WINTON – Military personnel, active and retired, can never be fully paid for their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way in protecting the freedom we all enjoy as Americans.

However, a new program being launched in Hertford County can be viewed as a small token of appreciation for those who served or are currently serving in all branches of the military.

Donald Kirkland, Chairman of the Hertford County Veterans Advisory Council (HCVAC), announced last week that the organization has developed a business discount program for veterans and active duty military personnel.

“This discount will come from businesses located within Hertford County, and will be an everyday discount, not just holidays,” Kirkland stated.

He added that after he updated the Hertford County Board of Commissioners at their Aug. 20 meeting of the plans by the HCVAC, his group voted unanimously two days later to begin the implementation of the Hertford County Veteran Discount Program.

“We as a committee want to thank all veterans for your service,” Kirkland said. “From the beginning of the council’s first meeting, we decided to work hard to accomplish all we can for our veterans. We want to show that veterans are eager to work to help other veterans and their families and get things done. Just because we took the uniform off, it does not mean we quit serving. Our oath to the country and our fellow citizen is an oath that is for life. Leadership and servitude is ingrained in all veterans, and we are leading with veterans serving veterans.

He said the discount program is something that will benefit all of Hertford County veterans and their families, county citizens, the businesses, and the surrounding counties as well.

“When a veteran comes to Hertford County or is a resident of Hertford County to spend money, they are putting tax dollars into our coffers,” Kirkland noted. “They are spending money in local businesses. This in turn helps businesses hire people and give raises to existing employees. It also allows the county to add money collected through taxes to the General Fund that will benefit the county on infrastructure, public safety, etc.

“When we advertise that Hertford County is a veteran friendly county, we can attract out of county/state veterans to spend their money here as they pass through our county,” he continued. “This all starts with businesses willing to offer these discounts. These discounts can be 10%, 20%, free food, services, etc. That is something that is of great interest amongst veterans.”

To qualify for the discount, Kirkland said veterans must show a form of I.D. denoting they are a veteran. This can range from showing their DD-214, V.A. Identification Card, Military I.D., and Driver’s License with a Veteran notation.

“We are also encouraging veterans to obtain a Hertford County Veteran I.D. issued through the Veterans Service Office with proper veteran status paper work,” Kirkland said.

Businesses opting to offer discounts to military veterans will be identified by a decal placed at their front entrance. Those decals will be supplied by the HCVAC.

Hertford County military veterans and businesses wishing to become part of the program can contact either Kirkland at 252-862-7617 or Chad Stephens at the Veterans Service Office in Winton at 252-358-7811.