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RI Veterans: Did you know? 12.10.23 (disability, events, resources… ) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, veterans writer
Questions from one of our readers:
I have a 0 percent VA disability rate for hearing loss and VA gives me free hearing aids, am I entitled to any other VA benefits? Veteran at Rhode Island Veterans Home
First, 0 percent VA disability rating does provide you benefits with the VA:
– All needed equipment and treatment for you ears are FREE. For example, VA will provide you hearing aids.
– 10 point Veteran preference in federal hiring
– No cost health care and prescription drugs for service connected disabilities
(if income limits are met)
– Commissary and Exchange Privileges
More importantly, if you receive a 0 percent rating, the VA is connecting the symptom and or condition as a result of your military service. Simply put, you don’t have to prove your condition is a result of your service.
For example, during basic training I wore a size 8W boots. Only boots in stock and available, were 8N. I had to wear 8N boots almost through boot camp and training. As a result of wearing 8N instated of 8W, I started having problems with in-grown toenails.
After leaving active duty, and almost 20 years after, I was examined by a VA doctor, whose medical opinion identified feet issue linked to my service.
The VA rated my feet, 0 disability. The 0 disability .
Now, almost 40 years later, I still have problems with my feet, and I am entitled to special shoes and socks, all at ZEROI COST.
You can always refile if the condition worsens, and possibly get rated at a higher percentage.
If you get rated 10%, you would not have to pay, you are entitled you a waiver for of VA funding fee.
What is the VA Funding Fee?
The VA funding fee is a one-time loan fee paid to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA uses the money received through the VA funding fee to help pay for a variety of veteran-centric programs, including the VA home loan program
Being eligible for funding fee helps to lower the cost of the loan for U. S taxpayers. The VA home loan program doesn’t require down payments or mortgage insurance.
For example, if you are purchasing a $300, 000, no money down, the waived funding fee would save you additional $6450 .
VETTIP: Think of the funding fee as a point in traditional mortgage. Although the %6450 would be included in the purchase price at the closing, you would save $6450 instated of having to finance the $6450.
Below is the chart from VA website:
VA rating Chart and Benefits Entitled Based on Rating
The chart is only the VA benefits a veteran is entitled to. Does not include other federal and state veteran benefits. Any questions on your benefits reach out to me at (401) 677-9838, or email [email protected].
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VA Loan Fees
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Columbus Day – RINewsToday and John Cianci – very busy!
Top 3 photos from the Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival – bottom 2 photos from the Columbus statue rededication at Johnston War Memorial Park (N. Thomas, publisher)
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Events
October 16, 2023, Monday, VFW Post, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton, RI. FREE Italian luncheon with homemade meatballs for Veterans from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. Celebrate Italian Heritage Month with lunch consisting of American Chop Suey, Sausage Sandwiches, Salad, and Italian dessert of cannoli and zeppole. Sponsored by the Italian American War veterans of the US and Building Bridges.
October 25 2023 – On Wednesday, October 25, RI Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars (RIMOFW) will host its annual dinner. It will take place at the beautiful Squantum Association facility at 947 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Riverside, 02915. The Squantum features elegant surroundings, excellent food and sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. A military group’s “dining-in” is a tradition which allows unit or association members to enjoy each other’s company as well as poke some fun. RIMOFW is justly proud of its annual dining-in. (Full disclosure: I am the past commander of this organization, so there is some pride of ownership involved in this announcement.)
This year, however, the group has decided to hold a “dining-out” instead. While the dining-in is limited to the members of the group, the dining-out may include other guests. It is tailored to minimize some of the military trappings to make it more appealing to civilian guests.
Captain John Conlin will host the event. He served three combat tours in the Borneo jungle with the famed Gurkha Rifles after his 1962 graduation from Sandhurst, the British Military Academy, his avocations include horse jumping, fox hunting and even elephant polo. An avid student of military history, his keen sense of humor and dynamic personality will make the event most interesting and entertaining. Conlin will lead a brief reenactment a brief reenactment of the notorious 1925 court martial of Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, considered the father of American air power. After hearing both sides, dinner guests will decide General Mitchell’s guilt or innocence. Attire is cocktail/semi-formal for civilians; black tie is optional. For military guests, dress blues would be appropriate, with mess dress optional. Tickets are $50 each and are available online at https://www.RIMOFW.org; or by mailing a check to
RIMOFW, c/o LTC James Kenney, 26 Mohawk Street, Cranston, RI 02816.
October 27, 2023, Friday, Dinner and Entrainment, Varum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich RI , 80th Anniversary, Prime Rib or Fish dinner, tickets $60 per person. WWII Combat Infantry Veterans are FREE. Make checks payable to Combat Infantrymen Association, 42 Manning Street, North Providence RI 02911. All proceeds to benefit HONOR FLIGHTS OF RI, Inc.
November 2023
November 5, 2023; Veterans Inc 2023 Run4Heroes 5K Road Race, Registration begins at 8 a.m , race begins at 10:30 a.m at the start/finish line in front of Wormtown Brewery, on Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA. All participants will indulge in a post-race celebration featuring food, a complimentary beer from Wormtown Brewery, live music, exciting prizes, and more! If you can’t make it in person this year, we are offering a virtual sign-up option as well! Just run a 5k before the deadline, submit your times, and we will recognize your participation and honor the virtual winner alongside the in-person honorees.
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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: 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.