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RI Veterans: Did you know? 07.09.23 (Vietnam Wall, OSDRI vet assistance, more) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues
Did you know 209 Rhode Islanders are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, commonly called the Vietnam Memorial, or Vietnam Wall is a U.S. national memorial in Washington, D.C., https://www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm honoring service members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam War. ?
Did you know over 56,000 names are on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial monument?
Did you know a half-size replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C travels to communities throughout the United States?
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to be displayed at Rocky Point Park from September 8-10
The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall returns to Rhode Island from Friday – Sunday .The display features an 80% to scale version of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C.
From September 8th – 10th, 2023, marking the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, an eighty percent scaled replica of the Vietnam Wall will be displayed at Rocky Point Park in Warwick. The display of the three hundred (300) foot wall, known as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Traveling Wall pays tribute to the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War and were killed or missing in action.
The mini wall is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on National Mall, which pays tribute to the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War and were killed or missing in action.
Over 20,000 Vietnam Era Veterans who live in Rhode Island. For them and their families it is important for us to commemorate their service and the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
“I never forget the line of Vietnam Veterans on the runway after I returned from Operation Desert Storm. “ said John A Cianci, Desert Storm Veteran. “We were higged and greeted “Welcome Home” by the Vietnam Veterans who promised among themselves NEVER to allow another group of veterans to return to what that had to encounter.”
“Evert time I see and or meet a Vietnam veteran, I tell them “Welcome Home,” said Cianci.
“It was the homeless Vietnam Veterans on the street that inspired me and two others to start Operation Stand Down RI in 1993,” said Operation Stand Down RI’s founder and Board Chairman Tony DeQuattro.
Over, thirty years later OSDRI has grown significantly and continues to serve veterans of all eras and wars with a wide range of services.
The American Veteran Traveling Tribute Memorial, Traveling Wall will be free to visit and open on Friday September 8th twenty-four hours a day until 5:00 pm on September 10th.
A reading of the 209 Rhode Island Fallen will occur at 2:09 p.m. each afternoon along with other tributes.
The names on the wall seem infinite in number. Among the names are 209 Rhode Island Vietnam Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The design of the wall has the names spanning from the center the names of those confirmed dead and missing in action arranged in the order they were lost. Each panel resembles the turning of a page, each panel tells the story of the war’s loss.
The memorial offers veterans and family members and the general visitor a place to meet, remember, and honor those who gave so much-the ultimate sacrifice.
When viewing the wall, remember every name has a face.
RINEWSTODAY challenges our readers to write a name from the wall and search the name on the internet to know more than the name on a wall.
For example, James Michael Ray one Rhode Island Vietnam Veteran who was captured and classified as a POW, however, he never returned home , nor was his body or remains ever returned to United States.
In the early 1990’s when I met his mother, she had letters her son sent to her while he was captivity. However, when POWs were released in 1973, James Michael Ray was not one of the ones released. Nor has his body and remains ever returned.
Rhode Island Vietnam veteran James Michael Ray’s name is located Panel 45E-Line 28
Goggle search of James Michael Ray, results as follows from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency website:
Over 56,000 Vietnam Veterans ——–each and every one has a face and a story .
All of them gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Let us never forget.
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Events
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
Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 to 3 p.m.: Graduation of OCS Class 66. R.I. Army National Guard. Camp Fogarty, 2841 South County Trail, East Greenwich, RI Joint Force HQ auditorium.
Monday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m.: Ceremony Marking 22nd Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. Wall of Honor at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. For more information, call Bill Pennoyer, (401) 398-2358.
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 to 8 p.m.: The Matthew Patton Foundation is hosting a Suicide Prevention, Education, and Awareness Panel. VFW Post 237, 850 Hope St. in Bristol. The panel provides valuable information on how to identify the signs that an individual is struggling and how to help him or her seek help. Light refreshments will be provided. For further information, please contact Paul Carew at (508) 6476545 or Lynn Patton at (401) 330-6388, or email info@matthewpattonfoundation. orgThursday, Sept. 14, 4:30 to 7 p.m.: Learn to Surf Cast for free. At Scarborough Beach, Providence Vet Center is teaming up with the Narragansett Surf Casters and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to offer a class to 15 service members/veterans. All the equipment you need to learn to catch fish from shore, along with instruction, will be provided by members of Narragansett Surf Casters. Food and refreshments provided as well. Please sign up with Justyn Charon by phone at (401) 739-0167 or via email at Justyn. [email protected].
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, , Varnum 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
Thursday, Sept. 21, 6-9:00 p.m , Casino Café & Grille Private Dining Room, Bally’s Tiverton Casino, 777 Tiverton Casino Tiverton RI. Socialize and connect with fellow veterans. Non-veterans supporters are also welcome. If you are interested in attending, please click on the link below to RSVP and other details. https://www.evite.com/event/0292ZGZ6KALIIQKU4EPOGAEFHVE7WA/
Friday, Sept. 29, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Military Police Regimental Association of RI Annual Awards Dinner. Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. This is the 20th anniversary of the deaths of Staff Sgt. Joseph Camara, Sgt. Charles Todd Caldwell and Spc. Michael Andrade while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tickets are $55 each and are available only from this website: tinyurl.com/yaw744cp. For details, call Sean Fitzpatrick at (203) 907-8985 or email rhodeislandmpra@ gmail.com.
October 27, 2023, Friday, Dinner and Entrainment, Varum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich RI , 80th Anniversary, Prime Rib or Fish dinner, tickets $60 per person. WWII Combat Infantry Veterans are FREE. Make checks payable to Combat Infantrymen Association, 42 Manning Street, North Providence RI 02911. All proceeds to benefit HONOR FLIGHTS OF RI, Inc.
November 2023
November 5, 2023; Veterans Inc 2023 Run4Heroes 5K Road Race, Registration begins at 8 a.m , race begins at 10:30 a.m at the start/finish line in front of Wormtown Brewery, on Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA.
all participants will indulge in a post-race celebration featuring food, a complimentary beer from Wormtown Brewery, live music, exciting prizes, and more! If you can’t make it in person this year, we are offering a virtual sign-up option as well! Just run a 5k before the deadline, submit your times, and we will recognize your participation and honor the virtual winner alongside the in-person honorees.
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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: 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.
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