RI Veterans: Did you know? 11.09.25 (September 11th, Resources, Local Events) – John A. Cianci

Photo: John Cianci, Rhode Island Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter RI, on September 7, 2025

We Remember… (See Sept. 11th remembrance events – HERE)

More Cemetery info

Q:  My Dad, a Korean War Veteran, is buried at St. Ann’s Cemetery with a private gravemarker. Is he entitled to any grave marker, stone or anything to identify him as a veteran?

A:  Yes, but you must check with the cemetery, VA burial has several FREE options as headstones, markers, and medallions. https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/  If the private cemetery does not allow one of the headstones or markers issued by the VA, you can request a medallion to affix to the private stone.

Medallions are for eligible Veterans and service members who are buried in a private cemetery marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. The VA may provide these types of medallions:

• Bronze, or
• Medal of Honor (MOH)

Service members who died while serving on active duty on or after April 6, 1917, are eligible for a medallion.

Veterans who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge may be eligible for a medallion if they meet these requirements specific to when they served:

• Enlisted personnel who served before September 7, 1980, must have served for at least 1 day of active duty on or after April 6, 1917.
• Enlisted personnel who served after September 7, 1980, must have served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty.
• Officers who served before October 16, 1981, must have served for at least 1 day of active duty on or after April 6, 1917.
• Officers who served after October 16, 1981, must have served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty.

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Why a Flag is Draped Over a Veteran’s Casket

In 2012, the Department of Defense standardized the flag presentation verbiage for military funeral honors ceremonies. The following verbiage will be used when presenting the American flag during the funeral service: “On behalf of the President of  the United States Navy and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.â€

Symbolism of the flag-draped casket

The tradition of draping a flag over a soldier’s coffin dates back to the Napoleonic Wars in the late 1700s.

• Original purpose: Flags were first used on the battlefield to cover the dead and make them easier for each side to identify.
• Modern significance: Today, the practice is a tribute that honors the deceased veteran’s military service to their nation. The flag is placed so the union (blue field of stars) is at the head and over the left shoulder, signifying that the deceased is being embraced by the flag.
• Sign of respect: The flag is never lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground

Meaning of the flag-folding ceremony

After the graveside ceremony, including the playing of Taps, an honor guard carefully removes and ceremoniously folds the flag into a tight triangle. This final presentation to the family is a deeply moving part of the funeral honors. The 13 folds each have a specific meaning, though the exact origin and significance of these meanings are based on tradition rather than official U.S. Flag Code.

The commonly accepted meanings of the folds are:

1. Symbol of life.
2. Belief in eternal life.
3. Honor and remembrance for the veteran who departed the ranks.
4. Weaker nature of citizens, who trust in God for guidance.
5. Tribute to the country.
6. Pledge of allegiance and where citizens’ hearts lie.
7. Tribute to the Armed Forces.
8. Tribute to those who entered the valley of the shadow of death, and to honor mothers.
9. Tribute to womanhood, whose devotion molded the character of the nation.
10. Tribute to the father, who also gave sons and daughters for defense.
11. Hebrew glorification of God, representing the lower portion of King David and Solomon’s seals.
12. Christian glorification of God, representing the Holy Trinity.
13. Reminder of the national motto, “In God We Trust,” with the stars now uppermost.

The presentation to the family

Once folded, the flag resembles the three-cornered hats worn by colonial soldiers. An honor guard member then presents the flag to the next of kin, accompanied by a solemn message expressing the nation’s gratitude for their loved one’s service.

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 News

Rep. Magaziner Introduces Amendment to Defense Bill to Protect Veteran Homelessness Program, Keep More Veterans Housed

U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced he will be introducing an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect a critical program for homeless veterans that the Trump Administration has moved to end.

The HUD-VASH program was established in the 1990s to support veterans with housing vouchers and support services, and is cited as helping reduce veteran homelessness by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2024.

In July, President Trump signed an executive order to end “Housing First†policies, which includes the HUD-VASH program,  citing that they “deprioritize accountability and fail to promote treatment, recovery and self-sufficiency.†Magaziner’s amendment would block the Trump Administration’s plans to alter or dismantle Housing First principles and ensure the federal government continues to fund this effective program that keeps veterans off the streets and in stable housing.

“President Trump is putting veterans last by targeting a proven, bipartisan program that helps those who served our country stay off the streets and rebuild their lives in stable housing,â€Â said Magaziner. “My amendment reverses this horrible decision and ensures that veterans who fought to protect us have a safe place to call home, something both parties should agree on.â€

HUD-VASH, along with other federal housing programs, is being targeted by the Trump Administration for promoting a “Housing First†model, which prioritizes providing homes to individuals experiencing homelessness before requiring addiction treatment or mental health care. In reality, the HUD-VASH program pairs veterans with VA caseworkers to connect them with critical services such as health care, mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and job search assistance.

The NDAA sets annual defense and national security-related policies and authorizes funding levels for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Magaziner’s amendment is co-sponsored by Reps. John Larson (CT-01), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Steven Horsford (NV-4), and Cleo Fields (LA-06). You can read the full text of Magaziner’s amendment here.

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EVENTS

Thursday, Sept. 11, 9 to 11 a.m.: Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery; 13th annual 9/11 Remembrance – American Legion, Marine Corps League and members of other groups will pay homage to those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and salute those still combating terrorism worldwide. Presentation of the colors will be followed by prayer and vocal performances. There will be a reading of the names of all Rhode Islanders who died on that day, followed by an old firefighter tradition called the ‘Ringing of the Four Fives,’ a series of bell strikes that honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The four sets of five strikes symbolize the final alarm or signal for firefighters who will not return.

Thursday, Sept. 11, 10:28 a.m.: Service commemorating 9/11 in Oakland Beach – At 9/11 Memorial Garden, 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 [email protected] or call (401) 738-1926.

See RINewsToday’s article for MORE Remembrance events around Rhode Island – HERE

September 13, 2025Congressman Gabe Amos 2025 Veterans BBQ

September. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Westerly Veterans Café and VA Benefits Expo – Veterans Hall, 113 Beach St., Westerly . This is a free social dining event for veterans, hosted by the Office of Veterans Services and Meals on Wheels. VA and DHS representatives will offer help enrolling in VA health care, applying for disability compensation and accessing other benefits you’ve earned. No registration required.

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.

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.

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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] 

January 17, 2026 35^th  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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FAQ Veteran Questions On VA Health Care, VA Disability, Long Term/Assisted Living Care/ Discounts/ State Benefits

Veteran Resource Guide

Retirees

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

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 - https://soldierforlife.army.mil/documents/army%20retirement/post%20retirement/Retired%20Soldier%20Handbook.pdf

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

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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?

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Monthly VA Disability Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions Providence Medical Hospital

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

A _ VA Providence Medical Center

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

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

*Primary care call center:
Direct: 401-273-7100 or 401-457-3336

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

Veteran options if unhappy with the VA service and or recommendations:

Denied a clinical procedure:

What options does a veteran have if denied a clinical procedure at a VA Hospital?

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

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

Step 2 initiate a clinical appeal.

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

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What is a Clinical Appeal?
• A clinical appeal is a formal, written request for a review of a medical treatment decision made by your VA care team.
• It’s used when you disagree with a decision about your care or treatment.
• How to Initiate a Clinical Appeal?
• Contact the patient advocate at your VA health care facility.
• The patient advocate will guide you through the process and help you file a written appeal.
• The advocate will work with the facility’s chief medical officer and other experts to review the medical treatment decision.
• What Happens During a Clinical Appeal?
• The appeal is reviewed by a higher-level medical professional or team.
• They will consider the original decision and any new information or evidence you provide.
• The goal is to resolve the clinical dispute.
• Second-Level Appeal (VISN):
• If the facility-level appeal is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can submit a second-level appeal to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Patient Advocate Coordinator (VPAC).
• The VPAC will conduct a final review of the case.
• Oral Appeals:
• If you prefer to discuss your appeal orally, the patient advocate or VPAC will assist you in putting your appeal in writing.
• Other Decision Review Options
• If you disagree with a VA benefit or claim decision, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case.
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals

If you disagree with a Board decision, you have 2 options: If you have new and relevant evidence that supports your case, you can file a Supplemental Claim, or you can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Cla within 120 days from the date of your decision.

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FREE GOLF AT TOP GOLF 

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 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 –  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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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 (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.