RI Veterans: Did you know? 11.12.25 (Army-Navy Game, Events, Resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans’ issues

December 13, 2025, Saturday, 126^th Army-Navy game

Did you know Navy Game is an annual college football game played by the Army Black Knights, of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the Navy Midshipmen, of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, since 1890, The total games played between them is 125.

Did you know singing their academy’s alma mater second at the end of the game is a tradition?  

Post-game, both teams sing each other’s alma maters, with the winner singing second as a sign of respect, followed by the losing school’s song, solidifying the bond beyond the rivalry.

Did you know that WWII was a contributing factor in making the Navy and the Army dominant forces during the war?

VetTip: Numerous graduates of the academy have told me, as the losing team, having to stay on the field while the winning team sings their alma mater and their fans are celebrating, no cadet or midshipman wants to experience. Simply put, you have to eat crow as the winning team and fans celebrate.

Did you know Army and Notre Dame played a game known as The “Game of the Century”: On November 9, 1946, #1 Army faced #2 Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium in one of the most anticipated games in college football history. Despite high-powered offenses featuring four future Heisman Trophy winners (Blanchard and Davis for Army; Lujack and Hart for Notre Dame), the game ended in a tactical, defensive 0-0 tie, which sealed both teams’ undefeated-with-a-tie records.

Factors in Army Dominance during WWII:

• Consolidation of Talent:As college-aged men and professional players were drafted into military service, many elite athletes were channeled into service teams or, specifically in the case of Army and Navy, into the service academies. While over 250 colleges dropped football during the war, the academies and other military installations continued their programs, attracting the remaining talent.
• Recruitment Advantages: Army could guarantee high school recruits that they would complete their education at West Point without being sent overseas immediately, serving as officers after graduation, a powerful incentive for top young players.
• Loose Transfer Rules:Wartime rules facilitated the transfer of players between different programs and military bases, allowing coach Earl “Red” Blaik to build deep, talented teams that were essentially all-star squads. Notable players included future Heisman Trophy winners Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis, who led the undefeated 1944 and 1945 teams.
• Morale and Training:Football was viewed by military leadership as valuable for physical training, instilling toughness, teamwork, and leadership qualities essential for combat, as well as boosting morale for both soldiers and civilians on the home front. This ensured continued institutional support for the programs.
• Depleted Opposition: With most other college teams losing their best players to the war effort, Army and Navy faced significantly weaker competition, making their path to national prominence (Army was the de facto national champion in 1944 and 1945) less challenging.

Did you know that in 1944, the war was stopped to celebrate the Army’s victory over the Navy in 1944 the National Championship.

General Douglas MacArthur sent a telegram to the Army after the Army defeated the Navy for the National championship. It read, “THE GREATEST OF ALL ARMY TEAMS. WE HAVE STOPPED THE WAR TO CELEBRATE YOUR MAGNIFICENT SUCCESS

Photo from MacArthur Memorial

More Facts About Army-Navy  

Navy leads 63-55-7. However, the Navy has never won a national championship without controversy. 

Navy has won one national football championship, claimed in 1926, when they finished with a 9-0-1 record and were recognized by some selectors as the best team in college football that year, sharing the title with Stanford and Alabama.

Army has won three recognized national football championships, achieved in 1914, 1944, and 1945, with their dominant era including back-to-back titles in the mid-1940s during World War II, producing Heisman winners Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis. Some sources also credit Army with a 1916 championship, making it four, but the most consistent count from major selectors like the AP points to three.

The Army-Navy football game has been interrupted 10 times in its history, with the longest break being 1894-1898 (5 years), followed by cancellations for World War I (1917, 1918) and eligibility disputes (1928, 1929), plus one other instance in 1909; however, it’s been played annually without fail since 1930, despite interruptions in its early years.

Key Interruptions:

• 1894-1898: A near-duel between an Army general and Navy admiral after the 1893 game led to a five-year suspension.
• 1909: Army canceled its season after a player’s death in a game against Harvard.
• 1917 & 1918: Canceled due to World War I.
• 1928 & 1929: Due to disputes over player eligibility standards.

The Tradition:

• The first game was in 1890, but the annual tradition we know today started in 1930.
• Since 1930, the game has been played every year, making it a continuous annual event for over 90 years

Looking to watch or listen locally the 145^th Army-Navy Games:

In conclusion, GO Army —–Beat Navy!!!!!!!!!!

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Operation Holiday Cheer in RI

Operation Holiday Cheer partners with the Blue Star Moms to send care packages to Rhode Islanders serving their country around the world. This year they packaged over 200 boxes, filled with local goodies like coffee syrup and Del’s Lemonade alongside socks, jerky, candy, and cards written by students from across the state.

Lt. Gov. Matos, Congressman Gabe Amo, Treasurer James Diossa, members of the Rhode Island National Guard, AAA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, local Girl Scout troops, and many more amazing volunteers and organizations participated.

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Wreaths Across America

Saturday, December 13, is Wreaths Across America Day! This special occasion remembers, honors, and teaches about the many sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Participating in Rhode Island:

Rhode Island Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery: On Sat. December 13th, Wreaths Across America will be in Exeter to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

More information: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

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World War II Foundation – based in Rhode Island

World War II Museum, education center and home to award-winning documentary filmmaker Tim Gray. Bringing light to the history and stories from World War II and exploring the impact on the lives of the Greatest Generation who lived through it. The Museum is located at 344 Main St, South Kingstown. More info,  HERE! 

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VA Press Release – Women Veterans can now schedule appointments directly with gynecology specialists without a referral from a VA primary care provider

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that women Veterans can now schedule appointments directly with VA gynecology providers without a referral from a primary care provider.

The new, streamlined process takes effect today and eliminates the previous requirement for a PCP referral to access VA gynecology care. Instead, enrolled women Veterans can schedule an appointment directly with a VA gynecology specialist if they choose.

The change will better serve the more than 1 million women Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care.

“This is what it looks like when VA is focused on putting Veterans first,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “By relentlessly focusing on customer service and convenience, we are building a department that works better for the men and women we are charged with serving.”

Today’s announcement is the latest in a long list of VA accomplishments during the second Trump Administration, including:

• The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down 57% under the second Trump Administration, after increasing 24% during the Biden Administration.
• VA has eliminated the backlog of Veteran families waiting for VA health care.
• VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching an all-time fiscal-year high of three million claims processed Sept. 30.
• VA has opened 20 new health care clinics across the nation since Jan. 20.
• Since Jan. 20, VA has offered Veterans more than 1.4 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
• VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in fiscal year 2025 – the highest total in seven years.
• VA is spending an additional $800 million on infrastructure improvements to ensure department facilities provide safe and effective patient care.
  • The additional funds will come from savings gleaned from various VA reform efforts.
• VA has made it easier and faster for VA-enrolled Veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.
• VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits, after serious problems during the Biden Administration.
• VA is accelerating the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system, after the program was nearly dormant for almost two years under the Biden Administration.
• VA partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and recover $106 million in duplicate billing.
• VA has brought tens of thousands of employees back to the office, where VA can work better as a team to serve Veterans.
• VA has terminated union contracts for most bargaining unit employees and redirected millions in wasteful union spending back to Veterans.
• VA ended DEI at the department, reversing the divisive Biden-era policies and stopping more than $14 million in DEI spending.
• VA is phasing out treatment for gender dysphoria. Frankly, this commonsense reform should have been done years ago.

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VA Providence Medical

FAQ Telephone Numbers

Pharmacy

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EVENTS

December 13, 2025 Saturday

 December 14th

December 17, 2026 – FREE Veterans and Guest Lunch. Join the Italian American War Veterans of the United States for a free lunch for Veterans and guests. Perella’s Ristorante, 310 Metacom Ave, Warren, RI , 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. American Chop Suey, dessert, and more. More information contact Italian American war Veterans of the US, (401) 677-9838 or itamri4vets@gmail.com

Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Army-Navy Game Viewing Party

Millers Crossing, Cranston, RI. 2:00 pm , kickoff 3:00 p.m. The MPRA-RI will be hosting an Army-Navy Game viewing party this Saturday, 13 December 2025, at Millers Crossing in Cranston, RI. Doors will open at 2:00pm with the Kickoff at 3:00 pm. Admission is free and food will be provided along with a cash bar. Hope to see you all there!

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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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

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FAQ Veteran Questions On VA Health Care, VA Disability, Long Term/Assisted Living Care/ Discounts/ State Benefits

Veteran Resource Guide

Retirees

Army Newsletter Army publishes a semi-annual FREE newsletter to mail to all Army retirees, Army Echoes. To subscribe:

Call DFAS at (800) 321-1080 or online sign-up, you can update your information or sign up, https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/manage/changeofaddress/ – Past editions of the Army Echoes newsletter are available for free download

https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter

Army 2025 Retired Soldier Handbook

https://soldierforlife.army.mil/documents/army%20retirement/post%20retirement/Retired%20Soldier%20Handbook.pdf

 The purpose of the U.S. Army Retired Soldier Handbook is to provide current and updated information for Retired Soldiers and their families, about the benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through their years of faithful service.

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FAQ Medicare For Veterans

Do I have to sign up for VA Healthcare if I have VA Healthcare?

Reasons to sign up ( if you are not receiving VA disability or less than 30% VA rated)

1. Unless you are 100% and or receiving VA disability to cover dental, the VA health care program does not include dental coverage.
2. Unless you receiving 70 % or more, VA Healthcare does not include paying for long term care.
3. If you are hospitalized and need rehabilitation, VA has limited options of in state facilities, and if you choose a local facility to make it convenient for your family to visit you while rehabbing, you could have to pay $250 – $500 a day during rehab.

VETTIP I assisted a veteran trying to get reimburse by the VA for over $20, 000, as his only option for rehabilitation after a emergency hospital visit was either in West Haven Ct. or New Jersey. VA refused to reimburse, since he was offered options

I have VA Health Care, why should I sign up for Medicare A and B?

Monthly VA Disability Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions Providence Medical Hospital

Q: How do I get an appointment with a primary provider at the VA Providence Medical Center  on Chalkstone Ave, Providence?

A: VA Providence Medical Center

VETTIP: A Veteran must be enrolled/registered with the VA before services are provided.

For FREE assistance to enroll in VA Health care system, contact the Italian American War Veterans of US, Veteran Service Officer, (401)677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com, or website, italianamericanwarveteransofus.org

Telephone Number Directory

Make An Appointment:

Annual Physical

*Primary care call center:
Direct: 401-273-7100 or 401-457-3336

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Q: I was unhappy with service at the Providence VA?

Veteran options if unhappy with the VA service and or recommendations:

Denied a clinical procedure: What options does a veteran have if denied a clinical procedure at a VA Hospital?

Step 1: I would recommend that you contact your primary care provider and tell them that the referral was denied.

VETTIP:  I recommend you contact your provider through MyHealthVA, https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home This provides documentation for additional evidence the veteran is denied a service their VA primary provider recommended additional medical services.

Step 2 initiate a clinical appeal.

If you disagree with a VA medical treatment decision, you can initiate a Clinical Appeal, a process where a higher-level review of the decision is requested, potentially involving the facility’s chief medical officer and other experts.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What is a Clinical Appeal?
• A clinical appeal is a formal, written request for a review of a medical treatment decision made by your VA care team.
• It’s used when you disagree with a decision about your care or treatment.
• How to Initiate a Clinical Appeal?
• Contact the patient advocate at your VA health care facility.
• The patient advocate will guide you through the process and help you file a written appeal.
• The advocate will work with the facility’s chief medical officer and other experts to review the medical treatment decision.
• What Happens During a Clinical Appeal?
• The appeal is reviewed by a higher-level medical professional or team.
• They will consider the original decision and any new information or evidence you provide.
• The goal is to resolve the clinical dispute.
• Second-Level Appeal (VISN):
• If the facility-level appeal is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can submit a second-level appeal to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Patient Advocate Coordinator (VPAC).
• The VPAC will conduct a final review of the case.
• Oral Appeals:
• If you prefer to discuss your appeal orally, the patient advocate or VPAC will assist you in putting your appeal in writing.
• Other Decision Review Options
• If you disagree with a VA benefit or claim decision, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case.
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals

If you disagree with a Board decision, you have 2 options: If you have new and relevant evidence that supports your case, you can file a Supplemental Claim, or you can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Cla within 120 days from the date of your decision

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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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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!

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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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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 401-6676200.

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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:

• 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

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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’s name, .location, and military and veteran discount offered.

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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)  

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john–acianci/   

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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.