ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has compiled a list of local businesses and organizations that are teaming-up with her in an effort to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The County Clerk’s Office will post the information on the Union County website listing all of the local stores, agencies and businesses that offer special discounts on products, food, entertainment and services for military veterans. Veterans must show either an Honorable Discharge ID card or other proof that they are a veteran at the time of purchase
“My office was one of the first in the state more than ten years ago to issue free Honorable Discharge identification cards for veterans as proof of service in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “The ID card program has assisted veterans in receiving educational benefits, death benefits, licenses, local property tax rebates and retail discounts intended just for them.”
“I’ve urged local businesses and service providers to send information to me about discounts they offer to veterans,” Rajoppi said. “I’m now making this information available on the Union County website to veterans groups and to individuals who come to my office seeking an Honorable Discharge ID card.”
The growing list of local businesses that offer discounts to veterans include home improvement stores and contractors, banks and financial consultants, medical professionals and fitness centers, restaurants, food markets and an automobile dealership.
“Veterans living in Union County can receive a free identification card by bringing their original discharge papers to the County Clerk’s Office in either Westfield or Elizabeth,” Rajoppi added. “This ID card service is just one way to say thank you and make veterans’ lives a little easier.”
As more retailers and service providers offer veteran discounts, their discounts will be added to the list. Businesses may provide their information to the Union County Clerk by accessing the Veterans Discount Form online at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/veterans-discount-form/
The Veterans ID Card Act was signed into law in 2012. The card is available to veterans whose original Certificate of Honorable Discharge and/or DD-214 form are recorded at the Union County Clerk’s office. If a veteran’s discharge papers have never been recorded, the original documents must be presented at either one the Union County Clerk’s offices.
The County Clerk’s Office in Westfield, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth, in the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 114, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If additional information is needed, please call 908-659-7403.