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As a way to improve life for U.S. veterans, the Franklin County Register of Deeds Office has started a new program, called Thank a Veteran, to help them get the discounts they deserve.

The program provides service members with a free photo ID card when they record their DD214 military-service records with the Register of Deeds Office in the Franklin County Courthouse at no charge or by verifying that they previously recorded their discharge.

Register of Deeds Denise Marshall summed up the program’s significance.

“This service is free and a way to express our appreciation for your service,” she said as a direct thank-you to veterans.

Marshall explained that veterans who have participated in Thank a Veteran have expressed their gratitude for the service.

“Those who have come in here have been so nice and appreciative that people care and want to do something for them,” she said.

Those who have already recorded their military discharge with the Register of Deeds office are being advised to stop by the office with a valid photo ID and have personnel there confirm the discharge has been recorded, and then a Thank a Veteran photo ID will be issued.

Those who wish to record their DD214 will need to bring the original or a certified copy and reflect the type of discharge to be recorded — honorable, medical or other type.

Marshall said having the Thank a Veteran photo ID will make it easier for former military personnel to get the discounts they’ve earned while also showing them where those discounts are located.

Participating businesses will be provided with a decal to place on the window or door of their business to help veterans identify participating establishments.

 “I hope this will encourage other businesses to join the program,” Marshall said.

She explained that she is the wife of an honorably discharged Vietnam War veteran.

“I know how difficult it is to carry around your papers to present for a discount,” she said. “The Thank a Veteran program allows you to present a photo ID card that entitles you to a discount at a participating business.”

The program encourages veterans to register their DD214, and it builds partnerships with local businesses, Marshall said.

She said the Register of Deeds office is working to get the word out to every veteran in Franklin County who can benefit from the program.

“We are working with many local groups, Franklin County Veterans Services and the American Legion, that serve our military veterans so that none of these heroes miss this valuable and well-deserved benefit,” Marshall said.

For further information about the process, call Franklin County Veterans Services at 931-967-9322 or the American Legion at 931-308-8914.

Marshall extended her thanks to Amy Dennis, U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais’ field representative, who provided the Register of Deeds office with an American flag that was flown at the U.S. Capitol as a tribute to veterans, and Samuel Douglas, who designed the star logo that is being displayed on the doors and windows of businesses participating in the Thank a Veteran program.

“I want to recognize Samuel Douglas for the veteran logo,” Marshall said, adding that it was an outstanding effort on his part.

Marshall also extended her thanks to the businesses that have thoroughly supported the program.

They include A+ Title and Escrow, About Town Apparel, Bennett’s Pharmacy, Bluegill Grill, Burl’s Termite & Pest Control, CJ’s Coffee Barn, Creations Screen Printing & Embroidery, Davis Market, Designer Cakes, Franklin County Lumber Co., Franklin County Paint, Hall Furniture, Heath Automotive, Henley Supply Millwork, Merle’s, Meshed, Metropolitan Escrow Inc., Poultry Electric & Pro Hardware, Russell’s Outdoor & Trading Co., Teddy’s Lawnmower, Tennessee Car Care and Walnut Hill Coffee Co.