RI Veterans: Did you know? 17.10.24 (Columbus Day Parade, events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Thousands came out this week for the 39th Columbus Day Parade in Federal Hill. Grand Marshal, John A Cianci led the military and veteran contingent in his military dress blues. 

39^th Columbus Day Parade Grand Marshal Thank You

Thanking all for the support and recognition being selected as the Grand Marshall for the parade. The selection was  for my duty and dedication to continue to serve our veterans, who are my brothers and sisters.

Being selected as the Grand Marshall was an honor. As an Italian American born in Silver Lake, my parents took my siblings and I to Federal Hill for our baby outfits, first communion, etc. 

My oldest memories I can recall as a 3-4 year old sitting in Angelo’s eating macaroni with my family and cousins. Playing on the streets as dad hung on the sidewalk smoking and hanging with his friends, who we all called them “uncle”.

A veteran who served over 20 years, to include two combat tours in Iraq and being blessed to have returned home safely. Each time, Federal Hill was my first stop after returning back to Rhode Island from Iraq. Specifically, Angelo’s . 

Here at Angelo’s, I knew I was home after living in hell (war in Iraq). I didn’t need to be pinched to believe I was home. The taste of Italian bread and macaroni, I knew I was home.

Like so many of my brothers and sisters, although home, I knew life would never be the same. 

How does one be the same man or woman when you have been trained to kill? You have been programmed to shut off your emotions, or the worst could happen. The worst would not be the death of yourself, it would be the death of one of your brothers and sisters, because of your failure.

Starting my life over after the war in Federal Hill was me being born again. Since returning from Iraq in 2004, I have used Federal Hill as my hub for the needed mental health maintenance I need. 

On a monthly basis, as the State Commander of Italian American War Veterans of US, I host a monthly Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House at ROMA (first Monday of every month, 9:00 to 11:00). The monthly gathering provides the camaraderie so many veterans miss since retiring or being discharged from the military.

To me, numerous awards and recognition, being an Italian American, selection as Grand Marshall is a recognition equal to being awarded the Bronze Star for my service in Operation Iraqi Freedom , while serving with the 119^th Military Police Company. 

In conclusion, I use Federal Hill as a meeting place to meet other veterans who reach out to me for assistance with helping them solve a veteran issue, more often than not, they are seeking help understanding and navigating the VA benefit system. I would estimate 75% of the 200 veterans I have assisted in 2024, the very first time meeting them is at ROMA; ROMA gives them a place they are comfortable in and able to discuss the assistance they need.

Federal Hill is my “Happy Place”

More from the parade…

The loudest applaud at the parade went to WWII Veteran Roger Desjardins, 99 year old. He was in back of a military truck that had a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on it. “I was a machine gunner in WWII,” said Desjardins. He was wearing his original WWII uniform.

Wherever you see Desjardins, you see the Mayor of North Providence, Mayor Lombardi. At the end of the parade, the Italian American War Veterans of US had a booth for donations for Veterans living in nursing home and veteran resource information.

“The booth was my school social study project,” said Giovanni Vincenzo Cianci.” I handed out information on veteran benefits.” Giovanni is Grand Marshal Cianci’s oldest grandson. “”I’m proud of him; his connecting with the veterans will save 8 veterans almost 300 dollars a year off their RI real estate taxes,” said Cianci.

Those 8 veterans were unaware of the tax credit offered by their city or town and their eligibility  as an honorable discharge veteran.

Sadly, showers were on and off after the parade.Later in the afternoon most of the celebration had to continue inside. The nighttime band had to be canceled.

“We expected a huge crowd the next day,” said Dave Zarella, one of the organizers of the 39th Columbus Day Celebration, and he was right.

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Questions from one of our readers

Q1: While serving with the Rhode Island National Guard, I was sent to Newport Naval Hospital and treated. The records the RI Guard provided me, does not have any records supporting I was sent to Newport Naval Hospital, what do I do?  – Manny, Coventry

According to my research, medical records for visits to Newport Navy Hospital, Newport RI are being stored at the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis. I recommend you file a SF-180, requesting all medical treatment records at the Newport Naval Hospital Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law.

Please Note: All requests must be in writing, signed, and mailed to us at the address shown below.

Mail to: National Personnel Records Center – 1 Archives Drive – St. Louis, Missouri 63138

VETTIP:  On the request, only ask for all treatment records at Newport Naval Hospital. If you can, provide as much information (year, treated for, etc). If you need assistance and or expedite the request, contant one of the Congressional delegation and ask for the veteran’s representative.

Second question from one of our readers:

Q2: I am trying to obtain my dad’s Army military records, however, he told me not to waste any time, as his records were destroyed in a fire ? Is this true? If yes, what do I do to get his military records to support a VA disability claim? – June, Providence RI.

Sadly, tens of thousands of records were destroyed in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, destroyed the records held for Veterans who were discharged from the Army and Air Force during certain periods of time.

Were my records destroyed in the 1973 NPRC fire in St. Louis?

Your records may have been destroyed in the fire if you were discharged from either:

The Army between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1960. The fire destroyed 80% of the records held for Veterans discharged from the Army during this time period. The fire didn’t involve records for retirees and Reservists who were alive on July 12, 1973.

Or the Air Force between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964. The fire destroyed 75% of the records held for Veterans discharged from the Air Force during this time period with surnames beginning with “Hubbard” and running through the end of the alphabet.

If your Dad served in the Army and or Air Force in the timeframes listed above, then his records were destroyed. 

If your Dad served prior to WWI are stored, Military Records Holdings in Washington, D.C. Washington, DC. To order military service records from Washington, D.C., order online or the NATF Form 86.

How to request the veteran (your Dad’s record) and or verify the veteran’s records were destroyed in the fire:

To verify his records were destroyed, have your Dad request his records from the National Personnel Center, Military Personnel Record.

First, recalling our discussion at the Italian American War Veterans of the United States (ITAM) Veteran Resource Center at the 39^th Columbus Day celebration in Federal Hill, your Dad told me he had previously applied for VA disability shortly after returning from Vietnam. However, he was  denied and would like to file again for injuries that occurred while serving in combat.

Step 1. I would have your Dad call the VA, 800-827-1000 to notify the VA of his intent to file a claim for VA compensation. 

How do I notify VA of my intent to file?

You can submit an intent to file form online right now.  Submit an intent to file form online

You can also call 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711) to notify them of your intent to file. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

Or, notify us in person or by mail. If you want to submit by mail, download and fill out an Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC (VA Form 21-0966). Then mail your completed form to the address listed in the PDF.Get VA Form 21-0966 to download

VETTIP: Filing an Intent To File opens the window for filing a claim. It’s simple, less than 5 minutes, and the only information you are providing is name, address, branch of service, and 1-2 more PII. You will not have to provide any information on the claim. After filing, in less than 30 days you will receive a confirmation letter and a package to complete the claim process.

Step 2 Requesting records that could have been destroyed.

Based on the conversation your dad filed a previous claim, more than likely, the records could be located at the VBA, Providence RI 02986, since your dad had previously filed and his records should have been copied and transferred for the review of the claim.

How to Request Records for the VBA, Providence RI

Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) using VA 20-10206 by mail or internet.

How to submit a FOIA for C-files

If you, or your authorized representative, are requesting your VA records (i.e., VA claims records, this is considered a Privacy Act request. To request records of this nature, your request must contain your original signature and your social security number.

Submit your request to:
VA Claims Intake Center
Department of Veterans Affairs
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

The form is self explanatory. However, to complete – Section III Block 17, just place an X in the block CLAIMS FILE ( C-FILE), and in Section V, VA Regional Office Information, number 19, TYPE:

VA Regional Office , 380 Westminster Street, Providence RI 02903

Lastly, Section VII Willingness To Pay Fees, enter an X in the block IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A FEE WAIVER OR EXPEDITED PROCESSING PLEASE, INDICATE, write in “ENTITLED TO WAIVER AND EXPEDITION,  PENDING VA COMPENSATION CLAIM.

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RI Blue Star Moms

Lt. Gov. Matos kicked off the RI Blue Star Moms 22nd Annual Operation Holiday Cheer Donation Drive for military service members, together with the RI National Guard, Operation Stand Down RI, the US Postal Service, the American Red Cross of RI, and other community organizations.

“This year, we are blessed to have more service members home during the holiday season than we have in past years—but that means we should go above and beyond for those who will be away from home,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “Operation Holiday Cheer lets our soldiers know how deeply their service is appreciated. Every Rhode Islander can get involved this year by sharing their time or helping to fill a care package!”

Operation Holiday Cheer, an annual program which sends care packages to Rhode Island military service members stationed away from home during the holidays, is conducted by the Lieutenant Governor and made possible by the partnership and hard work of the RI Blue Star Moms, the RI National Guard, Operation Stand Down RI, the United States Postal Service, and the American Red Cross of RI. The program relies on the generosity of individuals and corporate sponsors who donate time, funds, or goods; Rhode Islanders can visit ltgov.ri.gov/ohc to learn how to make a donation and what items are being requested.  

“We know the holidays are particularly difficult for our active duty service members. In order to bring our troops a little more holiday joy this year, I urge everyone to take part in Operation Holiday Cheer. While a pack of playing cards and some snacks might not seem much to us, to our soldiers who are missing their homes and families during the holidays, such a gift truly does lift their spirits and reminds them that their dedication and sacrifices are cherished and not forgotten,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly).

“The holidays are exciting for many but can be most difficult for our heroes serving our country away from their loved ones,” said Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn. “I encourage anyone who can donate items for care packages to step up and help our fellow Rhode Islanders with a little piece of home during the holidays. Your generosity will go a long way, and your support – along with that of our sponsors and volunteers – is greatly appreciated.”

Boxes will be packed at the US Army National Guard Armory in Cranston on the weekend of November 16th and 17th. To ensure every servicemember stationed away from home gets a box, the Lieutenant Governor asks Rhode Islanders to share the names and addresses of friends or family members who are currently deployed by contacting her office at 401-222-2371 or [email protected].

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800 LGBTQ+ Veterans to have honor restored

Stars and Stripes reporting: “More than 800 LGBTQ+ veterans kicked out of the military for their sexuality under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy will have their honor restored, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. The announcement comes one year after the Defense Department began proactively reviewing 851 records of former service members discharged during “don’t ask, don’t tell” who were believed to be eligible for a change of status but had not yet applied. Of those, 96.8% — 824 veterans across the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps — will receive an honorable discharge.”

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2024-10-15/pentagon-restore-honor-lgbtq-veterans-15516042.html

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Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Adds Admiral Lisa Franchetti to RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra

Chief of Naval Operations, 4-star Admiral Lisa Franchetti, will receive the Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame’s (RIIAHF 501©(3) 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra on November 2, 2024 at The VETS in Providence. Senator Jack Reed will present the award to Admiral Franchetti. The Hall of Fame will also honor highly respected physician and author Dr. Edward Iannuccilli and former New England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi at this event. Governor McKee will present the award to Mr. Andruzzi.

World renowned Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey will perform a Salute to Sinatra concert accompanied by a 12 piece orchestra. Duprey has performed in more than 200 theaters around the country generating sold out performances and rave reviews from fans and critics alike.

Proceeds from this RIIAHF fundraiser benefit the organization’s scholarship fund. 11 exceptional college bound Rhode Island students from all ethnic backgrounds will be recognized and receive scholarship awards totaling at least $33,000 as each student will receive a $3,000 scholarship. This event will be co-hosted by NBC 10’s Gene Valicenti and former NBC 10 sportscaster and RIIAHF President, Joe Rocco. 

Franchetti, Andruzzi and Iannuccilli will join many accomplished Italian Americans previously honored by the Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame including Jay Leno, Mario Andretti, Dan Marino, Leon Panetta, Terry Francona, Ernie DiGregorio, Tom Lasorda, Dominic DiMaggio, Maria Spacagna, Mike Tranghese, Chris Terreri, Phil Esposito and many more prominent Italian Americans who have excelled in their fields. 

Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Executive Committee: President-Joe Rocco; Secretary-Mike Capuano; Treasurer-Steve D’Antuono; Board of Directors, Michael Integlia, Jr., Peter Palmisciano, Jina Petrarca, Vincent Ragosta, Steve D’Antuono, Mike Capuano, Robert Rodio, Joe Rocco, Angelo Rotella.

Tickets are available at thevetsri.com   401.421.2787  PPAC Box Office   

The RIIAHF has awarded more than $450,000 in scholarship awards to extraordinary Rhode Island students of all ethnic backgrounds since 1987 while honoring prominent Italian Americans from sports, business and the arts. For more information on the RI Italian American Hall of Fame or this event please visit RIIAHF.org or contact Joe Rocco, [email protected], 508.336.5818.

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EVENTS

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].

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 11:30 am to 1pm –Friendly Nursing Home, Monthly Veteran Luncheon. On the menu for our veterans at the nursing home is lobster, lasagna, shrimp cocktail, scallops, and desserts, along with Dunkin Donuts coffee. The event is hosted by the Italian American War Veterans of the US. No charge to veterans and guest THANKS to generous donation by Side By Side Charitable Foundation

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.

October 30 2024 Department of Rhode Island Italian American War Veterans of the US Monthly Member Dinner, no charge thanks to generous donation by Side by Side Charitable Organization, Lobster ( boiled) or lasagna dinner. Special guest will be family of PFC Anthony J Sivo, https://www.virtualwall.org/ds/SivoAJ01a.htm. PFC Sivo , Cranston RI native, was killed in action while serving in Vietnam.

Monday. November 4, 2024 – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00 to 11:00  a.m  ROMA, 330 Atwells Ave, Providence RI, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of RI. Open to all veterans and their guest. Enjoy ROMA’s espresso, coffee, Italian toast,  pastries, calzones and more. POC is ITAM at (401) 677-9838.

Saturday, November 8. 2024 Rucking  for Roofs

Monday, November 11, 2024 Rucking  for Roofs, 24 Mile Ruck. 

A walk to raise funds to house Veterans. Starts at Newport Elks lodge and ends at East Providence Elks Lodge.Donate per mile, per step, per flat amount. 7637Starts at Bristol Elks Lodge, 1 Constitution St. Bristol RI , ends at East Providence Elks Lodge, 60 Berkley Street East Providence. Contact Matt Vianna for More Information:
[email protected] or 508-933- 7637

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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+:

Thursday, November 28, 2024 Thanksgiving, FREE Thanksgiving dinner, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI (please, do not call Perella’s to make reservations) to all veterans and their one guest. Additional guests will be asked to make donations  to sponsor a veteran gift for Christmas. 1:00pm and 4:00pm reservations are open, call the host organization Italian American War Veterans of the US/ Dept. of Rhode Island. (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]/. Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen, serving, delivering to shut in veterans (last year over 200 meals were served. Donations and sponsors are welcomed, checks made out to ITAM, mailed to Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, note in remarks ‘THANKSGIVING RESTRICTED FUND”. Tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. “The more donations and sponsors, the more will spend on the event. For example, we add additional desserts and other side dishes,” said John Cianci, ITAM Commander, “this is not a buffet, sit down with waitress or waiter service in a five star Ristorante.”

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!

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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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]

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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) 

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. 

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. 

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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)  

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.