RI Veterans: Did you know? 31.07.25 (VA Home Loans, info, local summer events, benefits) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Progressive Giving Away Free Car to Veteran or Active Duty

Application Still Being Accepted until 11:59PM, August 1, 2025

 

Application information

The Keys to Progress veteran vehicle giveaway program provides support to those in need in the following areas:

The Keys to Progress veteran vehicle giveaway program provides support to those in need in the following areas: personal transportation support:

Progressive hopes to offer a little relief and improve the lives of military men and women facing tough personal circumstances for which a vehicle may help, from finding employment or transporting children to and from school, to getting to medical appointments or visiting loved ones.

Reviewing the application, household annual income must be below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines table issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. See Poverty Guidelines (click “Chart Showing different multiples of poverty guidelines…” under “Files”).

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What annual income is below 250% of the federal poverty level guidelines?

VETIP: You must include monthly VA disability compensation when computing your annual income for Progress

For a single person in the 48 contiguous states, the maximum income to be 250% below the federal poverty level is $37,650.

For a two-person household, 250% of the 2025 federal poverty level is $51,100. This means a two-person household would be considered below the 250% FPL threshold if their income is at or below this amount.

For a three-person household in the 48 contiguous states, the maximum income to be 250% below the Federal Poverty Level is $66,625. This is calculated by taking the 2025 poverty level for a three-person household ($26,650) and multiplying it by 2.5

For a four-person household, 250% of the 2025 federal poverty level is $80,375. This is calculated by taking the 2025 FPL for a four-person household ($32,150) and multiplying it by 2.5.

For a five-person household, the maximum income to be at 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is $91,450 in 2025. This is based on the 2025 poverty guidelines where 100% FPL for a family of five is $36,580, and 250% of that is $91,450.

To be eligible to enter, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria at the time their application is submitted:

• Fall into one (1) of the following categories and provide the listed supporting documentation:
  • Military veteran
    • Form DD214
  • Active-duty E-4 or lower
    • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) showing pay grade
  • Spouse of an Active-duty E-4 or lower military member who is overseas
    • LES showing pay grade and valid marriage certificate
  • Gold Star status
    • Form DD1300 or DIC eligibility letter
• Have a clean driving record–no major infractions in the past seven years
  • “Major infractions” may include, but are not limited to, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, driving with a suspended, revoked, or invalid license, and reckless driving.
• Does not own a vehicle or is able to demonstrate an existing hardship with current vehicle
• Be able to provide their most recent federal income tax filing or current VA benefit statement
• Be able to pass a background check of entire adult life span, which will include, but is not limited to, any criminal activity
• Be at least eighteen (18) years old or the age of majority in your state of residence (which is nineteen [19] for residents of Alabama and Nebraska)
• Be a legal resident of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia)
• May not be any of the following:
  • A previous recipient of a vehicle through the Keys to Progress  veteran vehicle giveaway program in any capacity
  • A current employee of Progressive Casualty Insurance Company or any of its affiliate companies
  • A household member or immediate family member (e.g., spouse or dependent child, regardless of where they reside) of a Progressive employee
  • An employee of any Keys to Progress affiliate

For official rules, click here.

Please note: The recipient must have a valid driver’s license and obtain and maintain legally required insurance coverage prior to receiving a vehicle. Recipients are responsible for applicable taxes and fees. Proof of such documentation may be requested.

How do I get an application?

Whether you’re a veteran, a veteran-owned small business, or a veteran non-profit, we’d love to help you move forward and live fully. If you want to request an application for any of these program areas, send an email to [email protected].

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President Trump Signs VA Home Loan Program Reform Act 

From the House Veterans Committee on Veterans’ Affairs website, https://veterans.house.gov

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), released the following statements after President Trump signed Rep. Van Orden’s bill, H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, into law.

The bill will assist veterans behind in their mortgage payments.

H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, will create a partial claim program at VA as part of the Committee’s efforts to modernize the VA Home Loan program – which currently serves 3.7 million veterans – to allow veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages to receive federal assistance that is already available through other federal housing programs. Currently, nearly 70,000 veteran homeowners are more than 90 days late on their mortgage payments. This bill provides these veterans with needed relief and a second chance to keep their homes as a result of the new program. H.R. 1815 also includes the proper funding levels for the VA Grant and Per Diem program, as part of VA’s homelessness prevention programs to fund community agencies providing services to veterans experiencing homelessness. To learn more about H.R. 1815, click here.

“Our veterans and their families should have every tool at their disposal to keep their homes and reduce the risk of foreclosure if they fall into financial hardship or endure a national disaster. Today, House Republicans and President Trump made that a reality for every veteran homeowner,” said Chairman Bost. “Rep. Van Orden’s VA Home Loan Program Reform Act will modernize the VA Home Loan to meet veterans’ needs and reduce the risk of veteran homelessness. I’m proud that we fought hard to get this good bill to President Trump’s desk to keep our promise to those who have served.”

“President Trump is the strongest support of veterans and service members of any president in our nation’s history, “said Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Van Orden. “This law helps fulfill a promise to those who protected us with their service and continue to do so today by providing a path to maintain homeownership. I am very proud of our legislation and thankful to President Trump for signing it into law.”

H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, is supported by a number of key stakeholders including: Mortgage Bankers Association, Rocket Mortgage, National Association of Realtors (NAR), Freedom Mortgage, National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), Lyft, Mission Roll Call, New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV), National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and The American Legion.

“On behalf of The American Legion’s 1.5 million members, I extend our deepest gratitude to Chairman Bost, Ranking Member Takano, Congressman VanOrden, and the dedicated staff of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for their steadfast leadership in advancing and securing the final passage of H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act. This critical legislation represents a profound commitment to safeguarding the financial security and dignity of veteran homeowners, especially during times of hardship. Your timely action ahead of the August recess reflects unwavering dedication to those who have borne the battle. We commend your continued advocacy on behalf of America’s veterans,” said James LaCoursiere, National Commander, The American Legion.

“Those who have served our country deserve access to the same protections available to other homeowners, and the enactment of the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act of 2025 brings us closer to that reality. Now that the Act has been signed into law, the VA can develop a strong, effective solution that provides mortgage servicers with the tools they need to support servicemembers and veterans in today’s higher-rate environment. We appreciate the Committee’s dedication to seeing the bill across the finish line,” said Rocket Mortgage.

“This important legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring that distressed veteran homeowners have access to a proven and sustainable loss mitigation solution,” said Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

“The VFW is pleased that H.R. 1815, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, has passed into law. Introduced by VFW member and House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Derrick Van Orden, this law will prevent thousands of veterans from foreclosing on their homes by providing a partial claim option where VA can cover delinquent payments and work with lenders to structure appropriate repayments. Additionally, it will strengthen VA’s homelessness prevention efforts through the Grant and Per Diem Program. The VFW thanks Congress and the White House for quickly passing this legislation to help veterans stay in their homes,” said Kristina Keenan, National Legislative Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

“The passing of H.R.1815 is critical to giving the Department of Veterans Affairs the ability for Freedom Mortgage to further assist thousands of struggling VA borrowers in finding the best solution to stay in their homes, in line with other federally supported programs. We truly appreciate the bipartisan effort and stakeholder collaboration from Chairs Bost and Moran, as well as Ranking Members Takano and Blumenthal, to pass this bill and further strengthen their support of Veterans and those in active military service,” said Stanley C. Middleman, President and CEO, Freedom Mortgage.

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A Law Preventing Deceased Veteran Military Honors and Respect They Deserve

Did you know that if a veteran’s family chooses the VA urn or plaque option, the veteran cannot be interred at a VA cemetery or in the Rhode Island Veteran Memorial cemetery, even if the spouse is already buried at a VA cemetery or the Rhode Island Veteran cemetery.

A law passed during COVID denies a veteran’s wishes to be buried with his or her loved one.

In 2020, U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) has introduced the Loved Ones Interment Act, a bill that would allow veterans who are cremated and receive an urn or plaque from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be buried in a national cemetery. Under the current law, a family is not allowed to do both.

The National Cemetery Administration states: “If a family chooses an urn or a plaque to commemorate a Veteran, VA is prohibited by law from interring that Veteran’s remains in a VA national cemetery or from providing a headstone, marker or medallion for placement in any cemetery.”

The Current Law Prevents Families From Being Buried Together

The VA rules, as they stand, can potentially affect grieving families in multiple ways. First, they cannot follow the burial wishes that might have been expressed by their loved ones. The family of a veteran who wishes to be interred at a national cemetery may need to hold on to the urn without receiving military honors at a national cemetery.

These rules also keep families apart. Family members are allowed to be buried in national cemeteries, which means a spouse or child may be interred before the veteran dies. If the veteran cannot be buried in the cemetery, they may be separated from their loved ones in death.

As reported in Stars and Stripes, “VA has said it has no choice in the matter, pointing to a law that Congress passed in 2020 authorizing the VA secretary to furnish urns and plaques to deceased veterans under the condition that other burial benefits are not provided.”The law is the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.

The New Law Also Simplifies Burial Planning

Along with eliminating the emotional distress of separating veterans from their families, the Loved Ones Interment Act would also make end-of-life planning easier, according to an article in Connecting Directors, a funeral industry publication that also notes the act has bipartisan support. Families wouldn’t have to choose between a plaque and a burial in a national cemetery.

In life, veterans can discuss their burial desires without worrying about what their benefits cover. When a family member dies, their loved ones can focus on grieving, not on making the right choice when navigating complex VA laws.

The ineligibility guidelines for veterans who purchased urns or plaques are new. They only went into effect in June 2024, implementing the Improvement Act of 2020, leaving many veterans and families confused about their benefits. This bill could be viewed as a correction to the recent guidelines.

“It is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable that VA’s current interpretation of the law prevents cremated veterans from being buried with their family members because of limitations placed on burial benefits,” says Brownley.

“Our nation’s veterans and their families have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and ensuring that veterans are laid to rest with their loved ones is essential for upholding our promise to serve our veterans-in – in life and death – as well as they have served our country.”

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Sign The Petition, Rename “Women in World War II” Memorial

From website, change.org

The Issue

Our World War II Homefront Workers deserve to be recognized. But not at the expense of other women’s history, including our women veterans.

This is not just about changing the name of a memorial; it’s about ensuring that the contributions of women, often falsely symbolized by Rosie the Riveter, are recognized and celebrated in a manner that accurately reflects their impact during World War II.

The current memorial name, “Women in World War II,” claims to represent all Women in World War II, but in reality, only celebrates the role of civilian factory workers. Their language, marketing, and imagery are heavily focused on Rosie the Riveter and other women who served as civilian factory workers on the home front in World War II. But yet they claim to represent all women in World War II with this name.

The legislation that was introduced in Congress does not even represent all women; it is titled “Women Who Worked on the Homefront World War II Memorial Act.”

Changing the name to better identify who this memorial is for will help educate current and future generations about the pivotal contributions made by these incredible women, without obscuring the contributions of the women who served in the military, Red Cross, and other non-factory roles.

Despite being titled the Women in WWII their mission consistently only refers to the 18 million women who worked in factories, excluding the 350,000 women who served in the military (this number now rightfully includes the WASP), 50,000 members of the Red Cross, 325,000 women who served in the American Women’s Voluntary Service, and 100,000 women who served in the Cadet Nurse Corps. To put it simply, this memorial has clearly defined itself as exclusively a tribute to Rosie and should be named accordingly.

Renaming the memorial would not erase history; instead, it would clarify and honor the contributions of women in wartime America. Let’s ensure that this symbol of women’s strength and resilience is properly commemorated. Sign this petition to advocate for a change that rightly honors these heroic women, all of them, in all of their roles

We are seeking one of two outcomes:

Amend the bill from World War II Women Memorial Act to its original name of Women Who Worked on the Homefront in WWII Memorial Act

– or –

Expand who the memorial will represent, to be a true memorial to all women who contributed in WWII, including veterans, Red Cross, American Women Voluntary Services, Motor Corps, Civil Air Patrol, and Nurse Cadets.

Join the campaign here or please share with your networks. Thank you.

https://www.change.org/…/rename-women-in-world-war-ii…

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VETERANS EVENTS

August 1, 2025, 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

Aug 1, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, 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.

August 2, 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

August 2, 2025:

August 4 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the 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]

August 11, 2025, Monday, Rhode Island Victory Day Holiday, Tribute Lunch and Honoring World War II Veterans. ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, World War II. Italian Buffet FREE to all WWII Veterans and their guest(RSVP no later than August 9, 2025. All living WWII Veterans will receive a CUSTOM made tribute.

August  13, 2025 ( always the 2^nd Wednesday of the month), toast n’ tap, 4:30 – 6;30,  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.

August 16, 2025 , Saturday – Annual Calling All Veterans

August 18, 2025, FREE Veteran’s Luncheon, 1130am to 100pm Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI. All veterans are invited, and reservations for the August or September Lobster or Lasagna Veteran luncheon will be taken (must be present for the August luncheon to reserve a seat for lobster or lasagna luncheon. 

August 23, 2025 Naval Station Newport is putting the finishing touches on Salute to Navy 250, a special edition of the installation’s annual open-to-the-public Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.

“This year we are celebrating the 250th birthday and founding of the United States Navy,” explained Capt. Henry Roenke, installation commanding officer and host of the event. “In celebration of the proud service and legacy of the Navy, we have branded this event Salute to Navy 250. There is no better occasion to showcase the valuable relationship between our Ocean State community and the Navy than during this annual program, and we welcome the public to be part of this great event.”

 

 

September 6, 2025 Dive 4 The Prize

September 13, 2025 Congressman Gabe Amos 2025 Veterans BBQ

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Veteran Burial Resource Guide – RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI

Changes to federal laws have made veterans once not previously eligible for the RI Veteran Cemetery now eligible. For example, previous members of the RI Guard and or reserve ineligible, unless he met active duty requirements and or served in a conflict.

However, The Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act, which made National Guard and Reserve members eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries regardless of their active-duty status, was enacted on March 15, 2022. This legislation ensured that Guardsmen and Reservists meeting certain criteria, such as not having a dishonorable discharge, would be eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries, even if they didn’t meet the previous, more restrictive, eligibility requirements

How to apply?

https://vets.ri.gov/veterans-cemetery-interment-application-online

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Leave No Veteran Alone Program (https://italianamericanwarveteran.org)  – 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:

Active driver’s license & vehicle insurance

Clean driving record

Ability to pass a background check

COVID-19 vaccination

Details:

© Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available)

& Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

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

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans

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

Who Can Call

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

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

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

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

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

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Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans:

Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park through the 3rd Saturday in November at 884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-6676200.

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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:

• over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident
• a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration

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:

• Active-Duty Service members – Military ID
• Veterans – DD214
• Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter ( Contact VA office)

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:

• Licensing fees
• Camping fees
• Picnic table fees
• Specialized facility use fees
• Use of equestrian areas
• Performing art centers
• Game fields fees
• Mule shed fees

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged. Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.

Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters,”1100 Tower Hill Road”, North Kingstown, RI 02852″. Phone: 401-667-6200. “Email: [email protected]

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.” As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Art Expression Group– Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Stress Management– Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Low Impact Walking Group– Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Guitar 4 Veterans Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Monday Mindfulness Group Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Yoga Group Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Moral Injury Group Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Modern Warrior Support Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

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Discounts for Veterans

Services

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.

Restaurants 

Applebee’s– Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022.

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

Denny’s– Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022.

Outback Steakhouse– 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021

99 Restaurant & Pub” The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]; the business 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://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.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.