RI Veterans Voice: 23.07.26 – Clothing Allowance, Local Events, Resources, Discounts – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, RINewsToday Veterans writer

Before I begin, I want to thank all the readers, veterans, friends, and family for their heartfelt congratulations on my receiving the University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Business Lieutenant Colonel Mike Zacchea Veterans Impact Award, an honor often associated with the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at UConn. I am deeply grateful for your support, encouragement, and kind words. This recognition reflects not only my journey but also the strength of the veteran community and the many people who have supported me along the way. Special THANK YOU to my wife.

RIP Marine, LTC Michael Zacchea; your legacy lives on with the UConn EBV program and your son, Colin.

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August 1^st deadline for eligible veterans to receive $1053.19 Clothing Allowance

We start off with a question from one of our readers;

Q: Does the VA reimburse for damaged clothing due to medication I use for my skin and arthritis? John, North Smithfield.

A: Yes, the VA does provide a clothing allowance to be eligible veterans.

FAQ on Clothing Allowance:

Do I need to submit receipts to be reimbursed?

No. Veterans do not need to provide receipts. The VA does not require you to submit proof of purchase or repair costs. Instead, you simply must establish that your service-connected condition or prescribed medication physically damages your clothing or requires the use of a prosthetic/orthopedic device.

• Qualifying Items: Covers shirts, pants, skirts, and other outer garments permanently damaged by qualifying devices. Shoes, hats, and socks are not included.
• Application Deadline: You must qualify and apply on or before August 1 of the benefit year.
• Multiple Allowances: You can receive more than one payment if you use multiple qualifying devices or medications that affect different types of clothing.
• No Reapplication Needed: If you were approved in previous years and your devices or medications haven’t changed, the benefit will continue automatically without an annual application.

How Do I Apply?:

To apply, you just need to fill out and submit the VA Form 10-8678 Application for Annual Clothing Allowance by August 1st. On this form, you will list the specific device or medication, and a VA healthcare provider will verify it.

VETTIP Hard copies of the form to apply are available at the LZ Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway

If eligible, you typically receive a lump sum payment of $1,053.19 between September 1st and October 31st

How do I apply?  Is there a deadline to apply?

To receive the annual clothing allowance payment, you must submit your application by August 1st of the year for which you are seeking the allowance. Applications received after August 1st will be held for the following year’s payment cycle.

You can submit your VA Form 10-8678 clothing allowance application directly using the official VA Claims Intake Center contact details:

📬 Mailing Address – Send your physical application to the central processing facility:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444 [

📠 Fax Numbers  – If you prefer faxing, use the official toll-free fax lines:

• Inside the United States: 844-531-7818
• Outside the United States: 248-524-4260]

💡 Alternative: Local Submission

You also have the option to hand-deliver or mail the paperwork to the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) department directly inside your local VA Medical Center.

If you plan to mail your application, I highly recommend making a photocopy of the completed form for your records. If you choose to fax, make sure to save the fax confirmation sheet as proof that you submitted it before the strict August 1 yearly deadline.

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LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center

July, 2026, 250^th Celebration Schedule

LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center- July 2026,  250^th Celebration Schedule

Throughout the month of July and August  LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Harrisville RI will be offering veterans FREE apple pie, ice cream, and hotdogs on select Sundays.

The location offers plenty of outdoor and indoor sitting. Although the facility currently is not open to the public on a daily basis, however, the resource center will be opened every Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m throughout the month of July and August for veterans and first responders who would like to stop by and learn more information on their benefits, or need assistance with VA, federal, state and or local benefits.

The veteran organization is seeking sponsors for remaining Sundays in the months of July and August. Sponsors are also encouraged to be “ice cream scoopers” and “dessert servers” during the Sunday their organization or family sponsored.

Gold sponsorship . Suggested is $250 for a Sunday. If interested in doing a sponsorship or donation to support the Sunday’s event at LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center 250th Celebration thanking our veterans and first responders, go to the website, https://italianamericanwarveteran.org/

In the remarks note the Sunday event date you would like to sponsor.

Sponsors are encouraged to volunteer during the Sunday their organization or family is sponsoring. Enjoy serving a hot dog, or doughboy, or ice cream to a veteran THANKING HIM OR HER FOR THEIR SERVICE.

If sponsor can put together a team of volunteers, contact ITAM volunteer coordinator, (401) 677-9838 or via email, [email protected]. Additionally, checks can be made out to ITAM, 18 Winchester Ave , North Smithfield RI.

All donations of any amount are welcomed, please note in the remarks section on website or check, SUNDAY THANKING OUR VETERANS. Donations are tax deductible.

Sunday Schedule for July 2026

Sunday, July 26, 2026,  FREE Ice Cream for Dessert in Celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary.

The event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US, Department of Rhode Island, and Front-Line Ministry for Freedom https://www.facebook.com/frontlineministryforfreedom/?locale=nb_NO  from 12:00 to 6:00 PM. All veterans’ minor children and grandchildren are also FREE, if accompanied by the veteran.

August 8, 2026, Saturday, 1:00- 5:00 p.m. 1^st gravy competition at LZ Bronco, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 for adults.

Think you make the best gravy? Enter the competition. Commercial kitchen and walk-in cooler available for all entries. You make the gravy, and pasta and Italian bread for DUNKING will be provided by the sponsor of the event, Italian American War Veteran of the US.

Interested in entering? Contact John (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

August 10, 2026 Sunday , Victory Day Family Picnic Celebration. On August 15, 1945 ( V-J Day) , in the Pacific: Hostilities ceased on August 15, 1945 (V-J Day) when Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration.

An estimated 92,000 to 93,104 Rhode Islanders served in World War II. This mobilization meant that more than one out of every ten residents of the state went to war, with over 1,600 making the ultimate sacrifice.

This profound impact on the state is why Rhode Island remains the only state in the U.S. that continues to observe Victory Day as a formal state holiday.

12:00- 3:00 p.m.  All Rhode islanders are encouraged to come out to meet a living WWII veteran and familes of deceased WWII families to hear their stories of the heroes who served in WWII.

The Italian American War Veterans of US, sponsor of event, will have a bouncy house for children and other activities. FREE Italian lucheon, pasta, salad, bread, and dessert for ALL attending.

Tables can be reserved for WWII veteran and their families, AND the families of deceased WWII veteran. WWII veterans and their families encourages to bring your WWII legacy; pictures, story telling of your WWII veteran, etc… Reservations can be made by calling John (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

The Italian American War Veterans of US are hosting the evvnet celebrating FREE 11:30 to 3:00 Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI

August 11, 2026 Tuesday July 14, 2026, 8:30 – 10: 00 a. m.FREE Breakfast for Veterans and Guest. FREE Breakfast for veterans and 1 guest, LZ Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI.

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VETERAN EVENTS

July 25, 2026. Saturday Annual Bootcamp Breakfast Mission Boots To briefcase will hold our Bootcamp Breakfast at the Pilgrim Senior Center in Warwick from 8 – 11.  A savory FREE hot breakfast, catered by PB&J Restaurant,  will kick off the morning, followed by a Resource Fair and career transition classes on resume prep & interview skills.

Sunday, July 26, 2026: FREE Ice Cream for Dessert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US, Department of Rhode Island and ( OPEN SPONSORSHIP)   from 12:00 to 6:00 PM. All veterans’ minor children and grandchildren are also FREE if accompanied by the veteran

July 27, 2026 , Car and Truck Show, LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Harrisville RI 4:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center FIRST truck and car show. Event is open to all. No entry fee, and veterans are encouraged to attend with or without a car just for camaraderie with other veterans.

Continuing to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, the Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide FREE hot dogs and ice cream to all Veterans, First Responders, and all truck and car entries.

Prizes will be given out for :

(1) Oldest Veteran with a car or truck for the show.

(2) Veteran with MOST grandkids or great grandkids attending the event.

All veteran grandkids or grandkids with a veteran will receive a FREE DOUGHBOY.   All Veterans attending will receive a FREE doughboy or hot dog.

RUCKING FOR ROOFS – Wed, Nov. 11

The state’s largest fundraiser for homeless veterans is shaping up to be the biggest one yet.

The yard sign is always the majority sponsor as last year there was 70 in total. Rucking for Roofs and the Rhode Island State Elks Association has been named the top resource for at risk veterans from the HUD VASH.

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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

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

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 â€ ¯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 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)

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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.

John’s column, RI Veterans Voice appears in RINewsToday every Thursday:  https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/