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RI Veterans: Did you know? 07.12.23 (Pearl Harbor, Army Navy, events…) – John A. Cianci
Today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
We must NEVER forget December 7, 1941:
NEVER forget 2403 Americans died after the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The Navy made up the largest number of casualties: 2008; Marine Corps; 109; Army 218.
Did you know on December 6, 1941, the U.S. intercepted a Japanese message that inquired about ship movements and berthing positions at pearl Harbor? The cryptologist gave the message to her superior who said he would get back to her on Monday,
Did you know on Sunday, hours before the attack, a radar operator on Oahu saw a large group of airplanes on his screen heading toward the island? He called his superior who told him it was probably a group of U.S. B17 bombers, and not to worry about it.
Did you know on December 7, 1941 the USS Oklahoma took several torpedoes from torpedo bombers that hit the Oklahoma’s hull, and the ship capsized. A total of 429 crew died; survivors jumped off the ship 50 feet (15 m) into burning oil on water or crawled across mooring lines that connected Oklahoma and Maryland. Some sailors inside escaped when rescuers drilled holes and opened hatches to rescue them.
Did you know on 7 December 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and Arizona was hit by several air-dropped armor-piercing bombs. One detonated an explosive-filled magazine, sinking the battleship and killing 1,177 of its officers and crewmen. Unlike many of the other ships attacked that day, Arizona was so irreparably damaged that it was not repaired for service in World War II.
The shipwreck still lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor beneath the USS Arizona Memorial. Dedicated to all those who died during the attack, the memorial is built across the ship’s remains.
U.S Virgin Island Resident/West Point Family Connection To Pearl Harbor Here in Rhode Island for Army-NavyGame
Today, as we remember Pearl Harbor Day, this day connects one family from the 1941 Japanese attack, to another member of family who participated in bringing closure to those lost and the survivors.
The Bible family has a strong history of service to our country. Moreover, Bible’s military service intertwined with the events that happened at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and most recently, Dec 7, 2019.
Staff Sergeant Fred L Bible (U.S. Army 7th Engineer Dive Detachment, 84th Engineer Battalion, 10th Engineer Brigade great uncle , Fred D. Bible was stationed on the USS Oklahoma when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941.
429 U.S Navy crew of the Oklahoma were killed during the attack.
Fred D. Bible was one of the survivors who jumped jumped off the ship 50 feet (15 m) into burning oil on water or crawled across mooring lines that connected Oklahoma and Maryland . Other sailors inside escaped when rescuers drilled holes and opened hatches to rescue them.
Generations after a great uncle survived, U.S. Army Fred L. Bible Jr , U.S. Army 7th Dive Detachment Divers SSG Fred Bible and SPC Julio Melendez became part of the history of Pearl Harbor.
On December 7, 2019 he was one of the divers to interred the remains of Pearl Harbor Survivor Lauren Bruner amongst the remains of his fellow crewman on board of the sunken U.S.S. Arizona.
Bruner was the last survivor to be interred amongst the wreckage.
Video by Sgt. Laura Martin:
https://www.first.army.mil/People/Resources/New-to-First-Army/mod/70295/player/0/7th%20Dive/
SSG Fred L. Bible Jr, grew up in a military family. His Dad, Fred Bible is a 1990 West Point graduate, combat veterans, and served many years in the National Guard and Reserve. The Bible family stories are examples of military tradition being passed down from one generation to another. The Bibles never forget their connection as a family to one of the worst attacks against the United States.
When the kickoff happens at the Army Navy Game this weekend, Navy and Army will be foes. When it’s all over, they become brothers and sisters serving in America’s military. Fierce competitors against each other. But at the conclusion of the game, the players on both teams “are willing to die” for each other.
The game is referred to as the “only game where all the guys playing on the field are willing to die for all those watching game.”
On December 7, 1941, thousands gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Army-Navy fans, don’t forget to plan to visit the Patriots Hall of Fame and Patriot Pro Shop.
VETTIP – Admission is FREE for all active military and veterans. Ensure to have your ID on hand to present for free admission.
Did you know at Patriot Pro Shop veterans receive a 10% discount on all items purchased?
Did you know the Patriot Pro Shop, at 1 Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA is stocked with Army-Navy Game gear ?
The shop is open from
Thursday 10:00 a.m to 6 p.m
Friday 10:00 a.m to 8 p.m
VETTIP – Go on Thursday or Friday in the afternoon and stay to shop at the Patriot Pro Shop. After shopping, stay for Fan Fest, which will have a large display of military vehicles and much more.
If you don’t have game tickets, you will not have access to Fan Fest or Patriot Pro Shop on Saturday.
Visit The Patriots Hall of Fame
Did you know Patriot Hall of Fame, at 2 Patriots Place, in Foxborough is open daily, 7 days per week, 10 AM-5 PM?
Did you know admission for active Military and Veterans is FREE, with military I.D, veteran health card, veteran designation on license and other IDs documenting you are a veteran ( DD214), etc..
The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon Technologies is an exciting, innovative and interactive, modern museum experience for all ages.
The Kraft family, in an effort to preserve team history and honor the greatest Patriots of all-time, built and opened The Hall in 2008. It has since undergone championship renovations to enhance its Super Bowl Experience exhibit, which takes guests inside the team’s six Super Bowl wins. It includes the sparkling Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophies and championship rings, an interactive that allows guests to virtually make Malcolm Butler’s Super Bowl XLIX-clinching interception, and the Anatomy of a Comeback area that breaks down the Super Bowl LI win. The Hall regularly adds to its collection and changes out artifacts and exhibits to ensure a fresh experience.
Army-Navy Game Events at Gillette Stadium and in Providence RI
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA will be played at Gillette Stadium for the first time. The game will also be televised nationally on CBS, worldwide on American Forces Network and Westwood One Radio will feed their broadcast to 300-plus stations throughout the United States. The 2023 installment of Army-Navy marks the first time in the 124-yearhistory of America’s Game that it will be played in New England, and only the third time it will take place outside of the mid-Atlantic region (Chicago in 1926 and Pasadena, Calif. in 1983). In celebration of this historic occasion, Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are hosting several associated events in the leadup to the game.
Army-Navy Events in MA and RI
Fan Fest for Army-Navy Game Starts Thursday Night at Gillette Stadium
THURSDAY, DEC. 7, 5:00-11:00 PM Fan Fest. Location: Enel Plaza at Patriot Place (1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Mass.) Official 2023 Army-Navy Game Fan Fest and Patriots Thursday Night – Football Watch Party: The Army-Navy Game Fan Fest, featuring demonstrations, activations and more will officially open on Thursday evening. Fans are also invited to a viewing party as the New England Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. This event is free and open to the general public.
FRIDAY, DEC. 8 Patriot Game Competition
The Patriot Games are a two-day competition between a select group of Army West Point Cadets and Naval Academy Midshipmen, consisting of various physical and mental challenges leading up to the game’s kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
8:00 AM – Patriot Games Tug-of-War Location: Minute Man National Park by the Old North Bridge (174 Liberty St., Concord, Mass.) Cadets and Midshipmen will square off in the first event of the Patriot Games presented by USAA.
9:30 AM – Patriot Games , Location: Boston Common by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (139 Tremont St., Boston, Mass.)Best of Three Competition: The Patriot Game presented by USAA continue with the Best of Three Competition near the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the Boston Common.
Parade
11:00 AM – Parade from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall: The Army and Navy Patriot Games, Location: Boston Common (139 Tremont St., Boston, Mass.) to Faneuil Hall (4 South Market St., Boston,Mass.) teams will parade through the Boston city streets from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall in advance of thethird competition.
Pep Rally
11:30 AM – Pep Rally: Location: Faneuil Hall (4 South Market St., Boston, Mass.)
The Army and Navy bands and cheer squads will help fans gear up for the game with an official pep rally in front of the Faneuil Hall Meeting House
12:00 PM – Patriot Games presented by USAA Pull-Up Competition: Location: Faneuil Hall (4 South Market St., Boston, Mass.) Cadets and Midshipmen will square off in a pull-up competition at Faneuil Hall, with their respective bands, cheer squads and fans rooting them on.
1:30 PM – Debate: Location: Faneuil Hall Meeting House (4 South Market St., Boston, Mass.)The Army West Point and Naval Academy Debate teams will debate a designated topic within the historic Faneuil Hall Meeting House.
1:45 PM – Patriot Games , Location: Charlestown Navy Yard (1st Ave & 3rd St, Boston, Mass. Relay Race: The Cadets and Midshipmen will compete in a relay race throughout historic landmarks, beginning in the Navy Yard before racing to the top of Bunker Hill and ending at the USS Constitution.
SATURDAY, DEC. 9:
10:00 AM-12:00 PM – College GameDay: ESPN’s College GameDay will go live from Gillette Stadium, Location: Gillette Stadium Parking Lot 5B (1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Mass.) for the first time ever in advance of the 2023 Army-Navy Game.
11:00 AM-3:00 PM – Location: Enel Plaza at Patriot Place (1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Mass.)Official 2023 Army-Navy Game Fan Fest: The Army-Navy Game Fan Fest, featuring demonstrations, activations and more will be open to ticketed fans only on Saturday in the leadup to the game.
The game will officially kick off at Gillette Stadium at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. For additional information about the 2023 Army-Navy Game presented by USAA at Gillette Stadium, please visit GilletteStadium.com/ArmyNavy and ArmyNavyGame.com.
Army-Navy Game Happening In Rhode Island
Rhode Island Press Conference
December 7th
2:30 PM – Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion (1 LaSalle Square, Providence, RI) Rhode Island Press Conference: Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, Senator Jack Reed, Congressman Seth Magaziner and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley will join the RI Convention Center Authority and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau to discuss the historic 2023 Army-Navy
3:00 PM – Naval Academy Midshipmen arrive in Providence: Location: Rhode Island Convention Center (1 Sabin St., Providence, RI) The Midshipmen who will be staying overnight arrive at the Rhode Island Convention Center in advance of the game.
December 8, 2023, 530 p.m., A Partial Lighting in the Basin of Waterplace Park in Honor of the Army-Navy Game on Friday, December 8
Join us for a partial lighting in the basin of Waterplace Park on Friday, December 8 in honor of the 124th Army-Navy Game happening at Gillette Stadium, supported by General Dynamics Electric Boat with additional support by BuildSubmarines.com and the site’s owners, BlueForge Alliance. The lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the fires will burn until 9:00 p.m.
As the largest manufacturer in Rhode Island, Electric Boat is proud to support WaterFire and its honoring of the U.S. Naval Academy’s midshipmen on the eve of their annual game against Army,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “These men and women have chosen to wear the cloth of our nation and dedicate themselves to serving the United States as future leaders in our Navy. We join the people of the Ocean State to welcome them to the City of Providence. We hope they and their families have a wonderful evening and encourage the community to turn out and show their appreciation on this special night.” Providence, Rhode Island will be hosting nearly 700 Navy midshipmen from the U.S Naval Academy the weekend of the 124th Army-Navy Game.
6:00 Catch three fire-spinning performances by Cirque De Light at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. WaterFire Providence thanks our generous supporters for helping to make this season possible. Details of the season schedule will be posted on the WaterFire Providence website at https://waterfire.org/schedule. Additional events may be added to the schedule as funding becomes available.
7:00 PM – WWE Tribute to the Troops: WWE Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion (1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI)will host their 21st annual Tribute to the Troops a Providence’s Amica Mutual Pavilion, welcoming Midshipmen and Cadets to enjoy the show the night before the 2023 Army-Navy Game at Gillette Stadium. Since its inception in 2003, WWE’s Tribute to the Troops has honored our U.S. service members, veterans and their families for their continued sacrifice and commitment to our country.
December 8 2023, WWE Tribute to the Troops, Amica Mutual pavilion. 1 Lasalle Square, Providence RI. The 21st annual Tribute to the Troops will air Friday, December 8 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Since its inception in 2003, WWE’s Tribute to the Troops has honored our U.S. service members, veterans and their families for their continued sacrifice and commitment to our country, and is widely considered one of television’s most patriotic and heartwarming shows of the year.
WWE has a multi-decade commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces, which includes visiting nearly 400 military installations throughout the world, offering all U.S. military personnel free tickets to WWE live events, and has partnered with military organizations, such as Hire Heroes USA. WWE currently supports the USO and tells stories of heroism and valor of our nation’s bravest through the company’s partnership with National Medal of Honor Museum to make an impact in the community.
SEE YOUR FAVORITE SMACKDOWN SUPERSTARS LIVE INCLUDING
Charlotte Flair, United States Champion Rey Mysterio, WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY, LA Knight, Austin Theory, Sheamus, AJ Styles, The Street Profits
There will be a schedule of activities going on throughout the weekend of December 8-10, for more information visit ArmyNavyPVD.com.
Wow! Events are happening not only at Gillette Stadium, but throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island intertwined with the 124th Army-Navy Football game on Saturday.
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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.
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, 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.