Search Posts
Recent Posts
- Outdoors in RI: Sakonnet Vineyard all winter, URI Stone Walls, Boy Scout AI Badge, Geothermal Mansion, Surfing January 16, 2026
- Real Estate in RI: Flipping is Dead (At Least the Way We Knew It) – Emilio DiSpirito January 16, 2026
- Business Beat: Navigant Credit Union’s $2.1Million+ Philanthropic Impact in 2025 January 16, 2026
- Rhode Island Weather for January 16, 2026 January 16, 2026
- Girls & Women’s Statewide Chess Championships Held at Bay View Academy January 15, 2026
Categories
Subscribe!
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.
RI Veterans: Did you know? 1.1.26 – Happy New Year! 2025 in Legislation, Local Events – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2025 Veteran Bills Passed By Congress and Signed Into Law
Between January and late December, Congress passed 14 laws reshaping military and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits in accordance to rising costs, ongoing deployments, and pressure from veterans’ groups.
The lawful measures range from automatic increases for disability and survivor benefits; in-state tuition for Selected Reserve students to new foreclosure protections; repayment guarantees for stolen benefits; and required separation counseling for troops leaving the force. Several also fold in wildfire aircraft transfers, clinic construction, and major changes to tax and border spending.
The lawful measures range from automatic increases for disability and survivor benefits; in-state tuition for Selected Reserve students to new foreclosure protections; repayment guarantees for stolen benefits; and required separation counseling for troops leaving the force. Several also fold in wildfire aircraft transfers, clinic construction, and major changes to tax and border spending.
Here are the 2025 bill passed and signed into law by President Donald J Trump:
S.2392 – Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025
Cost of Living Adjustment of 2.8 % for Retirees and Veterans Receiving VA Disability
Under legislation known as the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025, cost-of-living increases for disability and survivor benefits will now automatically match Social Security every year without separate votes. That change began Dec. 1 and stops benefits from lagging behind inflation.
For 2026, both military retirees and disabled veterans are receiving a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), an increase designed to combat inflation, taking effect in late December 2025/early January 2026, aligning their benefits with Social Security adjustments and impacting disability payments for all ratings. This means your VA disability or retirement check will increase by that percentage, with the first higher payment usually hitting your bank on the last business day of December 2025.
Key Details:
- 2026 COLA: 2.8%.
- Effective Date: December 1, 2025, with the first payment reflecting the raise on December 31, 2025.
- Who’s Affected: All VA disability ratings (10%-100%), military retirees, and survivors receiving DIC.
- Beginning Aug. 1, 2026, under the MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act, Reservists using the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve will qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges Schools that refuse will be at risk of losing VA approval to accept military education benefits.
- Life insurance coverage under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance must now be reviewed every five years and adjusted based on consumer price index data. That review cycle prevents coverage from lagging behind real-world housing and medical costs.
- Medal of Honor pensions will now track VA disability tables instead of a flat rate that trailed inflation.
- Payment tiers for Selected Reserve education benefits vary by enrollment status and training load, with monthly stipends adjusted annually to reflect housing and tuition shifts.
VETIP: If you’re a veteran and didn’t see the December Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in your payment on time (around Dec 31, 2025, for the Dec benefit), you should first check your bank deposit/VA app for early payments, then contact the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) directly at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) for assistance with missing payments or benefit questions. The 2026 COLA (2.8%) takes effect in December, but payments are made in arrears, so the first check with the increase usually arrives in early January (or late December due to the holiday).
Legislation Helping Veterans Pending Foreclosure
H.R.1815 – VA Home Loan Program Reform Act
VA Can Step in Before Foreclosure
The VA now has the authority to buy a percentage of a delinquent mortgage and transfer that debt into a VA-managed loan, according to the Veterans Housing Protection Act.
The “partial claim” can cover up to 30% of unpaid principal for veterans who fell behind on payments between March 1, 2020, and May 1, 2025.
The law requires oversight audits to track how many veterans use partial claims, how many re-default, and what the cost is to taxpayers. Lenders cannot use the authority to inflate VA liability or accelerate foreclosure timelines. Lawmakers said the program acts as a post-pandemic bridge after temporary mortgage relief programs expired and filings increased.
Other bills:
- H.R. 1 — 2025 Consolidated Budget and Policy Reconciliation Act: Tax, border and defense spending package; Indo-Pacific posture; CBP workforce; shipbuilding funds; debt limit.
- S. 160 — Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act: Allows DoD aircraft transfers to states for wildfire missions.
- S. 2392 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Ties VA benefits to Social Security COLA.
- H.R. 2170 — VA Health Infrastructure Modernization Act: Repairs and expands VA clinics; electronic record modernization.
- H.R. 1968 — Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act: Funds government at FY24 levels through Sept. 30; sustains VA and DoD operations.
- S. 5 — Military Unit Heritage Protection Act: Protects lineage and heraldry of historic U.S. military units.
- H.R. 695 — Medal of Honor Pension Adjustment: Aligns pensions to VA disability tables.
- H.R. 983 — MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act: In-state tuition for reservists.
- H.R. 970 — SGLI/VGLI Inflation Guard: CPI-based coverage reviews.
- H.R. 1815 — Veterans Housing Protection Act: VA partial mortgage claims.
- H.R. 1912 — Veterans’ Fiduciary Fraud Reimbursement Act: VA must repay stolen benefits.
- H.R. 5371 — FY25 Defense and VA Appropriations Act: Funds benefits, readiness, housing and shipbuilding.
- S. 423 — PRO Vets Act: Quarterly budget reporting; bonus limits.
- S. 1071 — NDAA FY26: Transition overhaul; records integration; wildfire aircraft rules.
___
VA NEWS
VA provides over $77 million in grants to state Veterans cemeteries
The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded more than $77 million in grants in fiscal year 2025 for the expansion and improvement of 20 state Veterans cemeteries throughout the nation and one establishment grant for Alaska’s first state Veterans cemetery.
VA’s National Cemetery Administration reimburses states for the cost of building, improving, or expanding state-run Veterans cemeteries. State grants typically fund the construction of pre-placed crypts, columbaria, and improvements required to continue interments and operations.
In FY 2025, VA grant-funded cemeteries interred more than 43,705 Veterans and eligible family members, which is approximately 25% of the 174,705 total annual interments in all national and VA grant-funded Veterans cemeteries.
Since 1980, VA has awarded grants totaling over $1.1 billion to 124 Veterans cemeteries in 47 states, 14 tribal nations, and 3 territories (Guam, Saipan, and Puerto Rico). In partnership with VA’s 157 national cemeteries, these State, Territorial, and Tribal Veterans Cemeteries ensure more than 94% of all Veterans living in the United States have access to a Veterans cemetery within 75 miles of their home.
“Veterans cemeteries keep the memories of America’s heroes alive,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Under President Trump, VA is committed to ensuring America’s Veterans cemeteries have the resources they need to provide excellent memorial benefits and services to our nation’s Veterans and their families, and these grants underscore that fact.”
The grants are as follows:
$16,712,172 for the establishment of the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Fairbanks. The cemetery will serve more than 12,000 Veterans and their eligible family members. This is Alaska’s first state Veterans cemetery.
$804,117 for the expansion of Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana. The cemetery serves more than 122,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$2,164,439 for the expansion of Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, and VA will also reimburse the state $450,000 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of pre-placed crypts. This cemetery serves more than 105,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$5,267,845 for the expansion of the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at North Little Rock. VA will also reimburse the state $2,325,451 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 93,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$929,477 for the expansion of the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Winfield. VA will also reimburse the state $427,000 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 58,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$999,300 for the expansion of the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff. The cemetery serves more than 156,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$1,026,308 for expansion of Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville. The cemetery serves more than 171,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$2,314,295 for the expansion of Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam. The cemetery serves more than 360,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$1,781,558 for the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Winchendon. The cemetery serves more than 397,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$1,537,769 for the expansion of the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. VA will also reimburse the state $274,006 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 17,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$1,325,135 for the expansion of the Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery, (NM). This cemetery serves more than 12,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
5,993,108 for the expansion of the Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery in New Mexico. This cemetery serves more than 18,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$657,855 for the expansion of Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in North Carolina. The cemetery serves more than 290,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$811,353 for the expansion of Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in North Carolina. The cemetery serves more than 134,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$3,393,863 for the expansion of Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in North Carolina. VA will also reimburse the state $1,873,248 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 257,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$7,324,479 for the expansion of East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at Governor John Sevier Highway. VA will also reimburse the state $3,346,191 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 155,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$982,859 for the expansion of M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in South Carolina. The cemetery serves more than 187,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$12,826,928 for the expansion of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The VA will reimburse the state $3,736,500 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 221,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$8,346,019 for the expansion of the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Virginia. VA will also reimburse the state $5,808,921 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. The cemetery serves more than 321,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$982,675 for the expansion of Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery serves more than 95,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
$931,500 for the improvement of Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery serves more than 420,000 Veterans and their eligible family members.
Veterans interred in most VA-grant funded cemeteries are also memorialized on:
VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial site. This allows family, friends, and others to preserve their Veteran’s legacy by posting tributes, uploading images, and sharing their Veteran’s achievements, biographical information, and historical documents. Learn more about VA’s burial benefits and memorial services or watch this video.
___

___
EVENTS
January 5, 2026 Monday 9:00-11:00 a.m. ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI – The Italian American War Veterans of the United States hosts its monthly veteran coffee social at ROMA, always the first Monday of the month. ITAM Veteran service officer/adocate will be available to assist any veteran or family member needing assistance with VA, federal, state, local or private benefits. All assistance is FREE of charge. All veterans are invited.
January 6, 2026 Tuesday 2:00 p.m. – VA Providence’s Employment Resource Center is hosting a Coca-Cola Job Recruitment Event, giving Veterans the opportunity to connect directly with recruiters and learn more about available career opportunities.
January 6, 2026 Tuesday 2:00 p.m., Building 39, VA Providence – This event is open to all Veterans and is a great opportunity to explore new career paths, ask questions, and take the next step toward meaningful employment. For more information, contact Wilcania Baez at (401) 273-7100 ext. 15818.
January 17, 2026, 35th 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
___
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
___
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
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!
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.
___
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
Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf Benefits for Service Members and Veterans
https://dem.ri.gov/about–us/dem–offices/boating–registration–licenses/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%20decision.
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: 401-6676200 Email: dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov
___
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.
___
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.
___
If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: itamri4vets@gmail.com: 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, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office 1-(401)6779VET(9838)
___
To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john–acianci/
___

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/
___

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.