RI Veterans: Did you know? 07.03.24 (Desert Storm, WWII news, events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veterans writer

Why is the US government and VA silent on Desert Storm 33^rd Anniversary dates?

The Korean War, which ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953, is sometimes referred to as the “forgotten war” because it was overshadowed by World War II several years earlier, and Congress never declared war on North Korea.

The almost 700,000 veterans who were deployed for Operation Desert Shield in 1991 wonder what to call Operation Desert Storm/Shield, since unlike other anniversaries of major wars, the U.S government, VA , media and major veterans organizations don’t acknowledge the anniversary of the first Gulf War referred to as – Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

The war started on January 17, 1991, and later, a ground operation that was the largest combat operation since the Vietnam War, in 100 hours, crushed the Iraqi forces. 

February 28, 2024 marked 33 years since the end of Operation Desert Storm. An operation that lasted only 43 days, Desert Storm was the United States’ first major armed conflict with Iraq.

After numerous internet searches I could not find one government agency to include the Veterans Administration acknowledging the anniversary start or end dates for Operation Desert Storm. 

Why, we as Desert Shield / Storm Veterans, does our war not get the anniversaries acknowledged?  

More than 2.2 million U.S. service members served during the era, and an estimated 694,550 deployed to the Gulf. An estimated 1.67 million Veterans from that era are still alive. Included are an estimated 2,000 Rhode Islanders, which included four Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard units (119^th Military Police Company, 115^th Military Police Company, 118^th Military Police Battalion, and the 143 Airlift Wing), out of Quonset Point

According to studies, an estimated 40% of Desert Shield/Storm veterans receive Veteran Administration disability compensation due to their service during Operation Desert Storm.

A few day ago, a young man asked me about the embroidery on my hat, which noted me as a Desert Storm/Shield Veteran, as he had never heard of a Desert Storm/Shield. 

I responded, “33 years ago the United States was involved in the largest ground operation since the Vietnam War, in which I was a member of the Rhode Island National Guard activated and deployed to the Middle East.”

“Media outlets were reporting that U.S. forces were expecting mass casualties,” I told him. “Thousands of us were shipped to Iraq/Kuwait for the war.”

I told him, “We kicked the s**** out of Iraqis in less than 2 months”.

He then asked me if it was because of my injuries that I have the Rhode Island Disabled Plate #8 license plate.  

 Responding to her question, “Like so many Americans who volunteered to serve their country, the veteran completes his service, returning to civilian life dealing with many physical and mental injuries.”

“In my case, I’m classified by the VA as a 100% disabled veteran due to the wear and tear on my body of 22 years of service, to include combat tours in Operation Desert Shield/Storm an Operation Iraqi Freedom”.

 I further explained the Injuries included from combat during Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991, and almost a dozen years later in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Sadly, many of my injuries were a result of exposure to the nerve gas sarin, toxin lindane, and the environment in combat, which included days of darkness due to burning oil fires, and smoke residue from our unit’s burn pit that were operated daily to burn over 5000 plastic water bottles, human feces, and trash mixed with slew of materials.

The young man was very respectful and concluding our conversation he told me his age, 24; he wasn’t even born 33 years ago when our country became involved in Operation Desert Storm. Clearly, his schooling never taught any history of the first Gulf War.

In 100 hours, U.S. and allied ground forces in Iraq and Kuwait decisively defeated a battle-hardened and dangerous enemy. During air and ground operations, U.S. and allied forces destroyed over 3,000 tanks, 1,400 armored personnel carriers, and 2,200 artillery pieces along with countless other vehicles. This was achieved at a cost to the United States of 146 soldiers killed in action, 2 died of wounds, and 105 non-hostile deaths.

33 years later, thousands of Desert Shield/Storm veterans suffer from unexplained illnesses.

Thousands have died from unexplained illnesses, to include brain cancer, holes in their hearts, etc., to include some of my best friends.

New studies bring hope to thousands of Gulf veterans.

ONGOING STUDIES NEEDING HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY GULF VETERANS

There are three studies that are desperate to recruit in order to help veterans of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, all available either in New England – or virtually:

Bacopa Clinical Trial – This fully virtual clinical trial’s objective is to evaluate safety, feasibility, effectiveness, and biological response of Bacopa, on central nervous system (CNS) symptom management of Gulf War Illness. The benefit of the study can improve Inflammation, alertness, mood anxiety and overall sense of well-being, making it a promising therapy for veterans with GWI. The study medication is a natural supplement Bacopa Monieri or “placebo” and the treatment time lasts 12 weeks. Patients will be receiving phone calls, nutritional assessments, blood collection and online surveys. The total study time is 16 weeks. The Lab collection is free of cost at the participant’s local Quest Diagnostic Laboratory.  Participants will be compensated for their time.

BRAIN – We are looking for veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War to take part in a half-day study in Boston or Miami, Our study is for both healthy veterans and veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness.  There will be testing and questionnaires on health symptoms, neurotoxic exposures, mood, and quality of life via computer as well as a blood draw.  Interested participants would screen by phone prior to any in person visit, and if eligible would be compensated for their time.

NAC Clinical Trial -The purpose of the study is to assess the safety of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), a dietary supplement, and determine whether NAC can enter the brain to reverse oxidative stress. We will measure the effects of NAC by looking at changes in an oxidative stress marker called glutathione in the blood before and after taking NAC. A sample of participants in Boston, MA and New York, NY will also be offered a brain imaging scan (MRI) which will measure glutathione levels in the brain. Glutathione is a substance that is produced by the liver and involved in tissue building and repair, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and helping the immune system. NAC is known to help to replace glutathione levels in the body and is used by the body to build nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage. Duration of the study is 12 weeks, consisting of 2 virtual visits and 2 in person visits lasting about half a day at one of our sites.  There is also a virtual option.  Subjects will be compensated for their time.

Point of contact, Zachary Barnes, [email protected] for any and all of these studies, but the easiest way reach our group is to register at redcap.link/INIMGWI, email us at [email protected], or call us at 954-262-2870.

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World War II News… and a Memo that makes you wonder

As a veteran, I am appalled that a few weeks ago a Rhode Island elected official submitted a bill that would change ANY state holiday’s name. More disturbing was the proposed bill was to change the name of Victory Day, held on the second Monday in August.

And – just a few days ago, the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations of Veterans Administration distributed a memorandum which read:

“This memorandum requests the removal of the “V.J. Day in Times Square” photograph from all Veterans Health Administration facilities in alignment with the Veterans Affairs maintain a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment.”

What initiated the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations of Veterans Administration to take this action?

May I suggest to the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations of Veterans Administration, spend your time wisely, and earn your six-figure government / VA employee by trying to serve the veterans by reviewing a way to reduce a veterans appeal for VA compensation from estimated 3 years.

Fortunately, within hours, VA Secretary Denis McDonough acted and rescinded the memo.

McDonough tweeted out a copy of the image, which appeared in Life magazine, adding, “Let me be clear: This image is not banned from VA facilities — and we will keep it in VA facilities.”

According to the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre: “The VA is not going to be banning this photo. I can definitely say that the memo was not sanctioned, and so it’s not something that we were even aware of.”

Thank you, Secretary McDonough, and sure hope you review your Under Secretary’s action, especially since it appears did not have your approval, and or the Commander-In Chief, President Joe Biden.

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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

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

Learn more about programs and services for homeless Veterans.

Learn more about programs and services for Veterans at risk of homelessness.

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Rep. Gabe Amo announces over $586,000 to help Homeless Veterans secure housing

Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provided $586,431 in federal funding to help homeless veterans and their families find permanent housing. The Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation will receive $337,554.00 and the North Providence Housing Authority will receive $248,877.00.

“Too many of those who put on the uniform to serve our country struggle with homelessness. Every veteran deserves to have a safe, stable place to call home,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I am excited about these federal funds being brought to Rhode Island to help protect our veterans and their families. In Washington, I will continue to fight for more housing and resources for our brave service members.”

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program provides housing and a range of supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness. The program combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. According to HUD, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness has fallen by 11% since early 2020 – the most significant decline in more than five years.

“HUD is committed to ending veteran homelessness once and for all,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “These HUD-VASH voucher awards help us to reach that goal. We will continue to work with our local Veterans Affairs Medical Center partners at public housing agencies across the country so we can get veterans experiencing veterans and their families off the streets and into affordable housing.”

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EVENTS FOR YOU

March 16, 2024 – Tea for RI Women Veterans

Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI, 1:00 PM – 3:30PM. Come join fellow Rhode Island Women Veterans for an afternoon of community and conversation. Meet other local women veterans, share experiences, inspire and encourage each other. Sponsored by Military Women Across the Nation. Point of contact Jeannie Vachon 401-533-0101

March 19, 2024, 11:30 to 1:30, Tuesday – St Joseph Day Celebration, FREE Italian Luncheon for veterans and guest. Special luncheon on St Joesph Day will include traditional Italian desserts; zeppolles, cannoli, wandes and more.

April 5 – Veterans Eat FREE, 1^st Friday of every month at Badger’s Pub, 530 Broadway Pawtucket RI. Complimentary meal includes any one item off regular menu

April 27, 2024, Saturday – VFW Post #5392, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton RI Clam Boil with Chowder and Clam Cakes. DJ Entertainment from 5pm-7pm.  $35 donation, Doors open at 4:00PM. Eat in or take out. Tickets available at the VFW. NOTE: This event SELLS OUT, buy tickets early.

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State of Rhode Island Benefits for Veterans Receiving 100% VA Disability

Free Rhode Island Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License for Disabled Veterans: Wartime Veterans with serious disabilities may be exempt from Rhode Island vehicle registration and driver’s license fees.

Who is eligible Free Rhode Island Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License for Disabled Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must have received an honorable discharge for service in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period and meet one of the following requirements:

• Lost or lost the use, one or both of their arms, hands, feet, or legs
• Received a grant from the VA for a specially adapted vehicle
• Received a VA combined, service-connected disability rating of 100%
• Rated “individually unemployable” due to a service-connected disability

Free Rhode Island Disabled Veteran License Plate:The Rhode Island Disabled Veteran License plate is available to Veterans who have a 100% disability rating from the VA. These plates may be used on private or commercial vehicles weighing 6,300 lbs. or less. There is no initial or renewal fees for this license plate. Only one set of plates is authorized. Plates may be transferred to the un-remarried Surviving Spouse.

Veterans are required to provide a copy of their discharge papers (DD214 or other official proof of military service) and must request official documentation from the Providence VA Regional Benefits Office indicating they have a 100% disability rating before they apply.

Providence VA Regional Benefits Office
380 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 800-827-1000

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Golf – Hunting – Fishing

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:

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:

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

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans – HERE.

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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:

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 

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)  

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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.