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RI Veterans: Did you know? 17.08.23 (Military wedding, PACT, events, more…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues
Did you know the sword or saber arch is one of the more popular military traditions?
Six or eight service members line up in pairs and make an arch with their swords or sabers for the bride and groom to walk under after the ceremony.
- Uniforms — All service members in the wedding party should wear the same uniform the groom chooses to wear. A service member’s bride can also wear her uniform.
- Music — You can include your service branch’s song in the recessional or play military-themed music at your reception.
Mr. and Mrs Charles R. Mulcahy proceeding thru the military sword and saber archway at the entrance of the Woodrow L. Silvia VFW Post 5392, Photos by John Cianci, RINEWSTODAY
RINEWSTODAY was honored to have been invited to the military wedding of Charles and Allison Mulcahy at VFW Post 5342, Tiverton RI. Over 200 attendees, which included dozens of active and retired soldiers dressed in their military uniforms attended the event.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Mulcahy. Immediately after Allison said I do, she received a traditional promotion to General Mulcahy of the Mulcahy household.
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PACT ACT AUGUST PAST AND I DID NOT FILE A CLAIM OR INTENT To FILE
Veterans and survivors who missed the August 14h, 2023 deadline, you still will be eligible for benefits if you file a claim on or after August 10, 2023. However, you will not be eligible for backdated benefits to the earliest possible date of August 10th 2022. Simply put, you eligibility for benefits will start in the month the VA receives the Intent To File A Claim or the actual filing of a claim on and or claim, VA Form 526, https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez/
Q. I filed an Intent To File, what happens next? Jeannie, North Smithfield?
A. Normally, the veteran or survivor will receive an acknowledgement letter from the VA within 30-60 days. If you do not receive acknowledgement within 60 days, I would contact the VA 1-800-827-1000, and inquire on the status ask of the Intent to File and or claim if you filed a claim.
VETTIP: Be sure to have the veteran’s DOB and social security number available before the call.
If the VA verifies receiving the Intent to File and or claim, ask the VA representative to send a hard copy to the mailing address on file, which you should verify before asking to be mailed to you.
VETTIP: As the Veteran Service officer for Italian American War Veterans of US, on two occasions Providence Regional Office claimed claims and or Intent to File were never received. However, with an inquiry to Senator Jack Reed’s office, which had attached a copy of Providence Regional Office signing for USPS Priority mail, the VA acknowledged receiving the documents. Simply put, document all mailing and communication with the VA, otherwise you could lose thousands of dollars of retroactive benefits.
What To Do After Filing the Intent to File for the PACT Act
You filed Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC and met the deadline of the PACT Act to receive the retroactive date of filing.
Although you have a year to submit the documents for a claim, don’t wait to gather evidence to support the claim.
If you can’t get the evidence, the VA by law, “duty to assist”.
What’s “duty to assist”? This means that we’re required to help you gather evidence to support your claim for VA benefits. The VA will make a reasonable effort to help you get these types of evidence:
- VA medical records
- Military service records
- Other types of federal records
- Private medical records, like reports from a non-VA hospital or from your private health care providers
Example, you have no medical records from when you were on active duty and when you were on active duty, you were injured while doing physical training at Fort Lee. In addition, you have been diagnosed with Parkinson disease and have been treated by private doctors.
Use VA Form 21-4142a to give us permission to get medical provider information from a non-VA source like a private doctor or hospital. This will allow us to gather information like the name and address of a facility and your medical treatment dates. https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-4142a/#:~:text=Use%20VA%20Form%2021%2D4142a,and%20your%20medical%20treatment%20dates.
For medical records while a member of the military, use Standard Form 180. https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html.
Although SF 180 has been filled out and submitted by the claimant, ITAM VSO recommends the request the VA to obtain the medical records at the same time the claimant is requesting.
Use VA Form 21 10210, https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-10210-ARE.pdf requesting the VA under “duty to assist” to obtain copies of your medical records. The form is self-explanatory for filling out. In Block 17, Statement detail what you are seeking the VA to assist with. Example,
“While I was at Fort Lee, I broke my foot during PT. Request the VA obtain copies of all my medical records related to this injury, and all my medical records related to my military service from 1983 to 2004.”
Simple request using VA Form in VA language. After completing this form, make a copy and mail or fax the original to
Mail to:
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI 53547-4444
or
Fax to:
TOLL FREE: 844-531-7818 & 248-524-4260 (Utilized for Foreign Claimants)
Start a file simple on all documents and communications to the VA on the claim for disability compensation. Moreover, ensure you spouse knows about the file and the location. If something was to happen to you, she needs access to the file and if a claim was pending at time of your death, she could continue the claim process.
VETTIP: Italian American War veterans of US (ITAM) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) recommendation
Step 1
ITAM VSO recommend starting a file system for ALL information related to the Intent To File A Claim, which I would staple to the right inside of the folder; this document supports the filing of Intent To File.
If you don’t have a hard copy, contact the organization that assisted you complete the filing. Ask for verification your Intent To File was filed and received by the VA.
Once receiving the verification, staple this information to folder. This document is the proof you filed and entitled to retroactive.
VETTIP: More often than not, VBA Providence fails to process the correct date of filing upon award of the claim. ITAM VSO could attest to at least 6 occasions helping veterans receive the retroactive monies worth THOUSANDS of dollars. Each one( except one), the veteran had provided proof of receipt by the VA. The one veteran who did not have proof of Intent to File, he is appealing for estimate $15,000 of retroactive.
Step 2
Gather all your DD214 and discharge papers. ITAM VSO recommends 1 copy to staples to left side of folder being maintained for VA Claim and 3 additional copies.
VETTIP: Keep you current filing records for important information, ITAM VSO recommendation is ADDITIONAL file to assist you in the claim process.
Options to obtain copies of discharge:
Option 1
If the veteran owns a house or is deceased, more than likely, the veteran applied in his local town or city for the veteran tax exemption. Moreover, the tax exemption continues for the widow or widower after the veteran’s death. Simply put, contact the city or town and ask if the property has a veteran tax exemption. If yes, ask the town how you can obtain a copy of the DD214 or discharge paperwork when the exemption applied for the exemption.
Option 2
If you are a recently separated veteran, records can be found online via VA.gov website. However , most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of DD 214 ( Report of Separation) and other records several other ways:
1. Request Military Personnel Records using Standard Form 180.
Requesters can use the online ordering form at vetrecs.archives.gov (or use the SF-180).
Download and print a copy of the SF-180 in PDF format, ( go website https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
Option 3
Contact one of the Rhode Island congressional delegation U.S Senator and or House of Representatives. Assistance will be provided by their office to obtain any military records the veteran and or next of kin is seeking.
Option 4
The veteran or next of kin can go in person to Providence Regional Office, 380 Westminster Street, Providence RI or Providence VA Medical, Chalkstone Ave, Provide RI ( go to the basement, and during normal business hours the VA has a representative working in one of the offices to assist walk-in. Ensure to bring identification with you.
Step 3
Evidence gathering phase. FAQs to Veterans when helping veterans gather evidence for their claim:
1. What years did you serve?
2. Did you ever serve overseas?
3. Were you ever injured while serving in the military?
4. What are your current illnesses and conditions.
Example, Larry came in for assistance. His DD214 supported him in Vietnam from 1965-1967. His current illnesses and conditions include diabetes, hypertension, andremission for prostate cancer.
Based on the aforementioned information from Larry and review of his discharge paper, Larry’s service is known as “boots on the ground in Vietnam”, which will be verified by the VA. Once verified, Larry will be eligible to presumption if exposure to Agent Orange:
He also tells ITAM VSO he was treated for prostate cancer a few years ago and the cancer is now in remission.
If you have a cancer or illness that’s not on our list of presumptive conditions, but you believe it was caused by Agent Orange exposure, you can still file a claim for VA disability benefits. But you’ll need to submit more evidence. Keep reading to learn about service requirements and supporting evidence.
Service requirements for presumption of exposure
The VA base eligibility for VA disability compensation benefits, in part, on whether you served in a location that exposed you to Agent Orange. We call this having a presumption of exposure.
You have a presumption of exposure if you meet at least one of these service requirements.
Between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, you must have served for any length of time in at least one of these locations:
- In the Republic of Vietnam, or
- Aboard a U.S. military vessel that operated in the inland waterways of Vietnam, or
- On a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia
Or you must have served in at least one of these locations that we’ve added based on the PACT Act:
- Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976, or
- Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969, or
- Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969, or
- Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980, or
- Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977
Or at least one of these must be true for you:
- You served in or near the Korean DMZ for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971, or
- You served on active duty in a regular Air Force unit location where a C-123 aircraft with traces of Agent Orange was assigned, and had repeated contact with this aircraft due to your flight, ground, or medical duties, or
- You were involved in transporting, testing, storing, or other uses of Agent Orange during your military service, or
- You were assigned as a Reservist to certain flight, ground, or medical crew duties at one of the locations listed here
Eligible Reserve locations, time periods, and units include:
- Lockbourne/Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Ohio, 1969 to 1986 (906th and 907th Tactical Air Groups or 355th and 356th Tactical Airlift Squadrons)
- Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, 1972 to 1982 (731st Tactical Air Squadron and 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, or 901st Organizational Maintenance Squadron)
- Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania, 1972 to 1982 (758th Airlift Squadron)
Even if you did not serve in any of the above area, and you have any of the presumptions or cancer, ITAM VSO recommends you file, since the Department of Defense is acknowledging more and more locations Agent Orange and other herbicides were used (example, Camp Lejeune contaminated water, https://www.va.gov/files/2022-12/Camp%20Lejeune%20FAQ%20V12.6.22%201030hrs.pdf) was used at, to include bases in the United States. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/agentorange/dod_herbicides_outside_vietnam.pdf
Yes, a lot of information and next week’s column will include next steps after you started the gathering of evidence.
Additionally, next week’s column will include points of contacts for FREE assistance filing and completing the forms for a claim.
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Military Lounge at TF Green Airport News
Did you know at TF Green Airport on the second floor there is a Military Lounge for veterans awaiting departing or arriving aircraft?
The lounge is on the 2nd floor of the airport, pre-security, next to the Hope Reflection Room. The lounge offers free snack and refreshments and if the active duty soldier or veteran is stranded, lounge staff can assist the veteran obtain overnight accommodations,
The Military Lounge will be closed for repairs and painting from Saturday August 12 to Sunday August 20th. The lounge will restart operations on Monday August 21st.
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EVENTS
August 2023
August 21, 2023 – Monday, FREE Luncheon 11:30-1:00 for Veterans and one guest at Perella’s Ristorante. 330 Metacom Ave Warren, RI. This month’s meal will be TBA. The event is a partnership of the Italian American War Veterans of US, inc. and the Building Bridges program.
Last month over 60 veterans attended the luncheon.
The Building Bridges program provides a free breakfast or lunch at 13 sites that include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. These sites are run by community volunteers at community sites, including halls run by fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations, and local restaurants. A team of veterans and volunteers do all the cooking and serving.
Do you know a restaurant, post, lodge, hall, etc.. willing to host a luncheon on one of the Mondays in November, December, and January ITAM organization has RI Licensed Food Service Manager and full insurance.
If you have a location one of the luncheons can be held at, contact ITAM program manager John, (401) 677-9838.
August 26, 2023 – 4th Annual Calling All Veterans Day, West Warwick Civic Arena, 100 Factory Street, West Warwick RI, 10:00 am-1:00PM
August 26, 2023 – Rhode Island Military Vehicle Collector’s Club (RIVCC), 2111 Plainville Pike Johnston RI.
August 26, 2023, Saturday Morning , Narragansett Town Beach, VetSurf Endless Summer Session. The event is FREE to veterans. The link to sign up is https://vetsurf.org/
If you know of any other veterans/active-duty military (especially) or volunteers who may interested in coming, please forward this email to them –You don’t need to be a surfer to join in & this is a FREE EVENT. I look forward to seeing you all there and thanks for your support.
September 2023
Sept 8-10, 2023 Rocky Point State Park, Warwick – American Veteran Traveling Tribute & Traveling Wall, remembering 209 Rhode Islanders who lost their lives in Vietnam War. Donations and sponsorship will support Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. Memorial opens 8am Friday – 5 pm Sunday. Saturday September 9 2:09-2:30 and Sunday 2:09-2:30 pm reading of 209 Rhode Island names, For more information visit OSDRI’s Event Page, www.OSDRI.org
September 14,-15 Veteran Event, Johnston RI, OSDRI Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston RI. – Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 32nd annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 14th at 8 a.m. This Veteran Assistance Event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Services will be available from 8:00 – 4:30 on Thursday 9/14, and 8:00 – 3:30 on Friday 9/15.
“Since its inception in 1993, the annual event has provided thousands of veterans with access to important services including health, dental, and substance abuse care, as well as employment, legal, and housing services. After holding a scaled back event during the pandemic in 2020, OSDRI expects a full roster of service providers this September.” said Erik Wallin, Esq. Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI.
The event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Veterans may access the location via RIPTA bus Route 28 which operates out of Kennedy Plaza and stops at the corner of Hartford and Bordon Avenue. Those arriving via their own vehicle must park and take a shuttle from behind the paved parking area ACROSS from Tri-County Community Action Agency: 1133 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.
November 2023
November 5, 2023; Veterans Inc 2023 Run4Heroes 5K Road Race, Registration begins at 8 a.m , race begins at 10:30 a.m at the start/finish line in front of Wormtown Brewery, on Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA. All participants will indulge in a post-race celebration featuring food, a complimentary beer from Wormtown Brewery, live music, exciting prizes, and more! If you can’t make it in person this year, we are offering a virtual sign-up option as well! Just run a 5k before the deadline, submit your times, and we will recognize your participation and honor the virtual winner alongside the in-person honorees.
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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) via email at [email protected]***
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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Travel/Entertainment for Veterans
Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.
Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses.
No cost licenses are available if you are:
- over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident
- a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration
To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)
To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing.
The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is:
DEM Licensing Office
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3576
To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.
Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:
- Active-Duty Service members – Military ID
- Veterans – DD214
- Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter ( Contact VA office)
Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576
Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.
The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:
- Licensing fees
- Camping fees
- Picnic table fees
- Specialized facility use fees
- Use of equestrian areas
- Performing art centers
- Game fields fees
- Mule shed fees
If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.
Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.
Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]
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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.
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
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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, ID.me.
ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.
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 listed below:
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 or create a Michaels Rewards account.
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)
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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.