RI Veterans: Did you know? (NE Patriots, Thanksgiving, events…) 3-11-22 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

New England Patriots Honor World War II Veterans with Memorial and Ceremony – 5 of 6 WWII Veterans From Rhode Island 

The New England Patriots Foundation and Cross Insurance kicked off the NFL’s Salute to Service Campaign on Wednesday with a special ceremony by unveiling a World War II memorial dedicated to veterans who served in the war. 

In attendance, 6 World War II veterans of the greatest generation – 5 of them from Rhode Island; John A Romano (99), Gaetano “Guy”Armillotto (94), Ernie Carfolla (94), Raymond Theroux (96), and Louis Dolce (98). And – John Grace(95), Foxboro MA.

WWII Patriot Park Salute to Serrvice: All six WWII veterans, (left to right) Josh Kraft, John Grace (95), John A Romano (99), Gaetano “Guy”Armillotto (94), Ernie Carfolla (94), Raymond Theroux (96) and Louis Dolce (98).

The average age? A tad below 96 – the oldest, Romano, 99, and 2 youngest 94, Armilloto and Carfolla. 

Romano is from Warwick, RI, and literally silenced the attendees when he arrived all decked out walking like a young man to join the other World War II veterans in attendance. Not only has Romano dodged death during World War II, he has managed to dodge the normal aging practice. 

“My God, look at him,” said one of the other World War II Veterans, Louise Dolce, 98 years old, from Bristol RI. 

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After the ceremony, Josh Kraft was treated to homemade Italian cookies and wine biscuits made from one of the WWII veterans, Gaetano “Guy” Armillotto, 94 years old, US Navy. 

Mrs. Kimberly Brillon, Armilloto’s friend who brought him to the event, encouraged Kraft to try one of his homemade cookies, telling Kraft, “he makes the best wine biscuits and Italian cookies.”

Josh Kraft, president of Kraft Family Philanthropies and WWII Navy Veteran Gaetano “Guy” Armillotto, 94 years old, Navy. Kraft enjoying one of the homemade biscuits by Armillotto.

Kraft and Armilloto talked about Armilloto’s military career. Armillotojoined the Navy at age 17 in1946 in Providence.  He attended Boot Camp in Bainbridge, Maryland and boarded his first destroyer in Newport, Rhode Island on the USS Kenneth D. Bailey. He was an apprentice electrician and movie operator.

Former New England Patriot Andre Tippitt thanked each and ever one of the WWII veterans for their service. In addition, Tippitt was sure to thank all veterans who attended the event and on behalf of the Patriots presenting to all of the veterans special edition Salute to Service Patriot baseball-style cap. 

The memorial will be on display at Patriot Place, located at Dean College Stage, between Citizens Crust and Skipjack’s through November 14, 2022. 

VETTIP: Attending the Patriot-Colt game on Sunday? Spend some time checking out the memorial near Lot 23 located in front of the Dean College Stage.

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More Veteran Happenings:

WORK VESSELS FOR VETS transfers $50,000 handicapped van donated to US Navy patient at Walter Reed Military Hospital 

This week, WVFV donated a barely used Toyota Sienna Van, fully equipped for a wheelchair-bound driver.  WVFV received the gift of the van from the widow of a veteran who died of ALS.  Then WVFV gifted the van to USN CDR Teddy Tan, a patient at Walter Reed Military Hospital with similar medical issues. 

“CDR Tan, while still on active duty with the US Navy, has a debilitating disease of the nervous system similar to ALS.  He will be mustered out of the Navy soon, and this van will offer him freedom to move on from military service to civilian success,” said Cathy Cook of Work Vessels for Vets.  

The van with only 6,000 miles on it, is fully handicap-equipped and appraised at over $50,000. The military widow who donated the van wishes to remain anonymous.   The donations were facilitated through a partnership with Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE), a Virginia-based program that teaches injured veterans how to drive following paralysis, amputation or other injuries.   

“Work Vessels for Vets was proud to help start DRCE, a veteran-owned business, in 2016, and now we are  especially delighted to partner with them to donate this specialized van to CDR Tan,” added Cook. 

Owned by two military veterans, Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE) helps people with disabilities drive adapted vehicles — and change their lives.  This business was founded by Josh Himan, who became a quadriplegic after encountering an IED (improvised explosive device) while serving with the Marines in Afghanistan.  Co-founder, retired Army Major Tammy Phipps, is occupational therapist and certified driving rehabilitation specialist who created the first and only comprehensive driving-rehabilitation program in the Defense Department.  People interested in using DRCE’s services may visit www.driverrehabcenter.com for a driver-evaluation appointment. 

Work Vessels for Vets is a unique national charity, based in Mystic, Connecticut.  No other nonprofit is solely dedicated to awarding equipment America’s Injured veterans for future civilian success. Since 2008, the awards have ranged from commercial fishing boats to farm tractors, skid loaders, hay balers, trucks, trailers, UTVs, drones, electronics, tools, and even a therapy horse!  More than 2600 veterans across all 50 states have received equipment valued at over $3.6 million from this award-winning group of volunteers from southeastern Connecticut.         

Learn more about our injured veteran awardees at www.WVFV.org 

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Thanksgiving for our Veterans

November 24, 2022, Thursday, Thanksgiving. Perella Ristornate, Metacom Ave Warren. The restaurant is closed, however, veterans and their guest are invited by the  Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) and Auxiliary for FREE Thanksgiving dinner Perella Ristorante, Metacom Ave, Warren.Reservations are required for one of the sittings, 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00. For more information, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]. ITAM is also looking for volunteers the day before and on Thanksgiving day to prepare and serve the dinners to the veterans.

November 9, 2022, Bishop Hendricken. Fr. Marciano will also host a prayer service in honor of Veterans’ Day at 10am in the War Memorial Prayer Garden on campus. A brief reception will be held in the President’s Dining room following the ceremony. All are invited to attend; no RSVP required.

November 11, 2022, Hendricken and  Iggy’s to host Veterans Day Breakfast for two servings, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Bishop Hendricken High School and Iggy’s Boardwalk Restaurant will honor those who have served with a free Veterans’ Day Breakfast on Friday, November 11, 2022. All veterans and active duty ,military and their families will eat for free. All veterans are invited to attend and should RSVP to Peter Thomas ’86 at 401.889.5424 or [email protected] by Thursday, November 3, 2022.

November 13, 2022 – Free Veterans Luncheon – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge #2285, social hour 1pm, luncheon 2pm. Veterans are free/guests $15.00. Keynote speaker Kasim Yarn. Music by 88th Army Band. Point of contact: Elks Lodge (after 4pm) 401-397-3700.

Other Events:

November 1st to December 1st – Art – Story of Rhode Island’s Veterans – URI Feinstein campus, downtown Providence, 80 Washington Street, Providence.

Saturday, November 5th – WaterFire Salute to Veterans – Salute to Veterans ceremony begins at 4:30pm – Full Waterfire Night – Lighting at approximately 5:35pm (sunset), event goes to 10pm. Supported by lead sponsor General Dynamics Electric Boat with additional support from Rhode Island Energy, Providence VA Medical Center, and Starwood Energy Group.

November 9th, 11am to 4:15pm – Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery – should be covered widely by local and national television stations.

November 19th, 5:30pm – Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame 2022 honoree dinner, Scottish Rite Masonic Center – more info HERE. Stay tuned to RINewsToday for more info.

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Operation Stand Down seeking help for our Veterans this Thanksgiving

If you can donate, please check out the details – and help with food gift cards so veterans at Operation Stand Down Rhode Island can benefit.

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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! Be aware that holiday schedules may change some of the “regularly scheduled” and check ahead.

***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

Services

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount , ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.

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 07/31/2022.

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 07/31/2022.

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 3 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)

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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.