RI Veterans: Did you know? 26.03.26 (VA Home Loans, Events, Resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

VA Home Loan Benefit

Did you know a VA Home loan is transferable to another veteran and even a non-veteran?

A VA Home Loan is transferable to a non-veteran through a process called loan assumption, which allows the buyer to take over the existing mortgage terms. The buyer must meet the lender’s credit and income requirements, and the home must usually be their primary residence. 

Key Details on VA Loan Transfers (Assumptions)

• Lender Approval Required: The assumption must be approved by the current loan servicer.
• Release of Liability: To avoid being held responsible for future payments, the veteran must obtain a “release of liability” from the lender.
• Entitlement Risk: If a non-veteran assumes the loan, the original veteran’s VA entitlement remains tied up until the loan is paid off, limiting their ability to use a new VA loan.
• Equity Payment: The buyer (non-veteran) must pay the difference between the home’s current market value and the remaining loan balance in cash or through secondary financing.
• Assumable Fees: A 0.5% funding fee of the loan balance is usually required. 

Simply put, a veteran selling his or her house with a VA Home Loan can transfer the loan to another veteran, son or daughter, or any other buyer eligible to assume the loan. For example, a veteran has a VA home loan with a low interest rate, 4 percent, and the veteran can transfer the VA Home to a seller eligible to assume the loan. Moreover, the veteran’s current interest rate.

It is important to ensure the lender releases the veteranfrom all liability, or the veteran could face credit issues if the non-veteran misses payments.

Question from one of our readers on VA Home Loan?

How do I use my VA Home Loan benefit? Casey, North Smithfield

First, you must obtain a document showing you are approved for a VA Home loan. The document is called a Certificate of Eligibility.

From the VA website:

How do I request a COE?

You can request a COE in any of these 3 ways.

Option 1: Online

Request a COE

Option 2: Through your lender

Your lender may be able to use an online system (called Web LGY) to get your COE. Ask your lender about this option.

Option 3: By mail

To request a COE by mail, fill out a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) and mail it to the address for your regional loan center. You can find the address on the last page of the form. Please note that mail requests may take longer than requesting a COE online or through your lender.

Get VA Form 26-1880 to download

What happens after I request a COE?

They will review your request and tell you our decision. You can check the status of your request online.

Learn how to check the status of your home loan COE

Next steps for getting a VA direct or VA-backed home loan

Requesting a COE is only part of the process for getting a VA direct or VA-backed home loan. Your next steps will depend on the type of loan and the lender. (For most loans, the lender is a private bank or mortgage company. For the Native American Direct Loan, we’re the lender).

The lender will request a VA appraisal (assessment) of the house. An appraisal estimates the house’s market value at the time of inspection. An appraisal isn’t a home inspection or a guaranty of value.

The lender will review the appraisal and your credit and income information. If they decide to accept your application, they’ll work with you to select a title company (or other entity) to close (transfer ownership) on the house.

What if I have questions about the loan process?

If you have any questions that your lender can’t answer, you can call us at 877-827-3702 (TTY: 711) to talk to a VA home loan representative. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Play a video about VA home loans and how to apply (YouTube)

Loan options

·      Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)

Find out how to get an IRRRL loan to refinance an existing loan.

·      Cash-out refinance loan

Learn how to get cash from your home equity to pay off debts, pay for school, or take care of other needs.

·      Native American Direct Loan (NADL)

Find out if you can get a NADL loan to buy, build, or improve a home on federal trust land.

Other Types of VA Loans for Veteran Homeowners 

Interest rate reduction refinance loan

If you have an existing VA-backed home loan and you want to reduce your monthly mortgage payments—or make your payments more stable—an interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) may be right for you. Refinancing lets you replace your current loan with a new one under different terms. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Am I eligible for an IRRRL?

You may be eligible for an IRRRL if you meet all of these requirements.

All of these must be true:

You already have a VA-backed home loan, and

You’re using the IRRRL to refinance your existing VA-backed home loan, and

You can certify that you currently live in or used to live in the home covered by the loan

Note: If you have a second mortgage on the home, the holder must agree to make your new VA-backed loan the first mortgage.

Why might I want to get an IRRRL?

Often called a “streamline” refinance, an IRRRL may help you to:

Lower your monthly mortgage payment by getting you a lower interest rate, or

Make your monthly payments more stable by moving from a loan with an adjustable or variable interest rate (an interest rate that changes over time) to one that’s fixed (the same interest rate over the life of the loan)

On a no-down-payment loan, you can borrow up to the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limit in most areas—and more in some high-cost counties. You can borrow more than this amount if you want to make a down payment.

Learn about VA home loan entitlement and limits

You’ll want to keep closing costs in mind when refinancing a loan, as they can add up to thousands of dollars. Before you decide to refinance, divide your closing costs by how much you expect to save every month by refinancing to see if it’s worth it. While your lender can advise you on the costs and benefits of the transaction, you’ll want to be sure you understand what you’re getting into.

Learn about the VA funding fee and other closing costs

Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for more information

Download the Bureau’s home loan toolkit (PDF)

How do I get an IRRRL?

Find a lender

You’ll go through a private bank, mortgage company, or credit union—not directly through us—to get an IRRRL. Terms and fees may vary, so contact several lenders to check out your options.

Note: If you have a VA home loan be careful when considering home loan refinance offers. Claims that you can skip payments or get very low interest rates or other terms that sound too good to be true may be signs of a misleading offer.
Learn more about the signs of misleading refinance offers

Give your lender any needed information

If you have the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) you used to get your original VA-backed home loan, take it to your lender to show the prior use of your entitlement.

If you don’t have your original COE, ask your lender to get your COE electronically through the VA Home Loan program portal.

Follow your lender’s process for closing on the IRRRL loan, and pay your closing costs

You may need to pay the VA funding fee. This one-time fee helps to lower the cost of the loan for U.S. taxpayers since the VA home loan program doesn’t require down payments or monthly mortgage insurance. Your lender will also charge interest on the loan in addition to closing fees.

Learn about the VA funding fee and other closing costs

With an IRRRL, you can include these costs in the new loan so you don’t have to pay up front. Or, you may be able to make the new loan at an interest rate high enough so your lender can pay the costs.

Cash-out refinance loan

More information from VA website:

A VA-backed cash-out refinance loan lets you replace your current loan with a new one under different terms. If you want to take cash out of your home equity or refinance a non-VA loan into a VA-backed loan, a VA-backed cash-out refinance loan may be right for you. Find out if you’re eligible—and how to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility.

Am I eligible for a VA-backed cash-out refinance loan?

You may be eligible for this type of loan if you meet all of these requirements.

All of these must be true:

You qualify for a VA-backed home loan Certificate of Eligibility, and

You meet VA’s—and your lender’s—standards for credit, income, and any other requirements, and

You’ll live in the home you’re refinancing with the loan

Find out if you qualify for a VA-backed home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

 

Why might I want to get a VA-backed cash-out refinance loan?

A VA-backed cash-out refinance loan may help you to:

Take cash out of your home equity to pay off debt, pay for school, make home improvements, or take care of other needs, or

Refinance a non-VA loan into a VA-backed loan

On a no-down-payment loan, you can borrow up to the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limit in most areas—and more in some high-cost counties. You can borrow more than this amount if you want to make a down payment.

Learn more about VA home loan entitlement and limits

You’ll want to keep closing costs in mind when refinancing a loan, as they can add up to thousands of dollars. Make sure you understand how your new loan amount relates to the value of your home. While your lender can advise you on the costs and benefits of the transaction, you’ll want to be sure you understand what you’re getting into.

Learn about the VA funding fee and other closing costs

Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for more information

Download the Bureau’s home loan toolkit (PDF)

How can I get a VA-backed cash-out refinance loan?

Find a lender

You’ll go through a private bank, mortgage company, or credit union—not directly through us—to get a cash-out refinance loan. Terms and fees may vary, so contact several lenders to check out your options.

Note: Be careful when considering home loan refinance offers. Claims that you can skip payments or get very low interest rates or other terms that sound too good to be true may be signs of a misleading offer.Learn more about the signs of misleading refinance offers

Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

You’ll need to show your COE to your lender as proof that you qualify for the home loan benefit.

Find out if you qualify for a COE

Request your COE now

Give your lender any needed information

In addition to your COE, you’ll need to give your lender:

Copies of paycheck stubs for the most recent 30-day period

W-2 forms for the previous 2 years

A copy of your federal income tax returns for the previous 2 years (required by many, but not all lenders)

Any other information your lender requires

Note: The lender will order a home appraisal, an expert assessment of the value of your home.

Follow your lender’s process for closing on the loan, and pay your closing costs

You may need to pay a VA funding fee at closing. This one-time fee helps to lower the cost of the loan for U.S. taxpayers since the VA home loan program doesn’t require down payments or monthly mortgage insurance. Your lender will also charge interest on the loan in addition to closing fees.

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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 mechanicand 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 – 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.

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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Purple Heart Memorial for nation’s 250th at the RI Veterans Cemetery

We hope the effort will be successful to have placed a Purple Heart Memorial at Rhode Island’s Veterans Cemetery in time for the nation’s 250th.  Rhode Island Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars is coordinated More info here: https://rimofw.org/membership/support-the-purple-heart-memorial/.

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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.

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EVENTS

Thursday, March 26, noon to 2 p.m.; Women Warriors Luncheon sponsored by Boots to Briefcases will take place at the Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. The purpose of the event is to honor female veterans who have made significant contributions in public service, education and federal service. Organizers will also honor the late Judge Frank Caprio, a military veteran whose advocacy for women has been well documented. For more information, please call Camille at (401) 213-8786 or email [email protected].

Wednesday, April 8,  5:00 to 7:00. Free dinner for veterans and guests, Toast n Tap,45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, RI. Chicken Alfredo, salad, and dessert prepared and served by the Italian American War Veterans of US and volunteers. For more information, contact ITAM (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

Sunday, April 12, 5 to 7 p.m.; Ring of Honor Ceremony for R.I. National Guard, sponsored by the R.I. Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars (MOFW); Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. Dress is informal: polos or camouflage uniforms are fine. Buffet dinner and ceremony honoring select members of the National Guard. Tickets are $55 per person, and the public is invited. Tables of eight cost $400. To buy tickets, go to rimofw.org/events . Email questions to MOFW Commander Ron Barnes at [email protected].

Saturday, April 25, 5 to 11 p.m., R.I. National Guard’s Salute to Spring Military Ball, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston.  Cocktails from 5 to 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7, followed by dancing. Formal attire for civilians (suit and tie, cocktail dress or gown); military should wear semiformal dress uniform or mess dress. Dinner is a family-style meal. Tickets cost $65 (plus a $6.09 service fee) per person. Online ticket sales only (no refunds). No in-person or “will call” ticket sales. Buy tickets at tinyurl.com/msfdn2nh.

Saturday, May 16, 6:30 to 10 p.m.; Pasta Dinner and Show to benefit Honor Flight, hosted by R.I. Blue Star Moms, American Legion Post 43, 662 West Shore Road, Warwick. Join Blue Star Moms for a night of food, fun and entertainment to benefit future Rhode Island Fire Chief Honor Flights out of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Tickets are $25 per person; tables of eight cost $200. For details or to buy tickets, contact [email protected], or call Betty Leach at (401) 426-9792.  If your schedule only allows for attendance during the cocktail hour, you do not need to purchase tickets. For additional information, please email [email protected].

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VA News – NEW VA Claim Portal

VA is making it easier than ever to keep your claim on track. With the new Claim Assist Portal, you’ll have a faster, more convenient way to respond when additional information is needed.

If you’ve filed a benefits claim, you may receive an email with a direct link to the portal, helping you respond quickly and confidently so your claim can keep moving forward. No paperwork, scanning or searching through VA.gov required.

What to expect

• Fast notifications – You’ll get an email and subsequent SMS text if more information is needed.
• Secure access – Log in using:
  • The email that received the message.
  • A temporary password provided in the message.
  • A time-sensitive verification code sent to your email after you log in using the email address and temporary password.
• Simple responses – You may need to check a box, type a short answer to a question or digitally sign a form online.
• Trusted sender – Messages will come from “U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ([email protected]),” a known VA Notify email address that should not go to your spam folder.
• Faster processing – Responding through the portal helps move your claim forward faster.

What you need to do

• Watch for a message – If VA needs more info, you’ll get an email and SMS text.
• Open the portal – Click the link and follow the instructions to log in.
• Respond to the request – Follow the steps in the portal to respond.

Helping you stay on track

The Claim Assist Portal makes it easier for you to respond when VA needs more information, so your claim can move forward without delays. It’s fast, secure and built to save you time. This is another step VA is taking to simplify the claims process and better support you every step of the way.

Using the portal is not a requirement. You can continue to use mail as an option, but the Claim Assist Portal offers a faster, more convenient alternative.

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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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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/    

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/