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RI Veterans: Did you know? 05.02.26 (Tax Credit, Events, Resources…) – John A. Cianci
Still Time To Apply For Tax Credit off Real Estate TaxesÂ
1. Service in the Armed Forces from 1947 to the present. Emphasis, eligibility includes all who served since 1947, even if the veteran was not in a combat or war. Simply put, the veteran could have never left a duty station in U.S
2. Discharge: Honorable discharge or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
3. Residency: Must be a legal resident of Rhode Island.
4. Ownership: Must own the property for which the exemption is claimed.
Chaplain Corps History: The Four Chaplains
It was Feb. 3, 1943, and the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was one of three ships in a convoy, moving across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to an American base in Greenland. A converted luxury liner, the Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers.
It was only 150 miles from its destination when shortly after midnight, an officer aboard the German submarine U2 spotted it. After identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire. The hit was decisive, striking the ship, far below the water line. The initial blast killed scores of men and seriously wounded many more.
Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Panic and chaos quickly set in! Men were screaming, others crying or franticly trying to get lifeboats off the ship.
Through the pandemonium, four men spread out among the Soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety. They were four Army chaplains,
- Lt. George Fox, a Methodist;
- Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi;
- Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest;
- and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister.
Quickly and quietly, the four chaplains worked to bring calm to the men. As soldiers began to find their way to the deck of the ship, many were still in their underwear, where they were confronted by the cold winds blowing down from the arctic.
Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, reeling from the cold, headed back towards his cabin. “Where are you going?” a voice of calm in the sea of distressed asked. “To get my gloves,” Mahoney replied. “Here, take these,” said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young officer. “I can’t take those gloves,” Mahoney replied. “Never mind,” the Rabbi responded. “I have two pairs.” It was only long after that Mahoney realized that the chaplain never intended to leave the ship.
Once topside, the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains simultaneously removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. When giving their life jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did Fox or Poling call out for a Protestant. They simply gave their life jackets to the next man in line. One survivor would later say, “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.”
As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains — arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. Their voices could also be heard offering prayers and singing hymns.
Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, only 230 survived. Before boarding the Dorchester back in January, Chaplain Poling had asked his father to pray for him, “Not for my safe return, that wouldn’t be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty…never be a coward…and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate.”
Although the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were later awarded posthumously, Congress wished to confer the Medal of Honor but was blocked by the stringent requirements which required heroism performed under fire. So a posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, The Four Chaplains’ Medal, was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President on January 18, 1961.
It was never given before and will never be given again.
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS
February 11, 2026 FREE Dinner for Veterans and their guest, 4:30 to 7:00, Toast n Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the United States. Dinner will be stuffed shells, sausage and peppers, Â rolls, dessert, and coffee.
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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:
Leave No Veteran Alone Program (https://italianamericanwarveteran.org) Â Â – 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. Â 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 Â 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
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
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: Â 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 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– 1st”and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
Services Â
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 Â
Applebee’s – Â 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 Â
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 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: 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: Â the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.
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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)6779VET(9838) Â Â
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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john–acianci/ Â Â
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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 (401) 677-9VET (9838)
To read all columns in this series go to: Â Â 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.