RI Veterans: Did you know? 18.07.24 (Cremation urns, golf, events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Questions from one of our readers:

Q: Can I get an urn from the VA for my father who wants to be cremated? – Jorge, Smithfield RI

A: Yes. In June 2024 the VA started providing urns and commemorative plaques.

Important to understand: According to public law, these benefits include — as of Jan. 5, 2023 — the issuance of urns and commemorative plaques to families after their loved one has died.  Anyone who applies for and receives this benefit, however, forfeits their government-issued VA headstone according to the law, Section 2207 of Public Law 116-315 reads:

“If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual, the Secretary may not provide for such individual burial in a national cemetery or a headstone or marker. This section specifies that the Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out the amendment, which takes effect January 5, 2023.”

So, once the VA issues the urn or plaque, the veteran or service member is no longer eligible for burial in a Department of Veterans Affairs national cemetery, nor may the VA issue a headstone, marker or medallion to mark the grave.

Many veterans and family members consider these benefits to be of significant monetary and symbolic value. While there is no legal prohibition against interment in a non-VA cemetery, the family should also consider how the interment policy of these cemeteries may change if the VA does not provide a government headstone, marker or medallion at no cost for placement in these cemeteries.

It is critical that family members consider the ultimate final disposition of the veteran’s remains and be certain of the decision to apply for an urn or plaque.

More information on urn and plaque benefit from the VA website:

June 2024-VA New Benefit:  A Commemorative Plaque of Urn-Only Available if the Veteran is Cremated and not Interred

BENEFIT PROVIDED:
a. COMMEMORATIVE URN: a container that signifies the deceased individual’s status as a veteran, in which the individual’s cremated remains may be placed at private expense.

b. COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE: a commemorative plaque means a tablet that signifies the deceased individual’s status as a veteran. 

WHO CAN BE COMMEMORATED BY AN URN OR PLAQUE – A deceased Veteran who has been cremated with no portion of the remains interred* at any location at the time of application, and who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable on or after April 6, 1917, or any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty whose remains have been cremated and is NOT interred at any location. 

Service after September 7, 1980 for enlisted personnel, and October 16, 1981 for officer personnel, must be for a minimum of 24 months continuous active duty or be completed under special circumstances, e.g., death on active duty. 

Persons who have only limited active duty service for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances, e.g., death while on active duty, or as a result of training. Reservists and National Guard members who, at time of death, were entitled to retired pay, or would have been entitled, but for being under the age of 60, are eligible; please submit a copy of the Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter with the claim. Reservists called to active duty other than training and National Guard members who are Federalized and who serve for the period called are eligible. 

* Interment means the burial or entombment of casketed or cremated remains, including the placement of cremated remains in a columbarium niche. 

BENEFITS FORFEITED IN-LIEU OF A COMMEMORATIVE URN OR PLAQUE – A commemorative urn or plaque may only be provided in-lieu of other benefits that will be forfeited. 

If VA provides an urn or plaque for a Veteran or Servicemember, VA is prohibited from interring the Veteran or Servicemember in a VA national cemetery or providing a headstone or marker or medallion that would mark the Veterans grave. 

If VA provides an applicant a commemorative urn or plaque to commemorate a Veteran it may also negatively impact interment in other cemeteries including, but not limited to, cemeteries operated by the Department of Defense, including Arlington National Cemetery. VA encourages potential applicants for a commemorative urn or plaque who might seek interment in the future to check directly with other cemeteries regarding its effect on potential interment at those cemeteries. VA encourages careful consideration of the consequences before applying to VA for a commemorative urn or plaque. 

Many Veterans and family members consider the benefits which will be forfeited to be of greater monetary and symbolic value than an urn or plaque. Consideration should also be given to the future disposition of the remains of a Veteran or Servicemember for whom an urn or plaque has been provided. Because options for future interment are more limited, there is greater risk for remains to become lost or unclaimed throughout time. For these reasons, it is critical that the family member consider the final disposition of the Veteran’s remains and be certain of their decision before completing this application for an urn or plaque. 

WHO MAY APPLY FOR AN URN OR PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE A VETERAN – The family member who holds the entirety of the cremated remains and is authorized to make decisions about the disposition of the Veteran. Family members include the decedent’s spouse or individual who was in a legal union as defined in 38 CFR 3.1702(b)(1)(ii) with the decedent; a child, parent, or sibling of the decedent, whether biological, adopted, or step relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent. 

HOW TO SUBMIT A CLAIM – Attach a copy of the deceased Veteran’s discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service.  If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned. 

Submit online:

ELECTRONICALLY submit your claim and supporting documents by using Quick Submit at access.va.gov. You will be instructed to register during your first sign-on attempt. 

Submit by mail:

ASSISTANCE NEEDED – Should you have questions when filling out this form, you may contact our Applicant Assistance Unit toll free at: 1-800-697-6947, or at: ask.va.gov. No fee should be paid in connection with the preparation of this claim. 

TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY OF URN OR PLAQUE – VA will ship the commemorative urn or plaque without charge to the applicant designated in block 10a of the claim.. The applicant must provide the full delivery address and telephone number. If you fail to include the required address and telephone number, we will not deliver the urn or plaque. Upon receipt, a signature will be required. Unless the urn or plaque was damaged during shipping, VA will not replace the product. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: COMMEMORATIVE URN AND PLAQUE 

1. Q1.  What are the commemorative plaque and commemorative urn benefits? 

A1. The plaque and urn are two memorial items that commemorate a Veteran’s service whose cremated remains have not been interred.1 A “commemorative plaque” is designed to hang on a wall and a “commemorative urn’’ is used to hold the remains of a deceased cremated Veteran. Claimants may request either the plaque or the urn According to their preference. They are not entitled to both. 

2. Q2.  Please explain why Veterans commemorated with a plaque or urn are prohibited from being buried in VA national cemeteries or receiving a government headstone or marker or niche cover or medallion? 

A2. The federal law2 that authorizes VA to provide the plaque or urn benefit includes these prohibitions. Once VA furnishes a commemorative plaque or urn, the law prohibits VA from burying that Veteran in a VA national cemetery or providing a government headstone, marker, niche cover, or medallion for that Veteran in any cemetery. 

Q3. My mother wants to hold onto the cremated remains of my Veteran father in her residence until she passes and then at the time of need, she wants to be buried in a VA national cemetery with him. For that reason, we have decided not to submit a claim for a commemorative plaque or urn. Are there other benefits that VA provides that would commemorate without triggering the prohibition against future burial in a VA national cemetery? 

A3. Yes, VA can provide the following memorial benefits that would not affect future burial in a VA national cemetery. 

Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved, frameable paper certificate commemorating the service of a Veteran that bears the signature of the current President. An individual may order multiple PMCs for additional family members, and receipt of PMCs does not affect VA’s ability to inter or memorialize a Veteran in anyway. 

Q4.  Who is eligible for a plaque or urn? 

A4. VA will provide a plaque or an urn to a qualified applicant to commemorate a deceased Veteran who has been cremated with no portion of the remains interred at any location. The Veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable on or after April 6, 1917, and this also includes any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty whose remains have been cremated with no portion of the remains interred at any location. 

4. Q5.  What form do I need to fill out to get a plaque or urn instead of a headstone, marker, or medallion? 

A5. Please complete and submit the VA Form 40-1330UP, Claim for Commemorative Urn or Plaque for Veterans’ Cremains Not Interred. The form and supporting documents may be submitted by using Quick Submit at access.va.gov; mailed to NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547; or faxed to 1-800-455-7143. 

6. Q6.  I am interested in receiving either the plaque or the urn for my Veteran loved one, but I want the option to bury the Veteran’s cremated remains in a Veterans cemetery in the future. What options are there? Can I return the plaque or urn later and have the benefit of burial in a VA national cemetery restored? 

A6. Once a plaque or urn is furnished to commemorate a Veteran, VA is prohibited by law from interring the Veteran’s cremated remains in a VA national cemetery or from furnishing a headstone, marker, or medallion for placement in any cemetery. The law does not provide a method to restore these benefits. Many Veterans and family members consider the benefits forfeited to be of significant monetary and symbolic value. That is why this decision is so important. 

The law does not prohibit burial in a state or tribal Veterans cemetery or in any other cemetery. The owners/operators of those cemeteries will decide whether they will allow interment and under what conditions. Keep in mind, however, that many of these owner/operators usually rely on VA to provide a government headstone or marker to mark the grave of the Veteran at no cost. Since VA will not provide one, there may be additional costs that the owner/operator will charge to mark the grave. 

7. Q7.  Can the spouse still be buried in a national, state Veterans’ or tribal cemetery if a plaque or urn is provided for the Veteran? 

A7. Yes. The spouse (and/or dependent child) may still be interred in a VA national cemetery even if the Veteran is prohibited from burial and VA would mark the grave of the spouse (or dependent child.) 

Caution: However, a spouse (or dependent child) would be prevented from being interred if the Veteran’s remains and the spouse’s cremated remains are commingled. This would prevent VA from interring the spouse also. 

8. Q8.  I am the brother of a deceased Veteran and the cremated remains were given to my aunt. How can I learn whether a plaque or urn has already been provided to commemorate my Veteran brother? 

A8. To see if VA has already provided a plaque or urn to commemorate a certain Veteran, please check the Nationwide Gravesite Locator at https://www.cem.va.gov/nationwide-gravesite-locator/ and select “Urn/Plaque Benefits” from the Burial Locations drop down menu. You may also call the Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-697-6947. 

9. Q9.  My great-grandfather is memorialized overseas at an American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) cemetery. May I have a plaque for him? 

A9. If the remains are cremated and not interred, VA may be able to furnish a commemorative plaque for a Veteran memorialized on the Tablet of the Missing. 

10. Q10.  We received a government marker for the Veteran after we interred the ashes, but also kept some ashes at home. Can an urn be provided for the ashes? 

A10. No. This Veteran cannot be commemorated by a plaque or urn because the Veteran is already interred. 

11. Q11.  The Veteran’s cremated remains have been split up among the family. Can each family member receive a plaque or an urn? 

A11. No. VA is only authorized to furnish one commemoration product per Veteran, either the plaque or the urn. Additionally, the claimant for a plaque or an urn must certify that they are in possession of the entirety of the remains. 

12. Q12.  Can we get a plaque or urn to remember a non-Veteran spouse or dependent? 

A12. No. VA is only authorized to furnish a plaque or urn to commemorate an eligible deceased Veteran or Servicemember whose cremated remains are not interred. 

13. Q13.  Can I add more information to the plaque or urn, such as inscribing additional text or attaching items to it? 

A13. Unlike other memorial items that VA provides, once VA provides the plaque or urn, it becomes the applicant’s private property and there are no restrictions from altering it. 

14. Q14.  The plaque or urn was damaged when I received it. How do I get a replacement? 

A14. If your plaque or urn was damaged during shipping or contains a manufacturing deficiency or inscription error, you may request a replacement by notifying our Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-697-6947 and following the return instructions enclosed in the package. 

15. Q15.  I am a funeral home director and I help families inter their Veterans in a private cemetery and arrange for VA to provide a headstone. As part of my customer service to the families I serve, I like to explain their options for interment and marking the gravesite and the costs involved with the private cemetery. If they received a plaque or an urn, that will affect their options and possibly lead to more costs. How can I find out whether VA provided a plaque or urn to commemorate the Veteran? 

         A15. To see if a plaque or urn has already been provided, please check the Nationwide Gravesite Locator at https://www.cem.va.gov/nationwide-gravesite- locator/ and select “Urn/Plaque Benefits” from the Burial Locations drop down menu. The Urn Plaque Benefits Locator will be updated daily. You may also call the Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-697-6947. 

Q16. VA provides certain monetary burial benefits and plot allowance payments for the interment of certain deceased Veterans. Will VA provide these burial and plot allowance benefit payments for Veterans for whom VA has furnished a plaque or an urn? 

A16. If eligible, VA will provide monetary burial benefits and plot allowance payments for whom VA has furnished with a plaque or urn. 

17. Q17.  Can a Veteran for whom VA has furnished a commemorative plaque or urn be interred at Arlington National Cemetery? 

A17. Arlington National Cemetery is administered by the Department of the Army. The Office of Army Cemeteries has informed VA that Veterans for whom VA has furnished a commemorative plaque or urn will be prohibited from interment at Arlington National Cemetery. 

18. Q18.  I am a Veterans Service Officer, and I am assisting a local coroner’s office with the remains of an indigent Veteran. Can I apply for a plaque or urn since the Veteran has no family claiming the remains? 

A18. An applicant for a commemorative plaque or urn must be a member of the Veteran’s family, which includes the Veteran’s spouse or individual who was in a legal union as defined in 38 CFR § 3.1702(b)(1)(ii) of this chapter with the Veteran; a child, parent, or sibling of the veteran, whether biological, adopted, or step relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the Veteran. 

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Become a VA Medical Foster Home caregiver – this event is being held TODAY. If you can’t attend but want to get more information about this contact John at the email, below.

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35th National Muster of Fifes & Drums coming to Fort Adams Aug. 9-10.

Two of Rhode Island’s historic militias, the Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers, both celebrating their 250th anniversary, are hosting this exciting national event. Fife & drum corps from all over get together once a year for this spectator-friendly event. All performances are open to the public at no charge.

On Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. there is a tattoo at which select corps are invited to perform mini concerts. On Saturday an opening parade will kick off the festivities at 11 a.m. Muster performances begin at 1:30 p.m., with each corps performing three or four songs. The event concludes with all musicians playing the same songs together – a sort of jam session.

So far, 43 corps have registered. Participants include the famous 3rd U.S. Infantry Old Guard from Arlington, Virginia (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), and the Argovia Rebels are coming from Switzerland.

For further information, please email [email protected].

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Button Hole Golf Course continues Veterans Golf Clinics

All veterans and active service members are welcome, as well as immediate family members. There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two ‘ParaMobile’ golf carts are also available. The remaining 2024 schedule (all Thursdays): July 25, August 8, August 22, September 12, September 26, Oct. 10.

Typical agenda: 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Instruction on the range, plus playing as many holes as we can (or desire). A light meal and soft drinks will follow the golf, allowing a few minutes to unwind and talk about our golfing exploits.

Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, please email [email protected] so they’ll have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue, please call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664 and Button Hole can find you a ride

Saturday, Aug. 24, Narragansett Town Beach, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Veteran Surf Session by Soldiers Surf. Equipment (surfboards and wetsuits), surf instruction and lunch are provided to veterans and active-duty service members at no charge. Go to soldierssurf.com to register or volunteer. For further details, email Mike Tubridy at [email protected].

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Veterans Resource Fair at Schofield Armory : 705 New London Ave., Cranston. Organized by Ocean State Unit 118 of Military Women Across the Nation (MWAN), the event is open to all veterans and their families. Representatives from various providers, such as the VA, VA Hospital and Social Security, will provide information and answer questions. For details, call retired Col. Patty Ryan at (401) 369-1280 or email her at [email protected].
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Events

August 2, 2024 – Rhode Island National Guard Retiree Reunion This year’s reunion will be at the Quonset Officers Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Rd. N. Kingston, RI 02852. If anyone knows of other retirees who may not have access to a computer please pass on this information. As always, spouses, friends and guests are always welcome. The buffet cost will be $35.50pp. Cut off date for payment will be 30 July. Checks can now be sent to: Make checks payable to: Bob Antonelli and mail to 9 Hurlburt Ave, Johnston, RI 02919. Questions/concerns, contact Bob Antonelli at [email protected]  – Cell: 401-837-6028/401-996-3764

August 5, 2026 – 9:00 to 11:00 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave, Providence RI. Event sponsored by Italian American War Veterans of US/ Dept. of RI. Free REFRESHMENTS, pastries and calzones for all veterans and guest throughout the event.

August 12, 2024 Monday, Victory Day Celebration honoring our World War II Veterans . 2 locations, Perella’s Ristornate, Metcom Ave and Dan’s Place, West Greenwich. The event is sponsored by Italian American War Veterans of US, and will include FREE DINNER for all World War II Veterans and their families. WWII veterans can reserve an entire table for his family and friends. More information contact ITAM at (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected] 

Saturday, Aug. 24: Narragansett Town Beach, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Veteran Surf Session by Soldiers Surf. Equipment (surfboards and wetsuits), surf instruction and lunch are provided to veterans and active-duty service members at no charge. Go to soldierssurf.com to register or volunteer. For further details, email Mike Tubridy at [email protected].

August 28, 2024, Wednesday 500PM Rosario Club  ITAM Meeting and FREE dinner for ALL ITAM members and invited guest. Monthly dinner will pay tribute to Rhode Island veteran, PFC Anthony John Sivo, who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Vietnam War.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans Resource Fair at Schofield Armory, 705 New London Ave., Cranston. Organized by Ocean State Unit 118 of Military Women Across the Nation (MWAN), the event is open to all veterans and their families. Representatives from various providers, such as the VA, VA Hospital, and Social Security, will provide information and answer questions. For details, call retired Col. Patty Ryan at (401) 369-1280 or email her at [email protected].

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER! 

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.

August 28, 2024, 4:30 – 6:00 – Rosarion Club, Providence RI Monthly End of the month dinner for members and their guest of the Italian American War Veterans of US. Invited guest is the family of PFC Anthony John Sivo, KIA Vietnam in 1968.

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RI Boots to Bushels – Summer Workshop Series

Boots to Bushels Summer Workshop Series started on May 15th and will run until September 25, 2024, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. Calling all beginning farmers, military veterans, and those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Join us for hands-on learning at the URI Agronomy Farm this summer. Workshops will cover risk management topics ranging from methods to mitigate climate change, sustainable pest and disease management, cover crops and more! Each workshop is $10.00/per person. NO REFUNDS Register by clicking here. Each workshop takes place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at URI Agronomy Farm – 30 Thirty Acre Pond Rd, Kingston, RI 02881

WORKSHOP DATES and TOPICS

QUESTIONS? Contact Tricia Lourenco Boucher by emailing [email protected]. This program is supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.

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Providence Children’s Museum offers free admission to active military families

Providence Children’s Museum (PCM) participates in the Blue Star Museums program this summer. The national initiative, a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, provides free admission to all currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Providence Children’s Museum serves children and adults of all backgrounds and from all communities. Its focus is on children, ages 1 to 11, and the adults who care for them by presenting hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore arts, culture and science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends, and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans.

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Free Golf,  Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: 

Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park 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.

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/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:

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 

Providence Children’s Museum Offers Free Admission to Active Military Families This Summer

Providence Children’s Museum (PCM) announces its participation in the Blue Star Museums program this summer. The national initiative, a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, provides free admission to all currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

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 

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)  

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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.