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RI Veterans: Did you know? 14.11.23 (Veterans Day report, events, discounts) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
Photos: John A. Cianci
Update From Veterans Day 2024
RINEWSTODAY updated the list of local businesses offering FREE and or Discounted Items to veterans on Veterans Day multiple times as we learned about all the activities planned throughout the region – more events, parades, discounts, etc. than seen before.
Our Veteran contributor, himself, visited several of the businesses, Toast N Tap, Perella’s Ristorante, Starbuck, Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s, and the Rhode Island Veterans Home, where veteran owned food truck, Casa Tia Rosa provided FREE Portuguese food, hamburgers, and RI Saugy Dogs to all the Veterans living at the Rhode island Veterans Home (truck was sponsored by Local 251 Teamsters).
Big week last week! Enjoy some photos from a packed Veterans Day event!
100 year old WWII Veteran Louie Dolce, with members of Teamsters Local 251 outside the RI Veterans Home on Veterans Day.
Toast N Tap owners wearing Veteran Day Shirts honoring veterans visiting for FREE veteran day meal offered throughout the day by Toast N Tap.
100 year old WWII Veteran Louie Dolce, finishing up RI Saugy Dog from veteran owned food truck , Casa Tia Rosa, provided free Portuguese food, hamburgers, and saugy dogs on Veterans day to estimated 150 residents at the Rhode island veterans Home on Veterans Day.
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Q & A
Q: – I served in the New York Army National Guard for 10 years and have lived in Rhode Island for the last 30 years. Am I eligible to be buried at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter? Joe, Warren RI
A: – Yes, your eligibility would be “persons with 6+ years of service in a National Guard or Reserve Component in a different state who passed after March 15, 2022 and that person is a Rhode Island resident for at least 2 consecutive years prior to death.https://vets.ri.gov/find-your-benefits/ri-veterans-memorial-cemetery/veterans-cemetery-interment-application
In the past, you would have not been eligible. However, in 2022, the “Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act” allows most National Guard and Reserve members who served honorably to be eligible for burial in VA national cemeteries, even if their only active duty service was for training, as long as they meet certain conditions like being entitled to retirement pay or dying from a service-related injury incurred during active duty training or inactive duty training; this effectively expands burial benefits for reservists compared to previous rules.
Whereas, based on living in RI for more than 10 years and previously serving in another state’s Guard, you meet the eligibility. Additionally, (1) you must provide proof of service: proof of service consists of a DD214, NGB-22, reserve documentation or the equivalent and (2) proof of residency for out of state National Guard or Reserve Component consists of an RI driver’s license, RI voter registration, or IRS/State tax forms.
VETTIP: Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery or VA National Cemetery This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. To request pre-need eligibility for the RI Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI, the application is available online, https://vets.ri.gov/find-your-benefits/ri-veterans-memorial-cemetery/veterans-cemetery-interment-application , which can be mailed and or submitted online.
VETTIP: On the application you are disclosing PII, to include your social security number. Personally, I would not submit the application online as I have been privy to mishandling of PII from federal and state employees. Simply put, I would mail and or hand deliver the information to the Rhode Island Veteran Memorial Cemetery( RIVMC) in Exeter RI. After applying, more than likely, within 30 days you will get confirmation letter from the RIVMC.
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WANTED: Veterans Needing Thanksgiving Dinner Delivered on Thanksgiving
4th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving , November 28, 2024 for Active Duty/ Veterans and Guest( plus all minor children of veteran and or active-duty member). “We have expanded to not just dine-in at Perella’s Ristorante in Warren, but also delivery to those veterans who have limited transportation in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts community,” said John Cianci, one of the veteran organizers of the annual Veteran Thanksgiving Free Dinner.
Veterans, family members, and neighbor of a veteran are encouraged to call Italian American War veterans of US, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected] with name and address of veteran who would like a not Thanksgiving Dinner delivered on Thanksgiving.
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LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program
Now through December 2024 the LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program for veterans over 500 veterans living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and Long Term / Assisted Living Facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of Rhode Island is requesting assistance in filling veteran’s wish list for Christmas.
This year’s program, Liliana has taken on the project to led in assisting the success of the program. Simple, every day items, like batteries, motion battery operated lights for closets, clappers to turn on lamp and TV—-items the veterans can not afford , most veterans are left with $75 a month after paying for his or her care at the long term care facility.
Liliana has established an Amazon gift list, https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1NP4LQO2F7O44?fbclid=IwY2xjawGGVqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcOAm2DRLqx9fplW7_eGTm4QNtUM-JMyGS9yd9vTJBAl-noduso-UDbcGQ_aem_a3YsygzetGGf3Y_pXcK4vQ
The list is updated weekly, as veterans submit his or her Veteran Christmas Wish list. Items purchased on gift list will be wrapped by Liliana’s school and delivered in December 2024 to the veteran by volunteers.
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EVENTS
November 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00PM – North Kingstown Veterans Resource fair and Blood Drive, Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach St., North Kingstown RI. Requesting Christmas & Holiday Cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. Call for Christmas & Holiday cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. The cards will be collected at the Veterans Resource Fair & Blood Drive being held 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach Street, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. All Christmas and Holiday cards are welcomed. Hand-made cards by school children are always a big hit.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. – to Rhode Island Model Rocketry Association invites all veterans and
serving military to participate in a tree Rocket launch at the RI Peckham Farm Field in West Kingston. Rockets provided for veterans, or you can can bring a rocket you built yourself. Just show your veterans or military ID. Veterans will have access to the low-power pads (A-D motors). For access to mid-power and high-power pads, veterans will need to be NAR members (nar.org/join-nar/). To register, email Lucy DIMase at [email protected]. The general public may watch the launch at no charge.
November 17th – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks #2285 Tribute to Our Veterans, Free luncheon for veterans , Social Hour : 1:00 p.m. Luncheon 2:00 p.m. Veterans are FREE, all other guest are $15.00. Tickets are limited, must reserve or purchase tickets by November 8, 2024. For more information, contact Donald Swanson, 401-871-8612
November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+:
November 23 , 2024 – Island Aviation Hall of Fame announces 2024 honorees who will be recognized at November 23 dinner. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this dinner. Tickets cost $65 each and can be obtained by emailing [email protected], or logging in to our website at www.riahof.org. For further information, please call 401-831-8696. More:
The RI Aviation Hall of Fame will induct five new members and honor four others with special recognition awards as part of their 22nd class of honorees. The Hall of Fame will also announce a new initiative involving a scholarship program and present a special recognition to the RI Airport Corporation. The ceremony and dinner will take place at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Cranston Saturday evening, November 23rd. Reception is at 5:30PM; dinner and awards will follow.
Guest of Honor Vice Admiral Peter Garvin, US Navy, President of the National Defense University in Washington, DC. An Annapolis grad, he is a career Naval Aviator who served until August as President, US Naval War College in Newport. Special Guest Domenic Giarrusso of Cranston, who served for 28 months as a B-24 flight engineer and mechanic in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He will be 102 years old in January.
Robert M. Magown/Edward F. Roberts Scholarship FundOnMarch 9, 1966, a twin engine aircraft returning to RI from South Carolina crashed in Virginia, killing Colonel Robert M. Magown, CO of the 143rd Air Commando Group and Lt Col Edward F. Roberts, Operations Officer of the Group.
After their deaths, the Magown-Roberts Scholarship Fund was established with the Rhode Island Foundation to provide educational assistance to Air Guard members and their families. RI Aviation Hall of Fame will be working with the Fund and the Foundation to expand eligibility for scholarships and promote their availability.
Honorees are selected by a committee representing several aviation groups. The committee includes all previous inductees, such as Robert Crandall, former chairman of American Airlines; Jennifer Murray, the first woman to fly a helicopter around the world; and Apollo 8 Astronaut Bill Anders.
Thursday, November 28, 2024 Thanksgiving, FREE Thanksgiving dinner, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI (please, do not call Perella’s to make reservations) to all veterans and their one guest. Additional guests will be asked to make donations to sponsor a veteran gift for Christmas. 1:00pm and 4:00pm reservations are open, call the host organization Italian American War Veterans of the US/ Dept. of Rhode Island. (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]/. Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen, serving, delivering to shut in veterans (last year over 200 meals were served. Donations and sponsors are welcomed, checks made out to ITAM, mailed to Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, note in remarks ‘THANKSGIVING RESTRICTED FUND”. Tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. “The more donations and sponsors, the more will spend on the event. For example, we add additional desserts and other side dishes,” said John Cianci, ITAM Commander, “this is not a buffet, sit down with waitress or waiter service in a five star Ristorante.”
Monday. December 2, 2024 – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m ROMA, 330 Atwells Ave, Providence RI, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of RI. Open to all veterans and their guest. Enjoy ROMA’s espresso, coffee, Italian toast, pastries, calzones and more. POC is ITAM at (401) 677-9838.
Wednesday , December 4, 2024– Italian American War Veterans of US membership FREE Monthly dinner at Rosario Club. Meal choice is Veal or Chicken parmigiana. Doors open 430, dinner starts at 5:15. All ITAM members are encouraged to bring another non-veteran member.
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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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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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.
See our need for delivering Thanksgiving meals – top of this article!
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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk
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 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 – or call (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]
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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: [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/
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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.