Anson County Veterans office and the Register of Deeds are working to help veterans through their Thank a Vet program.
The kickoff for the program is July 1 at the Register of Deeds at 9 a.m.
“The primary goal is to show appreciation to the veterans of the county for their military service,” said Andrea Lamonds, veterans service officer.
Anson County Veterans can register their original DD214, or a nationally archived certified copy of your DD214 to the, Register of Deeds office at, 101 South Greene St., Ste. 131, Wadesboro, on or after July 1, and the Veterans Service office will make you an Anson County Veterans ID card. The ID card will allow you to receive discounts from participating Anson County business’s as a way to say, thank you, for your service. The ID card will be required for the discount.
The registration of your DD214 is free.
Lamonds said while working as a Veterans Service Officer in Guilford County, the Register of Deeds office was finding that due to VA regulation for burial honors, which included a requirement of a DD214 (discharge certificate), families of veterans weren’t able to acquire a copy of the DD214’s in time for a military burial.
“The Register of Deeds in Greensboro Jeff Thigpen, asked that all Veterans register their discharge so that we, the county, could access the document in plenty of time to secure a funeral with honors for every county Veteran,” she said. “In exchange, he developed a discount card as a way to say thank you to each and every Veteran who registered their DD214.”
The veteran receives a free certified copy of the document as they need it; and it is a closed registration. This means while the veteran is alive no one can access the discharge except them.
“It also stimulates the economy and promotes the small businesses,” Lamonds said. “It appeared to be a win-win for the community.”
Lamonds left Guilford County to come to Anson Jan. 14, and presented the program to County Manager Barron Monroe II, who encouraged the development. Then, they met with the Register of Deeds, Greg Eudy, who Lamonds said didn’t hesitate to get on board
Lamonds and Eudy begin working on the program in February, and presented to and received the unanimous support of the commissioners March 5.
“Our number one goal is to recognize our veterans for their selfless efforts to participate in the greater good of our nation’s progress,” Lamonds said.
They began the process by communicating with the businesses through letters and meetings; in which multiple businesses agreed to participate in the program as a way to thank the veterans for their service as a community.
“We purchased a card maker and designed a card,” Lamonds said. “Then, I sent out letters to the Veterans inviting them to participate in the program.”
The currently participating businesses include; Rayfield Meats, Peaches and Cream, Allen’s General Store, Lady Bugs Restaurant, Papa Joe’s Pizza, Napa Auto, Auto Zone, Advance Auto, Pinkston’s, Wadesboro Lumber and Supply, Browns Creek Animal Hospital, C&M Auto, Martin’s Furniture, H.W. Little & Co., and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.
“We would like to thank Carolina Title and Logan Systems for their contributions, which made this program possible,” Lamonds said.
Anson businesses, its not to late to add your name to the list. If interested, contact the Veterans Service office for more details, 704-694-4418, 111 N. Greene St., Wadesboro.
“We hope the veterans will be honored and feel appreciated. We hope the veterans will look into their VA benefits and utilize the Veteran Service Office,” Lamonds said. “We hope the program will stimulate local businesses.”