RI Veterans Voice 17.09.26 – New Memorial Projects, POW/MIA Day, Vets Assist TODAY – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Veterans writer

Italian American War Veterans Department of Rhode Island Transforming Local Grounds for Remembrance and Education

The Italian American War Veterans of the United States, Department of Rhode Island, is transforming local community grounds at Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI  with two sacred memorial projects aimed at honoring service, sacrifice, and history. Designed to blend interactive tribute with historical education, these new features ensure that those who served are never forgotten.

The “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” POW/MIA Walkway

The centerpiece of the renovation is the “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” walkway. The walkway will be built to focus attention on Rhode Island service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action, this pathway stands as a silent sentinel to every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine who never returned home.

Among the Ocean State heroes who remain unaccounted for or lost across major conflicts:

• Vietnam War: Capt. Charles E. Cappelli, Capt. James W. Grace, Maj. Bruce G. Johnson, CWO Donald L. Wann, Cpl. Ronald E. Smith, and SFC Thomas A. Mangino.
• Korean War: Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. Unsworth, Cpl. Arthur C. Moretti, Sgt. Raymond L. Vital, Cpl. Raymond L. Taylor, Pfc. George D. Arakelian, Cpl. Edward J. Sullivan, and Cpl. John A. DeAngelus.
• World War II: 2nd Lt. Robert F. Lawton, Flight Officer Raymond J. O’Neill, Tech. Sgt. Arthur L. Tourtellotte, Staff Sgt. Edward C. Doucette, Seaman 1st Class Anthony A. DeAngelis, Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Joseph F. DiPetrillo, and Aviation Radioman 3rd Class Francis J. Spinelli.

On Friday, September 18, 2026, the veteran group will hold a solemn ceremony at the walkway.

“September 18, 2026, is National POW Day; we owe it to those missing to let them know they are not forgotten,” said John A. Cianci, State Commander of the Italian American War Veterans of the US.

Cianci noted that next year the walkway will feature picture banners displaying each RI MIA/POW alongside their story. “We want to set up the walkway by town and then the names of those from that town or city still missing,” said Cianci.

Community Call for Photos and Information The veteran group faces a major challenge in completing this project: over half of the POW/MIA listings on the Department of Defense POW website lack a photograph, and over half list generic county locations (such as Kent or Providence) rather than specific hometowns.

The organization is actively seeking pictures and the official home of record for these service members at the time they entered the military. Anyone with photos, records, or information is encouraged to contact the veteran organization:

• Phone: (401) 677-9838
• Email: [email protected]

The “NEVER FORGET” 11-Hole Memorial Mini-Golf Course

Adjacent to the walkway lies the “NEVER FORGET” mini-golf course, an 11-hole experience will be constructed specifically for educational purposes to teach visitors about key moments in American military and civic history.

• 9/11 Tribute & Twin Towers: The course layout spotlights Holes 9 and 11 to commemorate September 11, 2001. Standing directly behind these key holes, the group is constructing miniature Twin Towers as a poignant visual centerpiece.
• Pearl Harbor: One hole will feature a bombed naval ship depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing: Another hole will incorporate a replica of the U.S. Embassy/Barracks in Beirut showing the aftermath of the bombing, complete with the names of all Rhode Island Marines who lost their lives in the tragedy.
• First Responders: A dedicated hole pays tribute to local police, firefighters, and emergency personnel.

By pairing solemn historical remembrance with interactive educational displays, the Italian American War Veterans of Rhode Island continue their mission to educate the public, support veterans, and preserve the legacy of those who served

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Friday is National POW/MIA day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day: History and Importance

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is commemorated annually on the third Friday of September.

• Origins: Established in 1979 through a presidential proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter, the day was created following a sustained campaign led by the National League of POW/MIA Families. They demanded full accountability for missing service members following the Vietnam War.

• Significance & Symbolism: Unlike most military observances, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not tied to a specific battle or war. It honors former prisoners of war and keeps a national spotlight on servicemen and women whose fates remain unresolved. Under federal law, the official POW/MIA flag (“You Are Not Forgotten”) is flown at federal installations, national cemeteries, and the White House on this day.

Rhode Island Prisoners of War (POWs)

While full historical registries list thousands of Ocean State service members who served across the decades, state and federal historical databases account for over 60 documented Rhode Island POWs across major American conflicts from World War II to the Vietnam War.

Below is a representative record of documented Rhode Island service members who were captured and held as Prisoners of War:

World War II

• William Anderson (Army Air Forces)

• Frank Baker (Army Air Forces)

• Lucien Beaudoin (Army)
• Victor Benson (Army Air Forces)
• Edward Bodell (Army Air Forces)
• Francis Boylan (Army Air Forces)
• John Brady (Army)
• Chester Brown (Army Air Forces)
• Earl Carpenter (Army Air Forces)
• Kenneth Carroll (Army Air Forces)
• Raymond Cochran (Army Air Forces)
• Joseph Conlon (Army Air Forces)
• Lionel Couchon (Army)
• Vernon Danforth (Army Air Forces)
• Ernest Davignon (Army Air Forces)
• 2nd Lt. Robert J. Barrat (Army Air Forces)
• Henry J. McConnell (Army)

Korean War

• John Baron (Army)

• Alfred Beauchesne (Army)

• John Burrows (Army)
• Raymond Casey (Army)
• Archie Closson (Army)

Vietnam War

• James Ray (USAF)

• Lawson “Topper” Durfee (Army)

(Note: In addition to confirmed POWs who survived or died in captivity, over 80,000 Americans nationwide—including dozens from Rhode Island—remain officially listed as unaccounted-for POW/MIAs across these conflicts.)

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LZ Bronco

1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI (401) 677-9838

Website: landingzonebronco.org

 

 

 

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Local Veterans Events

 

Wednesday, September 22, 2026 . Veterans Coffee Social , Warwick Public Library, 6 – 7:30 pm.  A 250^th Anniversary event, will have a lecture on Major General Nathaneal Green. All veterans and guest are invited.

September 25, 2026  Army Vs Navy Baseball, Newport RI – The 9th Annual Cardines Classic featuring the Army-Navy WWI-era vintage baseball game takes place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at historic Cardines Field in Newport, Rhode Island.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

• Location: Cardines Field, 20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840

• Gates Open: 4:30 p.m.

• First Pitch: 5:30 p.m.

• Admission: Free and open to the general public

• Rain Date: October 9, 2026

What to Expect

• Period Uniforms: U.S. Naval War College students suit up in authentic World War I-era uniforms representing Army and Navy.

• Historic Tribute: The game honors service members and recreates the style of baseball played over a century ago, paying homage to a historic July 4, 1918 game in London organized by Rear Admiral William S. Sims. [1, 2, 3]

If you plan to attend, would you like information on parking near Cardines Field or local dining recommendations in downtown Newport?

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Wednesday, November 11, 2026 . 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 were 70 in total. Rucking for Roofs and the Rhode Island State Elks Association have been named the top resource for at-risk veterans from the HUD VASH.

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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

3^rd Tuesday, Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 80 Morgan Ave Johnston, RI

4^th 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

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/