RI Veterans: Did you know? 03.10.24 (Honor Flight recap, Events, more) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Photo, top: Navy Veteran Ron Allen and his son, Guardian Jeff Allen

Do you know the story of Kilroy and why he is on the WWII monument in Washington DC?

According to AI on Google, Kilroy is a fictional character and the subject of a popular World War II graffiti meme: 

The graffiti depicts a bald-headed man with a long nose peeking over a wall, along with the phrase “Kilroy was here”. American troops drew the graffiti on walls, floors, ceilings, ship holds, bathrooms, bridges, and missile shells. It became a symbol of American resilience and a way to mark the area as having been visited by American soldiers. 

The origins of the graffiti are debated, but it’s likely that the character was inspired by a British cartoon and the name of an American shipyard inspector: 

The graffiti was also used as a code by American soldiers. For example, if two friends were meeting up, the first to arrive would write “Kilroy was here” to mark the spot. The phrase and the character have faded in popularity, but they are still used in period films, documentaries, and stories. 

From Wikipedia – Kilroy was here is a meme that became popular during World War II, typically seen in graffiti. Two symmetrical Kilroys have been eteched into the stone on the WWII  Memorial in Washighton, DC: one on the backside of the PA pillar and the other opposite it.

Do you know why the states’ pillars are not in alphabetical order on the WWII monument?

In designing the monument it was determined the states and territories on the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. would be arranged in the order in which they joined the Union, alternating sides around the memorial plaza. 

___

RI Fire Chiefs “High Voltage” Honor Flight

In the early morning on Sunday, September 29, 2024. 55 veterans and their guardians checked in for the RI Fire Chiefs 31^st Honor Flight along with another 60 volunteers. Bag-pipers led the estimated 100 veteran supporters from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island into the terminal to be greeted by a crowd estimated to be 100. The attendees cheered on as the honor flight veterans and their guardian passed by.

Included in the crowd, was North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi, who, himself, was a Guardian on a recent Honor Flight.

Laying of the Wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier by 2 oldest veterans on Honor Flight, WWII Veteran and Korean War Veteran

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/2syXtffqN6zL9LeD

On the flight were combat veterans who served in World War II. Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Iraq Freedom. In addition, veterans are classified as war time veterans – war time veterans are veterans who served on active duty during time of war, however never served in a combat zone.  Former Adjutant General,  Reggie Centracchio was one of the non-combat veterans on the flight. Each honor flight veteran had an assigned guardian. Centracchio’s guardian was former State of Rhode Island Auditor General Ernie Almonte.

Centracchio’s  stateside assignments included serving at the Nike missile site in Rhode island in the early sixties as a second lieutenant  in the sixties. His career was highlighted by serving as the Rhode Island Army National Guard Adjutant General, a span that included being the Adjuntant General for the R.I. Guard through the response to 9/11 and the units mobilized for federal missions like Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Afghanistan, Operation Iraq Freedom. Once activated, mobilized RI Guard member Centracchio no longer fell under the leadership of the RI Guard, they were in command and control of the active duty leadership. 

Also on the flight as a guardian was RINEWSTODAY veteran writer, combat veteran, retired Master Sergeant John A Cianci. Cianci served two combat tours with the 119^th Military Police. “I was proud to be asked to be a guardian by MSG Ernie Lacombe.” said Police Company during Operation Desert Shield/Storm (1990-1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cianci proudly wore his Bronze Star hat with his combat action badge attached, which he earned during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

VETNOTES: The Bronze Star is a United States Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious service or achievement in a combat zone. 

The combat action badge is a U.S. Military award given to soldiers of the U.S. Army of any rank and who are not members of the infantry, special forces, or medical MOS, for being “prent” or “actively engaged or engaging by the enemy and performing satisfactorily in accordance with rules of engagement.  

“Several other veterans on the flight were bronze star recipients”, said Cianci.” None of them had a Bronze Star hat, however, I took their contact information and promised I would mail them one.”

As MSG Lacombe guardian, Cianci never left Lacombe side. He provided assistance to MSG Lacombe to enjoy the experience of visiting all the war monuments in Washington, DC. “I will never forget this day.” said MSG Lacombe, who the day before, turned 85.

After touring the monuments and laying of the wreath, the veterans were bused to the Sheraton Hotel for dinner, and a surprise mail. “I had letters from my grandkids and people from all over the United States,” said Korean War Veteran Ron Allen, whose guardian was his son, Jeff Allen, Charlestown Town Administrator.

“I first met John Cianci a year and a half ago, and he promised me he would assist me to get on one of the Honor Flights,” said Allen. 

During mail call, most of the veterans had watery eyes reading mail from their family and strangers. Cianci read to all attendees one of his letters from one of his nephews, Casey Cianci, who attached a poem he wrote as a 10-year-old days later after saying goodbye to his uncle before he left for Iraq in 2003. Years later Cianci’s nephew would join the RI Guard and find himself in combat in Iraq.

“I was caught off-guard, as I only expected my role as a Guardian was to ensure my veteran’s safety and he had an experience he would never forget,“ said Cianci. “I had letters from my nephews and niece who were now serving in the military, wife, and some of my closet friends, to include Rhode Island legend, Arlene Violet.”

After the dinner and mail call, the veterans returned to the airport to fly back to Rhode Island. Upon departing the plane and returning to the terminal, the honor flight attendees were welcome by a crowd cheering and holding signs welcoming them home.

Before I conclude my article. I must recognize the volunteers that without, honor flights could not happen. From the beginning, safety was always the driving force. The volunteers ensured all the veterans were safe throughout the flights and visit to Washington DC.  On the volunteer staff was a doctor, nurses, EMT, and the movers and shakers that could overcome things that could go outside the plan, which did happen once.

We the Veterans and Guardians who were honored and blessed to be chosen to go on the 31^st RI Fire Chiefs High Voltage Honor Flight say “Thank You Retired Providence Chief George Farrel”, your passion and commitment to make the Honor Flights happen is truly amazing. 

If you know any WW II, Korea , Vietnam , Desert Storn, OIF, or other veterans (veterans do not have to be combat veterans to be eligible) that would be interesting in joining an Honor Flight trip, please have them and their guardian print and complete an application package. https://www.rihonorflight.com/docs/Honor_Flight_Application_Veteran_2023.pdf

If interested in being a Guardian for a veteran, https://www.rihonorflight.com/docs/Honor_Flight_Application_Guardian_2024.pdf

Honor flights continue as a result of donations and sponsorships. 100% of all donations support the honor flight. If you wish to donate and or find our more information to volunteer, go to the RI Fire Chief website. https://www.rihonorflight.com/#events

___

Free College Courses for Veterans

The Providence Clemente Veterans’ Initiative (PCVI) is a free program that offers humanities classes to veterans in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The program’s goal is to help veterans find a sense of purpose and community through the humanities, and to explore their experiences through history, literature, philosophy, and art. 

Eligibility is open to all veterans, regardless of age, deployment, disability, rank, education, and discharge status. The program offers accredited college course, free books, tuition, computer assistance, and experienced professors.

___

EVENTS

Saturday, October 5 – 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. Salt War Fly Fishing. For details to sign up, call Ed Smith, (401) 739-0167.

Friday , Oct. 5, 2024 – FREE FRIDAY FOR VETERANS  – Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, Tiverton , RI October 5 2024.  A FREE program for Veterans ; offering a safe and supportive environment for healing and personal growth- facilitated in part by equine specialists, therapists, and horses. Call Carol (401) 651-7506 for more information, or go to website,  https://www.medicine-horse.com/

Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 5-6 – Overnight Camping Women Veterans Retreat; at Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton. Organized by the R.I. VFW and sponsored by United Way of Fall River, the event runs from 10 a.m. on Saturday to early afternoon on Sunday. Bring your mementos and photos! RSVP no later than Sept. 10. To learn more and to sign up, call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine-horse.com. Rain Date: Oct. 12-13.

October 7, 2024, Monday – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00-11:00 am. ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence RI, Sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US. Free for all veterans and their guest. Veteran Service officer available to assist any veteran or family member with federal and state benefits. More information, contact ITAM office, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

Saturday, Oct 19, 2024, noon – 107^th Signal Company Annual Lunch, VFW Kelly-Grazzerro  Post 2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston  RI. Family style meal will be served, $35. Make checks payable to Kelly Grazzero Post 2812 and mail to Bill Cill, 115 Hope Street Rumford RI 02916.Ther event is for veterans only, Any questions call Bill Cill, (401)486-2542  or email [email protected]

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, noon to 3pm – Luncheon to celebrate 100th anniversary of the RI Department of the Reserve Organization of America, Quonset O-Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. Cost is $45. Make your check payable to RIROA and mail to Col. John Ricottilli, 4 Sorrell Road, North Providence, RI 02904. Dress code is business casual. For details, call John Ricottilli at (401) 316-1730 or email [email protected].

Friday, Oct. 25, 8:30 am to 7pm – Golf tournament and banquet hosted by Ocean State Chapter of the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Triggs Memorial Golf Course; 1533 Chalkstone Ave., Providence. Shotgun start, Texas Scramble format. Cost for a foursome is $600, including banquet. Full bar on-site; no outside alcohol permitted. Come join us for a day of golfing to raise funds for Operation Stand Down RI, the Family Assistance Center and the Ocean State Warrant Officers Association. To
register or for details, visit osusa-woa.org/event-details/ocean-statewoa-4th-annual-golf-tournament.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. – to Rhode Island Model Rocketry Association invites all veterans and
serving military to participate in a tree Rocket launch at the RI Peckham Farm Field in West Kingston. Rockets provided for veterans, or you can can bring a rocket you built yourself. Just show your veterans or military ID. Veterans will have access to the low-power pads (A-D motors). For access to mid-power and high-power pads, veterans will need to be NAR members (nar.org/join-nar/). To register, email Lucy DIMase at [email protected]. The general public may watch the launch at no charge.

November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+:

___

Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!

Supplies are low- please stop by with items – or make a monetary contribution.

___

VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program – Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide.  Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

___

Free Help for Homeless Veterans

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends, and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans. 

___

Button Hole Golf Course continues Veterans Golf Clinics

All veterans and active service members are welcome, as well as immediate family members. There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two ‘ParaMobile’ golf carts are also available. The last date remaining on the 2024 schedule is October 10th. 5 to 6:30 p.m. there is instruction on the range, plus playing as many holes as we can (or desire). A light meal and soft drinks will follow the golf, allowing a few minutes to unwind and talk about our golfing exploits.

Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, please email [email protected] so they’ll have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue, please call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664 and Button Hole can find you a ride.

___

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 through the 3rd Saturday in November at 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:

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:

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

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

https://dem.ri.gov/about-us/dem-offices/boating-registration-licenses/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%20decision.

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:

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) 

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. 

Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

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

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: 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 to Michaels Rewards. 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.