RI Veterans: Did you know? 06.03.25 (VA changes, Tricare info, local events…) – John A. Cianci

Rhode Island Veterans information

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Start off with questions from a few of our readers – ?

Q: – I have VA Health care; do I really need Medicare? Paul, Smithfield

A: – Let’s play out this scenario. You are traveling to see your grandchildren, and in Northern Maine, you become sick and need medical attention. The closest VA is 200 miles away, and it’s on a Sunday. You decide to go to the closest private healthcare facility. and get sick. The facility is not a VA-approved facility. A  few weeks later, you receive a bill for almost $3,000 for the treatment and medication you needed for the stomach virus. More than likely, the VA is not going pay the bill and or reimburse you.

Sadly, a veteran who reached out to me for assistance on an estimated $30,000 bill he received for medical care while on a cruise, only had VA health care and had to decide to pay the bill because the VA would not pay, nor were the services approved by the VA. The veteran’s cousin, who was also on the cruise and became ill, only had to pay less than $1,000 of his $30,000 medical bill while on the cruise. The balance was picked up by his Medicare, which he gets deducted from his monthly social security pension.

VETTIP: Both had similar illnesses, flu and respiratory illness. Both required almost identical treatment for 4 days on the cruise ship. Bottom line, even with VA healthcare, my opinion, you should have Medicare. Medicare allows you to access care outside of the VA system, like at non-VA hospitals or doctors, which can be crucial if you need care that isn’t available at a VA facility near you, or care is needed before the VA can schedule an appointment.

Q: – I am receiving 100% VA monthly compensation and have Tricare; do I need to sign up for Medicare? Joe, Bristol

A: – If you are eligible for Medicare, you are required to sign up for Medicare A and B, to keep your Tricare coverage. Medicare provides an additional layer of coverage for situations where VA benefits might not fully apply. 

VETTIP: The best bet when deciding on Medicare options is to contact an agent/brokers who is licensed in the State in which they do business, annually complete training and pass a test on their knowledge of Medicare and health and prescription drug plans, and follow all Medicare marketing rules.

In conclusion, and my opinion is based on firsthand experiences assisting veterans, when eligible for Medicare, sign up for it, regardless of the level of VA health care benefits you are entitled to. Additionally, I recommend you utilize both Medicare and VA health care benefits. Moreover, modern technology allows easy communications between your private health care provider and your VA health care provider.

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Message From Secretary of Veteran Affairs Doug Collins

Click on the video, below, for a message from VA Sect. Collins about potential cuts and staff adjustments at the VA Administration:

Major Changes Coming to VA

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins reassured veterans the 15% of reduction of force, an estimated 80,000 VA employees, will not impact any health care or benefits veterans are entitled to.

The reduction in force is to reduce from the current level of 470,000, back to the 2019 level of 398,000  employees.

Collins said veterans who use the VA’s services shouldn’t be concerned by the cuts, however, pointing out that 300,000 positions are “off the table” and exempt from a federal hiring freeze issued by President Donald Trump in January.

Collins sees current bureaucracy is the VA biggest problem. After a thorough review and feedback form current and former VA employees, the 80,000 cuts will be made with the intent of providing better customer experiences and more efficient services to veterans.

In the message from Collins, he mentions the VA currently has 90,000 contracts worth estimated 67 billion dollars. Moreover, after a review of just 2% of those contracts, 600 non-critical contracts will be cut, saving the VA an estimated 900 million. The estimated 900 million dollar saving will go back to veteran health care and benefits to the veterans.

“I see no difference in the VA health care I had in 2019, compared to current care I received,” said a veteran RINEWSTODAY interviewed after the veteran departed an appointment at the Providence Veteran  Medical Center (PVMC).

According to the half dozen current and former VA employees interviewed, all but one concur that additional management and administrative cuts would have limited, if any, on medical services they perform.

In the video, Collins promises veterans no cuts to health care or benefits. As a veteran who uses the PVMC and hundreds of veterans annually navigate VA system, I have witnessed the bureaucracy at PVMC.

RINEWSTODAY encourages any veteran or caregiver, if you have been told your health care or benefits have been cut due to recent firings, contact us, (401) 677-9838 or [email protected].

If you don’t want to tell your story to RINEWSTODAY, contact your federal congressional delegation, Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse, Congressman Magazine, or Congressman Amo. Ask to talk to his office veteran liaison to tell your story. Moreover, you can also go to their website and send an inquiry via email:

In conclusion, if we as veterans see cuts in our health care or benefits, let’s contact our congressional delegation with the name of the VA representative who told you services have been cut.

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EVENTS

March 7, Friday (always first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eaglerville Road, Tiverton RI, “Fall in Friday” for active duty, veterans and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 12:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. More information, (401) 640-7506. https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

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March 7, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran owned, Iraqi War Veterans Jason Badger. Veterans can order anything off the menu free of charge, said Badger’s owner Jason Badger, including the bar’s New York System hot wieners and their fish and chips. Along with the free meals, 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.

March 12, 2025 ( always the 2^nd Wednesday of month) toast n’ tap, 5:00-7:00, toast n’ tap, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest. Macaroni and Meatballs, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, Zeppole, cannoli, and more.
 

March 15, 2025 – Tea for RI Women Veterans, 1:00- 3:00pm, Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI. Open to all women veterans. Sponsored by Unit 118 Military Women Across the Nation.

March 17, 2025 , 11:30 to 1:00 FREE Luncheon ( always the third Monday of the month), Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren R.I. Guinness Shepards Pie or Macaroni and Meatballs, dessert, and coffee. More information, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

March  26 2025, Wednesday – Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI , 500-700 pm . Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Traditional St Joesph Day celebration, to include zeppoles , contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]. Invited guest, RING Retirees and all RI / MA Desert Storm Veterans , call or email to reserve a spot for yourself and guest.

April 5, 2025, Saturday – Christ Church 57 Main Street, Swansea MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast, (First Saturday of every month). Veteran and one guest. Thanks to all the vets and volunteers today Christ Church! Free Veterans Breakfast first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos.

April 7, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian American war Veterans of US. Free to all veterans and guest. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. More information contact ITAM , (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

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Italian American War Veterans of US Announce Monthly FREE Luncheons and Dinners at Local Restaurants

Approximately 50 veterans attended last week’s veteran social at toast n’ tap. “First time I have been out of the house in 4 months,” said one veteran. He further added that knowing the majority of attendees were going to be veterans was the number one reason he attended. Owners Ryan and Bobby Nardolillo witnessed the camaraderie shared among veterans at the first veteran social held at toast n’ tap.

Ryan and Bobby offered the use of the restaurant to the Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) to host a monthly FREE dinner for the veterans. The monthly FREE veteran dinner will be prepared by members of the ITAM.

ITAM relies on donations and sponsors to host 2-3 FREE veteran luncheons and dinners at Rhode Island restaurants who allow use of their restaurants.

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Monthly FREE Veteran Luncheon Returns To Perella’s Ristorante

The Italian American War Veterans of US have restarted the FREE veteran luncheon at Perella’s Ristorante in Warren RI. The veteran luncheon will be scheduled on the third Monday of every month.

Perella’s is not open to the public on Monday. “There are enough veterans that only attend the veteran luncheon,” said John Cianci, one of the cooks of the monthly events. In addition to the food, the Veterans who attend enjoy the camaraderie of other veterans.

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VA Providence News

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Veterans! File Your Taxes for FREE! VA Providence is offering free tax preparation services exclusively for Veterans from Feb. 7 – April 13 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (by appointment only).

Call (401) 273-7100 ext. 12025 to schedule your appointment today!

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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.

Monthly Schedule for long term care and assisted living facilities needing volunteers:

Saturdays:

1st Saturday: South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, 2115 S County Trail, West Greenwich, RI

3rd Saturday, Friendly Home, 303 Rhodes Ave, Woonsocket RI

Mondays:

2nd Monday – Greenwood Nursing and Rehab, 1139 Main Ave, Warwick RI

4th Monday– Chapel Hill Senior Living , 10 Old Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland RI

Tuesdays

1st Tuesday Village House Nursing and Rehab, 70 Harrison Ave, Newport RI

2nd Tuesday– Elmwood Nursing Home and Rehab, 225 Elmwood Ave. Providence RI

Wednesdays

1st  Wednesday– Eastgate Nursing and Rehab, 198 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI

2nd Wednesday –West Shore Health Center109 West Shore Road, Warwick  RI

Fridays

1st Friday–Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin MA

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity. As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

What We’re Looking For:

Details:

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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/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%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: 401-6676200
Email: [email protected]

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk

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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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 to 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/  

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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.