RI Veterans: Did you know? 11-08-22 (Victory Day, insurance, events, discounts – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Department Veterans Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans (ITAM)

Fist – an Update to the Victory Day celebration at Perella’s Ristorante, in Warren, RI:

To share Rhode island Victory Day on Monday with living heroes from ages 96 to 102, my feelings and gratitude have no words to describe. You had to be there – or at the Rhode Island Veterans Home – when meals were delivered to WWII veterans and their families who couldn’t travel to Perella’s Ristorante. Pictures tell the story. August 14, 2022 is the official Victory Day. Take the time, spend time and spoil our WWII living heroes on their day. We have our freedom because of them. There is a reason they are called the Greatest Generation.

Photo, right: Janet Pimental in her room at the Rhode island Veterans and her delivered meal of choice: prepared baked stuff lobster by owner pf Perella’s Ristornate, Louie Perella. She has waited almost 6 months for her care due to COVID restrictions and other reasons. The lobster was one of the dozen dinners delivered to WWII veterans at the home on Victory Day by the War Tribute Car Cruise Committee and the Italian American War Veterans of the US.

Just one thank you: Thanks John~ I should be back from the VAMC by then ~ I sure will be looking forward to the “baked stuffed lobster “! I have had a few bumps in the road and this amazing meal will boost my spirit!

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Did you know? Veterans who have a disability are eligible for Service-Disabled Veteran Insurance?

Veterans who have a disability of 70% or more are eligible for FREE Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance.

Are you eligible for this insurance?

Question 1

Were you released from active service in the Armed Forces on or after April 25, 1951 under other than dishonorable conditions? ___Yes ___No

Question 2

Has it been less than 2 years since VA notified you of your new service-connected disability or are you currently waiting for a rating for your service-connected disability? _____Yes _____No

Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI)

You may be eligible for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance, and if you are service connected of 70% or more the premium is FREE for the first $10,000.

What is S-DVI?

S-DVI  provides low-cost coverage to eligible service members and FREE for 70% or more service connected veterans if the veteran applies within two years after being notified a condition is rated.

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) is life insurance for Veterans who have received a service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The basic S-DVI program, commonly referred to as “RH Insurance”, insures eligible Veterans for up to $10,000 of coverage. Veterans who have the basic S-DVI coverage and are totally disabled are eligible to have their premiums waived. If a waiver is granted, totally disabled Veterans may apply for additional coverage of up to $30,000 under the Supplemental S-DVI Program. Premiums for Supplemental S-DVI coverage, however, cannot be waived.

If you have a service-connected disability, you can apply for S-DVI online or by mail.

Important Note: To be eligible, you must be in good health except for your service-connected disability. They will evaluate all health conditions that are not service-connected. Information about any health conditions should be included on your application.

VETTIP – Encourage all to apply, as I have seen few rejected. Let the VA give you notice if you are ineligible. 

More information from the Veterans Administration website on S-DVI: 

Am I eligible for Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance?

You may be eligible for S-DVI if you meet all of these requirements. All of these must be true:

• You were released from active duty on or after April 25, 1951, and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and 
• You were rated for a service disconnected disability (even if only 0%), and 
• You are in good health except for any service connected conditions, and
• You apply by December 31, 2022, or within 2 years of receiving your disability rating (whichever comes first)

Note: An increase of a rating you had before–or a rating of Individual Unemployability, meaning you can’t work–doesn’t qualify you for S-DVI.

VETIP – What is 0% disconnected disability rating? Most common is hearing loss. The VA rates as a service connected and noncompensable ratings due to the veteran’s service. Simply put, hearing loss is connected to the veteran’s military service.

The VA will provide FREE hearing aids, batteries, etc. since its 0% service connected rated. Another example, in basic training I needed 8W combat boots and was issued 8N  and told “go suck it up cupcake” from the drill sergeant. Throughout basic/AIT I experienced numerous in-grown toenails, all documented in my military medical files. After retiring, World War II Veteran, Michael Minutelli prepared my claim with the VA. Although then not bothered, he insisted to file a claim for residue of ingrown toenails. 30 years later, I still have a 0% rating, and am now eligible for special shoes and sneakers at no cost from the VA. 

These 0% ratings are important; the VA acknowledges the condition and at a later time if the condition worsens, the veteran does not have to prove it was service connected. Moreover, any device (hearing aids), medication, or special equipment the VA will provide at no cost.

Can I get more life insurance coverage if I need it?

If you carry the basic S-DVI coverage and become totally disabled and unable to work, you can apply to get up to $30,000 more in coverage. This is called supplemental S-DVI coverage.

You may be able to get $30,000 of supplemental coverage if you qualify for a premiums waiver, and you meet both of these requirements.

Both of these must be true:

• You apply for the coverage by December 31, 2022, or within 1 year from the date you get notice of the grant of waiver (whichever comes first), and
• You’re younger than age 65

Now you know about Service- Disabled Connected Life Insurance.
Next week will have information on Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) , which offers mortgage protection insurance to the families of Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. 

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“RI Veterans: Did you know?” Sponsor – Precision Home Lending

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Events

August 27 2022, Salute To Summer Concert and Fireworks, 2:00 p.m to 9:30 p.m US Naval Station, Newport RI (open to the public)

VETTIP – I have attended and the setting is awesome. Moreover, during the fireworks patriotic music is played, which was helpful in my adjustments to sounds of fireworks since returning from combat.

Get this event on your calendar – it’s an annual “not to miss”!

The Naval Station Newport’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department continues to make preparations and final arrangements for the installation’s annual “Salute to Summer” concert and fireworks show to be held Saturday, August 27 at the installation.

“This year’s celebration is shaping up to be a very exciting event, with so many activities, great entertainment and food choices,” shared Dean Weidman, Director of Morale, Welfare and Recreation at the base. “We are going to make this Salute to Summer a most memorable event for the public and our installation.”

According to Weidman, musical performances scheduled for this year’s event include:

The Naticks, voted Best Rhode Island Indie Band in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021 in Rhode Island Monthly’s readers’ poll.

Down City Band, playing a wide range of genres, including blues, classic rock, country, pop and more

Navy Band Northeast, based at the installation, one of 11 Navy bands worldwide, which plays a wide variety of top-40, popular, rock and patriotic music beyond the ceremonial support it provides for military services and events.

Food/Family Fun

This year’s Salute to Summer will also feature great offerings for the taste buds, in addition to the sights and sounds guests will experience from the concert and fireworks shows.

Alcoholic beverages will be offered for sale by the installation MWR program.

All afternoon and into the evening there will be activities and entertainment offered in addition to the music and food. Local vendors and groups will offer face painting, balloon art, caricatures and mobile gaming as part of the experiences guests can purchase or take part in during the event.

Schedule:

Open to the General Public!

2 p.m.  
Dewey Field gates open to authorized ID holders with base access

Food Trucks: 
– Jaju Pierogi
– Spanglish
– Red’s Street Kitchen
– Newport Chowder Company
– Saugy’s
– Ben & Jerry’s
– Black Dog Donuts
– Hometown Poke
– Ja Patty
– Twisted T’s

Kid’s Area: 
– Toe Jam Puppet Band
– Face Painting
– Wishkers
– Mermaid Masterpieces

3 p.m.
The Naticks

4 p.m.
Gate 1 opens for general public, pedestrian traffic only

5 p.m.
Down City Band

7 p.m.
Navy Band Northeast
 
~9:15 p.m.
Fireworks

More information and rules to follow to enjoy the event,  go to https://rinewstoday.com/rules-and-structure-for-a-safe-family-fun-event-naval-station-newports-salute-to-summer-concert-fireworks-show

If you go, take some pix and send them to RINewstoday or to me and we may use them in next week’s article!

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RESOURCES

Below are all of 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) – 2^nd and 4^th 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 – 2^nd and 4^th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1^st and 3^rd 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 – 1^st and 3^rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

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Discounts for Veterans

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 07/31/2028

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 07/31/2028 (PS I had breakfast there on Saturday).

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID

Retailers

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021

Bass Pro Shops –  Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner, ID.me.

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 15% 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 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, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, 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.