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RI Veterans: Did you know? 14.08.25 (Never Forget, Local Events, Resources, Q&A) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
Photo, above: The “V-J Day in Times Square” photograph, featuring a sailor kissing a woman, was taken in New York City’s Times Square on August 15, 1945, the day Japan surrendered, marking the end of World War II. The sailor in the photo, George Mendonsa, was from Rhode Island, and the woman, Greta Zimmer Friedman, was a dental assistant.
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NEVER FORGET Japan Surrendered 80 Years Ago
NEVER FORGET Japan attacked the US on December 2, 1941 killing 3477 Americans
From: https://www.marines.mil/Marines250
The Marine Corps is excited to announce its visit to Boston in August 2025 to celebrate our 250th birthday!
Marine Week Boston will bring together the vibrant spirit of Boston with the unwavering dedication of our Marines, showcasing the pride and tradition that define the Corps. Attendees can look forward to engaging displays, equipment, and opportunities to meet the brave men and women who embody the Marine ethos.
Join us in the heart of New England as we honor our rich legacy and commitment to excellence. Together, we will honor the legacy of those who came before us, while celebrating the bright future of our Corps. Semper Fi!
Thursday, August 21
Workout with the Marines
7 – 8 a.m. (signup/waiver opens 6:30 a.m.)
Boston Common Baseball Field
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Take part in a challenging Physical Training (PT) session led by Marines. Exercises are suitable and adaptable for all ages and designed to test strength, endurance, and coordination. Each session will begin with the story of a U.S. Marine Medal of Honor recipient from the local area.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Boston Common Soldiers and Sailors Monument
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Join us in a solemn tribute to commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation.
Opening Morning Colors & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
TBD
Static Display
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Boston Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Come meet your Marines in Boston Common to try on gear, climb aboard equipment, test your strength in a fitness challenge, and see performances by the Silent Drill Platoon and Quantico Marine Band.
Marblehead Ceremony
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Fort Sewall
8 Fort Sewall Ln.
Marblehead, MA 01945
The town of Marblehead, MA (the birthplace of the American Navy and the origin of Marine Corps Aviation) will celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday with a ceremony at Fort Sewall.
Quantico Marine Rock Band Performance
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Landing Restaurant
81 Front St.
Marblehead, MA 01945
See the Quantico Marine Rock Band perform popular hits live in a high-energy evening of music and celebration.
Evening Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 p.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
Friday, August 22
Workout with the Marines
7 – 8 a.m. (signup/waiver opens 6:30 a.m.)
Boston Common Baseball Field
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Take part in a challenging Physical Training (PT) session led by Marines. Exercises are suitable and adaptable for all ages and designed to test strength, endurance, and coordination. Each session will begin with the story of a U.S. Marine Medal of Honor recipient from the local area.
Morning Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 a.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Boston Common Soldiers and Sailors Monument
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Join us in a solemn tribute to commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation.
Static Display
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Boston Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Come meet your Marines in Boston Common to try on gear, climb aboard equipment, test your strength in a fitness challenge, and see performances by the Silent Drill Platoon and Quantico Marine Band.
Quantico Marine Rock Band Performance
5 – 7:00 p.m.
Fanueil Hall Marketplace (outdoors)
4 S Market St.
Boston, MA 02109
See the Quantico Marine Rock Band perform popular hits live in a high-energy evening of music and celebration.
Evening Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 p.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
Saturday, August 23
Workout with the Marines
7 – 8 a.m. (signup/waiver opens 6:30 a.m.)
Boston Common Baseball Field
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Take part in a challenging Physical Training (PT) session led by Marines. Exercises are suitable and adaptable for all ages and designed to test strength, endurance, and coordination. Each session will begin with the story of a U.S. Marine Medal of Honor recipient from the local area.
Morning Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 a.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Boston Common Soldiers and Sailors Monument
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Join us in a solemn tribute to commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation.
Static Display
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Boston Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Come meet your Marines in Boston Common to try on gear, climb aboard equipment, test your strength in a fitness challenge, and see performances by the Silent Drill Platoon and Quantico Marine Band.
Evening Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 p.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
Sunday, August 24
Workout with the Marines
7 – 8 a.m. (signup/waiver opens 6:30 a.m.)
Boston Common Baseball Field
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Take part in a challenging Physical Training (PT) session led by Marines. Exercises are suitable and adaptable for all ages and designed to test strength, endurance, and coordination. Each session will begin with the story of a U.S. Marine Medal of Honor recipient from the local area.
Morning Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 a.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Boston Common Soldiers and Sailors Monument
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Join us in a solemn tribute to commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation.
Recruiting Station Boston Pool Function & Drill Exhibition
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Manning Field
76 Locus Street
Lynn, MA 01905
Recruiting Station Boston welcomes the community to Manning Field for an opportunity to see performances by the Quantico Marine Band, the Silent Drill Platoon, the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps, and a field competition for Future Marines led by Marine Corps Drill Instructors.
Static Display
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Boston Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
Come meet your Marines in Boston Common to try on gear, climb aboard equipment, test your strength in a fitness challenge, and see performances by the Silent Drill Platoon and Quantico Marine Band.
Marine Week Boston Closing Ceremony
4 – 5 p.m.
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
100 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02110
Join us for the closing ceremony of Marine Week Boston featuring performances by the Quantico Marine Band and Silent Drill Platoon, a modified cake cutting, and remarks from senior leaders and civic officials.
Evening Colors Ceremony
8 – 8:15 p.m.
Boston City Hall (Congress St. side)
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Observe this time-honored tradition conducted with the highest level of professionalism and precision.
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RI Rep. Gabe Amo’s Tour of Rhode Island Veterans Home
Last week, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) visited the Rhode Island Veterans Home, which provides quality social, medical, rehabilitative, and residential care to Rhode Island war Veterans. President Donald Trump’s staff cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) along with cuts to Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Affordable Care Act in the Big, Ugly Law will impact Rhode Island Veterans and their families.
“Rhode Island’s Veterans deserve gratitude for their dedicated service and sacrifice to our nation. But honoring our Veterans cannot stop at thank you,” said Amo. “Trump is hellbent on undermining the programs that serve our Veterans, from pushing mass layoffs at the VA, to gutting SNAP, to illegally revoking VA employees collective bargaining rights. Providing Veterans with high-quality care requires investment, not cuts. I promise Rhode Islanders who answered the call to our nation, they have a champion in Washington who will fight tooth and nail to protect the benefits they’ve earned.”
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Historical Marker to Commemorate Revolutionary War General Lafayette’s Journey Across the U.S. – August 23, 10am
EVENTS
TODAY! August 14, 11am – RI Veterans Home – Governor McKee will deliver remarks at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
August 16, 2025 , Saturday – Annual Calling All Veterans
August 18, 2025, FREE Veteran’s Luncheon, 1130am to 100pm Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI. All veterans are invited, and reservations for the August or September Lobster or Lasagna Veteran luncheon will be taken (must be present for the August luncheon to reserve a seat for lobster or lasagna luncheon.
August 23, 2025 Naval Station Newport is putting the finishing touches on Salute to Navy 250, a special edition of the installation’s annual open-to-the-public Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
“This year we are celebrating the 250th birthday and founding of the United States Navy,” explained Capt. Henry Roenke, installation commanding officer and host of the event. “In celebration of the proud service and legacy of the Navy, we have branded this event Salute to Navy 250. There is no better occasion to showcase the valuable relationship between our Ocean State community and the Navy than during this annual program, and we welcome the public to be part of this great event.”
September 1, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill VeteranCoffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM at (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com
September 5, 2025, Friday ( always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton RI, “Fall in Friday” for active duty, veterans, and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 12:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm
September 5, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteran Jason Badger. Veterans can order anything off the menu free of charge, said Badger’s owner, Jason Badger, including the bar’s New York System hot wieners and their fish and chips. Along with the free meals, 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.
September 6, 2025, Saturday,Christ Church 57 Main Street, Swansea, MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast (First Saturday of every month), Veteran and one guest
September 6, 2025 Dive 4 The Prize
September 13, 2025Congressman Gabe Amos 2025 Veterans BBQ
January 17, 2026 35th Desert Storm Reunion, Tri-City Elks, West Shore Road, Warwick, RI3:00 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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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
*Primary care call center:
Direct: 401-273-7100 or 401-457-3336
Q: I was unhappy with service at the Providence VA?
A: 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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Important Contact Info for VA Pharmacy – Providence:
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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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Veteran Burial Resource Guide – RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI
Changes to federal laws have made veterans once not previously eligible for the RI Veteran Cemetery now eligible. For example, previous members of the RI Guard and or reserve ineligible, unless he 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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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: 401-667-6200. “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 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 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)
To read all columns in this series go to:Â 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.