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RI Veterans: Did you know? 03.08.23 (PACT Act deadline, events, resources…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues
We start off with questions from our readers on PACT Act and August 10, 2023 Deadline:
Question 1: Do I need to file under before the deadline if I am already receiving 100% VA disability compensation from the VA? Joe, Coventry
Answer: Yes and No. My recommendation to the veteran is to file the Notice of Intent, and only a notice of intent. Ensure if you go to the VA Regional Office and or VA Providence Medical for assistance, ensure to advise you ONLY want to do a Notice of Intent, and ask for a copy of the filing (screen print out etc…).
VETTIP – Ensure to get a copy, I have met with 3 veterans last week who thought the VA representative or organization VSO who assisted did not do the veteran’s wish, file a Notice of Intent. Instead of a Notice of Intent, the representative filed for an increase in the veteran’s disability. Now, all the veteran’s disabilities are reopened and adjustments could be made, to include reductions as a result of scheduled compensation and pension (C & P) exams. In fact, one veteran I am assisting received a rating covered under the PACT Act, however, it was reduced in another rating which resulted in the veteran’s combined rating being REDUCED. Simply put, the veteran is getting less monthly compensation because the representative who assisted him at the VA did not file a Notice of Intent, but instead, filed for an increase.
Detailed below, there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits, so be cautious who is assisting you to understand the assistance you seek filing documents with the VA, All veterans the Italian American War Veterans of US assist are provided copies of all the documents filed with the VA.
Question 2: I have one of the illnesses listed as presumptions under the Pact Act. What does presumption mean? Bill, Newport
Answer: From the VA website – To get a VA disability rating, your disability must connect to your military service. For many health conditions, you need to prove that your service caused your condition.
But for some conditions, we automatically assume (or “presume”) that your service caused your condition. We call these “presumptive conditions.”
We consider a condition presumptive when it’s established by law or regulation.
If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
Layman terms, if you have one of the conditions listed, the VA will assume you have it as a result of your service because you served in one of these locations covered under the PACT Act:
On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:
- Afghanistan
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
- The airspace above any of these locations
On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- The airspace above any of these locations
Question 3: I was treated for one of the cancers several years ago, should I put in a Notice of Intent? Bill, Newport RI
Answer: Yes, although there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if you file your PACT Act claim—or quickly submit your intent to file—by August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.
Even if the cancer is in remission or no longer in existence, after you filed a Notice of Intent, contact a VSO to assist you filing a claim for the residue of the cancer. Even if you get rated 0 percent, it’s worth it.
For example, the cancer comes back and you require treatment, you should immediately file a claim for for VA Temporary Disability Individual Unemployment (TDIU).
Note VA TDIU is separate from the civilian side when undergoing treatment or recovering from a surgery for a VA rated disability. Working does not disqualify.
For example, prostate cancer (from the VA website):
The VA rates prostate cancer at 100% during cancer treatment and six months afterward. At the end of six months, a re-examination is required to determine a new rating. In addition, any ongoing disabilities related to cancer contribute to the VA disability rating for cancer in remission.
Another example is total knee replacement for an already rated knee disability.
If you are service connected for a knee condition, and need a knee replacement, you will receive a disability rating of 100% for the four months immediately following the operation.
How Much is VA TDIU:
Individual Unemployability benefits are paid at a rate equivalent to a 100 percent disability rating, which is $3,621.95 per month for a single veteran as of December 2022. This amount is TAX FREE and does not impact any other coverage you have on the civilian side.
What are the conditions covered under the PACT Act:
These cancers are now presumptive:
- Brain cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
- Glioblastoma
- Head cancer of any type
- Kidney cancer
- Lymphoma of any type
- Melanoma
- Neck cancer of any type
- Pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive cancer of any type
- Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
Learn more about presumptive cancers related to burn pits
These illnesses are now presumptive:
- Asthma that was diagnosed after service
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
- Emphysema
- Granulomatous disease
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Pleuritis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
In conclusion, the aforementioned information is a snapshot view for a veteran understanding why an Notice of Intent should be filed and key points understanding the PACT Act law.
Bottom line, if you file a Notice of Intent before August 10, 2023, it could increase your initial monthly payment by thousands of dollars since the initial pay will include one year retroactive.
If you do follow-up with a claim one year after, no penalty to the veteran.
If you don’t file before August 10, 2023, you can still file months and or years later under the PACT Act. Vietnam Veterans continue to file initial claims with the VA for Agent Orange.
PACT ACT Events Before August 10, 2023 Deadline
Monday, August 7 2023, ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence RI, 900-400 PM, Veteran Service Officer of the Italian American War Veterans will be available to assist completing Notice of Intent and other documents for federal, state, and local veteran benefits. Refreshments for those veterans seeking assistance include ROMA pizza.
FREE pizza for all veterans who have proof of being a veteran and or register for any federal or state veteran benefits.
Register for VA Health Care and assistance on application for RI Veterans Cemetery and the RI Veterans Home, Bristol RI. ITAM Veteran Service Officer available for any assistance or questions on federal, state or local benefits.
What do Veterans need to bring? For the filing of a Notice of Intent, a notice to VA that the veteran will be submitting a claim within a year, just an ID. Appointments to assist with claim can be setup with veterans for follow-up?
Italian American War Veterans of US, Inc. Department of Rhode Island – (401) 677-9838 – [email protected], Questions, contact: John Cianci, 860-931-4711
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Tuesday, August 8, 2023, VFW Post 9404, 29 S. Main Street, Coventry RI , 3:00-6:00 PM Representatives on hand from the Veterans Services, the VA Providence Healthcare System, and the VA Providence Regional Benefits Office.
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Tuesday , August 8, 2023, Veteran Town Hall Meeting, City Council Chambers PACT Act outreach at 1 p.m. in City Council Chambers and Saturday AUG 12 at 1 p.m. in the Sawtooth Building.The purpose of these events is to inform Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned. Seating is limited so please call 739-8804 to reserve space. Please share this information
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
Understanding PACT Act and August 10, 2023 Deadline
First and foremost, there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. However, ——————–there is an upcoming timelines that will require urgent action by veterans, widows, or eligible dependents to file a PACT Act claim -or submit a letter of intent to file, VA Form VA form 21-0966, -by August 9, 2023, to receive maximum benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.
If the veteran does not file a claim or Notice of Intent by August 9, 2023, the veteran can still file a claim under the Pact Act. However, the veteran will not get the retroactive pay from August 2022 to August 2023.
If a Notice of Intent is filed and a claim IS NOT submitted within 1 year, NO PENALTY. Like the above, the veteran will lose the retroactive from August 2022 to August 2023.
The form is an easy form to complete.
VETTIP – In layman terms, filing a Notice of Intent provides the veteran, widow, or eligible veteran 1 year after the filing to submit the claim. Filing the form could be worth THOUSANDS of dollars of retroactive monies. By filing by August 9, 2023, you will be entitled to 1 YEAR retroactive benefits going back to August 2022 if your claim is approved.
As a VSO, I recommend all veterans and widows/widower file a Notice of Intent and after filing, seek an appointment with a VSO who will assist veterans to review a potential claim.
For example, a veteran files a Notice of Intent on August 5, 2023. He meets with a veteran Service Officer and files a claim for respiratory issues in October 2023 due to being exposed to irritants like smoke, fumes, gases, or sandstorms during his military service in Iraq in 2003-2004.
· The VA approves the claim in January 2024.
· The veteran is rated 10%., awarded $165.92 a monthly VA disability.
Under PACT Act, and because he filed before August 10, 2023, he will receive the following deposit in his or her account:
$1991.04 ($165.92 August 1, 2022 to August 1, 2023 ( retroactive Pact Act).
$829.60 (Sept 2023 thru January 2024, 5 months retroactive)
$2820.64. (Total Received by Veteran)
Simply put, by completing and submitting the Notice of Intent before August 9, 2023, the veteran will receive ADDITIONAL $1991.04 after his claim is approved by the VA.
How can I submit a Notice of Intent before August 9, 2023?
Option 1. Phone
You can submit an intent to file form or call us at 800-827-1000 to notify us of your intent to file. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Option 2. Mail
If you want to notify us by submitting the form, download and fill out an Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC (VA Form 21-0966).
Get VA Form 21-0966 to download
Mail your completed form to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444,Janesville, WI 53547-4444
VETTIP: Recommend you mail by USPS Priority Mail. This will ensure the Notice of Intent will be received PRIOR to August 10, 2023 and provide proof of receipt. Surprising to veterans, VA loses records , especially when the records benefits the veteran.
Option 3. Contact a Veteran Service Officer
The Italian American War Veterans of US , MWR/Veteran Resource Van will be at ROMA, 310 Atwell Ave, Providence RI from 10:00 to 3:00PM , August 7, 2023 o assist filling out VA Notice Of Intents. All veterans who complete the form are entitled to a slice of ROMA’s pizza, compliments of ROMA and ITAM.
Other veteran organizations, VFW, DAV, and American Legion also have VSOs who can assist veterans . The organizations provide limited staffing at the Providence VA Medical Hospital, Chalkstone Ave ( basement) , Providence RI and VA Regional Office, 380 Westminster Street, Providence RI
More information on Notice of Intent from the VA website:
Option 4. If the veteran is registered with VA.gov, the veteran can file the Notice of Intent online.
What’s an intent to file?
An intent to file sets a potential start date (or effective date) for your benefits. If you notify us of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments (payments for the time between when you submitted your intent to file and when we approved your claim).
You can notify us of your intent to file if you plan to file a claim or a Supplemental Claim for these types of benefits:
- Disability compensation
- Pension benefits
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
How do I notify VA of my intent to file?
You can submit an intent to file form or call us at 800-827-1000 to notify us of your intent to file. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
If you want to notify us by submitting the form, download and fill out an Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC (VA Form 21-0966).
Get VA Form 21-0966 to download
Mail your completed form to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Or, you can choose to bring your completed form to a VA regional office near you.
If you need help submitting your intent to file, work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited representative.
Get help from an accredited representative
How long do I have to file my claim after I notify VA of my intent?
After you notify us of your intent to file, you have 1 year to complete and file your claim.
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EVENTS
August 2023
August 4, 2023, Annual RING Reunion, Quonset Officer Club, 11:00am, 200 LT James Brown Rd. North Kingstown RI,
Hot buffet, cost per person $37.00.
Cut-Off date July 30 i2023.
Make checks payable to Bob Antonelli/Mail to: 9 Hurlburt Ave, Johnston, RI 02919
POC: Bob Antonelli; [email protected]/401-837-6028/401-996-3764
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August 7 2023, Monday, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House( always meet the FIRST Monday of the month) , 9-11 am. Roma Ristorante, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence (free parking across the street). Veterans and their guests are invited. Refreshments are available, which include Italian toast, pastries, and calzones. Any questions call Italian American War Veterans of US, (401) 677-9838, email, [email protected]
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August 11, 2023 OSDRI presents Getting Financially Fit , webinar. @ 10:00am with Yonatan de la Cruzfor a webinar on how to get financially fit!. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88074257857
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August 21, 2023 Monday, FREE Luncheon 11:30-1:00 for Veterans and one guest at Perella’s Ristorante. 330 Metacom Ave Warren, RI. This month’s meal will be TBA. The event is a partnership of the Italian American War Veterans of US, inc. and the Building Bridges program.
Last month over 60 veterans attended the luncheon.
The Building Bridges program provides a free breakfast or lunch at 13 sites that include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. These sites are run by community volunteers at community sites, including halls run by fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations, and local restaurants. A team of veterans and volunteers do all the cooking and serving.
Do you know a restaurant, post, lodge, hall, etc.. willing to host a luncheon on one of the Mondays in November, December, and January ITAM organization has RI Licensed Food Service Manager and full insurance.
If you have a location one of the luncheons can be held at, contact ITAM program manager John, (401) 677-9838.
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August 26, 2023, Saturday Morning , Narragansett Town Beach, VetSurf Endless Summer Session. The event is FREE to veterans. The link to sign up is https://vetsurf.org/
If you know of any other veterans/active duty military (especially) or volunteers who may interested in coming, please forward this email to them –You don’t need to be a surfer to join in & this is a FREE EVENT. I look forward to seeing you all there and thanks for your support.
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September 2023
Sept 8-10, 2023 Rocky Point State Park, Warwick American Veteran Traveling Tribute & Traveling Wall, remembering 209 Rhode Islanders who lost their lives in Vietnam War. Donations and sponsorship will support Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. Memorial opens 8am Friday – 5 pm Sunday. Saturday September 9 2:09-2:30 and Sunday 2:09-2:30 pm reading of 209 Rhode Island names, For more information visit OSDRI’s Event Page, www.OSDRI.org
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September 14,-15 Veteran Event, Johnston RI, Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston RI. Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 32nd annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 14th at 8 a.m. This Veteran Assistance Event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Services will be available from 8:00 – 4:30 on Thursday 9/14, and 8:00 – 3:30 on Friday 9/15.
“Since its inception in 1993, the annual event has provided thousands of veterans with access to important services including health, dental, and substance abuse care, as well as employment, legal, and housing services. After holding a scaled back event during the pandemic in 2020, OSDRI expects a full roster of service providers this September.” said Erik Wallin, Esq. Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI.
The event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Veterans may access the location via RIPTA bus Route 28 which operates out of Kennedy Plaza and stops at the corner of Hartford and Bordon Avenue. Those arriving via their own vehicle must park and take a shuttle from behind the paved parking area ACROSS from Tri-County Community Action Agency: 1133 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919
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Travel/Entertainment for Veterans
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 from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.
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 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
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576
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: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]
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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) via email at [email protected]***
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 – 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
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.
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
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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 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, ID.me.
ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.
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 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 listed below:
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 or create a Michaels Rewards account.
2. Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly.
3. Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.
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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]: the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.
If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)
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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/
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.