RI Veterans: Did you know? 06.02.25 (New VA leadership, vet biz loans, events…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

$10,000 Grants for Veteran Owned Business

Hiring Our Heroes, U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting applications for five veteran and military spouse-owned small businesses with a one-time $10,000 grant.

Applications must submit their entry before 11:59 pm EDT on February 28, 2025. Applicants may complete the entry form at https://www.hiringourheroes.org/small-business-award.

The Italian American War Veterans of US, Department of Rhode Island will provide FREE assistance with any RI/MA qualified business to complete the application. To request assistance, contact John Cianci, Veteran Service Officer, (401) 677-9838.  “Our organization will provide FREE assistance with filling out the application, “ said Cianci. “ITAM continues to expand FREE services for veterans, and assisting veteran owned businesses has become a priority.”

More information on the Hiring Our Heroes grant program:

Sponsor: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with offices at 1615 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20062 (“the Sponsor”), will sponsor the 2025 Heroes Small Business Grant Program (“Grant Program”) with support from FedEx, with offices at 942 S Shady Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120.

Eligibility for Application

To be eligible to apply for the Grant Program, an applicant must be:

• A legal resident of and currently reside in the contiguous 48 states, Alaska and/or Hawaii; and
• A 51% or more owner of a for-profit business owned by an honorably-discharged veteran or military spouse with 3 to 20 employees including the owner, all full or part-time employees, and independent (1099) contractors. For the purposes of this program, veteran or military spouse means:
  • any person who previously served in the active duty, National Guard or Reserve components of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard and has an honorable discharge.
  • any person who currently serves in National Guard or Reserve component of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard; or
  • any person who is presently married to a current member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, or any National Guard or Reserve components of the military; and
• An owner of a small business with less than $5 million in annual revenue and located in an economically vulnerable community, or the business can otherwise demonstrate financial need brought on by hardship beyond the owner’s control. Economically vulnerable communities are defined as any community in a zip code that receives a “stress score” of 40 or greater, as measured by the Distressed Communities Index.

Ineligible Applicants

Owners of the following types of businesses and organizations are not eligible to participate:

• Franchise brand with more than twenty-five (25) corporate-owned stores, or more than fifty (50) stores total;
• Not-for-profit businesses;
• Any government agency, public administration, political organization, or non-profit of any type;
• Businesses engaged in any illegal activity;
• Gas stations, or businesses located on the same premises as a gas station;
• Shopping property management companies;
• Direct sellers;
• Any business that is primarily in the business of manufacturing, promoting or selling diet aids, cannabis, gambling, tobacco (including tobacco-related equipment, such as e-cigarettes), firearms or other weapons;
• Private clubs and businesses which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity;
• Businesses principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs, whether in a religious or secular setting;
• Businesses that derive directly or indirectly more than de minimis gross revenue through the sale of products or services, or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of a sexual nature;
• Businesses owned by employees, officers and directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, FedEx, and any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families (parents, spouse, children, siblings) or individuals residing in their household (whether or not related);
• Entities listed on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Sanctions List; and
• Any other business that could reasonably be expected to offend a significant portion of FedEx customers or the public.

Applicants agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of these Official Rules and, if applicable, agree to participate in an event announcing the Grant Winners.

Entry Procedure

Applicants may complete the entry form at https://www.hiringourheroes.org/small-business-award. Applicants must submit their entry before 11:59 pm EDT on February 28, 2025.

Criteria for Selection of Grant Winners – As described below, a Selection Committee, including representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes (“HOH”) program, will choose five (5) Grant Winners from among all eligible applicants.

For round 1: A select group of senior leaders at HOH will review all the applications and select up to 20 eligible semi-finalists that meet the eligibility requirements and submit the most compelling applications.

For round 2: A panel of judges comprised of HOH employees and, potentially, business and industry experts, veteran and military small business and non-profit leaders, will review the semi-finalists and select five (5) Grant Winners.

Odds of being selected as a Grant Winner depends on the number of eligible applications received on or before February 28, 2025. Grant Winners will be notified on or before March 29, 2025, through the contact information provided in the application. Grant Winners may be asked to submit additional information for their application. Grant Winners will be chosen without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or physical or mental ability.

Requirements for Grant Winners

Grant Winners will be announced publicly at an event hosted by Hiring Our Heroes in spring 2025. A finalized date for the ceremony will be announced in March 2025.

Grant Winners will be required to confirm and supply information as to their qualifications, including proof of military service, as part of the selection process and before the award of a $10,000 grant.

In addition, each Grant Winner must submit photos of their business and a headshot of the business owner.

Prize – Each of the five (5) Grant Winners will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

Additional Rules – All applications must be submitted online. Only those applications submitted through the online application process provided on https://www.hiringourheroes.org/small-business-award/ will be accepted. Applications received by any other means will not be considered. No application can be amended or withdrawn after March 1, 2025. Neither Sponsor nor FedEx nor their parents, affiliated entities or agents are responsible for any illegible, lost, stolen late, damaged, incomplete, mutilated or misdirected applications or other documents. Applying party and applicants are responsible for ensuring proper contact information has been submitted and is maintained throughout the Grant Program to allow communications about the Grant Program.

Erroneous or false information provided in the application will result in immediate disqualification of the applicants. Sponsor and the Selection Committee otherwise retain the right to disqualify any applicant in their sole discretion.

If, for any reason, the Grant Program is not capable of running as planned, Sponsor reserves the right in their sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Grant Program at any time.

By creating an application, or by being an applicant, you understand that there is no joint venture, partnership, employment or agency relation between you and Sponsor arising from any application or the award of a $10,000 grant.

Applicants grant the Sponsor and FedEx the irrevocable right and license to copy, reproduce, display, perform, publish, modify, edit or otherwise use (collectively “use”) the application and supporting material, in whole or in part, including the corporate name(s), trade names, trademarks and logos, as well as names and other personal information of individuals, referred to in the entry and supporting material, all without limitation as to time, geography, or media for judging, education and publicity purposes, and any and all other purposes without need for prior notice, review or additional consent by applicant or additional consideration, and the entrant waives all moral rights in and to his/her entry in favor of the Sponsor, unless prohibited by applicable law.

Grant Winners are responsible for payment of any applicable local, state and federal taxes.  Grant Winners will be required to submit taxpayer identification information and any other information required for the reporting of a grant award as part of this Grant Program.

The decisions of the Selection Committee are final, and applicants and Finalists specifically agree that the decision of the Selection Committee and any decision of Sponsor is not subject to review or appeal in any forum whatsoever, including courts of law.

NO WARRANTY OF ANY TYPE IS PROVIDED FOR ANY PRIZE. NO CASH VALUE IS PROVIDED FOR ANY PRIZE, OTHER THAN THE $10,000 CASH PRIZE, AND NO PRIZE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO ANY PARTY.

Any information provided as part of the Grant Program is provided according to the website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, as they may be amended from time to time, and as otherwise provided for in these Official Rules.

By making an application or being an applicant, you agree on behalf of yourself and each of your respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns (“Releasing Party”) to the Official Rules of the Grant Program and the decisions of the Selection Committee and Sponsor, as applicable, and any affiliated entities or persons, and by making an application or being an applicant, you release, defend and hold harmless Sponsor and FedEx, and their affiliates, advisors, agents, licensees, and any social or other media used for the Grant Program, and individuals on the Selection Committee, and any of their respective officers, directors and employees as applicable (“Released Parties”), from any and all causes of action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, covenants, contracts, controversies, promises, lost profits, indirect or direct damages, consequential damage, incidental damages, punitive or exemplary damages, judgments, claims and demands whosoever, in law, or equity, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, which any Releasing Party has or may ever had, now or hereafter, arising from or related to the Grant Program, these Official Rules, any application materials, including but not limited to any use or non-use of any application materials, delivery, misdelivery, acceptance, possession, attendance at, travel related to, misuse, and/or use of or inability to use, any Prize, or technical or other failures of any kind.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reserves the right to amend the Official Rules at any time without notice, for any reason.

The Grant Program and these Official Rules will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, U.S.A. Applicants consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the federal, state, and local courts located in the District of Columbia. By participating in this Grant Program, each applicant accepts the terms and conditions stated in these Official Rules, agrees to be bound by the decisions of the Sponsor, and warrants that she/he is eligible to participate in this Grant Program.

For a list of the winners in this Grant Program, send a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (S.A.S.E) to: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, attn: 2025 Heroes Small Business Grant Program, 1615 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20062, after May 30, 2025. Grant winners’ names will not be made available until after all the grant winners in this Grant Program have been determined and notified.

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New leadership at the VA – Doug Collins appointed by Pres. Donald Trump:

Mission one, starting today: Our Vets ✅ pic.twitter.com/H2IRMajvPi

— Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) February 5, 2025

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VFW Post 152 North Kingstown RI , Valentines for Veterans Program

North Kingstown students, friends, children, and neighbors are joining in the making of some Valentine’s cheer to be distributed at the RI Veterans Home and Providence VA Medical Center next month.

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EVENTS

February 8, Friday (always first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eaglerville Road, Tiverton RI  – “Fall in Friday” for active duty, veterans and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 2:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. More information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

February 8, 2025, Friday Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran owned, Iraqi War Veterans 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.

February 26, 2025, Wednesday – 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. Guest Chef Manual Leander doing his award winning Portuguese FREE remake of original dog tag—made on site, for ALL new members, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]

February 27, 2025, Thursday – 6:00-9:00 pm  Veteran Social at Toast n ‘ Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick RI.

March 1 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 first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos.

March 3 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee Housesponsored by the Italian American war Veterans of US. Free to all veterans and guest. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. More information contact ITAM , (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

March 15, 2025 – Tea for RI Women Veterans, 1:00- 3:00pm, Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI. Open to all women veterans. Sponsored by Unit 118 Military Women Across the Nation.

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VA Providence Healthcare News

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!

Supplies are low- please stop by with items ““ or make a monetary contribution.

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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:

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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.

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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)

• 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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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 

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 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: [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)  

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.