RI Veterans: Did you know? 15.05.25 (Golf for Vets, homeless vets program, events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Did you know if you are receiving 100% monthly disability the veteran is entitled to FREE golfing at Goddard State Park? 

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.

https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-32/chapter-32-1/section-32-1-20/#:~:text=2024%20Rhode%20Island%20General%20LawsTitle,at%20the%20Goddard%20park%20golf%20course.

___

PGA Hope Program At Kirbrae Country Club, Lincoln RI:  Golfing – Connecting and Saving Veterans’ Lives 

On Monday, the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Hope program returned for another season at Kirkbrae Country Club. The program at Kirbrae Country Club is sponsored by the PGA. The  PGA HOPE program introduces Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

This program introduces the game of golf through a development 5 week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. It is funded by PGA Reach New England, the non-profit charity of the New England PGA, so the cost of the program is FREE to Veterans. The program will be at Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Rd, Lincoln, RI, monthly. 

The PGA HOPE instruction consists of full swing, putting, and short game for week 1 through 4. Classes will take place on both the range and on-course. Week 5 is a 9-hole scramble event followed by the program graduation ceremony and dinner.

Kirkbrae is considered one of the best country clubs in New England.As one of just a handful of clubs in New England with five PGA Class-A golf professionals on staff, your event is in safe hands of over 150 years of combined experience facilitating golf events. 

30 Veterans will be participating in the PGA Hope 2025 program, to include RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor John A Cianci. Veterans in the program served in the Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Cianci last participated in the program in 2019. Since then, Cianci has only found time to golf less than 10 times.  “I like the structure and camaraderie of learning together with a common goal, “get the ball in the hole, “ an Army veteran told Cianci.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship Veteran program of PGA REACH New England, the charitable foundation of the New England Section.

PGA HOPE is complimentary to any Veteran. PGA HOPE introduces golf as a means to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Participants of the PGA HOPE New England program include military Veterans living with physical and cognitive challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Details on PGA HOPE New England and information to sign up:

PGA REACH New England Back at Kirbrae Country Club, Lincoln, RI 

From NEPGA.com 

The New England PGA and PGA REACH New England, the charitable arm of the NEPGA, are excited to announce The REACH Classic will be held on June 23, 2025 at Kirkbrae Country Club. The event is the Foundation’s sole golf tournament fundraiser of the year and all proceeds will support our Nation’s Heroes. Registration is now open!

Click Here To Learn More & Register

The REACH Classic pulls together golfers who believe in our mission of positively impacting lives through the game of golf under our Military Veteran Pillar. The tournament is open to all players – Professionals and amateurs. Individuals can sign up as a single player, twosome, or foursome. The proceeds from one foursome registration supports three Veterans to attend a PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program.

PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. There is NO COST to our veterans. With your support, we serve our Veterans across New England with an emphasis on helping those with physical and emotional disabilities that would most benefit from our initiative.

These men and women are the tangible connection to the game and have dedicated their careers to ensuring there are more people playing and enjoying the sport. There are currently more than 1,400 PGA professionals in the country who have been trained to lead a PGA HOPE program at their facility.

The event will include golf, lunch, dinner, a silent auction, tee gifts, and gross & net prizes. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served before the shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.

“We are excited to welcome all levels of golfers to the 2025 REACH Classic at Kirkbrae Country Club,” said PGA REACH New England Director, Michael Packard, PGA. “Kirkbrae will offer an elevated experience for our participants and the day promises to be a great way to come together to help grow the game we all love for those who served our country.”

PGA REACH New England is dedicated to impacting lives through the game of golf. Participating in The REACH Classic helps us improve the lives of military veterans and their families through golf programs throughout New England each year.

The 2025 REACH Classic is presented by Gorton & Company and supported by Tournament Solutions and Sovereign Brands.

Interested in getting involved in the REACH Classic – partnering with PGA REACH New England, donating to the silent auction, etc? Please contact a member of our staff: Michael Packard, PGA – PGA REACH New England Director, and Chad Eades – PGA REACH New England Program Manager.

___

___

Rhode Island Combat Veterans Reunited in South Carolina

The Italian American War Veterans of the US and two other veterans traveled from Rhode Island to Hilton Head, South Carolina, last weekend. Veteran contributor John A Cianci and State Commander of Italian American War Veterans of US.

___

Newport, RI Veterans — We’re here for you!

Join VA Providence at the Newport Elks Lodge (141 Pelham St., Newport, RI) on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for our PACT Act Enrollment and Claims Event. Whether you’re newly eligible or have questions about your VA health care or benefits, our enrollment specialists and Veterans Benefits Administration partners will be on hand to help you understand your options and apply.

No registration needed — just stop by and get the answers and support you deserve.

___

VA NEWS

The White House Press Release, May 9, 2025

President Trump signs Executive Order Creating National Center for Warrior Independence for Homeless Veterans

 President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to provide better care to our veterans, improve accountability for such care, and establish a National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans.

• The Order directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence on the Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Campus.
  • Homeless veterans in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and around the nation can avail themselves of this Center to seek and receive the care, benefits, and services to which they are entitled.
  • Funds previously spent on housing or other services for illegal aliens will be redirected to construct, establish, and maintain this Center.
  • The Center will promote self-sufficiency through housing, substance abuse treatment, and support for productive work for the veterans housed there.
  • The goal is to house up to 6,000 homeless veterans at this Center by 2028.
• The Order directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use vouchers to support homeless veterans with respect to this effort.
• It instructs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to restore accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes taking action against individuals who have committed misconduct and investigating and rectifying the previous administration’s decision to rehire and reinstate back pay for employees previously fired for misconduct.
• The Order ensures that veterans will have access to increased options for care, benefits, and services.
  • This includes reduced wait times for Veterans Health Administration appointments through options such as expanded hours, weekend appointments, and virtual healthcare. 
  • It orders a feasibility study at the Manchester VA Medical Center to expand services to support a full-service medical center in New Hampshire.

TREATING VETERANS LIKE THE HEROES THEY ARE: President Trump strongly believes that every veteran deserves our gratitude, and that the federal government should treat veterans like the heroes they are.  

• Previous administrations have failed veterans by allowing the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center—hundreds of acres in Los Angeles given to the Federal Government more than a century ago to help veterans—to fall apart.
  • Parts of the property are leased to a private school, private companies, and the baseball team of the University of California, Los Angeles—sometimes at rock-bottom prices.
• Los Angeles has approximately 3,000 homeless veterans—more than any other city in the country and accounting for about 10% of all homeless veterans in America.
• Many of these heroes live in squalor in Los Angeles’s infamous “skid row.”
• The new National Center for Warrior Independence will help them and other veterans like them rebuild their lives.

CONTINUING A RECORD OF REFORM: This Executive Order builds on the historic reforms and achievements of President Trump’s first term, which transformed the Department of Veterans Affairs and expanded care and opportunities for our nation’s heroes.

• During President Trump’s first term, he signed legislation to increase accountability and expand benefits and choices for veterans in accessing care.
• He also signed legislation to remove thousands of VA workers who failed to give our vets the care they so richly deserve.
• President Trump improved the efficiency of the VA and modernized medical records.
• President Trump signed and implemented the Forever GI bill, allowing veterans to use their benefits to get an education at any point in their lives.
• He eliminated every penny of federal student loan debt owed by American veterans who are completely and permanently disabled.

___

EVENTS

May 17, 2025 – 10am to 1pm – Join VA Providence at the Newport Elks Lodge (141 Pelham St., Newport, RI) for our PACT Act Enrollment and Claims Event – Whether you’re newly eligible or have questions about your VA health care or benefits, our enrollment specialists and Veterans Benefits Administration partners will be on hand to help you understand your options and apply. No registration needed — just stop by and get the answers and support you deserve.

May 18, 2025 – Military Car Show & Family Fun Day – in Middletown – all info, here:

https://www.epicdayofservice.org/clubs/united-states-7950-middletown/projects/military-car-show-and-family-fun-day-b858cb282

May 19, 2025, 11:30 to 1:00 FREE Luncheon (always the third Monday of the month), Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, R.I. For more information, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

May 23-25, 2025 Boots on Ground For Heroes, Fort Adams, Newport RI

May 25, 2025 Memorial Day Parade, Exeter, RI WANTED Veteran and active duty members to march and or ride in military vehicles. All veterans who participate will receive a FREE remake of his or her original dog tags and $10 Dunkin gift card. Call John to register and of more information, (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets

WANTED VETERANS FOR Exeter 50^th Anniversary Parade

May 28, 2025  Wednesday, Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI, 500-700 pm. Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. [email protected]

June 2, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee 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 [email protected]

June 5, 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 . Thanks to all the vets and volunteers at Christ Church! Free Veterans Breakfast is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos. 

June 6, 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

June 6, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteranJason 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.

June 18, 2025 (always the 2^nd Wednesday of the month), toast n’ tap, 5:00-7:00, toast n’ tap, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick, RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest.

June 25 2025 Wednesday (always last Wed. of month), Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI, 500-700 pm. Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. [email protected]

___

Have military/veterans event info? Send to us at: [email protected]

___

Veteran Resource Guide – Retirees

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

Call DFAS at (800)321-1080 or online sign-up, you can update your information or sign up, https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/manage/changeofaddress/

Past editions of the Army Echoes newsletter are available for free download: https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter

Army 2025 Retired Soldier Handbook: https://soldierforlife.army.mil/documents/army%20retirement/post%20retirement/Retired%20Soldier%20Handbook.pdf

___

Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! 

Supplies are low – please stop by with items – or make a monetary contribution. 

___

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.

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

___

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:

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!

___

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. 

___

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:

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:

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:

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged. Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability. Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters, 
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-6676200
Email: [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 to 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 

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. 

___

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.