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RI Veterans: Did you know? 10.08.23 (PACT, 100th Bday, events, resources…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues
PACT ACT: AUGUST passed and I didn’t file a claim or intent to file.
Veterans and survivors who missed the August 9th, 2023 deadline, you still will be eligible for benefits if you file a claim on or after August 10, 2023. However, you will not be eligible for backdated benefits to the earliest possible date of August 10th 2022. Simply put, your eligibility for benefits will start in the month the VA receives the Intent To File and or claim, EZ 526.
Questions from readers:
Q. I filed an Intent To File; what happens next? Jeannie, North Smithfield
A. Normally, the veteran or survivor will receive an acknowledgement letter from the VA within 30-60 days. If you do not receive acknowledgement within 60 days, I would contact the VA at 1-800-698-2411 to inquire on the status of the Intent to File and or claim if you filed a claim.
VETTIP: Be sure to have the veteran’s DOB and social security number available before the call
If the VA verifies receiving the Intent to File and or claim, ask the VA representative to send a hard copy to the mailing address on file, which you should verify before asking to be mailed to you.
VETTIP: As the Veteran Service officer for Italian American War Veterans of US, on two occasions Providence Regional Office claimed claims and or Intent to File were never received. However, with an inquiry to Senator Jack Reed’s office, which had attached a copy of Providence Regional Office signing for USPS Priority mail, the VA acknowledged receiving the documents. Simply put, document all mailing and communication with the VA, otherwise you could lose thousands of dollars of retroactive benefits.
Q: I received confirmation of the documents being received by the VA, however, I can’t find my DD214 and or discharge papers?
You have several options to obtain copies of the documents.
Option 1
If the veteran owns a house or is deceased, more than likely the veteran applied in his local town or city for the veteran tax exemption. Moreover, the tax exemption continues for the widow or widower after the veteran’s death. Simply put, contact the city or town and ask if the property has a veteran tax exemption. If yes, ask the town how you can obtain a copy of the DD214 or discharge paperwork when the exemption applied for the exemption.
Option 2
If you are a recently separated veteran, records can be found online via VA.gov website. However, most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of DD 214 (Report of Separation) and other records several other ways:
1. Request Military Personnel Records using Standard Form 180.
Requesters can use the online ordering form at vetrecs.archives.gov (or use the SF-180).
a. Download and print a copy of the SF-180 in PDF format, ( go website https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
Option 3
Contact one of the Rhode Island congressional delegation U.S Senator and or House of Representatives. Assistance will be provided by their office to obtain any military records the veteran and or next of kin is seeking.
Option 4
The veteran or next of kin can go in person to Providence Regional Office, 380 Westminster Street, Providence RI or Providence VA Medical, Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI (go to the basement, and during normal business hours the VA has a representative working in one of the offices to assist walk-ins. Be sure to bring identification with you.
Next week: Column will include recommendations of filing a claim AFTER you have filed the Intent to Notice.
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Local Navy WWII Veteran Turns 100
With a police escort from the Rhode Island Veterans Home to Perella’s Ristorante, Metacam Ave, in Warren, our local World War II Veteran arrived at his surprise 100th birthday party coordinated by his children.
On Sunday, August 6th, the Italian American War Veterans of US hosted another FREE 100th birthday party for an American hero, one of the Greatest Generation, Thomas Plymesser, USN, at Perella’s Ristorante over the weekend.
Plymesser celebrated his 100th Birthday with his family and friends, compliments of the Italian American War Veterans of the USA. The luncheon party, with over 25 people, was attended by friends and family from across the country. Tom currently resides at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Home in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Tom was born in Providence RI on August 6th, 1923 and lived in Portsmouth and Newport with his 5 brothers and 1 sister until joining the Navy in 1942. Tom served in the Navy for 3 years, from 10/31/1942 to 11/1/1945. He attended Boot Camp at the Naval Training School in Newport, RI as well as PT Training. Tom was stationed at the Naval Torpedo Station: MTB Ron 8 and Ron 4 MTBTS at Melville, RI. Tom trained as a Torpedoman and was assigned to the PT Boat 120. He saw active duty in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1944. Over the year that he was in the South Pacific, he completed 48 missions in New Guinea and in New Britain. After Active Duty, he returned to the states and to the Melville Station where he was a Torpedo Instructor.
After the war he studied printing in North Dakota and upon return to RI was employed at the Narragansett Times in Wakefield, RI in 1947. He and his wife Jean Plymesser née Nunes (from Jamestown, RI) moved to Wakefield and raised 3 children: Kenneth, Donald and Linda. Tom worked at the Narragansett Times for 37 years, retiring in 1994. After retiring, Tom and Jean remained in Wakefield. Jean passed away in 2015 and Tom moved to the RI Veterans Home in Bristol in July, 2018.
Attending his 100th Birthday party were Tom’s 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren as well as additional family and friends. Also attending was Tom’s brother, Arthur Plymesser, who lives in Middletown, as well as two veterans from the Rhode Island Veterans Home: Ken Richards and Ernie Cafolla.
Attendees feasted on entrees; chicken marsala, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, pasta bolognese, pasta, antipasta, and salad, which was provided FREE of charge from Perella’s Ristorante.
The birthday boy received a special dinner of all of his favorites: lobster, spaghetti with clam sauce, lobster and crab cake, and veal.
“Wow.” said the veteran birthday boy when he saw the plate.
The Italian American War veterans of the US provide a FREE party for any veteran turning 100 at a location of the veteran’s choice. If you are a veteran and/or planning a veteran’s 100th birthday party in Rhode Island, contact the ITAM, (401) 677-9838, [email protected] who will provide FREE catering and location for the birthday party.
The family is grateful for the support and great party provided by the Italian American War Veterans of RI.
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Military Lounge at TF Green Airport – News
Did you know at TF Green Airport, on the second floor, there is a Military Lounge for veterans awaiting departing or arriving aircraft?
The lounge is on the 2nd floor of the airport, pre-security, next to the Hope Reflection Room. The lounge offers free snacks and refreshments, and if the active duty soldier or veteran is stranded, lounge staff can assist the veteran in obtain overnight accommodations.
The Military Lounge will be closed for repairs and painting from Saturday August 12 to Sunday August 20th. The lounge will restart operations on Monday August 21st. The final day of operation before being closed for repairs will be Friday, August 11
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EVENTS
August 2023
August 11, 2023 OSDRI presents Getting Financially Fit, webinar @ 10:00am with Yonatan de la Cruz for a webinar on how to get financially fit! Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88074257857
August 21, 2023 Monday, FREE Luncheon 11:30-1:00 for Veterans and one guest at Perella’s Ristorante. 330 Metacom Ave Warren, RI. This month’s meal will be TBA. The event is a partnership of the Italian American War Veterans of US, inc. and the Building Bridges program.
Last month over 60 veterans attended the luncheon.
The Building Bridges program provides a free breakfast or lunch at 13 sites that include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. These sites are run by community volunteers at community sites, including halls run by fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations, and local restaurants. A team of veterans and volunteers do all the cooking and serving.
Do you know about a restaurant, post, lodge, hall, etc.. willing to host a luncheon on one of the Mondays in November, December, and January ITAM organization has RI Licensed Food Service Manager and full insurance.
If you have a location one of the luncheons can be held at, contact ITAM program manager John, (401) 677-9838.
August 26, 2023
4th Annual Calling All Veterans Day, West Warwick Civic Arena, 100 Factory Street, West Warwick RI, 10:00 am-1:00PM
August 26, 2023 Rhode Island Military Vehicle Collectors Club (RIVCC), 2111 Plainville Pike Johnston RI.
August 26, 2023, Saturday Morning , Narragansett Town Beach, VetSurf Endless Summer Session. The event is FREE to veterans. The link to sign up is https://vetsurf.org/ If you know of any other veterans/active duty military (especially) or volunteers who may interested in coming, please forward this email to them –You don’t need to be a surfer to join in & this is a FREE EVENT. I look forward to seeing you all there and thanks for your support
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
September 14-15 Veteran Event, Johnston RI, OSDRI Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston RI. Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) will 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, 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
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 listed below:
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.