Subscribe!
RI Veterans: Did you know? 6.7.23 (Medals, fishing events, resources, discounts…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues
Questions from one of our readers:
Q: How do I request military awards and decorations since I was already discharged before some of them were approved for my service? – Tom, N. Smithfield
A: For the Veteran:
In general, the military services will work replacement medal requests for the veteran at no cost. This includes family members with the signed authorization of the veteran.
Sample Authorization request from the National Personnel Record Center:
The following is suggested as an example of an acceptable authorization:
“I authorize the National Personnel Records Center, or other custodian of my military service record, to release to (your name or that of your company and/or organization) the following information and/or copies of documents from my military service record.”
Complete the authorization by specifying the information and/or document(s) requested. Be sure to sign and date the authorization. Authorizations are honored for one year from the date of signature.
VETTIP – I recommend the veteran or next of kin contact any U.S Senator or Congress member from Rhode Island to assist in obtaining initial or replacement ribbons and medals. This can be done online, or calling. Ask to speak to the veteran liaison. Contact information:
Senator Jack Reed’s Office, Cranston
1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920-5602, T: (401) 943-3100
F: (401) 464-6837
https://www.reed.senate.gov/contact
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Providence:
170 Westminster St., Ste. 200, Providence, RI 02903, P: (401) 453-5294, F: (401) 453-5085
https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/contact/email-sheldon
Congressman Seth Magaziner
935 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3003, Warwick, RI 02886, Phone: (401) 244-1201
https://magaziner.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact
If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran:
You must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.
For the Next-of-Kin: the process (and cost) for replacement medals requests differs among the service branches and is dependent upon who is requesting the medal, particularly if the request involves an archival record. Click here for details.
Important Information for the Next-of-Kin (NOK):
Who is the Next-of-Kin (NOK)?
- For the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard, the NOK is defined as: the un-remarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, or sister
- For the Army, the NOK is defined as: the surviving spouse, eldest child, father or mother, eldest sibling, or eldest grandchild
If you do not meet the definition of NOK, you are considered a member of the general public.
How the type of record (archival or non-archival) affects NOK requests for medals:
The Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) is used to verify awards to which a veteran may be entitled. OMPFs are accessioned into the National Archives, and become archival, 62 years after the service member’s separation from the military. Separation from service is defined as discharge, retirement or death in service based on a rolling date. (To calculate this, take the current year and subtract 62.) Records with a discharge date 62 (or more) years ago are archival and are open to the public. Records with a discharge date less than 62 years ago are non-archival and are maintained under the Federal Records Center program. Non-archival records are subject to access restrictions. As such, the veteran’s date of separation (separation is defined as discharge, retirement or death in service) will affect how the request is processed. See below:
For the General Public: if the service member separated from military service 62 (or more) years ago, the public may purchase a copy of the veteran’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to determine the awards due and obtain the medals from a commercial source. If the service member separated less than 62 years ago, the public may request such information from the OMPF via the Freedom of Information Act ( see Access to OMPFs by the General Public).
The issuance or replacement of military service medals, awards and decorations must be requested in writing. For deceased veterans, requests for medals will be accepted from the next of kin. Requests should be submitted in writing to the appropriate military service branch division of the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
To submit a request, use Standard Form 180. There is generally no charge for medal or award replacements. For more information, or for the mailing address of the military branch office to submit your request to, call 1-866-272-6272 or visit the NPRC website.
Army:
| ARMY | |
| Where to write for medals | National Personnel Records Center 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 or REQUEST MEDALS ONLINE! |
| Where medals are mailed from | U.S. Army TACOM Clothing and Heraldry (PSID) P.O. Box 57997 Philadelphia, PA 19111-7997 |
| Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal | U.S. Army Human Resources Command Soldier Program and Services Division – Awards and Decorations Branch ATTN: AHRC-PDP-A 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Dept 480 Fort Knox, KY 40122-5408 |
Air Force:
| AIR FORCE (includes Army Air Corps & Army Air Forces) | |
| Where to write for medals | National Personnel Records Center 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 or REQUEST MEDALS ONLINE! |
| Where medals are mailed from, and where to write in case of a problem or an appeal | Active Duty Veterans Reserve & Air Guard Veterans Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center HQ AFPC/DP1SP 550 C Street West, Suite 12 Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714 Air Reserve Personnel Center HQ ARPC/DPTARA 18420 E Silver Creek Ave Bldg 390 MS 68 Buckley AFB, CO 80011 |
Navy
| AVY | |
| Where to write for medals | National Personnel Record Center 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 or REQUEST MEDALS ONLINE! |
| Where medals are mailed from | Navy Personnel Command PERS 312 5751 Honor Drive Building 769 Room 158 Millington, TN 38055-3120 |
| Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal | Department of the Navy Chief of Naval Operations (DNS-35) 2000 Navy Pentagon Washington, DC 20350-2000 |
Marine Corps
| MARINE CORPS | |
| Where to write for medals | National Personnel Record Center 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 or REQUEST MEDALS ONLINE! |
| Where medals are mailed from | Navy Personnel Command PERS 312 5751 Honor Drive Building 769 Room 158 Millington, TN 38055-3120 |
| Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal | Commandant of the Marine Corps Military Awards Branch (MMMA) 2008 Elliot Road Quantico, VA 22134 |
Coast Guard:
| COAST GUARD | |
| Where to write for medals, and where medals are mailed from | Coast Guard Personnel Service Center 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 900 (PSC-PSD-MA) Stop 7200 Arlington, VA 20598-7200 |
| Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal | Commandant U.S. Coast Guard Medals and Awards Branch (PMP-4) Washington, DC 20593-0001 |
More information from the VA website:
Replacing Military Awards and Medals
From the VA website
Replacing Military Medals
Medals awarded while in active service are issued by the individual military services if requested by Veterans or their next of kin. Requests for replacement medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the branch of the military in which the Veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army Veterans, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) verifies awards and forwards requests and verification to appropriate services.
Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” which may be obtained at VA offices or the Internet at www.va.gov/vaforms/. Forms, addresses, and other information on requesting medals can be found on the Military Personnel Records section of NPRC’s Website at www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel. For questions, call Military Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800, or e-mail questions to: [email protected].
When requesting medals, type or clearly print the Veteran’s full name, include the Veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security number, and provide the Veteran’s exact or approximate dates of military service. The request must contain the signature of the Veteran or next of kin if the Veteran is deceased. If available, include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD Form 214.
If discharge or separation documents are lost, Veterans or the next of kin of deceased Veterans may obtain duplicate copies through the eBenefits portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov) or by completing forms found on the Internet at www.archives.gov/research/index.html and mailing or faxing them to the NPRC.
Alternatively, write the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, One Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138- 1002. Specify that a duplicate separation document is needed. The Veteran’s full name should be printed or typed so that it can be read clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the Veteran or the signature of the next of kin, if the Veteran is deceased. Include the Veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security number, and exact or approximate dates and years of service. Use Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining To Military Records.” It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a Veteran’s discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim for VA benefits. If complete information about the Veteran’s service is furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service.
___
Update From Rhode Island Veterans Home
I3Broadband tells RINEWSTODAY digital all on scheduled for FREE basic and internet by July 1, 2023.
Reviewing the July bills, FREE basic cable and internet has reduced cost for the veterans who opted in to I3/Broadband program. In 2 of the veterans bills, the monthly bill was reduced by almost $50 dollars: June $159, July $104.32.
Simply put, the veterans wanted more than the FREE basic. The Italian American War Veterans of the US is currently in contact with I3/broadband providers to negotiate an allocation of expanded services directly from those providers to I3/Broadband. For example, the packages that include NESN with I3/Broadband.
___
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]
Rhode Island Army National Guard 88th Army Band marching in Bristol 4th of July parade 2023. Photo by John Cianci
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 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 per person $37.00. 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
August 7, 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]
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
Travel/Entertainment for Veterans
Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.
Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses.
No cost licenses are available if you are:
- over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident
- a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration
To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)
To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing.
The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is:
DEM Licensing Office
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3576
To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.
Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:
- Active-Duty Service members – Military ID
- Veterans – DD214
- Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter ( Contact VA office, ——————-
Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576
Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.
The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:
- Licensing fees
- Camping fees
- Picnic table fees
- Specialized facility use fees
- Use of equestrian areas
- Performing art centers
- Game fields fees
- Mule shed fees
If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.
Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.
Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]
___
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.
___
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
___
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.
___
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, 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.