by going online to https://vetrecs.archives.gov.
“A Veteran fills out a simple application form and the staff will take a photograph and issue the Veteran an ID card on the spot,” said Hanlon. “The whole process takes about 20 minutes and is free of charge.”
The “Honoring our Heroes” window clings were designed by Natalie Syracuse of Syracuse Signs, Neptune Township.
The Monmouth County Clerk’s Office is located at 33 Mechanic Street in Freehold; the phone number is 732-431-7324 and the email address is Countyclerk@co.monmouth.nj.us.
The County’s Veterans Services Office is located at 3000 Kozloski Rd. in Freehold and open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office phone number is 732-683-8675 or visit the Veterans Services section of the County website at VisitMonmouth.com.
