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RI Veterans: Did you know? 03.07.25 (At 110, Veterans Events, Benefits, Resources) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues
Photo, top: 110-year-old WWII Veteran Henry Polichetti and Desert Storm/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran
World War II Veterans In The News
110-Year-Old Navy Veteran Henry Polichetti – Oldest Living Man In United States
Rhode Island is the home to the oldest World War II Veteran, 110-year-old Henry Polichetti, who today is celebrating his birthday today.
Happy 110 birthday!
Henry Polichetti (born 3 July 1915) is an American supercentenarian; a supercentenarian is someone who has lived to be 110 years old or older. They represent a very rare group of people, with only about one in a thousand centenarians (those who live to be 100) reaching this age.
According to Gerontology, there are currently 23 men who have been validated as supercentenarians (110 years or older) by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). The GRG’s World Supercentenarian Rankings List (WSRL) lists a total of 204 living supercentenarians, with 181 being female and 23 being male.
Polichetti is the oldest validated living man in the United States as of July 3, 2025. He is the oldest validated living World War II veteran in the United States, according to the website Gerontology , https://gerontology.fandom.com/wiki/Henry_Polichetti and is believed to be the oldest man ever born and living in Rhode Island.
Being challenged by TV/host Gene Valicenti to see who was the oldest living World War II veteran living in Rhode Island, I began my assignment.
Was it my friend, WWII Army veteran Arthur Medeiros, a 105-year-old living in Bristol and still playing golf 3 times a week?
Soon, I discovered the name of a WWII veteran who turned 109 in 2024 and would be 110 years old on July 3, 2025. After researching government records and conducting dozens of internet searches, I located a WWII veteran, Henry Polichetti, living in Cranston, RI.
Honored to have visited and spent time with this living hero.
Born in Federal Hill, July 3, Providence, RI, Polichetti served in the Navy during WWII. He volunteered after Pearl Harbor 26 years old. He attended basic training at Newport Naval Training Center. His first assignment was as an Instructor at the Naval Radio Operators School in Pennsylvania.
In 1943, he transferred to the Direction Finder School in Casco Maine – a top- secret school where you taught servicemen how to utilize the newest technology to locate U-boats and detect enemy threats. His next duty station was to teach at the Loran School at the Pacific Fleet Training Center in Pearl Harbor — remaining there until Germany surrendered in 1945 and after Japan surrendered following the dropping of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
According to an article in the Cranston Herald last year, biography:
“Polichetti was born in Rhode Island, USA on 3 July 1915 to Italian immigrant parents. He had 4 siblings. He always had a fascination with the radio. The first radio his family purchased had earphones resulting in Henry and his siblings often fighting over who could listen. Later on his brother traded the radio in for one that had a speaker which Henry said “eliminated the problem” He attended night school where he took a course on radio repairing and received his FCC radio license.
At the time, he worked at Sears as a hardware clerk. Henry attended basic training at the Newport Naval Training Station and was assigned to the Naval Radio Operators School in Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, as an instructor. In December 1943, he was transferred to the Direction Finder School in Casco Bay, Maine, which was a top-secret school. Henry Taught people how to use LORAN as well as radio detection finders. Radio men were trained on the newly developed H/F cathode ray direction finder, which located U-boats by intercepting their sighting and position reports.
While Henry went on ships to adjust equipment and would go out on exercises to see how they operated, he referred to himself as “the sailor who never went to sea”. According to an officer, the reason was due to him being an amazing instructor. He was transferred to another teaching assignment at the Loran School at the Pacific Fleet Training Center at Pearl Harbor when Germany surrendered in 1945 and anti-submarine warfare operations ended in the Atlantic when Japan surrendered Henry went back home to Rhode Island.
After returning, he married his girlfriend Eleanor, who he had met at the age of 16 through his sister. They moved to Cranston in 1946 where Henry still lives today. They went on to have two daughters, Eleanor and Barbara, and one granddaughter Nicole. After his career in the Navy, Henry went on to work as the personal director at Trifari Jewelry in East Providence. His work included making a custom necklace for Mamie Eisenhower, which she wore at the presidential inaugural ball and is currently on display at the Smithsonian. His wife Eleanor passed away in 2009.
What an honor to meet Polichetti and wish him a Happy Birthday.
PS Henry, I have 2 tickets for you to this year’s Army-Navy game, and look forward to having you as one of our guests with the Italian American War Veterans of US.
103-Year Old Honored at Red Sox Game
On Saturday, during the Boston Red Sox 103-year-old Caster Salemi, a member of the Rhode Island Italian American War Veteran of US, was honored by the Red Sox in the 4th inning.
“Hats Off to Heroes” is a program presented by MassMutual during Boston Red Sox home games to honor members of the armed forces, community leaders, and social activists, according to WHAV. The program features in- game recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and community.
Salemi was recognized by the “Hats Off to Heroes” program to acknowledge his military service during WWII and celebrate the positive impact these individuals have on their communities. Salemi celebrated his 103rd birthday on Flag Day. Congratulations to my friend, WWII Army Veteran Caster Salemi, an honor well deserved.
North Kingstown Man Turned 100
On Sunday, June 29, 2025 WWII U.S Navy veteran George Leo Silva celebrated his 100 birthday at St Bernard’s Catholic Church.
Several hundred attended Silva’s birthday party.
Silva’s military career started in the Navy in World War II from 1943-45. He was in the U.S. Navy, a member of a gunner crew on the USS Atlanta, ferrying war supplies from the U.S. to England on merchant ships. He served until 1945 and saw action in the Pacific
After a short break, he joined the Coast Guard after the war, from 1947-64. He first joined the military at just 17 years old after he was previously turned away for being underweight.
During his military career, he encountered two hurricanes. The first storm was a typhoon raging out in the Pacific near Okinawa while he was aboard the USS Atlanta in 1944-45. Once he dared to climb above deck aboard his ship, the sheer force of the storm was one of the most startling things he’d ever witnessed. The deck itself actually “buckled” in a way.
The second hurricane Silva found himself in was the infamous Hurricane Carol in 1954, which carved up the New England coastline as a Category 3 storm. It made landfall on both Long Island and Eastern Connecticut, passing nearly right over the Hog Island lighthouse off the coast of Bristol, where Silva was stationed. From the lighthouse window, he witnessed the frightening but successful tugboat rescue of a mother and son who were stranded on the roof of what remained of their house. Silva himself wished he could help, but the severity of the storm had him trapped inside the lighthouse. Some witnesses said they saw the floating roof traveling on the Sakonnet River.
Happy Birthday US Navy/Coast Guard veteran George Leo Silva! My honor to have attended your 100th birthday party.
In a touching a rare moment, Silva exchanged challenge coins with another WWII veteran, 103-year-old Caster Salemi who traveled from North Attleboro MA to attend the party and meet Silva for the first time.
103-year-old Army veteran Caster Salemi and 100-year-old George Leo Silva are exchanging challenge coins
at Silva’s 100th birthday party.
Challenge coin of WWII Army veteran Caster Salemi
Challenge coin of U.S. Navy / Coast Guard veteran of George Leo Silva
Rhode Island Veteran Offering Reward for Challenge Coin Lost
Taylor Sayatinong posted on Facebook: Taylor SaiyaitongBarrington, Warren, and Bristol Community Group
June 29 at 7:14 AM – Long shot, but I believe these fell off my car somewhere on Metacom (Job Lot area) or on Rt. 103. Will offer a reward if any one comes them. TY
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New law will protect veterans filing for benefits
From the RI STATE HOUSE — Legislation sponsored by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro and Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag Jr. to protect veterans filing for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs has been signed into law.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much so that we all may live freely and without fear. Yet, there are still those who wish to take advantage of our veterans and to prey upon their needs for support. This bill will protect our veterans from these unethical individuals and groups who seek to siphon off our veterans’ hard-earned dollars while they are seeking help,” said Chairman Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly).
“Anyone who attempts to scam a disabled veteran in need of assistance is despicable. Unfortunately, such malicious actors exist and our disabled veterans need to be protected from such vile behavior. This legislation will make our disabled veterans aware of such scams while also holding these bad actors accountable,” said Chairman Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton).
The bill (2025-H 5043A, 2025-S 0071Aaa) will provide protection and prevent unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees, by anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law, and it impose penalties under the deceptive trade practices provisions.
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VETERANS EVENTS
July 5, 2025, Saturday, Christ Church 57 Main Street, Swansea, MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast (First Saturday of every month), Veteran and one guest. Thanks to all the vets and volunteers today Christ Church! Free Veterans Breakfast is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardigfor all the fantastic photos.
July 7 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM, at (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com
July 9, 2025 (always the 2nd Wednesday of the month), toast n’ tap, 4:30 – 6;30, toast n’ tap, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick, RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest. Retired Sergeant Manual Leander is the guest chef, owner of Casa Tia Rosa. Enjoy his award-winning Portuguese food.
July 11, Friday (always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton RI, “Fall in Friday” for active duty, veterans, and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 12:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm
July 11, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteran Jason Badger. Veterans can order anything off the menu free of charge, said Badger’s owner, Jason Badger, including the bar’s New York System hot wieners and their fish and chips. Along with the free meals, 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.
July 12, 2025, 8-11am, Pilgrim Senior Center, Warwick, RI, Bootcamp Breakfast
July 30, 2025 Wednesday( always last Wed. of month) , Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI, 500-700 pm. Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. itamri4vets@gmail.com
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Nursing Home Resident Celebrated 90th Birthday with Performance by Elvis Impersonator
Robert “Bob” Charpentier, a proud Navy veteran and resident of Evergreen Nursing Home in East Providence, RI, had his Twilight Wish granted by celebrating his 90th birthday and his 68th wedding anniversary with his beloved bride Barbara, on Saturday, June 28th with a special performance by an Elvis impersonator (Keith Lewis), thanks to the Rhode Island chapter of the national nonprofit Twilight Wish Foundation. A cherished member of the Evergreen community, Bob is known for his warm presence, quiet ways, and love of music. His nominator shared: “Bob is deeply loved by his family—his wife Barbara visits nearly every day, and his children are always close by.
Bob was born on June 27, 1935 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The family became a family of four. He had an older brother five years older. He had many friends, a paper route, and other odd jobs. He graduated from Pawtucket East, now known as Tolman High School and entered the U.S. Navy at age 18. He hitchhiked back-and-forth from the Navy base to Pawtucket, RI on weekends and saw Barbara on the porch of her home and asked her for a date. He thought she was beautiful. They fell in love and married on June 8, 1957. The songs and performer of their time that they associated with their love was Elvis. They were able to see him in concert a few times. In 1958 the first child of five arrived with the last arriving in 1970. They had three girls and two boys. Bob worked as a lineman at Blackstone Valley electric company for 42 years and also worked many part-time jobs while raising his big family until retiring at age 62. He developed a love for golf after being a caddy at Ledgemont country club. He joined a league with his friends from Blackstone Valley Electric and played for many years every Wednesday. Bob and Barbara bought a condo in Florida and went back-and-forth to Rhode Island for 12 years before staying in Rhode Island. Many road trips and visits from children and grandchildren. The family keeps growing; 11 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and soon-to-be 10 in October. Married 68 years and 90 years old. What a legacy and beautiful life created together.
The event was held on June 28th at Evergreen Home Health Center in East Providence.
Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of seniors through intergenerational wish granting celebrations. Since our founding in 2003, we have granted the wishes of over 7,100 seniors in need. Twilight Wish grants wishes to seniors who are over 65 years old and have an income of less than 200% of poverty level or who are residents of a nursing facility and cannot make their own wishes come true. For more information on the Rhode Island chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation, follow their facebook page “Twilight Wish Foundation – Rhode Island Chapter” or reach out to Jane Donnelly-TWF-RI Chapter Director, email: twilightwishRI@gmail.com or call (203) 733-2751. Please visit the website at www.twilightwish.org to submit an online request for a wish or to donate to the Rhode Island chapter.
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New law will protect veterans filing for benefits
From the RI STATE HOUSE — Legislation sponsored by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro and Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag Jr. to protect veterans filing for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs has been signed into law.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much so that we all may live freely and without fear. Yet, there are still those who wish to take advantage of our veterans and to prey upon their needs for support. This bill will protect our veterans from these unethical individuals and groups who seek to siphon off our veterans’ hard-earned dollars while they are seeking help,” said Chairman Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly).
“Anyone who attempts to scam a disabled veteran in need of assistance is despicable. Unfortunately, such malicious actors exist and our disabled veterans need to be protected from such vile behavior. This legislation will make our disabled veterans aware of such scams while also holding these bad actors accountable,” said Chairman Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton).
The bill (2025-H 5043A, 2025-S 0071Aaa) will provide protection and prevent unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees, by anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law, and it impose penalties under the deceptive trade practices provisions.
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DEADLINE FOR CLOTHING ALLOWANCE AUGUST 1 2025
Did you know you might be eligible for an annual clothing allowance of almost $1000 from the VA?
Eligible Veterans Must Apply Before August 1, 2025 for Clothing Allowance
VA Clothing Allowance
The VA Clothing Allowance is an annual benefit that helps veterans cover the cost of replacing clothing damaged by prosthetic devices, orthopedic devices, or skin medications related to a service-connected disability. The allowance, currently at $999.51 per year, is adjusted periodically to reflect the cost of living.
Eligibility:
- Veterans must have a service-connected disability for which they require prosthetic, orthopedic, or skin medication.
- The device or medication must cause damage to clothing, such as wear and tear or irreparable staining.
- The VA form 10-8678 must be submitted by August 1st of the current year to receive the benefit for that year.
Coverage:
- The allowance covers items like shirts, pants, skirts, and other similar garments that are permanently damaged.
- It does not cover items like shoes, hats, scarves, underwear, or socks.
Application:
- Complete VA Form 10-8678, Application for Annual Clothing Allowance., https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-8678/
- Submit the form to the VA by August 1st.
- The form can be submitted online, by mail, by fax, or in person at a VA medical center.
Payment:
- The allowance is typically paid between September and October.
- Veterans can receive multiple payments if they qualify based on multiple devices or medications.
Important Considerations:
- The benefit is intended to help veterans maintain an acceptable level of attire.
- The VA may adjust the amount of the allowance periodically to reflect inflation.
The VA releases clothing allowance payments between September 1 and October 31 for those who have qualified by August 1. To receive an annual payment, applications must be submitted by August 1 of the relevant year
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Operation Stand Down Food Bank!
Please support the food bank – located in Johnston – at this critical time – if you can give product, great, just drop it off – gift cards, cash donations, even better – we thank you!
Supplies are low, please stop by with items or make a monetary contribution to 1010 Hartford Ave., Johnston
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Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans:
Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park through the 3rd Saturday in November at 884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-6676200.
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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 an
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 atRhode 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 anAuthorized In–Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Room 360 Providence, RI 02908 Phone: 401-222-3576
Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and GolfBenefits 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%20disability%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:dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov
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Veteran Resource Guides
Retirees
Army Newsletter
Army publishes a semi-annual FREE newsletter to mail to all Army retirees, Army Echoes. To subscribe:
Call DFAS at (800) 321-1080 or online sign-up, you can update your information or sign up, https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/manage/changeofaddress/ Past editions of the Army Echoes newsletter are available for free download
https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter
Army Retired Soldier Handbook
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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:
Leave No Veteran Alone Program 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 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 Elmwood Nursing Home and Rehab, 225 Elmwood Ave. Providence RI
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
V 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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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk
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)
- free and confidential
- get access to trained VA counselors
- available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- 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 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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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 to 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 1st 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
Applebees 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. Dennys 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. 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 You 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! Every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a Thank You 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: itamri4vets@gmail.com; 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, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)
To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/
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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.