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RI Veterans: Did you know? 04.09.25 (Resources, OSD Vet Assistance Event, GOLF…) – John A. Cianci
Question from one of our readers:
 Q: Am I eligible for travel reimbursements for my regularly scheduled appointments at the Providence Veterans Medical Center? Tony, Warwick
A: The VA does provide travel reimbursement for eligible veterans. Veterans are eligible for VA travel reimbursements if they have a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, are traveling for a service-connected condition, receive a VA pension with income below the annual pension rate, or cannot afford travel costs for a VA-approved appointment.
Travel expenses the VA will reimburse
The VA may pay for your travel to receive care at these types of facilities:
- VA health facility. We reimburse you for travel to the closest VA health facility to your home that can provide the care you need. If your VA health care provider decides that you need to travel to another VA facility for care, we’ll reimburse the cost of travel to that facility.
- Non-VA health facility. We only reimburse you for travel to receive non-VA care that we’ve approved in advance, except in certain emergency situations.
The VA may pay for these costs:
• Mileage driven to and from your appointment
• Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
• Parking
• Taxi and plane fares
• Ticket costs for public transportation, including train, subway, bus, ferry, or light rail
• Transportation by a specially equipped vehicle, like an ambulance or wheelchair van, when needed and approved
• Meals and lodging when needed in some cases
Mileage reimbursement rate: The VA currently pay 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for approved, health-related travel. The VA will use Bing Maps to calculate your mileage, based on the fastest and shortest route from your home to the closest VA or authorized non-VA health facility that can provide the care you need. This distance is often called “door to door.†The VA will pay round-trip mileage for your scheduled appointments. We may only pay return mileage for unscheduled visits.
VETTIP: If you are not receiving travel reimbursement and you are receiving at least 30% monthly compensation, before you depart, stop by the travel office before you leave the VA. The travel office is located to the right upon entering the Providence VA Medical facility. The office will assist you in filling out the required forms to file for reimbursement.
How to file a VA travel reimbursement claim online
Option 1: Online – If you’re a Veteran or caregiver who’s eligible for general VA health care travel reimbursement, you can file your claims online. General reimbursement covers regular transportation, such as by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail.
Out how to file a claim online.
File a travel pay claim online
How to file a mileage-only travel claim on VA.gov
1. Set up direct deposit
If you haven’t already set up direct deposit to receive your reimbursement, you’ll need to do that now.
Find out how to set up direct deposit for travel pay reimbursement
2. Sign in to VA.gov
Find out how to create a Login.gov or ID.me account for VA.gov
3. Go to your past appointments
You can get to your list of past appointments in either of these 2 ways:
1. Select My VA from the main navigation. Scroll down to Health care. Then select Schedule and manage appointments, or
2. Select My HealtheVet from the main navigation. Then select Appointments.
3. From your appointments list, select Past to get to your past appointments.
4. Select the past appointment you’d like to file a travel claim for
If your past appointment is eligible for VA travel reimbursement, you can select File a travel reimbursement claim.
5. Start your claim
Review the information and select Start a mileage-only claim.
6. Answer the 3 questions
If you answer No to any of the questions, you can’t file a mileage-only travel claim online on VA.gov. But you can still file your claim online through the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS). Keep reading for instructions on how to file a claim through BTSSS.
7. Review and submit your claim Review your answers and the Beneficiary Travel Agreement Notice. Check the box to show your agreement. Then select Submit claim.
After you submit your claim, they will let you know when they are processing. You can also check the status of your claim by selecting Check your travel reimbursement claim status.
Option 2. Travel Reimbursement using a cell phone – To file for VA travel reimbursement using your cell phone, download the VA Health and Benefits mobile app and use the integrated travel claim option after an eligible appointment to submit a mileage-only claim. For other types of claims or if your appointment isn’t eligible for the app’s immediate prompt, sign in to the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) through the VA News (.gov) website or on the VA Health and Benefits app to access the full online portal for filing your claim. Using the VA Health and Benefits App
- Download the app: Get the VA Health and Benefits mobile app from your device’s app store
- Log in:Â Sign in to the app.
- Find your appointment:Â After an eligible VA health care appointment, a prompt will appear on the home screen for travel reimbursement.
- Submit your claim:Â Tap the prompt to review the details and submit your mileage-only travel reimbursement claim with a few taps.
- Track your claim:Â You can also track the status of your claim directly within the app.
Using the BTSSS Online Portal
- Access BTSSS: Sign in to the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) portal online at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. You can use your DS Logon, VA PIV, or ID.me credentials to sign in.
- Start your claim: Select the past appointment you want to file for and choose to “Start a mileage-only claim” if you’re eligible.
- Answer questions: Provide the requested information about your travel.
- Review and submit: Review your answers, the Beneficiary Travel Agreement Notice, and then select to submit your claim.
- Set up direct deposit: For the fastest payment, make sure you have direct deposit set up for your reimbursements.
Option 3: In person. Next time you’re at the VA, go to the travel office on the first floor. To your right as you enter the facility.
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From the VA – Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced more than $818 million in grants to 235 organizations across the country to help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
VA awards grants based on a number of factors, including the grant recipients’ experience and past performance in providing supportive services to Veteran families, and the need in the area or community where the program will be based. Throughout fiscal year 2026, the grants will fund local organizations as they help Veterans access:
- Housing and housing counseling
- Health care
- Financial planning services
- Childcare
- Legal assistance
- Transportation
“Supportive services like childcare, housing counseling and financial planning can be important catalysts for preventing or resolving homelessness,†said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These grants will help bring crucial support to thousands of Veterans in need across the nation.â€
The grants are being made available through VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which provides case management and supportive services to:
- Prevent the imminent loss of a Veteran’s home.
- Identify new, more suitable housing situations for individuals and families.
- Rapidly re-house Veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without assistance.
Learn more about the program.
VETTIP: Recommend any veteran in need of housing assistance to contact Operation Stand Down in Johnston, RI. Important to note, if a veteran is behind in rent or mortgage payments and in jeopardy of losing housing, OSDRI manages a VA program that can assist in paying back rent and supplement your income up to 2 years. Justification for assistance could be that the veteran’s rent has increased, and the veteran needs time to adjust.
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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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 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:â€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 Managementâ€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,â€1100 Tower Hill Roadâ€, North Kingstown, RI 02852″. Phone: 401-667-6200. “Email: [email protected]
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EVENTS
September 5, 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
September 5, 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.
September 5, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Free golf at Top Golf, Cranston, RI. Request the location of the Italian American War Veterans of the United States.
FREE Golf at Top Golf Days – (see info, below this EVENTS listing!)
September 6, 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
September 6, 2025 Dive 4 The Prize
Thursday, Sept. 11, 10:28 a.m.- service commemorating 9/11 in Oakland Beach; 9/11 Memorial Garden at the end of Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick. Boots to Briefcases invites everyone to attend this annual remembrance, which will begin with a moment of silence at 10:28 a.m. to mark when the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. Ground Zero survivor Judy Cobden will speak. The event is open to the public and is disability inclusive. Seating is limited, so please consider bringing a camp chair. Contact Camille Vella-Wilkinson for further info at CamilleB2B@outlook. com or call (401)738-1926.
September 13, 2025Congressman Gabe Amos 2025 Veterans BBQ
September 18 & 19 2025 – Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 33rd annual Veteran Assistance Event at 1010 Hartford Avenue, in Johnston, on Thursday, September 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday, September 19th, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (SEE ALL DETAILS BELOW THE EVENTS SECTION)
September 21, 2025 – Ipods for Wounded Veterans – Cranston:
October 6, 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]Â
January 17, 2026 35th  Desert Storm Reunion, Tri-City Elks, West Shore  Road, Warwick, RI3:00 p.m. to 4:30 pm Veteran Social. All Desert Shield/Storm veterans invited.  5:00 p.m. Memorial service . More information and tickets go to https://35desertstorm.org
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FREE GOLF AT TOP GOLFÂ
Italian American War Veteran of the United States, Offering PGA Hope Graduates and Disabled Veterans Free Golfing at Top Golf Schedule
The Italian American War Veterans of the United States (ITAM) is offering free golfing to PGA Hope Graduates, logistics students attending logistics training at Naval Newport Base in Newport, RI, and combat disabled veterans at Top Golf, 120 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, RI 02920 every Friday in September and October 2025.
Eligible participants must pre-register by emailing ITAM at [email protected] or calling (401) 677-9838.
“Slots are limited at this time; however, we have reached out to potential sponsors to expand the program,†said ITAM Morale Welfare Recreation (MWT) coordinator John A Cianci.
DATES:
September 5, 2025, Friday 5:00 PM
September 12, 2025, Friday 5:00 PM
September 19, 2025, Friday 5:00 PM
September 26, 2025, Friday 5:00 PM
More information on the program, check back to this weekly Thursday column – and go to the Facebook page, Golf4Vets -Â https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107112074631952
More Information on the PGA Hope program
https://www.pgareach.org/pgahope
 Serving Those Who Served. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, the program is inclusive of a developmental 6-8 week curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost to all participating Veterans.
PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.
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Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) 33rd annual Veteran Assistance Event
September 18 & 19 2025
To be held at OSDRI’s offices at at 1010 Hartford Avenue, in Johnston, on Thursday, September 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday, September 19th, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Since its inception in 1993, the annual event has provided thousands of veterans with access to essential services, including health, dental, and substance abuse care, as well as employment, legal, and housing services.
The Veteran Assistance Event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Veterans may access the location via RIPTA bus Route 28, which operates out of Kennedy Plaza and stops at the corner of Hartford and Bordon Avenues. Veterans and families driving to the event must park at the former Stop & Shop location (11 Commerce Way, Johnston, RI). Service Providers’ parking will be located at the lower parking lot of Market Basket (1300 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI). Shuttle service will be provided at both parking locations and will operate throughout the event.
Tents, tables, chairs, and access to wireless internet will be provided for all service providers. We ask that providers drop off supplies or equipment needed for the event at the Veteran Service Center prior to September 18th.
Although no overnight lodging is available, Lunch will be provided on both Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th from 12:00 – 1:30.
If you are an organization wishing to attend as a service provider please e-mail [email protected].
If you want to sponsor a table please register here or contact [email protected] for more details.
* UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SERVICES ARE THURSDAY 8AM – 4:00PM and FRIDAY 8AM – 1:30PM
This is a good time to help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! Stop by at the event – bring items or monetary contribution.
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Veteran Burial Resource Guide
RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI
Changes to federal laws have made veterans who were previously ineligible for the RI Veteran Cemetery now eligible. For example, previous members of the RI Guard and/or reserve are ineligible, unless they 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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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
https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter
Army 2025 Retired Soldier Handbook
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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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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 Â
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 Â
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:Â  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.