RI Veterans: Did you know? 12-03-26 (Tricare, health, benefits, local events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues  

Question from one of our readers

Q: I have Tricare for Life. Why should I enroll in the VA and use VA health care?

A: First, Tricare is a health care plan for active duty, National Gurad, and Reserve retirees. Tricare is a totally separate health care plan than VA health care. Having Tricare is like having Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Veterans who are eligible for VA health care and Tricare can utilize both health care systems; each operates independently.

Why would a veteran use Tricare instead of VA health care, which covers 100% of all services, including prescriptions?

One reason could be you are in an area that does not have a VA facility nearby, or the VA cannot schedule an appointment in timelines you are satisfied with. For example, your right foot just doesn’t feel right. You contact the VA, who schedules an appointment for you in 3 weeks. However, you are scheduled to go on a cruise next week and would like to have an appointment before you leave. You contact a local foot doctor who can schedule an appointment for you within a day or two.

Why would a veteran use VA health care instead of Tricare?

VA health care provides and covers health care not covered by Tricare. For example, Tricare will cover hearing tests, which may be necessary if the veteran needs to improve his or her hearing. The out-of-pocket cost for hearing aids can range from $ 4,000 to $ 7,500. Moreover, batteries, testing, and adjustments could cost the veteran hundreds of dollars after purchasing hearing aids.

Link to : TRICARE and VA Benefit Comparison

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HunterSeven Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: FREE Cancer Screening For Veterans

The HunterSeven Foundation has partnered with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to provide free cancer screenings for at-risk veterans, with a particular focus on identifying early-stage cancers through the SENTINEL Study. This collaboration includes offering blood-based screenings for over 25 types of cancer.

VETTIP I signed up on the HunterSeven website and will be screened. The process is simple: you fill out an application. After receiving your application, a representative from Dana-Farber will contact you to complete a 15-minute questionnaire. After you answer the questions, the representative will tell you whether you are eligible for the study.

Due to my tours in Iraq, I was eligible. The only requirement I have is to go to a local blood lab coordinated and paid for by Dana-Farber. Shortly after the blood test, hoping to get good news. If the results are not favorable, I will be traveling to Dana Farber for further testing and treatment as needed. 

Approximately 1.8 million U.S. veterans have or will have cancer, with lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related death. Roughly 15 veterans die daily from lung cancer alone. More than 43,000 new cancer cases are reported annually among veterans, often due to service-related environmental exposures. 

Key details regarding veterans and cancer include:

• Death Rates & Types:Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S.. Lung cancer is the deadliest for veterans, while colorectal, prostate, and, in some cases, kidney cancer (50% higher risk) are also prevalent.
• Exposure Risks:Veterans are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer compared to non-veterans.
• Post-9/11 Trends:Post-9/11 veterans are experiencing cancer deaths nearly two decades earlier than civilians.
• Treatment:Over 450,000 veterans receive cancer care through the VA

Too many of the veterans I have served with have died of cancer.  Always seems the same story, “if the cancer was identified and treated earlier, he or she would have survived. 

Key details regarding this partnership and related initiatives include:

• Veterans Health Initiative:HunterSeven Foundation, which focuses on military veteran health, works with Dana-Farber to bring specialized care and screenings to the veteran community, often in community settings like the Whitman VFW in Massachusetts.
• Targeted Cancer Screening:The collaboration emphasizes early detection for veterans, who may face higher risks due to toxic exposures during service.
• Support for Veterans:The initiative aims to help veterans navigate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and service-connected disability ratings.
• Broader Initiatives:In addition to this partnership, Dana-Farber has expanded its cancer care programs for specific high-risk groups, such as the “Direct Connect for Firefighters” program. 

For more information, the HunterSeven Foundation can be followed on social media, where they provide updates on screening events and resources.

Unknown to many veterans, they were more than likely exposed to a hazard during their military career. For example, many of the old barracks at Fort Drum, Camp Edwards, and bases throughout the United States and overseas were built with asbestos material.

The Italian American War Veterans of the US offer a FREE evaluation of a veteran’s military career, which can be done by phone , email and or in person. To request a FREE consultation, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

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Environmental Health Registry Evaluation for Veterans

VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service. The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service.

VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans.The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.

You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries:

• Agent Orange Registry
• Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
• Burn Pits Exposure
• Gulf War Registry(includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn)
• Ionizing Radiation Registry
• Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program
• Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center
• Duty assignment  at Otis Air Force Base( Camp Edwards, MA)
• Duty assignment at Fort McClellan
• Duty assignment DMZ Korea
• Duty assignment included working on runways
• Duty assignment Quonset/Davisville RI
• Served on a Navy ship and exposed to asbestos ( click, see if your ship is listed)
• Duty assignment as a mechanic and other occupational hazards(CARC Paint, Fuels, Degreaser)

On the VA website , a veteran can locate the point of contact by the state in which the veteran is enrolled in the VA Health Care system and request a FREE assessment.

Rhode Island

Providence VA Medical Center  830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence, RI 02908

Sherry Refino (401) 273-7100 ext. 15862 [email protected]

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More information on Military Exposures & Your Health – Fall/Winter – Issue 17

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/publications/military-exposures/meyh-17/index.asp

Military Environmental Exposure Assessments

A Military Environmental Exposure Assessment (MEEA) is a clinical evaluation for Veterans concerned about military environmental exposures. If you’re enrolled in VA health care and have had toxic exposure screening, you are eligible for a MEEA.

How It Works:

Expert Evaluation: A specially trained VA clinician will review your exposure history and address any concerns.

Documentation: Your exposure history will be recorded in your electronic health record.

Follow-Up: You’ll receive medical guidance and follow-up recommendations via email or letter.

Scheduling a MEEA:

Contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator or the VET-HOME program.

No referral is needed, though your VA care team may recommend one.

Choose between in-person (may have limited times and copay) or telehealth (free and widely available).

Evaluation Pathways for Military Environmental Exposures

VA provides multiple ways to evaluate and address your military environmental exposures:

Toxic Exposure Screening (TES):

Available every 5 years for Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Takes about 5-10 minutes with a health care provider.

Starts a conversation about your exposures and connects you to appropriate resources.

Military Environmental Exposure Assessment (MEEA):

In-depth clinical evaluation to follow up on concerns identified during a TES.

Conducted by VA clinicians with specialized training.

Choose between in-person or telehealth appointments.

Environmental Health Registry Evaluation:

Free, voluntary medical assessments for Veterans exposed to environmental hazards during service.

Available to Veterans with specific service dates and locations.

Includes specific registries such as the Gulf War Registry and Ionizing Radiation Registry.

Helps VA understand and care for similar Veterans as a group.

Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P):

Assesses disabilities and determines eligibility for disability compensation.

Evaluates whether claimed medical conditions are connected to military service.

Conducted by VA medical professionals or private contractors.

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Research Findings: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Illness, and Early Menopause

In a study of Gulf War Era women Veterans, VA researchers found that 1990-1991 Gulf War Era women Veterans with PTSD or Gulf War Illness (GWI) were more likely to experience early menopause. The Gulf War Era Cohort Study, which followed nearly 700 women from the 1990-1991 Gulf War in 1995 and again in 2012, observed a higher prevalence of early menopause among those meeting criteria for PTSD or GWI in 1995 compared to those without.

Key Findings:

PTSD in 1995: Prevalence of early menopause was 25.3%, compared to 12.3% without PTSD.

GWI in 1995: Prevalence of early menopause was 19.2%, compared to 12.3% without GWI.

Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to health risks like premature mortality, poor bone health, and cardiovascular disease. If you are a 1990-1991 Gulf War Era woman Veteran who has experienced early menopause, discuss potential health impacts with your provider.

For more information, visit: PubMed Study.

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VA News 

Scammers Targeting Veterans with Fake VA Appointments

A recent scam targeting Veterans has raised alarm among the Veteran community. A Veteran reported receiving a letter that falsely claimed he had a scheduled VA appointment, along with a request for payment for the visit. Upon verification, the VA confirmed that the Veteran was not enrolled in VA health care, and no such appointment had been scheduled. It was determined that the letter and the payment request were fraudulent.

Important Reminders for Veterans:

No Upfront Fees: Veterans should never be asked to pay for any VA or Community Care appointment before or at the time of the appointment. The VA does not charge upfront fees for appointments.

No Electronic Payment Requests: The VA does not send payment requests by email, text message, or phone. Community Care appointments authorized by the VA are free to Veterans, except for standard VA co-pays when applicable.

Steps to Take if You Receive a Suspicious Letter, Call, or Message:

Do Not Send Money or Share Information: Do not send money or share personal or financial information in response to any suspicious request.

Verify with Your Local VA: Contact your local VA medical center directly to confirm the legitimacy of any appointment.

Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to the Integrity and Compliance Officer at your facility, the Integrity and Compliance Helpline at 866-842-4357 or [email protected], VSAFE at 1-833-388-7233 or the VA OIG Hotline at 1-800-488-8244.

Your VA team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive safe and legitimate care. Remember the mantra: See Something. Say Something.

Reporting Non-Compliance, Fraud, Waste, or Abuse:

Office of Integrity and Compliance Helpline: Report general instances of non-compliance, including potential fraud, waste, and abuse to [email protected] or call 866-842-4357 (VHA-HELP).

Suspected Fraud Reporting:

VSAFE Fraud Hotline: If you suspect you have experienced fraud, report it to the VSAFE Fraud Hotline at https://vsafe.gov/ or call 833-38V-SAFE.

Reports made to the VA Office of Integrity and Compliance (OIC) or VSAFE may be referred to the independent Office of Inspector General (OIG) for further investigation into fraud, wrongdoing, or oversight of VA programs and operations.

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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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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:   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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LOCAL EVENTS

March 16, 2026, 11:30am to 1pm:  FREE Italian luncheon for veterans and guests Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, RI. Chicken parmigiana and macaroni, antipasto salad, dessert: Zeppole and cannoli. You served, you are a veteran, and invited to the luncheon.

March 17,  2026, Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Party, Tuesday, Warwick Public Library, 1-3 p.m.

 

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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  

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 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)

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/john–acianci/    

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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/