RI Veterans: Did you know? 10.04.25 (WWII trip, poster contest, resources, events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans’ issues

WANTED WORLD WAR II VETERANS FOR ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO WWII MUSEUM

Do you know a World War II Veteran? The Gary Sinise Foundation invites WWII veterans to join him for an all-expense paid trip to the National WWII Museum from April 29-May 2. All veterans attending must travel with a guardian and all guardians must have a personal connection to the veteran.

More information on National WWII Museum:

Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, The National WWII Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, taking visitors inside the story of the war that changed the world. Beyond the galleries, the Museum’s online collections, virtual field trips, webinars, educational travel programs, and renowned International Conference on World War II offer patrons new ways to connect to history and honor the generation that sacrificed so much to secure our freedom.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.

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Pentagon reaching out to woo back service members booted for refusing COVID-19 shot

From a Pentagon news release – Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell Statement on COVID-19 Return to Service:

We’re committed to doing right by those who were affected by the Department’s former COVID-19 vaccination policy. For the roughly 8,700 service members who were separated solely for refusing the vaccine, this is an opportunity to return to service — and we want them to know the door is open.

Starting April 8, 2025,  the Department will begin outreach to ensure each of these individuals receives clear information on how to pursue reinstatement. Their service mattered then, and it still matters now.

The Defense Department announced the start of a new process to reinstate service members dismissed from the military after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.

Tim Dill, performing the duties of deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told reporters in a press briefing Tuesday that the military would soon send “letters of apology” to the more than 8,700 service members who were involuntarily separated, as well as instructions for how to reenlist through emails, calls, website information and social media posts.

 Service members who voluntarily separated as a result of the 2021 vaccine mandate for all military personnel would also be receiving correspondence from the military encouraging them to return.

“The department is eager to welcome back those who were impacted by that vaccine mandate,” Hill said. “They never should’ve had to leave military service and the department is committed to assisting them in their return.”

The new guidelines follow President Donald Trump’s Jan. 27 executive order ordering the reinstatement of service members who separated from the military after forgoing the COVID-19 vaccine.

“In spite of the scientific evidence, the Biden Administration discharged healthy service members—many of whom had natural immunity and dedicated their entire lives to serving our country—for refusing the COVID vaccine,” a fact sheet released with the executive order said. “Government redress of these wrongful dismissals is overdue.”

The Pentagon last week formally increased the new minimum service commitment from two to four years for those discharged for refusing a lawful order to take the vaccine, The Associated Press reported.

According to AP, a Feb. 7 memo sent to the secretaries of the military services said troops would be required to sign up for two years. But a memo signed April 1 by Jules Hurst III, who is doing the job of defense undersecretary for personnel, said “reinstatement will not be afforded to those who are unwilling or unable to return to active service or active status, as applicable, for four years.”

The offer for reenlistment would be good for a year and extend until April 1, 2026, Hill said, and the administrative process for returning individuals would likely span several months.

VETTIP: If you are one of the thousands of discharged veterans for refusing COVID-19 shots and want to be reinstated, I suggest you immediately contact one of the federal congressional delegations (Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Seth Magaziner, Congressmen  Gabe Amp or Congressmen  Seth Magaziner).

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Providence VA Announces Women Veteran of the Year 

 

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2025 National Veterans Day Poster Contest is now open

Attention Artists:  Here’s your opportunity to show off your talent and use your artwork to honor Veterans. VA and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting entries for the 2025 Veterans Day Poster Contest. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on May 2, 2025.

This contest is open to all, and your art should reflect this year’s theme: “Service to our Nation.”

After receiving more than 150 entries last year, Myisha Godette, a retired, disabled Army Veteran from Queens, New York, was selected as the winner of the 2024 contest. In describing her design, Myisha’s inspiration was “the shared experience of service members—past, present and future—with elements like the American Flag, military ‘dog tags,” and the enduring strength of Veterans, embodied by a solid, dark concrete background in my design.”

The winning poster will be distributed to VA facilities, military installations worldwide, and across cities and towns in our nation. It will also serve as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day National Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 2025.

To ensure your submission meets the technical requirements, please review our design submission guidelines before engaging your creativity. Successful designs are very simple, with minimal imagery and verbiage. To view examples of past winning submissions, visit The Veterans Day Poster Gallery.

Submit electronic versions as jpg/jpeg images or PDF files to [email protected]. 

Questions? Please email the Veterans Day Coordinator at [email protected].

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UPDATE ON VA Cuts On Martha’s Vineyard

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s proposal to re-establish federal funding for a Vineyard veterans counseling program bracing for federal spending cuts never made it to the Senate floor.

According MV Times article, U.S. Senate staffers who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Senate leaders of both parties — Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, and John Thune, a South Dakotan Republican — decided which amendments filed by Senators would receive a vote. Warren’s amendment that would have helped Martha’s Vineyard Community Services’ “Readjustment Counseling for War Veterans” and other similar programs facing federal funding cuts was not chosen.  

The Republican “budget blueprint” bill was narrowly passed 51-48 on Saturday following a late-night Friday Senatorial session after the amendment was cut.

In her amendment, Warren was looking to restore the roughly $80,000 for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services’ “Readjustment Counseling for War Veterans” program and other services lost by federal funding cuts. The local program provides one-on-one and group counseling for veterans returning from war.

In a recent story in the Martha’s Vineyard times… “Now, the program will be looking elsewhere to make up the $80,000 that was annually provided by the VA. We are determined to provide these services in a seamless fashion,” said Tom Bennett, director of veteran services at Community Services who has provided mental health counseling to Island veterans for decades. “We have the veteran community behind us … we’re going to fight to keep these services intact.”

Stay tuned as we follow this important story.

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DOGE uncovers VA’s agreement to pay $380K/month for minor website modifications

The DOGE team working in various departments of the US government found that the VA was paying $380,000 a month for “minor website modifications”. After alerting to this, the changes that were being made by the contractor are now being done internally by a software engineer, in about 10 hours a week.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) paid hundreds of thousands of dollars a month for website changes before canceling the contract and having an internal staffer take over, according to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While combing through loads and loads of data, DOGE discovered a previous contract by the VA for its website maintenance.

“Good work by @DeptVetAffairs,” DOGE said in a post on X on Wednesday. “VA was previously paying ~$380,000/month for minor website modifications. That contract has not been renewed, and the same work is now being executed by 1 internal VA software engineer spending ~10 hours/week.”

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Veteran Resource Guide 

Retirees

Army Newsletter Army publishes a semi-annual FREE newsletter to mail to all Army retirees, Army Echoes. To subscribe:

Call DFAS at (800) 321-1080 or online sign-up, you can update your information or sign up, https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/manage/changeofaddress/

Past editions of the Army Echoes newsletter are available for free download, here: https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter

Did you know the US Army has a 2025 Retired Soldier Handbook?

Here’s the link: https://soldierforlife.army.mil/documents/army%20retirement/post%20retirement/Retired%20Soldier%20Handbook.pdf

The purpose of the U.S. Army Retired Soldier Handbook is to provide current and updated information for Retired Soldiers and their families, about the benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through their years of faithful service.

All Retired Soldiers must maintain a working knowledge of their benefits and entitlements to take full advantage of them. In addition to the information presented in the book, Retired Soldiers should refer to Army Echoes which also outlines changes in benefits and entitlements. The current and previous editions of the Army Echoes dating back to 1998 are available.

What is in the handbook?

Almost everything a retired member of the military, including understanding benefits he or she will get from social security, etc. For example, do you know what a veteran should do when the flag is displayed and the national Anthem is playing? When can a retired member wear the uniform?

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FAQ SECTION

Medicare For Veterans

Do I have to sign up for VA Healthcare if I have VA Healthcare?

Reasons to sign up if you are not receiving VA disability or less than 30% VA rated)

VETTIP: I assisted a veteran trying to get reimburse by the VA for over $20, 000, as his only option for rehabilitation after a emergency hospital visit was either in West Haven Ct. or New Jersey. VA refused to reimburse, since he was offered options 

I have VA Health Care, why should I sign up for Medicare A and B?

Monthly VA Disability Compensation

Q: I filed a claim and was denied by the VA, can I hire an attorney? And if I can hire an attorney, what does the attorney charge? Patty, Scituate

Disclosure: John Cianci is an general member of NOVA and attends training with NOVA annually. He is also a non-paid volunteer as the Veteran Service Officer for the Italian American War Veterans, providing FREE assistance not only with VA benefits but with federal, state, and burial benefits veterans and survivors and their families could be entitled to.  

A: Yes, a veteran has the option to hire an attorney after being denied on the claim or disagreeing with his or her rating awarded. 

Normally, the attorneys do not assist veterans in filing the initial claim and the attorney should not charge you for filing the initial claim. 

While you don’t have to hire an attorney, to appeal a VA decision, the veteran’s benefits appeal process is complicated, time-consuming, and usually requires years of waiting. Moreover, last year alone, after I educated the veterans on the appeal process, over 50 veterans (over 90 percent success rate) submitted the appeal on their own, and were successful. NO attorney, claims agent, or VSO can guarantee success with an appeal. 

When hiring an attorney, I would recommend hiring a VA-accredited attorney, Rhode Island attorney, and an attorney who is a member of NOVA. ( see the table below for Rhode Island attorneys accredited with the VA. Veterans just like when you select an attorney for a car accident, shop around, choose someone you are confortable with. 

Hiring an RI attorney gives you a check and balance with the entities that monitor their activities. Moreover, the Office of General Counsel for the Veterans Administration will also accept complaints from VA accredited attorneys. https://www.va.gov/OGC/docs/Accred/HowtoFileaComplaint.pdf

However, selecting someone outside Rhode Island to assist you, can also be successful. I would make the decision based on (1) is the person VA accredited (2) How much they charge (3) any upfront cost, (4) whether Are they a member of NOVA, which is not required, but provides veteran another layer to go to if he or she is not happy with the service provided. 

Should I select FREE assistance for my appeal?

The decision is up to the veteran, the survivor of the veteran, and or family member.

Veteran Service Officers (VSO) volunteering and working for major organizations like the American Legion, DAC, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America can also assist veterans in appealing a decision for FREE charge, however, generally, don’t have medical personnel part of the appeal teams reviewing a veteran’s files or the legal training like an attorney.

VETTIP: If you choose a FREE Veteran Service Officer(VSO) from one of the organizations offering to submit your appeal, I suggest you ask the VSO if their organization has an attorney who can review your denial decision. Does the VSO organization have medical personnel that will review your medical files?

Yes, FREE services are available, however, if the veteran chooses an attorney who will only charge on a contingency basis (usually 20 percent of retroactive), the attorney has an interest in doing his due diligence to ensure a favorable decision. Moreover, a favorable appeal could be worth tens of thousands of benefits for the entire veteran’s life, including education benefits for his or her children.

I chose one that was also a member of National Organization Veteran Advocates (NOVA)  https://www.vetadvocates.org/home. Additionally, the attorney I selected was was VA-accredited. 

The agreement required NO COST up-front, and any cost was contingent only if successful. Simply put, no different than an attorney accepting a client who was involved in a car accident that was not the person’s fault; the attorney gets paid only if he or she is successful. In making your decision, whoever you select, to give a FREE consultation to review your denial letter and medical files. Moreover, possible new evidence that you have or he or she feels is necessary as evidence.  

For example, you do not think the VA properly rated you diabetes  by awarding you 10 percent for diabetes. However, the decision only noted you manage diabetes with diet, which is inaccurate since you are required to do multiple insulin injections per day.

VETTIP: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating for diabetes is based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran’s life. The rating scale ranges from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. 

Factors Considered for Rating: 

Type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), Need for insulin or oral medications, Frequency of hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis episodes, Peripheral neuropathy or other complications, and Age and overall health. 

Rating Schedule:

• 10%: Managed with diet alone 
• 20%: Requires insulin or oral medications, plus a restricted diet 
• 40%: Requires insulin injections multiple times per day, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities 
• 60%: Requires insulin injections multiple times per day, a restricted diet, and significant complications such as kidney disease or peripheral neuropathy 
• 80%: Requires insulin injections multiple times per day, a restricted diet, and severe complications that significantly impact daily life 
• 100%: Requires insulin injections multiple times per day, a restricted diet, and life-threatening complications.

Whoever is assisting you, should provide adequate evidence to VA to support a higher rating for diabetes.

If a veteran cannot get an attorney to assist, DO NOT GIVE UP if you believe you are entitled to VA benefits, contact the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) of the Italian American War Veterans of RI, at (401) 677-9838. ITAM’s VSO will assist you in understanding the denial, and assist for FREE in gathering additional evidence that could reopen your claim. For example, in the last 12 months, ITAM assisted survivors who were denied benefits, even after attorneys assisted them and were still denied. 

Here is the link to assist in selecting a VA-approved attorney; you can type in Rhode Island in the block, and you will get a list of all VA-accredited attorneys, agents, and representatives located in RI:

https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/#:~:text=The%20Accredited%20Attorney%2C%20Claim%20Agent,to%[email protected]

Sadly, the State of Rhode Island does not fund every town/city to have Veteran Service officers like neighboring states, Connecticut and Massachusetts, who could assist a veteran in the appeal process at no charge. In conclusion, veterans review the list and shop around through the many options you have in Rhode Island to select an attorney, agent, or accredited claims agent.

More information on VA-accredited attorneys:

 VA-accredited attorneys can charge a fee, but it must be reasonable and not based on future benefits. A fee based on a percentage of past-due benefits is common, with 20% often considered reasonable, and the VA may pay this fee directly. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Q: How do I get an appointment with a primary provider at the VA Providence Medical Center on Chalkstone Ave, Providence?

A: VA Providence Medical Center 

VETTIP A Veteran must be enrolled/registered with the VA before services are provided.

For FREE assistance to enroll in VA Health care system, contact the Italian American War Veterans of US, Veteran Service Officer, (401)677-9838 or email [email protected], or website, italianamericanwarveteransofus.org

Q: I was unhappy with service at the Providence VA?

Veteran options if unhappy with the VA service and or recommendations: Denied a clinical procedure: What options does a veteran have if denied a clinical procedure at a VA Hospital?

Step 1: I would recommend that you contact your primary care provider and tell them that the referral was denied.

VETTIP:  I recommend you contact your provider through MyHealthVA, https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home This provides documentation for additional evidence the veteran is denied a service their VA primary provider recommended additional medical services.

Step 2 initiate a clinical appeal. 

If you disagree with a VA medical treatment decision, you can initiate a Clinical Appeal, a process where a higher-level review of the decision is requested, potentially involving the facility’s chief medical officer and other experts. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

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EVENTS

April 21, 2025, 11:30 to 1:00 FREE Luncheon (always the third Monday of the month), Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren R.I. Grinders and NY Style Hot Weiners, dessert, and coffee coffee. More information, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

April 30, 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. More information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]

May 2, Friday (always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville 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. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

May 2 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteran 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.

May 3,  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 is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FORVETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos. 

May 5 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 guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM , at (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

May 14, 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.

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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).  With changes at the federal level, we encourage you to file as early as you can. Call (401) 273-7100 ext. 12025 to schedule your appointment today!

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:

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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.

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

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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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Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: 

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.

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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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.