Subscribe!
RI Veterans: Did you know? 13.06.24 (Flag Day, Boots to Bushels, events, info…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, veterans writer
Did you know Friday, June 14, 2024 is Flag Day?
Did you know President Joseph Biden proclaimed June 14, 2024 Flag Day and the week starting June 9, 2024 as National Flag Week?
VETTIP: Have an old flag needing disposal, bring to ROMA on Friday, June 14, 2024 and turn it in to the Italian American War Veterans of US from 11:00-12:00 and receive a FREE slice of pizza.
Do you know the history of Flag Day?
Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress determined the composition of the nation’s banner: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
President Woodrow Wilson issued a 1916 proclamation of June 14 as Flag Day and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed the formal observance into law. And it falls during Flag Week, after another congressional dictum in 1966.
___
Did you know Roger Williams University, in 2015, launched a Legal Clinic for Disabled Veterans to provide free legal services for military veterans denied disability benefits?
___
Rhode Island Veterans should benefit, from this ( www.businesswire.com) :
Philip Morris International to fund Law Clinics in expansion of their U.S. Veterans Program
New White Paper Provides Recommendations on Closing Gaps That Can Exacerbate the Challenge of Transitioning Back to Civilian Life
Philip Morris International (PMI) today announced a renewed commitment of over $3 million to support the veterans community nationwide this year. The strategy is informed by the findings of a newly published white paper, “Serving Those Who Served,” which shares first-person insights from veterans across the country and details PMI’s commitment to empower and positively impact the lives of veterans and their families.
Actions include an initial $850,000 awarded by PMI to legal clinics at select law schools as part of a coordinated initiative supporting military veterans in their transition to civilian life, as well as additional funding for local and national organizations improving the lives of veterans. This scaled-up commitment reflects PMI’s intensified focus on the veterans community as the company further establishes itself in the U.S. market, which began with its 2022 acquisition of Swedish Match.
“As a company, we are throwing our weight behind serving the men and women who have raised their hands to serve in our armed forces, some of whom require additional support as they reintegrate into civilian life. This is a cause that resonates strongly among our employees,” said Marian Salzman, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Citizenship Officer, PMI. “They are eager to make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed in support of our nation, its values, and its allies.”
Salzman added, “PMI’s latest round of contributions is part of a broader veterans support effort that we have been implementing since 2022. We anticipate additional grants as we expand our U.S. footprint, including to local organizations such as Colorado Goldstar Mothers, and will continue to connect directly with veterans and their advocates to explore our best avenues of assistance.”
The U.S. government has established a robust support system for military veterans. Nevertheless, gaps persist—and PMI believes it and other organizations should play a role in helping fill those gaps. Under its expanded veterans support program, PMI is funding clinics at select law schools to offer area veterans access to much-needed legal support, including help navigating the rules and regulations that can make it difficult for veterans to receive the benefits to which they’re entitled. Founding beneficiaries of this initiative in 2024 include planned partnerships with:
- Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project (Aurora, CO)
- Veterans’ Advocacy Law Clinic, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law (Tucson, AZ)
- Veterans & Servicemembers Legal Clinic, Univ. of Florida Levin College of Law (Gainesville, FL)
“Every dollar we receive helps us reach more veterans and remove legal barriers that hinder the transition from military service to civilian life,” said Kristine Huskey, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Veterans’ Advocacy Law Clinic at the University of Arizona College of Law. “Through the law clinic, we’re working to ensure that the men and women who served our nation can overcome legal obstacles and have full access to the benefits they’ve earned, including disability compensation. Support also increases our ability to train more law students—the next generation of lawyers—on veterans issues.”
Building on a five-year partnership, PMI is also amping up its support of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, a leading organization working to ensure U.S. military veterans secure stable and successful futures.
“Philip Morris International has been a long-standing and highly valued partner of the foundation. Their steadfast support has touched the lives of thousands of veterans and their families. This latest commitment will allow us to further scale our efforts as we work to create bright futures for those who have contributed so much,” said Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO, Bob Woodruff Foundation.
In 2022–2023, PMI donated well in excess of $1 million to organizations working on behalf of U.S. veterans and active service members. This support includes a recent collaboration with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) to improve the lives of post-9/11 U.S. veterans. In 2023, PMI provided a $500,000 grant to IAVA, with $100,000 directly supporting IAVA’s initiatives and the remaining $400,000 distributed among several sub-grantees: Active Heroes, American Corporate Partners, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Forgotten Not Gone, Lady Veterans Connect, and Purple Heart Homes.
Read more about PMI’s veterans-focused efforts and download the “Serving Those Who Served” white paper here.
___
FREE BIKES FOR VETERANS CHILDREN
If you are a veteran or member of Armed forces and have a child in need of a bike, contact the Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) at (401) 677-9838. ITAM has bikes available thru Ocean State Job Lot program providing FREE bikes to children of veterans and members of the Armed forces.
___
EVENTS
Flag Day June 14 2024 – Free slice of pizza for your old/torn flag. Have an old torn flag, bring to ROMA from 10:00-12:00 and turn in to the Italian American War Veteran of the US for proper disposal.
June 14, 2024 102 WWII Birthday party at ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence, RI WWII Veteran Caster Salemi turns 102 on Flag Day, June 14, 2024. All veterans are encouraged to join the Italian American War Veterans of US and ROMA celebrating his birthday on Friday from 10:00 to 11:30.
TSGT Caster Salemi in Paris, Texas 1943. Photo compliment of Carol Salemi
VETTIP Technician fifth grade (abbreviated T/5 or Tec 5) was a rank of the United States Army from 1942 to 1948. The rank was created to recognize enlisted soldiers with special technical skills, but who were not trained as combat leaders.
June 15, 2024
___
VETERANS VOLUNTEER!
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.
June 17, 2024 Veteran Luncheon, VFW Post 5392, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton RI, 10:30- 2:00. Volunteers needed for food prep, setup, serving, and socializing with the veterans. Luncheon : UPDATE: Chicken Hawaiian, Corn on the cob, Cream Sausage Tortellini Soup, and desserts. Contact program coordinator, Wendy Cianci, (401) 677-9838.Attendees will be given a ticket for upcoming Lobster luncheon.
June 24, 2024 Chapel View Senior Living , 11:30 – 1:00 Luncheon : Clam Cakes and Chowder, BBQ Chicken, corn , watermelon, and dessert. Volunteers needed for food prep, setup, serving, and socializing with the veterans.. Contact program coordinator, Wendy Cianci, (401) 677-9838.
June 26, 2024 , Wednesday, 4:30 – 6:00 . Rosarion Club, Providence RI Monthly End of the month dinner for members and their guest of the Italian American War Veterans of US. Invited guest is the family of PFC Anthony John Sivo, KIA Vietnam in 1968.
___
RI Boots to Bushels – Summer Workshop Series
Boots to Bushels Summer Workshop Series started on May 15th and will run until September 25, 2024, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. Calling all beginning farmers, military veterans, and those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Join us for hands-on learning at the URI Agronomy Farm this summer. Workshops will cover risk management topics ranging from methods to mitigate climate change, sustainable pest and disease management, cover crops and more!
Each workshop is $10.00/per person. NO REFUNDS Register by clicking here. Each workshop takes place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at URI Agronomy Farm – 30 Thirty Acre Pond Rd, Kingston, RI 02881
WORKSHOP TOPICS
June 19, 2024: Cash Crop : Growing tomatoes for market – high tunnel growing, trellising, pruning and variety considerations
July 3, 2024: Holiday Break
July 17, 2024: Water Conservation: Climate smart irrigation and fertilization
July 31, 2024: Weeds: Identification and management and DIY tool workshop
August 14, 2024: Soil Health: Soil testing, Understanding your soil tests and fertility
August 28, 2024: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management: Scouting, pest and disease identification (field walk), management methods, backpack sprayer demo
September 11, 2024: Produce Safety: harvest, wash and pack
September 25, 2024: Soil Health: Cover cropping, crop rotation and mulching
QUESTIONS? Contact Tricia Lourenco Boucher by emailing [email protected]. This program is supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.
___
Providence Children’s Museum offers free admission to active military families
Providence Children’s Museum (PCM) is thrilled to announce its participation in the Blue Star Museums program this summer. The national initiative, a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, provides free admission to all currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
Providence Children’s Museum serves children and adults of all backgrounds and from all communities. Its focus is on children, ages 1 to 11, and the adults who care for them by presenting hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore arts, culture and science, technology, engineering, and math.
___
___
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.
___
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]
___
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.
___
Discounts for Veterans
Providence Children’s Museum Offers Free Admission to Active Military Families This Summer
Providence Children’s Museum (PCM) announces its participation in the Blue Star Museums program this summer. The national initiative, a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, provides free admission to all currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.
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
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.
___
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.
MSgt. Cianci, Thank you for all the hard work you perform for all veterans on a daily basis. Your efforts are always greatly appreciated.