RI Veterans: Did you know? 16.01.25 (Job Fair, GI Bill, events, volunteer needs, more) John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

NEW: RI Veterans Home – Thursday & Friday – Career Fair

What:  Career Fair – the Rhode Island Veterans Home is looking to hire more staff to open up an additional neighborhood and serve more veterans at the long-term care facility in Bristol. Join Governor Dan McKee, elected leaders, staff, and residents of the RI Veterans Home to kick off a two-day career fair. We need licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and cooks. You can learn more at vets.ri.gov. There is a long waitlist for the Home – and a section that can be opened with more staff.

Kickoff of the event with:

• Governor Dan McKee
• RI Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn
• Senator Walter Felag, Chairman of the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee
• Representative Samuel Azzinaro, Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee
• RI Council 94 AFSCME AFL-CIO President Michael McDonald
• Residents and staff of the RI Veterans Home are available for interviews

Where:

Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, Parking is available near the front door, 10am-10:15am TODAY, Jan. 16th

Pass this along!!!

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Q. I had to waive my Montgomery Education bill to use the Post 911 GI Bill; I am told a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling reinstated my Montgomery bill? – Charlie, Tiverton RI

A. Charlie, you are correct a recent U.S Supreme Court , decision ordered the VA to reinstate education benefits for tens of thousands of veterans who were forced to sign a waiver to use his Post 911 GI Bill he was entitled to after a second enlistment.

In layman’s terms, Charlie was active duty in the Navy for 6 years before joining the Rhode Island Army National Guard. On active duty, he earned 36 months education from the Montgomery GI Bill. While in the RI Guard from numerous deployments he became eligible for additional 36 months under another program, Gi-Post 9/11 GI Bill. When Charlie went to transfer his education benefits to his son, the VA made him waive the other 36 months he earned thru the Montgomery GI program while on active duty. Simply put, the VA interpreted the law that Charlie and tens of thousands of other veterans were only entitled to one or the other education benefits earned while on active duty.

Whereas Charlie’s son had already used 36 months of Post 9/11 education benefits, the U.S. Supreme Court decision reinstates Charlie’s Montgomery GI Bill. In Charlie’s case, like thousands of other veterans impacted by this court decision, in addition to reinstating the education benefit, additional time is allowed to use the benefit by Charlie, which he intends to do by transferring the benefit to his stepdaughter.

How do I know if I am entitled to additional education benefits from this court decision?

If you’re ready to apply for additional benefits under the Rudisill decision, complete the VA Form 22-1995. Be sure to select that you are requesting a Rudisill review on page two of the online application. Once VA has received and evaluated your claim, you will receive an official decision.

VETTIP: Veteran can also complete and submit VA Form 22-1995 online by signing in to his or her account in VA.gov. Please note that if you are approved, your new delimiting date will be calculated based upon when you apply.

If you are not ready to use your benefits, we encourage you to wait until you are ready to prevent your benefits from expiring before you are able to use them.

The VA will review and determine your education benefit eligibility only after you submit a claim. To submit a claim, complete the VA Form 22-1995. Be sure to select that you are requesting a Rudisill review on page two of the online application.

VETTIP: As stated above, once you apply and are approved, you will be given a date that you must use the reinstated education benefits. The deadline to receive a new expiration date recalculation is October 1, 2030. After October 1, 2030, a Veteran can still submit a claim for benefits; however, the normal delimiting date calculation rules will apply.

If I don’t intend to use the reinstated GI Montgomery GI bill, can I get a refund of the money I paid in?

Yes, you could be eligible for up to $1200 in refund. (see FAQ below how to apply)

More information taken from the VA website:

Am I eligible for additional benefits? If so, what should I do?

If you have previously applied to use VA education benefits, you may be eligible for additional benefits, if:

• You completed more than one eligible period of service, and
• You waived all or part of your MGIB benefits so you could use PGIB benefits.

If you meet the criteria above, use this chart to determine your recommended action, or click on the decision tree linkto assist you. 

You last received an education claim decision on or after August 15, 2018	No action is required from you. Your claim will be reviewed automatically, and VA will notify you of your eligibility.
You last received an education claim decision before August 15, 2018	VA will review and determine your education benefit eligibility only after you submit a claim. To submit a claim, complete the VA Form 22-1995. Be sure to select that you are requesting a Rudisill review on page two of the online application. Once VA has received and evaluated your claim, you will receive an official decision.

Note: By law, PGIB and MGIB eligibility is limited to a maximum of 48 months of combined benefits. Additionally, federal law prohibits the use of these benefits at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How is VA notifying Veterans who may have been impacted by these changes?

A. VA is distributing communications to potentially impacted Veterans.

If you believe you may have been impacted by these changes but did not receive an email from VA, refer to the eligibility section of this webpage for further guidance or contact us.

Q. Will I be able to transfer the additional benefits to my spouse, dependents, or survivors?

A. Your eligibility to transfer benefits to your spouse, dependents, or survivors will not be impacted by this decision. Existing Transfer of Entitlement requirements and limitations of use apply to any additional PGIB benefits you might receive because of the Court’s decision.

For example, if you have previously transferred PGIB benefits to a dependent and wish to transfer the additional PGIB entitlement, you must follow the existing instructions for changing your transferred benefits.

If you are not on Active Duty and were not approved to transfer of benefits while still on Active Duty, the Court’s decision will not make you eligible to do so.

Learn about PGIB Transfer of Entitlement eligibility

Note: The Department of Defense decides whether you can transfer GI Bill benefits to your family. VA does not have the authority to change or waive the eligibility requirements, age cap, or other limitations related to Transfer of Entitlement.

Q. Will I be given a new delimiting date?

A. For eligible Veterans who previously had to forfeit their additional benefits in order to use their PGIB, VA will recalculate their benefit expiration date and provide them any return time after the election was made to use the benefit. The new expiration will be calculated by adding the time a Veteran had left when they previously forfeited their benefit to 90 days plus the date of issuance of the new Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Example: A Veteran forfeited their MGIB benefits on January 1, 2016. At the time the Veteran had seven years remaining, before their MGIB benefits expired on January 1, 2023. The Veteran is approved by VA for reinstated MGIB eligibility on January 1, 2025 (new COE date). The seven years the Veteran had remaining before their benefits would have expired is added to the date of their new COE, plus an additional 90 days: January 1, 2025, + 90 days + seven years or March 31, 2032, is the adjusted expiration date.

Q. Can I waive my MGIB benefits to receive a refund of my $1,200 MGIB contribution and PGIB kicker payments?

A. Yes, you can still voluntarily elect to waive your MGIB benefits and receive PGIB kicker payments and a refund of your $1,200 MGIB contribution. 

Q. I was told I had to waive my MGIB benefits to use PGIB benefits even though I had two periods of service. Can I revoke that decision and use MGIB? Do I have to pay back the $1,200 refund?

A. Yes, if you were previously required to make an election to waive MGIB even though you have two periods of qualifying service, VA will revoke prior elections. However, if a revocation will result in a reduction to your current benefit payment amount, you will be given the choice whether you wish to revoke your election (reducing your current benefit payment amount) or retain your election (maintaining your current benefits payment amount). 

If you received a refund of the $1,200 contribution, you will not be required to pay it back.

Q. I waived MGIB or MGIB-SR benefits to receive a kicker under my PGIB benefits. Because of the Court’s decision, can I revoke that decision and get back my MGIB or MGIB-SR? If so, do I have to pay back the kicker?

A. Yes, you can revoke your decision to waive MGIB or MGIB-SR benefits. However, you are only eligible for your kicker payments if you voluntarily waive MGIB or MGIB-SR benefits. If you revoke your waiver, you may get extra months of MGIB or MGIB-SR but you will lose your MGIB or MGIB-SR kicker payments under PGIB.

You will not be required to pay back any kicker payments you have already received, but any remaining kicker entitlement will be paid under your remaining MGIB or MGIB-SR benefits.

Q. Do I have to submit my request for a decision by a certain date?

A. A Veteran can submit a claim at any time. However, there is a limited period of time for a Veteran to receive a delimiting (expiration) date recalculation. The deadline to submit a claim is October 1, 2030. After October 1, 2030, a Veteran can still submit a claim for benefits; however, the normal delimiting date calculation rules will apply.

Q. Does this affect my Veteran Readiness & Employment benefits?

A. Veterans who are currently participating or were previously participating on or after August 15, 2018, in the Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program and did not have eligibility to Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) benefits when they elected which subsistence allowance they wanted to receive (Chapter 31 or PGIB rate), but have since been granted retroactive PGIB benefits, may now be eligible to receive the basic allowance for housing (BAH) subsistence rate.

The BAH subsistence rate is often higher than the standard Chapter 31 rate. If a Veteran is granted retroactive PGIB entitlement, VR&E will automatically adjust the rate and pay the difference, if the PGIB rate is more beneficial to the Veteran.

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Veterans In the News

The Italian American War Veterans of US, Hope Hospice, and Greenwood Center staff and family held a surprise birthday party for Army Veteran Floyd Sorensen at Greenwood Center. Representing ITAM was 102-year-old World War II Veterans, Caster Salemi, who drove from Attleboro MA to participate.

Sorensen was a radio repairman while serving in the U.S. Army. “He told me he was a radio repairman and was stationed in Germany,” said John Cianci, Department Commander, ITAM organization.

“He also told me how he hated the smell of numerous cleaning solutions he used to clean and maintain the radios, and swears he can still smell them.”

Sorensen’s wife, daughter, and son attended the birthday party.

I’m not allowed to show up without a Dunkin ice coffee,” his son told Cianci.

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VFW Post 152 North Kingstown RI , Valentines for Veterans Program

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EVENTS

January 16 & 17, 2025 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, TODAY! – Career Fair, Rhode Island Veterans Home 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI

January 22, 2025 – Veterans Coffee Social at the Warwick Public Library from 5:30 to 7:30pm – Talk on healthy foods and cooking demo with Kathi Masi. See poster (left)

January 25, 2025 – Rhode Island national Guard Reunion, 2:00 to 4:00 PM – 13110 S Lake Mary Jane Ln, Orlando Florida. 32832. $25 BYOB. Please respond no later than January 10, 2025. Payments can be made by check or pay by Venmo at @Patricia-Ryan-37

January 29, 2025 – Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI, 5:00-7:00 pm. Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Macaroni and Meatball dinner FREE for all members and their guest. FREE remake of original dog tag—made on site, for ALL new members, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]

February 2, 2025 , Sunday,  930 am , CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL Four Chaplains Memorial Service will be held at Cornerstone of Faith Methodist Church11081 Main Street. (Parking is available behind the Church, across the street and also behind the former Police station building). There will be a special offering; proceeds going to the Chapel of Four Chaplains Foundation to aid in continuing their work to educate the public of this great, heroic, historical event. This is an ecumenical service, all are welcome. We hope you will be able to join us. Light refreshments will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 2025 to insure ample food will be available. Jane Deptula, Marine Corps League (480-0445) or (email [email protected])

February 3 2025, Monday , 9:00 to 11:00 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee Housesponsored by the Italian American war Veterans of US. Free to all veterans and guest. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. More information contact ITAM , (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

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More of the Four Chaplains Story

The story of the Army four chaplains, from a press release, Army website, https://www.army.mil/article/34090/chaplain_corps_history_the_four_chaplains

 It was Feb. 3, 1943, and the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was one of three ships in a convoy, moving across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to an American base in Greenland. A converted luxury liner, the Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers.

It was only 150 miles from its destination when shortly after midnight, an officer aboard the German submarine U2 spotted it. After identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire. The hit was decisive, striking the ship, far below the water line. The initial blast killed scores of men and seriously wounded many more.

Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Panic and chaos quickly set in! Men were screaming, others crying or frantically trying to get lifeboats off the ship.

Through the pandemonium, four men spread out among the Soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety. They were four Army chaplains,

• Lt. George Fox, a Methodist; 
• Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi; 
• Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest; 
• and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister. 

Quickly and quietly, the four chaplains worked to bring calm to the men. As soldiers began to find their way to the deck of the ship, many were still in their underwear, where they were confronted by the cold winds blowing down from the arctic.

Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, reeling from the cold, headed back towards his cabin. “Where are you going?” a voice of calm in the sea of distressed asked. “To get my gloves,” Mahoney replied. “Here, take these,” said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young officer. “I can’t take those gloves,” Mahoney replied. “Never mind,” the Rabbi responded. “I have two pairs.” It was only long after that Mahoney realized that the chaplain never intended to leave the ship.

Once topside, the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains simultaneously removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. When giving their life jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did Fox or Poling call out for a Protestant. They simply gave their life jackets to the next man in line. One survivor would later say, “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.”

As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains — arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. Their voices could also be heard offering prayers and singing hymns.

Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, only 230 survived. Before boarding the Dorchester back in January, Chaplain Poling had asked his father to pray for him, “Not for my safe return, that wouldn’t be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty… never be a coward… and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate.”

Although the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were later awarded posthumously, Congress wished to confer the Medal of Honor but was blocked by the stringent requirements which required heroism performed under fire. So a posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, The Four Chaplains’ Medal, was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President on January 18, 1961.

It was never given before and will never be given again.

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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.

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

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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

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/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%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: [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.