RI Veterans: Did you know? 29.06.23 (MWR, transportation, summer events…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Veteran Organization announces New Morale Welfare Recreation (MWR)Transportation Program 

The Italian American War Veterans of US announced the organization’s newest transportation program that will provide FREE transportation to veterans living at state and private nursing homes for leisure and special events to enhance a veteran’s life.

“I can not get the image of a veteran I visited at a private nursing home telling me he could not attend his wife’s funeral because he could not afford the needed wheelchair accessible transportation,” said Rhode Island Department Commander/Veteran Service Officer of the Italian American War Veterans of the US, John Cianci.

Many of the private nursing homes have a small population of veterans. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, they cannot afford to maintain a vehicle and needed staff to provide leisure and or special life events for veterans.

Visiting private nursing homes, it was learned that many veterans do not have hearing aids that they are eligible for, if needed, from the VA. The veterans will say that transportation from private nursing homes to the VA is the main reason they do not have the FREE hearing aids offered by the VA.

Although this van is not for transporting veterans to medical appointments, ITAM will coordinate with private nursing homes to transport eligible veterans to the Providence VA Medical to be tested and fitted for hearing aids. 

“I was OK with my husband draining our family emergency fund to purchase the van so the ITAM MWR program can be started immediately, ” said Wendy Cianci. She added, “he has been looking for a vehicle of this type for several weeks.”

Unfortunately, a wheelchair accessible van that was supposed to be donated to the organization fell through, once the donor found a veteran in need of one, and requested ITAM approval to donate directly to the veteran.

Many Rhode Islanders connect with the acronym “MWR”, and while serving in the military benefitted from the Armed Forces MWR program. MWR programs support and provide leisure services designed to enhance the lives of soldiers, their families, civilian employees, military retirees and other eligible participants. The program will provide 7 day a week transportation requested by veterans and their families to special events. A special event could be a veteran who wishes to go home for the day to have a meal with his spouse or family. Additionally, the van will be available on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.

The program is expected to be up and running no later than July 15, 2023. Volunteers will be the drivers, and family members of veterans requesting transportation will be asked to travel with the family from the nursing home to the destination. 

Volunteers and donations will be critical to the success of this program. 
The purchase of the vehicle, insurance, licenses, and all expenses will be funded by donations. 
For availability, volunteer opportunities, and more information contact ITAM office, (401) 677-9837 or email [email protected].

ITAM has set up a GoFundme: 

https://gofund.me/4aad94a9 is the link for online contributions toward this effort. Those wishing to donate by check can make the check out to ITAM and mail to 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, RI 02896. Note in the remarks section – “MWR Transport”.  ITAM organization is a IRS/State of Rhode Island non-profit congressional charter veteran organization accredited by the Veterans Administration . EIN number is 05-6034561.

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New eligibility for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits: Do you qualify?

Public Law 117-168 (PACT ACT) was signed into law on August 10, 2022. This resulted in a substantial expansion of a veteran’s military service that qualifies for presumptive toxic exposure and new presumptive conditions linked to that exposure. 

Surviving spouse rates if the Veteran died on or after January 1, 1993 is $1,562.74 per month, which is tax-free.

You may also be eligible for added amounts based on certain factors. See the VA web site for more information on certain factors,  https://www.va.gov/disability/survivor-dic-rates/

The law allows prior claimants for DIC to request a re-evaluation based on the expanded eligibility within the PACT Act. More information about the PACT Act can be found at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/.

VA administers a tax-free monetary benefit called “VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC)” to qualifying survivors of service members and Veterans. New legislation has expanded eligibility for VA DIC. If you’re the survivor of a service member who died in the line of duty or of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may qualify.

VETTIP: Important to note, DIC is not based on income and or assets of the surviving spouse. Simply put, DIC is based on eligibility dependents. When filling out the form for DIC you DO NOT have to complete the sections reporting income, assets, and medical information, DIC benefits will be awarded if the veterans disabilities contributed to his or her death. For free assistance, contact ITAM Veteran Service Officer, (401) 677-9838, or any of the serviced officers from the VFW, American Legion, and DAV who offer free assistance. 

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act is a new law that expands access to VA services and benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances, making it easier for many survivors to receive VA DIC. There are now more periods of service and over 20 additional presumptive conditions that qualify. Presumptive conditions are conditions that VA “presumes” are service-related. Learn more online at VA.gov/PACT.

If VA previously denied a claim for VA DIC based on a condition that qualifies under the new law, survivors can now apply to collect benefits as far back as the date of their original application. In this case, VA will try to contact you and may be able to reevaluate your claim. But you don’t need to wait for VA to contact you before you can reapply. If VA owed the Veteran money or benefits they never received, survivors may also be eligible for a one-time accrued benefits payment.

Review the new qualifying periods of service, locations, and presumptive conditions that were added by the PACT Act to determine if you want to file a claim. You can also review eligibility to determine whether you qualify as a surviving spouse or dependent of a Veteran.

When you’re ready to file a claim for VA DIC, you can do so online, by mail, or with help from an accredited representative, such as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The application you’ll need depends on your survivor status. If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, you’ll use VA Form 21P-534EZ. The evidence table and checklist found in the instructions of the 534EZ can help you submit a more complete application package and may allow for a quicker decision. If you’re a surviving parent, you’ll fill out VA Form 21P-535.

VA encourages survivors who believe they may be eligible for VA DIC to apply now.

Learn more about VA DIC and accrued benefits by visiting www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/.

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Events

July 2023

July 3 2023, Monday Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House( always meet the FIRST Monday of the month), 9-11 am. Roma Ristorante, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence (free parking across the street). Veterans and their guests are invited. Refreshments are available, which include Italian toast, pastries, and calzones. Any questions call Italian American War Veterans of US, (401) 677-9838, email, [email protected]

July 11/12 Rhode Island Army National Guard 88th Army Band Concerts: 

These concerts feature our three smaller music performance teams,  including our wonderful woodwind ensemble, our rock band doing classic rock, and our terrific brass funk group, Coyote Brads. We won’t be performing as a concert band.

July 11, 2023 Tuesday, North Kingstown Town Beach, 6:30 – 8pm

July 12, 2023 Wednesday, East Providence, Weaver Library, 6:30 – 8pm

July 18, 2023 Monday, FREE Luncheon 11:30-1:00 for Veterans and one guest at Perella’s Ristorante. 330 Metacom Ave Warren, RI. This month’s meal will be TBA. The event is a partnership of the Italian American War Veterans of US, inc. and the Building Bridges program. 

Last month over 60 veterans attended the luncheon. The Building Bridges program provides a free breakfast or lunch at 13 sites that include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. These sites are run by community volunteers at community sites, including halls run by fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations, and local restaurants. A team of veterans and volunteers do all the cooking and serving.

Do you know about a restaurant, post, lodge, hall, etc.. willing to host a luncheon on one of the Mondays in November, December, and January ITAM organization has RI Licensed Food Service Manager and full insurance.

If you have a location one of the luncheons can be held at, contact ITAM program manager John, (401) 677-9838.

August 2023

August 4, 2023, Annual RING Reunion, Quonset Officer Club, 11:00am, 200 LT James Brown Rd. North Kingstown RI, Hot buffet. Cost: $37 per person. Cut-Off date July 30, 2023.  Make checks payable to Bob Antonelli/Mail to:  9 Hurlburt Ave, Johnston, RI 02919. POC:  Bob Antonelli; [email protected]/401-837-6028/401-996-3764

September 2023

Sept 8-10, 2023  Rocky Point State Park, Warwick American Veteran Traveling Tribute & Traveling Wall, remembering 209 Rhode Islanders who lost their lives in Vietnam War. Donations and sponsorship will support Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. Memorial opens 8am Friday – 5 pm Sunday. Saturday September 9 2:09-2:30 and Sunday 2:09-2:30 pm reading of 209 Rhode Island names, For more information visit OSDRI’s Event Page, www.OSDRI.org

September 14, 15 Veteran Event, Johnston RI, Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston RI. Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 32nd annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 14th 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 9/14, and 8:00 – 3:30 on Friday 9/15. 

“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.

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RESOURCES  & ongoing groups 

Below are all 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:  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 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 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, 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.