RI Veterans: Did you know? 24.04.25 (ID card, local events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

VA Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

New VHIC cards will also have the veteran’s branch of service on them.

Did you know that a veteran can use the VA Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints for domestic if the veteran does not have a REALID ?

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

From the TSA website:

The TSA accepts the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) as a valid form of identification for domestic flights. This includes both the regular VHIC and the new enhanced VHIC that is REAL ID compliant. 

Here’s why this is important:

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID. Per TSA website, here is the list of acceptable IDs beginning May 7, 2025:

• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
  • Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., it must be REAL ID compliant.If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
  • A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Expired VHIC

TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration, for the above-listed forms of identification. 

The new Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a replacement for the old Veteran Identification Card (VIC). The new VHIC offers enhanced security features, a different look and feel, and is specifically designed for healthcare purposes, including use at VA facilities for appointments. The old VIC is being phased out, and veterans are encouraged to destroy their old cards once they receive the new VHIC. 

How can I get a new VHIC card from the VA?

First, you’ll need to be enrolled in VA health care. If you’re not already enrolled, you can apply now.

Requesting a VHIC: You can request a VHIC either online or in person at your local VA medical center. 

Using a VHIC: You can use your VHIC to check in at VA medical center appointments and potentially receive discounts from participating businesses. 

Renewal: You can renew your VHIC online or at your local VA facility. 

Processing Time: Normal processing time for a VHIC is 7-14 days for domestic addresses and 21-30 days for foreign addresses, but it can take longer during mass renewal periods. 

Online

You can sign in to AccessVA to request your VHIC. You’ll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) account.

If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create one now. Follow the instructions on the sign-in page to register for a sign-in partner.

Go to AccessVA to request your VHIC online

Note: If you live outside the U.S. and you don’t have any of these accounts, you’ll need to create an ID.me account to verify your identity.

Learn how to verify your identity if you live outside the U.S.

Have a photo and current ID ready. When you apply for a VHIC online, you’ll need to upload a digital color photo of yourself and a copy of your current photo ID. And – Upload a copy of any of these types of current, unexpired IDs:

• State-issued driver’s license, or
• U.S. passport, or
• Federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, and date of birth

Note: If your current ID lists an address different from what we have on file, you’ll need to update your address with us before you can request a VHIC online.

Find out how to change your address in your VA.gov profile

Or call us at  877-222-8387 (TTY: 711) and ask to change your address. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Upload a digital color photo of yourself that follows these rules:

• Use a photo taken in the last 6 months, and
• Use a white or off-white background, and
• Show a full front view of your face (with no hat, head covering, face covering, headphones, or eyeglasses), and
• Make sure your eyes are open and your hair isn’t covering your eyes or ears, and
• Crop the photo in a square shape from your shoulders up (like a passport photo), and
• Upload your photo as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, or .tiff file

Incorrect Information:

If your VHIC request has an error, you’ll receive an email explaining the issue and you’ll be asked to resubmit your request online or at your local VA facility. 

In Person

To get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) in person at the Providence VA facility, you’ll need to be enrolled in VA health care. Once enrolled, you can visit the enrollment office at the Providence VA Medical Center (PVAMC) or contact the enrollment coordinator to arrange for a photo to be taken for your VHIC. You’ll need to bring a current, unexpired photo ID to your photo appointment. 

VETTIP:  When entering the Providence VA facility, to your right is where you need to be issued a VHIC card. According to the VA website, requesting in-person and online won’t change the timelines to be issued the VHIC; the veteran will receive it in the mail within 7-10 business days. 

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NO Trump Portrait Being Displayed at Providence VA Facility

Did you know the Providence VA facility is not displaying President Donald J Trump and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins photos in the designated area on the wall near the front desk at the entrance of the building?  

Numerous inquiries have come to RINEWSTODAY on why the Providence VA is not displaying President Trump and Secretary Doug Collins’ official photos. RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor inquired and researched why the photos are not displayed as of April 23, 2025.  No, DOGE did not cut the funding for the official photos. The photos are not being displayed to make a political statement. The Providence VA , like thousands of other federal building, are awaiting the shipment of the official photographs of the president and the secretary of the VA.

Do you know the public can order the official photograph of President J. Trump?

GPO Produces Official Photographs of President Trump and Vice President Vance

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has produced the official photographs of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance. These photographs will be hung in more than 1,600 Federal buildings managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), military installations, and other Federal facilities. GPO will print nearly 100,000 photographs, which include four sizes: 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 20 x 24, and 16 x 20.

As in previous administrations, GPO is also making these official photographs available for sale to the public.

“GPO is honored to produce the official photos of the President and Vice President,” said GPO Director Hugh Nathanial Halpern. “Thank you, President Trump, for entrusting GPO with this important job. I also appreciate the hard work put in by the GPO team to ensure these products meet our highest quality standards so they will look great as they are displayed all across the Nation. Thank you to our team for providing a first-rate customer experience.”

The public can order the photographs on GPO’s Online Bookstore: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/47-donald-trump

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WWII Veteran Louie Dolce, 101,  with his 55-year-old grandson, Louie Dolce

WWII Veteran Seaman 1^st Class Louis Joseph Turn 101 – April 24, 2025 – Today, April 24, 2025, 101^st Birthday celebration for Coast Guard Veteran WWII Louie Dolce:

10:00-11:30 am ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI. All are invited to join Louie in celebrating his 101^st birthday. Tiramisu birthday cake and pizza for all.

3:30-530 pm Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave Waren, RI. Tiramisu birthday cake, chicken parmigiana, and salad for all.

Can’t make it, send Louis a birthday card: Louie Dolce, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol, RI 

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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.

Veteran Application: https://bit.ly/SVveterans

Guardian Application: https://bit.ly/SVguardian

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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EVENTS

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.

May 19, 2025, 11:30 to 1:00 FREE Luncheon (always the third Monday of the month), Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, R.I. For more information, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

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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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FAQ 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)

1.   Unless you are 100% and or receiving VA disability to cover dental, the VA health care program does not include dental coverage.

2.   Unless you receiving 70 % or more, VA Healthcare does not include paying for long term care.

3.   If you are hospitalized and need rehabilitation, VA has limited options of in state facilities, and if you choose a local facility to make it convenient for your family to visit you while rehabbing, you could have to pay $250 – $500 a day during rehab.

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

A: Yes, a veteran has the option to hire an attorney or claim agent 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 or claim agent 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. 

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 and claim agents ; https://www.va.gov/OGC/docs/Accred/HowtoFileaComplaint.pdf

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. 

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. 

VETTIP: I strongly recommend that when selecting an attorney or claims agent, select only VA-accredited attorneys and or claim agents. Moreover, I would not pay any out-of-pocket cost, as most accredited attorneys and claim agents will work on a contingent basis. 

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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:

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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.

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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: 

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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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.