News

Veterans Day

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
Jennifer Learn-Andes on Facebook   |   @TLJenLearnAndes on Twitter

A new program offers veterans in Luzerne County free plastic identification cards that verify their honorable discharge from the military and can be used to obtain discounts at participating businesses.

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Air Force veteran Ray Talacka displays his identification card.

Jennifer Learn-Andes/the times leader

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Lt. Col. Carl J. Weinschenk Jr., U.S. Army retired and retired commandant of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, salutes while taps is played by Charles Falcheck, American Legion, Ashley Post 673, during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township on Thursday.

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“It’s a good way for businesses to honor our veterans,” county Veteran Affairs Director James Spagnola said Thursday during an announcement about the program.

Spagnola and county Recorder of Deeds James “Red” O’Brien decided to start the card and discount program – believed to be the first in Pennsylvania -- after they heard about its popularity in New York. The program is called “Return the F.A.V.O.R. (Find & Assist Veterans of Record).”

O’Brien said no tax dollars are involved in making the cards because the program is funded by a fee on deed recordings in his office that must be used for record improvements. The recorder of deeds office stores military discharge records.

Businesses decide the discount they want to offer, from dollar amounts or percentages off purchases to other special offers, Spagnola said.

Participating merchants’ names, addresses and discount details will be listed in a pamphlet and a website about the program, and the businesses will receive a display poster announcing their participation, he said.

Businesses that are interested in the program may call Spagnola at 706-3960 or O’Brien at 825-1646. Veterans may contact Spagnola to schedule an appointment to obtain a card.

Army veteran Ray Majeski, Edwardsville, came to the Veterans Affairs office Thursday to get his photograph taken for a card, which he received on the spot.

“It’s a terrific program,” he said.

Air Force veteran Ray Talacka, Wilkes-Barre Township, said he appreciates the card he received Thursday and looks forward to discount offers.

“It’s fantastic. This will help a lot of veterans,” he said.