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RI Veterans: Did you know? (tax credit, resources, contaminants…), 23-2-23 – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues
March 15th – Deadline for Veterans Real Estate Tax Applications
If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1947, and were honorably discharged, under Rhode Island law you are entitled to an annual tax credit from your town or city if you own a house.
VETTIP – Rhode Island law classifies any person who has an honorable discharge served in the Armed Forces since 1947 as a veteran. If you present your DD214 and the town or city representative denies to accept your application for the tax exemption, saying “you are not a veteran or eligible”, contact your local State of Rhode Island Senator or State Representative.
To be eligible for this credit, the veteran must bring his or her DD214/discharge papers to the city or town hall and apply for the veteran tax credit. The credit will result in an average savings for veteran from $100 to $500 dollars, annually, on real estate taxes.
Most towns and cities have a March 15, 2023 deadline to apply for the credit to ensure the credit will be reflected on the upcoming real estate tax bill. Once approved, the veteran does not need to apply again, and if the veteran passes on, the widow or widower would be eligible for the same credit as long as he or she remains unmarried.
For more information on the amount of tax credit and the deadline for your town or city for veterans, disabled veterans, veterans with a purple heart, and Gold Star parents, go to Governor Daniel J McKee’s September 2022, Report on the Veteran, Senior, and Other Tax Exemption Report:
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Hundreds of former Rhode Island Army National Guard Military Police exposed to herbicides at Fort McClellan
We start off with questions from one of our readers.
Q – I served as a Military Police in one of Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) units, 115th Military Police Company, and have thyroid cancer. Attended Fort McClellan for basic and advanced individual training in the 80s and was told my cancer could be linked to while at Fort McClellan. Do you have any information on contaminants at Fort McClellan? John, North Providence
A – Like yourself, hundreds, if not thousands of Rhode Island Army National Guard soldiers attended basic and AIT at Fort McClellan schools for Military Police duties in RI military police units (118th MP Bn, 115th MP Co, 169th MP Co, 43d MP Brigade, and deactivated military police units: 243 MP Bn, 1111th MP Co, and 119th MP Co), in the seventies and eighties.
Yes, cancer or other illnesses the Veterans Administration acknowledges veterans were exposed to chemicals at Fort McClellan. Rhode Islander National Guard soldiers attending basic and advanced training are included in the group of veterans who could have been exposed to chemicals during field training exercises.
The herbicides (Agent White and Blue), herbicides mixed to create Agent Orange are detailed in one document in the environmental baseline study in the content of a YouTube video on Fort McClellan, created and posted by Providence, RI law firm Chisholm, Chisholm and Kilpatrick LTD. (CCK)
https://efiling.uscourts.cavc.gov/cmecf/servlet/TransportRoom?servlet=ShowDoc/01207370024
Additionally, the environmental baseline study for Fort McClellan is detailed and used as evidence in a United States Court of Veterans Appeals For Claims, No. 19-3492 Michael D. McRae , Appellant v. Robert L. Wilkie, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Appellee decision dated December 9, 2020.
https://efiling.uscourts.cavc.gov/cmecf/servlet/TransportRoom?servlet=ShowDoc/01207370024
VETTIP – The ITAM VSO recommends to any veteran filing a claim he or she believes could be a result of their service at Fort McClellan – attach a sworn statement to the claim seeking the VA Duty To Assist Law make reasonable to obtain evidence (1) Obtain a copy of the EPA study for Fort McClellan, (2) The VA review CCK’s the aforementioned CCK YouTube on Fort McClellan in assisting the veteran with his or her claim.
What is duty to assist regulation?
(a) Duty To Assist -(1) The Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.
One of the chemicals the veterans could have been exposed to at Fort McClellan – Studies have shown Agent Orange is known to remain in soil and surrounding water for over 50 years.
Just recently the Italian American War Veterans of the US (ITAM), Veterans Service Officer assisted 2 veterans in gathering the evidence to support that their cancer was linked to their service at Fort McClellan. In one of the VA decisions, the VA acknowledges the veteran was exposed to chemicals at Fort McClellan. The decision read:
“We have assigned a 100% percent evaluation for your cancer due to chemical exposure at Fort McClellan.”
Both veterans who were successful in linking their cancer to Fort McClellan attached a statement to their claim detailing during basic/AIT training they recalled training in areas the vegetation was dead. Moreover, one detailed that unlike trees in the non-training area which had leaves, all the trees in the training area had no leaves; on the ground near the trees laid dead leaves. In the veteran’s statement, the veteran sought VA Duty to Assist Law for the VA to obtain a copy of the EPA study that detailed herbicides were in the soil.
John, or any veteran if you have cancer, or had cancer, or any other illnesses you believe were a result of your service at Fort McClellan, I recommend you apply for VA disability immediately. If you need assistance with your claim, the ITAM VSO can assist you at no cost. Call ITAM’s office, (401) 677-9838 for assistance.
VETTIP – If you are a widow or widower of a Veteran who died of cancer, more than likely, the cancer can be linked to the Veteran’s service which will entitle you to an estimated $1500 a month compensation check, along with medical coverage for life. Call ITAM’s office, (401) 677-9838 for assistance.
More Information On Chemical Exposure At Fort McClellan
In 1999, Congress closed the installation under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) legislation. This legislation required the former National Guard training center to undergo environmental cleanup and redevelopment before the transfer of the property to public domain status.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shut down the base, labeling it a hazardous site. The area is so toxic that it is illegal to sink a well in the surrounding communities. The EPA placed a portion of the Depot on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989.
Many tons of Agent Orange and other highly volatile substances like uranium and nerve gas were stored at Fort McClellan before being used extensively in the Vietnam War to wipe out vegetation and foliage, exposing thousands of service members and civilians to the chemical and causing lasting damage.
Veterans may file a claim for disability compensation for health problems they believe are related to exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service at Fort McClellan. VA decides these claims on a case-by-case basis.
The VA does admit some members of the U.S. Army Chemical Corp School, Army Combat Development Command Chemical/Biological/Radiological Agency, Army Military Police School, and Women’s Army Corps, among others, may have been exposed to one or more of several hazardous materials, likely at low levels, during their service at Fort McClellan.
Is Fort McClellan still toxic?
The official answer from VA is No.
However, toxins detected at Fort McClellan have numerous health issues connected to exposure. Even the VA admits these problems: note that the above conditions are not an exhaustive list of the health effects of exposure to the toxins at Fort McClellan
While none of these health issues are presumptive YET, the VA has admitted that some soldiers who served there were exposed.
Namely:
S. Army Chemical Corps School (Army Chemical School)
The Women’s Army Corps serving at the Fort McClellan Army base (WAC)
Army Combat Development Command/Chemical/Biological/Radiological Agency
Army Military Police School
Medical Conditions Related to Fort McClellan Toxic Exposure in Alabama
Exposure to the specific compounds listed on the VA website as specific to Fort McClellan and their potential effects are as follows:
· Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs):
· liver damage/cancer, anemia,
· stomach
· thyroid gland injuries,
· changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and impaired reproduction.
· Sulfur Mustard:
· Bronchitis,
· long-term respiratory problems,
· lower sperm count,
· respiratory cancers.
· Nerve Gas Agents:
· tightness in the chest,
· excessive salivation,
· abdominal cramps,
· diarrhea,
· blurred vision,
· tremors,
· paralysis
Fort McClellan veterans do not get presumptive Agent Orange exposure. Even though an Army report conceded massive use of Agent Orange. Between 1974 and 1976, the Army dumped nearly 30,000 gallons of Agent Orange at the base. Agent Orange exposure is linked to:
· Parkinson’s disease,
· Myelomas,
· Lymphomas,
· Hodgkin’s disease,
· Diabetes Type II,
· Leukemia,
· Amyloidosis,
· Peripheral Neuropathy (early-onset),
· Prostate Cancer,
· Respiratory cancers.
· Ischemic heart disease
· Hypertension (high blood pressure)
· Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
· Porphyria cutanea tarda
· Agent Blue:
· Bladder cancer,
· stomach cancer,
· lymphatic cancers,
· lung cancers,
· leukemia,
· skin cancers,
· liver cancer
· Cobalt (Co-60): High levels of Cobalt exposure can cause changes in the genetic materials within cells and may develop some types of cancers.
· Cesium: Large amounts of Cesium can damage cells in the body.
· Uranium: Kidney damage from ingestion, increased probability of cancers.
· Plutonium: Cancers of the bones, lungs, and liver, impaired immune system.
Potential Exposure at Fort McClellan
Photo: U.S. Army
Fort McClellan was an Army installation in Alabama that opened in 1917 and closed in 1999 as part of the Army Base Closure and Realignment Committee (BRAC) program.
Some members of the U.S. Army Chemical Corp School, Army Combat Development Command Chemical/Biological/Radiological Agency, Army Military Police School, and Women’s Army Corps, among others, may have been exposed to one or more of several hazardous materials, likely at low levels, during their service at Fort McClellan.
Potential exposures could have included, but are not limited to, the following:
· Radioactive compounds (cesium-137 and cobalt-60) used in decontamination training activities in isolated locations on base.
· Chemical warfare agents (mustard gas and nerve agents) used in decontamination testing activities in isolated locations on base.
· Airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the Monsanto plant in the neighboring town.
Although exposures to high levels of these compounds have been shown to cause a variety of adverse health effects in humans and laboratory animals, there is no evidence of exposures of this magnitude having occurred at Fort McClellan.
PCBs and the Monsanto chemical plant
From 1929 to 1971, an off-post Monsanto chemical plant operated south of Fort McClellan in Anniston, AL. PCBs from the plant were released into the environment, and the surrounding community was exposed.
Since the 1990s, several investigations have been conducted to characterize the exposure of Anniston residents to PCBs from the Monsanto plant. For more information on these studies, visit – Anniston Community Health Survey (ACHS) | ATSDR (cdc.gov).
In conclusion, it took many years before the VA recognized Agent Orange Exposure and other locations veteran were exposed to like Camp Lejeune, which after years of denial, VA finally acknowledged veterans were exposed to contaminated drinking water. Bottom line, don’t give up. Fort McClellan is a winnable fight you make take on and continue not only for yourself, but for your family who could be entitled to monthly compensation and education benefits if you connect your illnesses to herbicides exposure while you served at Fort McClellan on active duty.
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
Services
No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 10% 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 07/31/2028
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 10% 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)
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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.