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RI Veterans: Did you know? 24-08-22 (Navy Salute to Summer, OSDRI assistance event) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, Department Veterans Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans (ITAM)
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) will kick off its 31st annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 15th at 8 a.m. This Veteran Assistance Event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Services will be available from 8:00 – 4:30 on Thursday 9/15, and 8:00 – 3:30 on Friday 9/16.
“Since its inception in 1993, the annual event has provided thousands of veterans with access to important services including health, dental, and substance abuse care, as well as employment, legal, and housing services. After holding a scaled back event during the pandemic in 2020, OSDRI expects a full roster of service providers this September.” said Erik Wallin, Esq. Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI.
The event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Veterans may access the location via RIPTA bus Route 28 which operates out of Kennedy Plaza and stops at the corner of Hartford and Bordon Avenue. Those arriving via their own vehicle must park and take a shuttle from behind the paved parking area ACROSS from Tri-County Community Action Agency: 1133 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919
Although no overnight lodging is available, lunch will be provided on both Thursday the 15th and Friday the 16th from 12:00 – 1:30.
If you are an organization wishing to attend as a service provider please e-mail [email protected].
If you want to sponsor a tent please register here or contact [email protected] for more details.
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“RI Veterans: Did you know?” Sponsor – Precision Home Lending
Events
August 27 2022, Salute To Summer Concert and Fireworks, 2:00 p.m to 9:30 p.m US Naval Station, Newport RI (open to the public)
VETTIP – I have attended and the setting is awesome. Moreover, during the fireworks patriotic music is played, which was helpful in my adjustments to sounds of fireworks since returning from combat.
Get this event on your calendar – it’s an annual “not to miss”!
The Naval Station Newport’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department continues to make preparations and final arrangements for the installation’s annual “Salute to Summer” concert and fireworks show to be held Saturday, August 27 at the installation.
“This year’s celebration is shaping up to be a very exciting event, with so many activities, great entertainment and food choices,” shared Dean Weidman, Director of Morale, Welfare and Recreation at the base. “We are going to make this Salute to Summer a most memorable event for the public and our installation.”
According to Weidman, musical performances scheduled for this year’s event include:
The Naticks, voted Best Rhode Island Indie Band in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021 in Rhode Island Monthly’s readers’ poll.
Down City Band, playing a wide range of genres, including blues, classic rock, country, pop and more
Navy Band Northeast, based at the installation, one of 11 Navy bands worldwide, which plays a wide variety of top-40, popular, rock and patriotic music beyond the ceremonial support it provides for military services and events.
Food/Family Fun
This year’s Salute to Summer will also feature great offerings for the taste buds, in addition to the sights and sounds guests will experience from the concert and fireworks shows.
Alcoholic beverages will be offered for sale by the installation MWR program.
All afternoon and into the evening there will be activities and entertainment offered in addition to the music and food. Local vendors and groups will offer face painting, balloon art, caricatures and mobile gaming as part of the experiences guests can purchase or take part in during the event.
Schedule:
Open to the General Public!
2 p.m.
Dewey Field gates open to authorized ID holders with base access
Food Trucks:
– Jaju Pierogi
– Spanglish
– Red’s Street Kitchen
– Newport Chowder Company
– Saugy’s
– Ben & Jerry’s
– Black Dog Donuts
– Hometown Poke
– Ja Patty
– Twisted T’s
Kid’s Area:
– Toe Jam Puppet Band
– Face Painting
– Wishkers
– Mermaid Masterpieces
3 p.m. – The Naticks
4 p.m. – Gate 1 opens for general public, pedestrian traffic only
5 p.m. – Down City Band
7 p.m. – Navy Band Northeast
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks
More information and rules to follow to enjoy the event, go to https://rinewstoday.com/rules-and-structure-for-a-safe-family-fun-event-naval-station-newports-salute-to-summer-concert-fireworks-show
If you go, take some pix and send them to RINewstoday or to me and we may use them in next week’s article!
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RESOURCES & ongoing groups
Below are all of the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering. As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!
***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) via email at [email protected]***
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
Restaurants
Applebee’s – Military Discount … With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2028
Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty . Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2028 (PS I had breakfast there on Saturday).
Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021
99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID
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Retailers
Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021
Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).
BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021
Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner, ID.me.
ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.
GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me
Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.
Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.
Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 15% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at select locations listed below:
Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI
Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get –
1. Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account.
2. Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly.
3. Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.
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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to:[email protected]: the business’s name , location, and military and veteran discount offered.
If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)
To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/
John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.
Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.
Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.
He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp For Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.