RI Veterans: Did you know? 09.10.25 (Gulf War Illnesses, Local Events, Resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recognizes Gulf War Illnesses 35 Years Later With Code

On October 1, 2025, the CDC, in a tremendous scientific and medical victory for hundreds of thousands of ill veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War, announced an official government diagnostic code, known as an ICD code, for Gulf War illness.

The ICD code, effective October 1, 2025, is related to the serious health effects from military exposure to toxins while deployed to the Southwest Asia war zone, from August 2, 1990, to July 31, 1991

“For years, we were told unexplained illnesses were in our heads,” said Sergeant First Class William Gearon, North Kingstown, RI, who served with the 119^th Military Police Company, a Rhode Island National Guard unit activated for Operation Desert Storm.

RINEWSTODAY  veteran contributor, John A Cianci, retired Master Sergeant, with Gearon during Operation Desert Storm and several years after “We were exposed to a ‘cocktail’ of toxins,” said Cianci.

Gearon has battled numerous unexplained illnesses and is a cancer survivor, which he believes is linked to serving during Operation Desert Storm. Cianci’s brain atrophy and neurological issues have been linked to his service during Desert Shield/Storm.

Cianci became an advocate, assisting and helping Rhode Island veterans of the Desert Storm era obtain their treatment and benefits through the VA.

Both Gearon and Cianci would take good health over any VA disability compensation they received. “I have witnessed too many of my brothers and sisters die since redeploying back from the Middle East, and we all believe their illnesses that caused the death were linked to their service in Operation Desert Storm,” said Gearon

More information from Task & Purpose, https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/gulf-war-illness-veterans/

Long-dismissed ‘Gulf War Illness’ finally recognized with an international medical code.

Vets say doctors often question if Gulf War Illness is real. The condition was just added as a formal diagnosis in a key international medical system.

Veterans who have long sought recognition for a medical condition linked to their service in the Gulf War earned a major victory last week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved a diagnostic code for “Gulf War Illness,” which went into effect on Oct. 1. The code represents a long-sought breakthrough that will allow doctors across the country to diagnose and treat the condition – formal medical validation that has eluded these veterans for more than 30 years.

Gulf War Illness, or GWI, is a chronic, often debilitating condition with several symptoms, including constant fatigue, cognitive issues, chronic pain, respiratory difficulties, skin problems and gastrointestinal distress. Researchers estimate that up to one-third of the roughly 700,000 troops deployed to the Gulf War have GWI.

But as of October, GWI is now recognized in the International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-10-CM, which is managed by CDC.

To put ICD-10-CM’s importance in military or veteran terms, think of it as an Air Force Technical Order, Army Field Manual, or Navy NAVADMIN update, but for doctors who specialize in diseases and illnesses — a final, argument-ending reference book for up-to-date information and procedures that now includes GWI.

“This diagnostic code is very, very important in this field,” said Dr. Kimberly Sullivan, who leads the Boston Biorepository, Recruitment and Integrative Network for GWI at Boston University. “It validates them. It provides acknowledgement as a real medical illness and disorder that is service-related.”

Veterans have reported the symptoms of GWI for decades, but received little formal help or recognition from the broader medical field, leaving many of them frustrated, without needed treatment, and subsequently despondent, doctors who have studied this issue told Task & Purpose on Monday.

Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego, led the successful ICD code submission and told Task & Purpose that a formal code not only gives validation to veterans who have been reporting these symptoms for years, but that it better informs physicians who may not know about the condition, and therefore a formal way to diagnose it.

“These problems are real, and they’re tied to other problems, and they’re due to deployment-related factors,” she said. “Hopefully, the advent of an ICD diagnostic code will lead more physicians to recognize that it is an acknowledged and real condition, and hopefully motivate some of them to look into treatment trials and what has appeared to be helpful for Gulf War veterans to enhance their access to the treatments that have proved favorable.”

Golomb also said that veterans recalled doctors dismissing their symptoms or accusing them of making up their symptoms. “That phenomenon of people being told it was in their head was deeply distressing,” she said. “The care experiences for Gulf War veterans were terrible.”

Veterans who reported GWI-related symptoms often had them treated by physicians in a piecemeal fashion, tackling some conditions — such as skin or stomach issues — but not as a whole. Now, these symptoms are formally connected under one identified illness, which opens the door for medical practices to integrate GWI into formal systems, such as treatment billing.

Because GWI did not have a formal diagnostic code, doctors were not able to identify, monitor, track or treat patients with the illness “inside and outside the VA healthcare system,” according to Veterans for Common Sense, a non-profit organization.

Researchers and studies consistently link GWI to chemical exposures during the Gulf War, which lasted from 1990 to 1991, and the condition is associated with changes in brain structure, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation issues and immune system abnormalities.

“That’s critical that we have this uniform diagnostic code that everyone will be using,” Sullivan said. “If everyone is using the same diagnostic code, it really helps us to understand different studies, for example, so that we’re comparing apples to apples and not apples to oranges.”

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Available Assistance For Veterans Impacted By Government Shutdown

Interest-Free Loans For Members of Navy Federal and USAA

Navy Federal Credit Union offers eligible members 0% APR (no interest) loans to help with financial disruption during a government shutdown, a program specifically for military servicemembers, federal employees, and government contractors. To be eligible, members typically must have a direct deposit of their federal pay into a Navy Federal account. The loan amount is based on the most recent direct deposit, and the funds are automatically deducted once pay resumes. If you have a foreign address, please contact us at 1-888-842-6328 (toll-free, domestic) or 1-703-255-8837 (collect, international) to confirm your eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Government Shutdown Loan Program, you generally must meet the following criteria:

• Be a military servicemember, federal employee, or government contractor paid directly by the federal government.
• Have had your regular federal paycheck deposited into an active Navy Federal account recently.
• Have a regular direct deposit of at least $250.
• Have repaid any prior Government Shutdown loans that overdrew your account(s).

How the Program Works

• 0% APR Loan:

The loan is offered with zero interest and no fees.

• Loan Amount:

The amount of the loan is based on your most recent direct deposit, with limits up to $6,000.

• Automatic Repayment:

Once the government reopens and your pay is resumed, the loan amount is automatically deducted from your account as repayment.

• Enrollment:

You must register for the program in advance of your scheduled payday to ensure timely disbursement.  

USAA Bank

As the possibility of a government shutdown looms, USAA is offering a helping hand to members.

“USAA has your back during a government shutdown,” the company said in a social media post.

According to USAA, the loan needs to be repaid within three months. The payment will also need to be split into two equal installments, the first due in about 60 days and the second in about 90 days.

To apply, individuals must be:

• A member employed by an impacted federal agency who direct deposits their government paycheck or pay
• An account holder on the impacted USAA Bank account

Qualified applicants must:

• Have direct deposit set up for a USAA Bank checking or savings account as of the federal payment disruption date
• Receive at least one qualifying direct deposit‍ ‍ to that same account within 30 days before the start of the disruption
• Have a U.S. physical address or an APO, DPO, or FPO address
• Get a credit approval from USAA Bank

“Stability plays an important role in the financial security of our members — and empowering that security is our mission,” a statement on the company’s website says. “Members impacted by a government shutdown can count on USAA and may be eligible to apply for a no-interest loan and other payment relief options across our banking and insurance products.”

USAA will launch the program “when its members are impacted by a government shutdown.” The program will be available at the discretion of the company, according to USAA.

Additional assistance for impacted members includes auto and property insurance, banking, life and health insurance and aid for active servicemembers.

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VA Providence Medical

FAQ Telephone Numbers

Pharmacy

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Veteran Burial Resource Guide

RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI – Changes to federal laws have made veterans who were previously ineligible for the RI Veteran Cemetery now eligible. For example, previous members of the RI Guard and/or reserve are ineligible, unless they met active duty requirements and/or served in a conflict.

However, the  Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act,  which made National Guard and Reserve members eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries regardless of their active-duty status, was enacted on  March 15, 2022. This legislation ensured that Guardsmen and Reservists meeting certain criteria, such as not having a dishonorable discharge, would be eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries, even if they didn’t meet the previous, more restrictive, eligibility requirements

How to apply? https://vets.ri.gov/veterans-cemetery-interment-application-online

NOTE:  In the government shutdown, burials will continue to take place, though headstones, plaques, etc. may be delayed in placement until after the shutdown.

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EVENTS

Oct. 11 and 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. – The Rhode Island Service Members’ Assistance Fund (RISMAF) invites the public to the Rhode Island Country Music Festival from 3 to 7 p.m. each day. The festival will take place at Heroes Field, (aka South County Rod and Gun Club), 711 Hazard Road, West Greenwich. Performers include “The Voice” finalist and local favorite Billy Gilman, country artist Jimmie Allen, Grammy Award winner Pam Tillis and other local and regional country acts. There will be two full days of fun, veteran tributes and a commitment to contribute a portion of the ticket proceeds to Rhode Island military families. Weekend pass tickets are $150 per person. General admission for one day is $85. The “Support Our Veterans” ticket special for the Rhode Island Country Music Festival is a discounted $60 admission price for a single day. You must be 18 or older to attend. Visit rimusicfestivals.com for details. ISMAF’s mission is to provide financial assistance to National Guard members and their families.

MONDAYS 4 to 8:30pm – Veterans, caregivers and families are invited to join the Narragansett Bow Hunters for free archery instruction every Monday from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Narragansett Bow Hunters Indoor Range, 1531 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown. This event is open to the public and provides a great opportunity to learn a new skill and connect with the community. Instruction is available for adults and children ages 7 and older. The range is indoors, so this is a rain-or-shine event. Questions? Reach out to Edward.Smith6@va.gov or call 401-226-3092.

October 25, 2025

November 1, 2025, Military Service Members & Veterans family Fun Day, RI Indoor Karting Entainment Center, 100 Higgins Ave, Lincoln RI 02865

November 10, 2025, Monday, Veteran Breakfast,  8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick,801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI 02886. Representative Seth Magaziner invites you to his 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast & Award Ceremony on Monday, November 10, 2025. This special event honors those who have served our country and recognizes their invaluable contributions to communities across the statff. Please RSVP by October 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM using the following link to confirm your attendance: RSVP for Rep. Magaziner’s Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.  If you have any questions or need further information, please contact our Warwick office at (401) 244-1201.

January 17, 2026 35^th  Desert Storm Reunion, Tri-City Elks, West Shore Road, Warwick, RI – 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 pm Veteran Social. All Desert Shield/Storm veterans invited.  5:00 p.m. Memorial service . More information and tickets go to https://35desertstorm.org

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program (https://italianamericanwarveteran.org)   – 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:

Saturdays:

1st Saturday: South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, 2115 S County Trail, West Greenwich, RI

3rd Saturday, Friendly Home, 303 Rhodes Ave, Woonsocket RI

Mondays:

2nd Monday – Greenwood Nursing and Rehab, 1139 Main Ave, Warwick RI

4th Monday– Chapel Hill Senior Living , 10 Old Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland RI  Tuesdays

1st Tuesday Village House Nursing and Rehab, 70 Harrison Ave, Newport RI

2nd Tuesday– Elmwood Nursing Home and Rehab, 225 Elmwood Ave. Providence RI

Wednesdays

1st  Wednesday– Eastgate Nursing and Rehab, 198 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI 2nd Wednesday –West Shore Health Center109 West Shore Road, Warwick  RI Fridays

1st Friday–Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin MA

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Volunteers Wanted

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity.

As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

What We’re Looking For:

Active driver’s license & vehicle insurance

Clean driving record

V Ability to pass a background check

& COVID-19 vaccination

Details:

© Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available)

Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends, and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

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

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans.

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Resources & ongoing groups

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.”As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Art Expression Group– Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Stress Management– Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Low Impact Walking Group– Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Guitar 4 Veterans Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Monday Mindfulness Group Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Yoga Group Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Moral Injury Group Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Modern Warrior Support Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

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Discounts for Veterans

Services

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: itamri4vets@gmail.com; the business name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office (401) 677-9VET (9838)

To read all columns in this series go to:    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.