RI Veterans: Did you know? 10.10.24 (disability, parade, events, resources…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veterans writer

(Publisher’s Note: We are pleased to announce that our Veterans writer, John A. Cianci, has been named Grand Marshall of the Columbus Day Parade – with full ceremonies this weekend. Look for our full article TOMORROW – and come out to cheer John on! – We are so proud!)

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Q from a reader: “I served in Korea and a friend of mine who served with me is collecting VA disability for illnesses linked to Agent Orange and other herbicides when we were stationed in Korea What do I do, as I have several illnesses on the presumptive loss for exposure to Agent Orange? Billy, Woonsocket

A: First, the U.S Government recognizes use of Agent Orange and other herbicides being used along the Korean DMZ from April 1, 1968, to August 31, 1971. They were sprayed to defoliate the dense vegetation in the region, making it harder for enemy forces to conceal themselves. This exposure has led to numerous health issues for veterans whose served in this area during that time frame.

Eligible Time Frame and Units – The timeframe for Korean veterans who served in a unit in or around the Korean demilitarized zone is anytime between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971.

Units recognized by VA as having a presumptive exposure to herbicide include the following:

Next, I recommend you call 1-800-827-1000 and tell the receptionist who answers the phone you would like to file a Notice of Intent for VA disability. They will ask you some personnel information (name, social security, branch of service, address and a few other questions. If you don’t have you DD214 or discharge papers, still call.

By calling in, you have opened a window for a claim and have up to one year to complete the necessary paperwork to file for a claim. 

Next step, contact a VA accredited organization ,like the Italian American War Veterans of US, (401) 677-9838 which will provide FREE assistance to help you understand, navigate and gather necessary information to complete the claim. Other major veteran organizations, VFW, DAV and American Legion also provide FREE assistance to veterans and family members filing for VA benefits..

VETTIP: If you served in Korea at any time and or your unit not listed above, still file a claim as the VA is always updating time frames and units exposed to Agent Orange. Simply put, let the VA deny the claim, more often than not, additional evidence can be used on appeal to document you were exposed to Agent Orange. Moreover, if later the VA adds your unit or timeframe, you could be entitled to thousands of dollars of retroactive benefits.

In conclusion, a World War II  veteran who helped me with my claim in 1996, told me to always file a claim with the VA for any illness or condition. Let the VA deny you. For example, I was forced to wear 8N boots, although I needed 8W, in basic. Subsequently, I had numerous ingrown toenails at basic and AIT. 

Why would I file 10 years later since my nails grew back and my feet didn’t bother me?

Unbeknown to me, after filing,  I would be rated ZERO percent for residue for ingrown toenails. 

Now, 30 Years later, I have problems with ingrown nails again and other issues with my feet. Whereas the VA rated me 30 years ago, I get benefits now for my feet (special sneakers and other accessories to prevent the nails from becoming ingrown again).

Bottom line, we as veterans served our country and are entitled to numerous benefits earned. I will conclude my article with one of President Abraham Lincoln quotes about veterans: 

• The VA motto: In his second inaugural address, Lincoln stated, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan”. 

This line was the basis for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) motto until 2023. The VA’s new motto is more inclusive and reads, “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors”. 

EVENTS

October 7, 2024, Monday – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00-11:00 am. ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence RI, Sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US. Free for all veterans and their guest. Veteran Service officer available to assist any veteran or family member with federal and state benefits. More information, contact ITAM office, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

Saturday, Oct. 12 2024 – COLUMBUS DAY PARADE – JOHN A. CIANCI, GRAND MARSHAL! Depasquale Square, Atwells Ave, Federal Hill, Providence,  Opening ceremonies for Columbus Day Festival. RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor, Master Sergeant (ret) John A  Cianci will be introduced  as the Grand Marshal for the Columbus Day Parade to be held on Sunday. Cianci invites all veterans to a collation after the opening ceremony to be held at ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave (across the street). “I receiving the award for the ongoing service to my brothers and sisters who served in the military.” Said Cianci. “On a weekly basis, I meet veterans at ROMA to assist in any benefit or questions they have on federal, state, or VA benefits.”

Saturday, Oct 19, 2024, noon – 107^th Signal Company Annual Lunch, VFW Kelly-Grazzerro  Post 2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston  RI. Family style meal will be served, $35. Make checks payable to Kelly Grazzero Post 2812 and mail to Bill Cill, 115 Hope Street Rumford RI 02916.Ther event is for veterans only, Any questions call Bill Cill, (401)486-2542  or email [email protected]

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, noon to 3pm – Luncheon to celebrate 100th anniversary of the RI Department of the Reserve Organization of America, Quonset O-Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. Cost is $45. Make your check payable to RIROA and mail to Col. John Ricottilli, 4 Sorrell Road, North Providence, RI 02904. Dress code is business casual. For details, call John Ricottilli at (401) 316-1730 or email [email protected].

Friday, Oct. 25, 8:30 am to 7pm – Golf tournament and banquet hosted by Ocean State Chapter of the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Triggs Memorial Golf Course; 1533 Chalkstone Ave., Providence. Shotgun start, Texas Scramble format. Cost for a foursome is $600, including banquet. Full bar on-site; no outside alcohol permitted. Come join us for a day of golfing to raise funds for Operation Stand Down RI, the Family Assistance Center and the Ocean State Warrant Officers Association. To
register or for details, visit osusa-woa.org/event-details/ocean-statewoa-4th-annual-golf-tournament.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. – to Rhode Island Model Rocketry Association invites all veterans and
serving military to participate in a tree Rocket launch at the RI Peckham Farm Field in West Kingston. Rockets provided for veterans, or you can can bring a rocket you built yourself. Just show your veterans or military ID. Veterans will have access to the low-power pads (A-D motors). For access to mid-power and high-power pads, veterans will need to be NAR members (nar.org/join-nar/). To register, email Lucy DIMase at [email protected]. The general public may watch the launch at no charge.

Monday. November 4, 2024 – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00 to 11:00  a.m  ROMA, 330 Atwells Ave, Providence RI, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of RI. Open to all veterans and their guest. Enjoy ROMA’s espresso, coffee, Italian toast,  pastries, calzones and more. POC is ITAM at (401) 677-9838.

Saturday, November 8. 2024 Rucking  for Roofs

November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+:

Thursday, November 28, 2024 Thanksgiving, FREE Thanksgiving dinner, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI (please, do not call Perella’s to make reservations) to all veterans and their one guest. Additional guests will be asked to make donations  to sponsor a veteran gift for Christmas. 1:00pm and 4:00pm reservations are open, call the host organization Italian American War Veterans of the US/ Dept. of Rhode Island. (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]/. Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen, serving, delivering to shut in veterans (last year over 200 meals were served. Donations and sponsors are welcomed, checks made out to ITAM, mailed to Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, note in remarks ‘THANKSGIVING RESTRICTED FUND”. Tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. “The more donations and sponsors, the more will spend on the event. For example, we add additional desserts and other side dishes,” said John Cianci, ITAM Commander, “this is not a buffet, sit down with waitress or waiter service in a five star Ristorante.”

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!

Supplies are low- please stop by with items – or make a monetary contribution.

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Leave No Veteran Alone Program – 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.

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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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Button Hole Golf Course continues Veterans Golf Clinics

All veterans and active service members are welcome, as well as immediate family members. There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two ‘ParaMobile’ golf carts are also available. The last date remaining on the 2024 schedule is October 10th. 5 to 6:30 p.m. there is instruction on the range, plus playing as many holes as we can (or desire). A light meal and soft drinks will follow the golf, allowing a few minutes to unwind and talk about our golfing exploits.

Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, please email [email protected] so they’ll have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue, please call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664 and Button Hole can find you a ride.

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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 through the 3rd Saturday in November at 884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.

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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:

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:

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/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%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:

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) 

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: [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)  

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.