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RI Veterans: Did you know? 26.02.26 (Travel, VA News, Local Events) – John A. Cianci
Did you know the Department of Defense (DOD) maintains a website providing active-duty members, veterans, disabled veterans, and eligible guests with access to resorts, hotels, and camping locations available for discounted use?
DOD Lodging is the official, centralized website for booking military-operated lodging worldwide for Army, Navy, and Air Force installations. It offers on-base and off-base, cost-effective, and comfortable accommodations (inns, suites, or cabins) for active-duty, retirees, service-connected disabled veterans, and DOD civilians, including for PCS moves or TDY.
For example, you’re interested in traveling to Florida to get away from the residue of the Blizzard of 2026:
Step 1 Click on DOD Lodging
Step 2: Type in Florida, and the search will give you ALL locations in the DOD inventory. The search resulted in all locations in Florida, to include camp ground, and I found a Navy Inn located in Key West.
Step 3: I’m eligible as a disabled service-connected veteran and or retired military. I call, BOOKED, and the wife and I will be heading to Key West sooner than later.
Additionally, I’m scheduled to go to the National Organization of Veteran Advocates conference in San Diego in April. Instead of staying at a hotel that was twice the nightly cost, I booked a Navy Lodge within walking distance for half the price.
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More Veterans Wanna Get Away Ideas
Tired of the snow? Wanna get away to the sun?
Did you know that the Department of Defense (DoD) operates several premier Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRCs) and various MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) resorts worldwide, offering affordable, high-quality leisure lodging for military members, veterans, caregivers, and authorized guests. Key, top-tier resorts include:
Florida
Shades of Green is located in  Orlando, Florida, within Walt Disney World Resort.Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) resort at Walt Disney World offering heavily discounted, tax-free lodging for veterans. While primarily for active duty/retirees, honorably discharged veterans can stay during January and September via the “Salute to Our Veterans” promotion. Veterans with service-connected disabilities (0-100%), Purple Hearts, or POW status have year-round eligibility.
VETTIP: Many veterans are ZERO percent rated for hearing. Ensure that the service-connected status is noted on your VHIC card.
An eligible veteran can book up to three (3) rooms total at Shades of Green. This includes the room the veteran is staying in, plus two additional rooms for guests. Veterans with an honorable discharge can book under the “Salute to Our Veterans” program during January and September, paying Category 3 rates.
VETTIP: Simply put, the 3 additional rooms a veteran can book can be for the in-laws, a brother, a best friend, and anyone vacationing with the veteran. The guest does not need a military ID or any military affiliation. When I went to Shades of Green with my son, I booked a room for my sister’s family and a room for a family of one of my friends.
Key Details & Eligibility for Veterans:
Salute to Our Veterans (All Veterans): Eligible in January and September only, with a valid DD-214 proof of honorable discharge.
Service-Connected/Disabled Vets:Â Eligible year-round with a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) showing service-connected, Purple Heart, or POW status.
Hawaii
Hale Koa Hotel  (Honolulu, Hawaii): Situated on Waikiki Beach.
Is a premier oceanfront Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) in Waikiki, Honolulu, offering 817 rooms for military members and their families. Located on Fort DeRussy, it features tax-free lodging, restaurants, a pool complex with water slides, and a private beach area.
Key Information & Amenities
Location:Â 2055 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Eligibility:Â Open to active duty, retirees, National Guard, Reserve, and DoD civilians.
Rates: $199–$419 per night (through Sept 30, 2026), based on rank, with no resort fees or taxes.
Amenities:Â Free Wi-Fi, in-room mini cooler, coffee maker, safe, and private lanais.
Features:Â Multiple pools (including kids’ area), beach access, luau, fitness center, and a PX (exchange).
Dining:Â Includes Banyan Tree Showroom, Koko at Kalia, and the Sunday Brunch at the poolside bar.
Activities & Services
On-site:Â Live music,, hula shows, and a weekly “Aloha Friday” prime rib & seafood buffet.
Recreation:Â A tour desk is available for booking off-site activities like Pearl Harbor tours, dolphin encounters, and ziplining.
Nearby: Located within walking distance of Waikiki’s shopping and dining areas
Japan
Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center (Okuma Beach) in Okinawa, Japan, is a premier, secure military recreational facility offering beachfront lodging, cabins, and camping for authorized personnel.
Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center (Okuma Beach) in Okinawa, Japan , is a premier, secure military recreational facility offering beachfront lodging, cabins, and camping for authorized personnel.
It features a 1 km white sand beach, water sports (jet skiing, snorkeling), go-karting, a seasonal outdoor pool with a lazy river, and dining.
Key Details and Amenities
Location:Â Northern Okinawa (Kunigami).
Access:Â Open to active-duty military, veterans, retirees, DoD civilians, and families.
Lodging:Â Includes various cabin options and hotel-style rooms.
Recreation:Â Activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, go-karts, mini-golf, and tennis.
Dining:Â Features on-site restaurants and snack bars.
It is frequently used for both leisure and military training events.
Okuma Joint Services Recreation Center, often referred to as Okuma Beach, is a premier, controlled-access US military recreational facility in northern Okinawa (Kunigami) featuring a 1 km stretch of white sand.
It offers affordable lodging, camping, a beachside swimming area, jet skiing, snorkeling, and land activities like go-karts and biking.
For all the snow lovers, next week’s article will be Wanna Enjoy Snow and Cold Getaways!
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VA News
VA benefits claims backlog under 100K for first time since 2020
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that the backlog of VA disability compensation and pension benefit claims is consistently below 100,000 for the first time since May 2020, during the first Trump Administration.
Hitting this milestone means the department has now cut the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits by 63% since Jan. 20, 2025, after it increased 24% under the Biden Administration.
A VA claim for compensation or pension is considered backlogged once it has been pending in the claims inventory for more than 125 days. In 2013, 70% of claims were older than 125 days — the most ever — compared to just 17% today.
Reducing the claims backlog is an urgent priority for Secretary Collins, as it was well above 100,000 from 2021 to 2024 and stood at 264,717 on Jan. 20, 2025. During President Trump’s first administration, VA reached the lowest disability claims backlog Dec. 21, 2019, at 64,783 claims.
“Under President Trump, VA is providing Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors all of the benefits they have earned as quickly and conveniently as possible,†said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “VA’s claims processing productivity is the highest it has ever been, and we look forward to continuing to provide record levels of service to Veterans and VA beneficiaries.â€
This milestone is one of many landmark VA achievements during the second Trump Administration, including:
- Opening 33 new VA health care facilities, expanding health care access for Veterans around the country.
- Processing more than 3 million disability compensation and pension claims in FY2025, an all-time high that shattered the previous record set in FY2024.
- Offering Veterans more than 2.2 million appointments outside of normal operating hours, which give Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
- Permanently housing 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in FY2025, the highest total in seven years.
VA encourages all Veterans to visit choose.va.gov to learn more and apply for the care and benefits they have earned.
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VA undoes decades-old wrong and protects Veterans’ Second Amendment rights
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a major new step to protect Veterans’ Second Amendment rights. Effective immediately, VA will not report Veterans to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System as “prohibited persons†only because they need help from a fiduciary in managing their VA benefits.
This corrects a three-decade-old wrong that deprived many thousands of Veterans in VA’s Fiduciary Program of their constitutional right to own a firearm without a legal basis.
After a thorough review, VA recognized that many Veterans had been deprived of their Second Amendment rights without hearings or adequate determinations that they posed a sufficient risk of danger to themselves or others. In consultation with the Department of Justice, VA has determined this practice violates both the Gun Control Act and Veterans’ Second Amendment rights. According to federal law, a decision by a judicial or quasi-judicial body is needed before someone can be reported to NICS.
A determination by the VA that a fiduciary is needed to help manage a Veteran’s VA benefits falls far short of this legal standard.
In addition to immediately stopping the reporting of VA Fiduciary Program participants to NICS, the department is working with the FBI to remove all past VA reporting from NICS, so no Veterans are unfairly deprived of their Second Amendment rights based solely on participation in VA’s Fiduciary Program.
“Many Americans struggle with managing their finances, and Veterans’ Second Amendment rights shouldn’t be stripped just because they need help in this area. But for too long, Veterans who needed the services of a VA fiduciary were deprived of their right to bear arms,â€Â said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Under the leadership of President Trump, we’re correcting this injustice and ensuring Veterans get the same due-process and constitutional rights as all Americans.â€
The Department of Justice supports this action.
“It is both unlawful and unacceptable for Veterans who serve our country to have their constitutional rights threatened,â€Â said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “It has been my pleasure to partner with Secretary Collins on this project, and I am directing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to review its regulations and propose changes that will prevent current and future violations of our Veterans’ Second Amendment rights.â€
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MORE:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a new regulation that will lead to faster decisions and quicker payments for certain types of survivors’ claims.
Previously, VA was required to address claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Survivors Pension separately, resulting in a longer claims process, as a formal decision was required for both benefits.
With this change, effective Feb. 23, VA will pay the higher of the two benefits, which is generally DIC — without delaying the process to develop the lesser benefit.
“This commonsense change streamlines the survivors claims process, reduces administrative burdens, and delivers quicker decisions to beneficiaries during challenging times,’†said VA Secretary Doug Collins.
DIC is a tax-free monthly monetary benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses, children and parents of a service member who died in the line of duty or Veterans who died from service-connected injuries or illnesses. Survivors Pension offers tax-free monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress.
In most instances, DIC provides a greater economic benefit than Survivors Pension. This is not the case if all the following conditions are met:
- The claimant is the Veteran’s surviving spouse,
- Has no dependents,
- Is residing in a nursing home,
- Has applied for or is currently receiving Medicaid.
If all these criteria are met, Survivors Pension ― rather than DIC ― will be awarded, and the DIC claim will not be further developed.
For more information, contact the VA benefits hotline on 800-827-1000.
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Design the 2026 Veterans Day Poster!
Here’s your chance to showcase your creativity and honor America’s Veterans through art.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting submissions for the 2026 Veterans Day Poster Contest.
Deadline:Â All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 1, 2026.
This contest is open to everyone—professional and amateur artists alike. Your design should reflect this year’s theme:
“Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families.â€
Why Participate?
The winning poster will be distributed to VA facilities, military installations and communities nationwide. It will also serve as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day National Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 2026.
Looking back: Last year’s winner
In 2025, the Veterans Day National Committee received more than 180 entries from artists across the country. The winning design, “Unified by Service,†was created by Jeremy D. Carpenter, an Army Veteran from Lowell, Ark. His artwork visually united all uniformed services under one flag and one purpose, paying tribute to Veterans of every generation.
Carpenter shared that art is his way to reflect on experiences and express meaning: “It pays tribute to all Veterans regardless of when or where they served, and it emphasizes that service to the nation is not confined to one uniform, one battlefield or one generation,†he said.
Submission Guidelines
Before you start creating, please review the new design submission guidelines for 2026 to ensure your artwork meets technical requirements. Successful designs are typically simple, with minimal imagery and text.
To view past winning posters, visit the Veterans Day Poster Gallery.
How to Submit
Send electronic versions of your design as jpg/jpeg images or PDF files to [email protected].
Questions? Contact the Veterans Day Coordinator at [email protected].
Thank you to all who have shared their creativity to honor Veterans. We look forward to seeing your submissions for the 2026 Veterans Day Poster Contest!
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TurboTax Offers Free Tax Filing for Military Active Duty and Reserve
- TurboTax Military Editioncreated a software program specifically for service members. There is currently a free version for junior enlisted and a discount version for senior enlisted and officers.
- Military OneSource is once again offering a no-cost, electronic tax filing service. If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save, and file your 2014 federal and up to three state returns online at no cost.
- TaxSlayer Militaryis available to all active duty military. You can prepare both your federal and state return for free with TaxSlayer Military Edition.
More information available HERE:Â https://news.va.gov/16726/free-tax-return-preparation-for-veterans-military-members-and-their-families/
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Information on the National Desert Shield and Storm Memorial
The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is a new national monument to be built at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 14, 2022.
Although we have been constructing the various elements of the memorial off-site for several years, on-site construction has begun. The dedication will be October 24, 2026.
National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act – Authorizes the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor those who, as members of the Armed Forces, served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.
Construction of the Memorial is led by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, a 501(c)3 organization in Washington, D.C. The association is led by a Board of Directors comprised of veterans who served during Operation Desert Storm. More information on monument go to https://www.ndswm.org/ and https://www.mynbc5.com/article/desert-storm-memorial-emily-bedard-rob-eccleston/69295603
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LOCAL EVENTS
March 2, 2026, Monday 9:00-11:00 a.m. ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI The Italian American War Veterans of the United States hosts its monthly veteran coffee social at ROMA, always the first Monday of the month. ITAM Veteran service officer/advocate will be available to assist any veteran or family member needing assistance with VA, federal, state, local, or private benefits. All assistance is FREE of charge. All veterans are invited.
March 7, 2026, Saturday, 2:30pm: Rhode Island Football Club Home Opener, Pawtucket:
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March 17,  2026, Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Party, Tuesday, Warwick Public Library, 1-3 p.m.
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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
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 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
 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)
- Unless you are 100% and or receiving VA disability to cover dental, the VA health care program does not include dental coverage.
- Unless you receiving 70 % or more, VA Healthcare does not include paying for long term care.
- If you are hospitalized and need rehabilitation, VA has limited options of in state facilities, and if you choose a local facility to make it convenient for your family to visit you while rehabbing, you could have to pay $250 – $500 a day during rehab.
VETTIP I assisted a veteran trying to get reimburse by the VA for over $20, 000, as his only option for rehabilitation after a emergency hospital visit was either in West Haven Ct. or New Jersey. VA refused to reimburse, since he was offered options
I have VA Health Care, why should I sign up for Medicare A and B?
Monthly VA Disability Compensation
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:Â 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
Telephone Number Directory
Make An Appointment:
Annual Physical
*Primary care call center:
Direct: 401-273-7100 or 401-457-3336
Â
Q:Â I was unhappy with service at the Providence VA?
A:Â 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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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 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:
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″ ³ ¨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: Â 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: 401-6676200, Email: [email protected]
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VETERAN 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– 1stâ€and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
Services Â
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 Youâ€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 Youâ€to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI
Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.
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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.
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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)6779VET(9838) Â Â
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To read all columns in this series go to: https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/john–acianci/  Â
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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: Â Â https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/john-a-cianci/