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RI Veterans: Did you know? 02.10.25 (Govt. Shutdown, Local Events, Resources) – John A Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
Government Shutdown – what you want to know:
Q: I struggle to sign up for MyHealth.va.gov, is there a number to call to help me with signing up? Jim, Providence
A: The Providence VA Medical Facility has a MyHealthVet Coordinator, Katherine Murphy. She can be reached at (401) 952-2655. MyHealthVet National Help Line 1-877-327-0022.
VETTIP: My HealtheVet on VA.gov is the VA’s new health portal for managing your health care online. The veteran can schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, review medical records, send and receive secure messages with his or her medical team.
Why sign up for MyhealthVA?
- You can now manage your VA health care in the same place where you manage your other VA benefits and services.
- You can order specific medical supplies and equipment online.
- The new mobile-first design makes it easier to manage your care—anywhere, on any device.
- Our accessibility improvements make it easier for all Veterans to use health tools—especially if you use a screen reader or other assistive device.
Impact of Federal Shutdown on Veterans
Originally posted by Doug Hanes in Facebook, Veteran Claims Assistance Group
Let’s discuss the government shutdown and its implications for veterans.
I’ve been getting questions, and I want to put minds at ease. If you’re a veteran receiving VA benefits – disability, pension, education, healthcare – your payments and services will continue uninterrupted. Period.
Unlike the Department of Defense, VA is funded a year in advance, which means the current budget standoff in Washington does not stop your benefits. VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open and operational. Your care is not on hold.
Now, here’s what might be affected:
- VA regional offices may close to walk-ins
- Hotlines and career counseling could be temporarily suspended
- Cemetery maintenance and headstone processing may be delayed
- Some central office staff could be furloughed.
But compared to other federal departments, the impact on VA is minimal. The systems that matter most – your compensation, your healthcare, your support – are protected.
If you’re filing a claim or appeal, you can still submit. Processing may slow down, but the pipeline stays open.
We are monitoring this closely. You earned these benefits. They’re not going anywhere. Stay steady. We’ve got this.
Addendum:
These programs are funded through mandatory spending and not subject to annual appropriations, so they continue uninterrupted:
Military Retirement Pay
- Continues as scheduled
- Paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), which operates independently of shutdowns
TRICARE
- Remains fully operational
- Medical claims, prescriptions, and provider access continue
- Military treatment facilities stay open
Social Security Retirement
- Monthly payments continue
- SSA field offices may reduce hours or services, but checks go out as usual
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Payments continue
- Some administrative services may slow, but benefits are protected
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- No disruption to payments
- Claims processing may slow if SSA staff are furloughed, but existing benefits are safe
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Available Assistance For Veterans Impacted By Government Shutdown
Interest-Free Loans For Members of Navy Federal and USAA
Navy Federal Credit Union offers eligible members 0% APR (no interest) loans to help with financial disruption during a government shutdown, a program specifically for military service members, federal employees, and government contractors. To be eligible, members typically must have a direct deposit of their federal pay into a Navy Federal account. The loan amount is based on the most recent direct deposit, and the funds are automatically deducted once pay resumes. If you have a foreign address, please contact us at 1-888-842-6328 (toll-free, domestic) or 1-703-255-8837 (collect, international) to confirm your eligibility.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Government Shutdown Loan Program, you generally must meet the following criteria:
- Be a military servicemember, federal employee, or government contractor paid directly by the federal government.
- Have had your regular federal paycheck deposited into an active Navy Federal account recently.
- Have a regular direct deposit of at least $250.
- Have repaid any prior Government Shutdown loans that overdrew your account(s).
How the Program Works
- 0% APR Loan:
The loan is offered with zero interest and no fees.
- Loan Amount: The amount of the loan is based on your most recent direct deposit, with limits up to $6,000.
- Automatic Repayment: Once the government reopens and your pay is resumed, the loan amount is automatically deducted from your account as repayment.
- Enrollment: You must register for the program in advance of your scheduled payday to ensure timely disbursement.
USAA Bank
As the possibility of a government shutdown looms, USAA is offering a helping hand to members.
“USAA has your back during a government shutdown,” the company said in a social media post.
According to USAA, the loan needs to be repaid within three months. The payment will also need to be split into two equal installments, the first due in about 60 days and the second in about 90 days.
To apply, individuals must be:
- A member employed by an impacted federal agency who direct deposits their government paycheck or pay
- An account holder on the impacted USAA Bank account
Qualified applicants must:
- Have direct deposit set up for a USAA Bank checking or savings account as of the federal payment disruption date
- Receive at least one qualifying direct deposit to that same account within 30 days before the start of the disruption
- Have a U.S. physical address or an APO, DPO, or FPO address
- Get a credit approval from USAA Bank
“Stability plays an important role in the financial security of our members — and empowering that security is our mission,” a statement on the company’s website says. “Members impacted by a government shutdown can count on USAA and may be eligible to apply for a no-interest loan and other payment relief options across our banking and insurance products.”
USAA will launch the program “when its members are impacted by a government shutdown.” The program will be available at the discretion of the company, according to USAA.
Additional assistance for impacted members includes auto and property insurance, banking, life and health insurance and aid for active service members.
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VA Providence Medical
FAQ Telephone Numbers
Pharmacy
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
NOTE: In the government shutdown, burials will continue to take place, though headstones, plaques, etc. may be delayed in placement until after the shutdown.
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EVENTS
October 6, 2025, 9:00-1030am Veteran Coffee/Espresso Social Free Roma Ristorante. Free refreshments for veterans attending: Italian toast, Italian pastries, and calzones. All veterans are invited — if you served, you are a veteran. More information, contact the host and sponsor of the event, More information, email [email protected] or call (401) 677-9838
October 8, 2025, 5:00-700pm Free Italian Dinner for Veterans and Guests, Toast n Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick. The restaurant is not open to the public at this time, as the Italian American War Veterans of the United States uses the restaurant for dinner for the veterans. More information, email [email protected] or call (401) 677-9838
October 25, 2025
November 1, 2025, Military Service Members & Veterans family Fun Day, RI Indoor Karting Entainment Center, 100 Higgins Ave, Lincoln RI 02865
November 10, 2025, Monday, Veteran Breakfast, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick,801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI 02886. Representative Seth Magaziner invites you to his 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast & Award Ceremony on Monday, November 10, 2025. This special event honors those who have served our country and recognizes their invaluable contributions to communities across the statff. Please RSVP by October 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM using the following link to confirm your attendance: RSVP for Rep. Magaziner’s Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact our Warwick office at (401) 244-1201.
January 17, 2026 35th Desert Storm Reunion, Tri-City Elks, West Shore Road, Warwick, RI – 3:00 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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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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Volunteers Wanted
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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
V 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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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.