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RI Veterans. Did you know? 13.08.26 – VA Services, Events, Winning Gravy & Meatballs Recipe – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, veterans writer
Did you know the VA has several programs to assist a veteran living at home instead of long-term care or assisted living?
Step 1 – To be eligible and unlock the programs below, you must be registered with the Veteran Administration Health Care. The Veteran can apply by phone, 1-877-222-8387, press 1. Veterans can call Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 8 pm.
VETTIP: Emphasis, the veteran does not have to be collecting VA disability to be eligible for the programs below.
VETTIP:
- Home-Based Primary Care
Veterans with complex (401) 273-7100 ext.16791 chronic conditions who have difficulty getting to the doctor. The VA will provide What does a VA doctor led team bring primary care, nursing, therapy and social work directly to the home.
VA contact number. FREE assistance to help navigate VA programs is available at Italian American War veterans of US Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First responder Resource Center, (401) 677-0938.
- Homemaker/Home Health Aide
Veterans needing help with daily activities or isolated Veteran’s trained caregivers. The VA will provide a trained aide (RN supervised) who comes in the home on a set schedule to help with ACLs (Activities of daily Living). Contact information see item 1 ( see above).
- Hospice & Palliative Care
Veterans with a terminal diagnosis (hospice) or service illness needing comfort care. Pain/symptoms management and emotional spiritual support for the Veteran and the family. (401) 273-7100 ext.16791
- Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)
Veterans of any age who need help with daily activities are isolated, or whose caregiver is under strain. The veteran must be eligible for community care and meet clinical criteria.
Self-directed, budget base home & community care. The veteran becomes the employer.
If veteran is eligible for VDC the veteran or his representative gets an annual/income budget on the veteran’s assessed plan. The veteran hires, trains, and manages own workers who can be family, friends, or neighbors. Instead of veteran hiring and training, the Aging & Disability Network.
VETTIP: To be eligible for the aforementioned programs the veteran must be registered with the VA and at a minimum, scheduling a annual examine with a VA provided( the veteran can still utilize and make appointments with his private primary at that same time the veteran has a VA primary. VA contact number (401) 273-7100 or 16791.
FREE assistance to help navigate VA programs is available at Italian American War veterans of US Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First responder Resource Center, (401) 67709838
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Why should I register with the VA if I have private medical care?
First, you can continue with your existing coverage and be registered and using the VA medical.
- Civilian insurance and Medicare are structured primarily around standard medical models, whereas the VA offers specialized, veteran-centric programs:
- Hearing Aids and Comprehensive Audiology: Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing tests or hearing aids. The VA provides premium hearing aids, repairs, batteries, and ongoing care at little to no cost for eligible veterans.
- Service-Connected Care & Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Specialized care for PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), MST treatment, and toxic exposure/PACT Act monitoring are built directly into the VA network.
- Long-Term Services & Support: Programs such as Aid & Attendance, Homemaker/Home Health Aide Services, Veteran-Directed Care, and VA Nursing Home Care provide long-term care support options that Medicare rarely covers.
- Assistance and Support for Caregivers: The VA offers the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), providing monthly stipends, training, and mental health resources to caregivers of eligible veterans.
- Significant Out-of-Pocket Savings on Medications
- Lower Drug Costs: VA prescription copays are typically much lower than private or Medicare Part D co-pays.
- Creditable Coverage: VA drug coverage is considered “creditable coverage” by Medicare. This means a veteran can skip paying for a separate Medicare Part D monthly premium without incurring a late-enrollment penalty if they choose to enroll later.
- Maximum Flexibility and Strategic “Backup” Coverage
- Choice of Providers: Neither Medicare nor private insurance coordinates directly with the VA. Having both allows the veteran to choose where to go: they can use Medicare/private insurance for local non-VA community doctors and use VA health care for specialized treatments, prescriptions, or service-connected conditions.
- Safety Net for Budget Changes: If a veteran loses private employer coverage or encounters high deductibles on a private plan, VA health care remains a low-cost or no-cost baseline that guarantees access to essential care.
- Preservation of Future VA Eligibility
VA health care funding depends on enrollment levels and assigned Priority Groups. Enrolling early—even if the veteran currently prefers their private doctor or Medicare—ensures their spot in the VA system, protecting them against potential future changes to eligibility requirements or personal financial circumstances.
- Family caregiver program
Veterans of any age who need help with daily activities are isolated, or whose caregiver is under strain. The veteran must be eligible for community care and meet clinical criteria.
If the veteran is eligible for caregiver program, a spouse, adult child, parent, step-family, or extended family member willing to live full-time with a veteran with a VA disability rating of 70 percent or higher.
Enrolling in VA health care alongside Medicare or private health insurance creates a dual-layer safety net that expands access to care, fills significant financial gaps, and unlocks specialized programs that civilian plans simply do not cover.
If a veteran is not registered with VA health care, they miss out on several critical benefits, programs, and financial protections:
- Access to Specialized Programs Not Covered by Medicare or Private Plans (hearing aids, glasses, etc..)
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Its Gravy… Not Sauce – Results
Chef Micheline Grossi Lombardi accepting her first place trophy from John A Cianci, State Commander Italian American war veterans of US
On Saturday, Chef Micheline Grossi Lombardi took first place at the 1st Annual “It’s Gravy… Not Sauce” fundraising competition held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & first Responder Resource Center (1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI).
The culinary contest was organized by the Italian American War Veterans of the US (ITAM), Department of Rhode Island, as part of their Victory Day weekend events and grand opening celebrations. Proceeds from the competition directly supported ITAM’s Leave No Veteran Alone program, which assists local veterans and residents in long-term care facilities.
Lombardi is a second-generation Italian American chef, culinary columnist, and author raised in Providence, Rhode Island. Learning traditional techniques from three generations of women in her family, she began cooking at an early age and went on to write a long-running newspaper column titled “Mangia with Micheline”. In addition to her writing, she performs cooking demonstrations throughout Rhode Island and has served as a guest celebrity chef on the Star Clipper Cruise Line and at the Galbani “La Cucina Cooking Stage” during Providence’s Columbus Day Festival on Federal Hill.
Cookbooks Written
She is the author of four cookbooks that blend traditional Italian-American recipes with personal stories and family history:
- Mangia with Micheline: A Journey of My Life Through Stories and Recipes about Family, Friends and the Good Old Days (2015)
- Mangia with Micheline: The Journey Continues… More Stories About Family, Friends & Food (2021)
- Mangia with Micheline: As Time Goes By (2026)
Beneficiary of “Its Gravy… Not Sauce” and Event & Program Details
Proceeds directly support ITAM’s Leave No Veteran Alone program. This initiative schedules visits to meet with veterans living in long-term care and assisted living facilities throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
During these visits, veterans are treated to Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, Wright’s Farm pastries, and many other traditional Rhode Island comfort foods.
“We do over 200 lobsters a year for veterans at these facilities and other venues where we host FREE lunches and dinners on a monthly basis for veterans,” said John A. Cianci, State Commander of the Italian American War veterans of the US.
Event Results & Highlights
All participants involved in judging noted that with such competitive entries, their final decisions ultimately came down to who had the best meatballs.
- 1st Place: Chef Micheline Grossi Lombardi
- 2nd Place (Three-Way Tie):
- John A. Cianci (RINewsToday veteran contributor), who entered his mother’s traditional gravy, which he cooked for over 8 hours before the event, seasoned with homemade meatballs. (Note: Cianci submitted a second entry—an all-vegetable sauce—which was disqualified by the panel because no meat was used in its preparation, rendering it a sauce rather than a gravy).
- Robert Atkinson, Rhode Islander who entered his own gravy he prepared
- 3rd Place: Retired Army Warrant Officer Dave Zarrella, a well-known figure in the local Italian community as one of the key organizers of the Federal Hill Columbus Day Parade and numerous special events in Federal Hill.
More from Micheline:
| Micheline’s Award – winning Gravy and Meatballs |
| Ingredients: |
| Approximately a 3-inch piece of salt pork. |
| 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil |
| 1 1/2 lb. Italian sausage (hot or sweet) |
| A piece of pork and/or beef; you can purchase a gravy pack with pork, steak, & sausage) |
| 4 garlic cloves, minced or more to taste |
| 1 tablespoon red pepper (or to taste) |
| 1 cup red wine and water (fill paste can with water) |
| 6 fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces |
| 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped |
| 4 cans (28 oz.) of San Marzano Style Italian plum tomatoes, hand-crushed |
| 1(12oz.) can tomato paste |
| 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano cheese, grated |
| Method: |
| Cut the salt pork into small pieces and mash with cloves of garlic and parsley into a paste. Heat a large heavy pot over medium heat, add the salt pork mash mixture to melt. If needed, add some olive oil. Dry the pork and beef and add to the pot. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides and crusty at the bottom. |
| Incorporate red pepper, more garlic, and parsley and cook for a few minutes, then deglaze with red wine or water, scraping up all the caramelized bits. (Less oil is needed if your sausage is leaner.) If using just plum tomatoes instead of hand-crushed, then puree the plum tomatoes with basil and parsley in a blender, then add to the pan, stirring to combine all the drippings and grated cheese. Simmer on low until the tomatoes darken, then stir in the tomato paste with equal parts water. Once the paste dissolves, add the meatballs and cook on low simmer for several hours. I use a heat diffuser under my pan, even though my stove has a very low simmer. |
| (Note: I use the sausage in the gravy pack in my meatball mixture, as I prefer a lean sausage in my gravy. |
| Meatballs |
| Ingredients: |
| 1 lb. of a mixture of ground beef, veal, and pork |
| 1/2 lb. of hot or sweet sausage, meat removed from casing |
| 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs |
| 4 to 6 eggs |
| 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced |
| 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley |
| 3/4 cup freshly grated Romano and/or Parmigiano cheese |
| Red pepper flakes to taste |
| I enjoy the sausage flavor alongside the beef, pork, and veal mix. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not too wet. Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use bread soaked in milk, squeezed out, and simply reduce the number of eggs. I opted for eggbeaters instead of eggs for easier transport of the ingredients. |
| Method: |
| Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, adding eggs one or two at a time. Mix thoroughly until the mixture forms a ball but remains moist. |
| Shape into 2-inch balls. Traditionally, meatballs are browned in a skillet before adding to gravy, but I prefer oven-frying. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, place the meatballs on it, and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes on each side. This method is quicker and healthier. Note: I use lean sausage to make the gravy, typically using sausage found in links for my meatballs. For example, I use Dave’s sausage from the package for the meatballs, and either Dave’s or farm-made lean sausage for the gravy. |
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The 2nd annual event will be on Saturday August 7, 2027.
VETTIP: The ‘It’s Gravy… Not Sauce’ competition will always take place on the Saturday before Victory Day,” said Cianci. “The competition kicks off a full weekend dedicated to celebrating Victory Day and honoring our veterans.”
Victory Day serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible bravery, sacrifice, and resilience displayed by the courageous men and women who served during World War II.
As the years pass, our opportunity to honor these heroes in person grows smaller each day, as we lose more of these extraordinary individuals who defended freedom and shaped our nation’s history. Cherishing our remaining World War II veterans is not just a tribute to the past, but a duty in the present—ensuring that their legacies, stories, and selfless devotion to duty are forever remembered, honored, and passed on to future generations.
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Veterans by the Numbers
Our editor received this summary of RI veterans not enrolled in the VA healthcare system – and we’re sharing it with you:
- Rank 1 (Delaware, Veteran Population: 70,162, Not Enrolled: 41,546, Rate: 59.22%)
- Rank 2 (New Jersey, Veteran Population: 329,274, Not Enrolled: 193,914, Rate: 58.89%)
- Rank 3 (Michigan, Veteran Population: 553,728, Not Enrolled: 324,212, Rate: 58.55%)
- Rank 4 (Connecticut, Veteran Population: 167,477, Not Enrolled: 97,247, Rate: 58.07%)
- Rank 5 (Maryland, Veteran Population: 370,911, Not Enrolled: 214,331, Rate: 57.79%)
- Rank 6 (Massachusetts, Veteran Population: 303,266, Not Enrolled: 174,722, Rate: 57.61%)
- Rank 7 (Washington, Veteran Population: 546,241, Not Enrolled: 313,952, Rate: 57.48%)
- Rank 8 (Virginia, Veteran Population: 707,309, Not Enrolled: 406,336, Rate: 57.45%)
- Rank 9 (Pennsylvania, Veteran Population: 760,236, Not Enrolled: 431,396, Rate: 56.75%)
- Rank 10 (Illinois, Veteran Population: 593,896, Not Enrolled: 336,391, Rate: 56.64%)
- Rank 11 (Rhode Island, Veteran Population: 60,777, Not Enrolled: 34,349, Rate: 56.52%)
- Rank 12 (Hawaii, Veteran Population: 111,251, Not Enrolled: 62,257, Rate: 55.96%)
- Rank 13 (Kansas, Veteran Population: 192,792, Not Enrolled: 107,358, Rate: 55.69%)
- Rank 14 (Indiana, Veteran Population: 402,327, Not Enrolled: 220,782, Rate: 54.88%)
- Rank 15 (California, Veteran Population: 1,611,581, Not Enrolled: 872,853, Rate: 54.16%)
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The International Museum of World War II is in Wakefield, Rhode Island
___Rhode Island Veterans Events
August 15, 2026, Saturday
More info click HERE_
August 18, 2026, Warwick Public Library
August 22, 2026 – BBQ Competition Tavern Bar and Grill to benefit Veterans Inc. More information contact Wayne Johnson, (4010 255-6673
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Operation Stand Down Rhode Island needs help – if you can give:
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Volunteer Opportunities Serving Veterans:
Serve and socialize with Rhode Island veterans by volunteering. See below for opportunities:
VETTIP Volunteers are provided verification of community hours, which can be used for required government programs requiring community service hours.
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 the 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– St. Antonie Residence, 10 Rhodes Ave, North Smithfield, RI
3rd Tuesday, Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 80 Morgan Ave Johnston, RI
4th Tuesday – 1st Friday-Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA
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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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 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:
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 †¯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/