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RI Veterans: Did you know? 19.09.24 (TODAY at Operation Stand Down, events…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues
We start off with questions from our veteran readers.
Q: – My license was suspended because I didn’t show up for the court date and have several outstanding tickets. Can a veteran get help to fix it?
A: – Yes, in fact, starting today Operation Stand Down RI has their 39th Stand Down in Johnston, RI. One of the tents will have representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) who will be able to assist veterans with license restorations.
Other contacts that could help a veteran with outstanding traffic violations:
Emma Marietti, LICSW VTC Court Coordinator at District Court – (401) 822-6797 – (veterans must call to set-up and appointment)
Erica Madaus, LICSW VJO social worker at Providence VA – (401) 640-1618
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Q: – I have a bad discharge and was told new VA rules allow me to be eligible for VA healthcare and the VA will upgrade my discharge. In June 2024 a final rule expanded access to care and benefits for service members by, VA began processing applications for benefits with reviewing character of discharge for upgrading for only for VA health care. Deb, Providence
A: – In layman’s terms, VA health care was expanded for certain veterans that do not have an honorable discharge. And if you applied in the past, reapply, especially in the bad discharge was after a TBI. The new regulation expands access to care and benefits for certain former service members.
Our character of discharge determination does not change the Armed Forces’ characterization of service and has no effect on the former Service member’s military discharge status. The determination is for VA benefits and services eligibility purposes only. Generally, to receive VA benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other than honorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA. The VA issued final amending our regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial.
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More on Operation Stand Down Rhode Island’s Annual Veteran Assistance Event
VETTIP: If you will be attending and seeking help at Operation Stand Down in Johnston RI, bring your DD214 and/or discharge papers. This will allow dozens of services being offered at the event to not only review your discharge but process any benefit you might be entitled to from the VA, federal, and or state government.
Parking: Veterans attending the event should park across from Tri-County Community Action Committee and or at Market Basket, where a shuttle will be available throughout the day to shuttle attendees.
Today and Tomorrow, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, at 1010 Hartford Ave., will hold a veteran assistance event on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a lunch break from noon to 1:30 p.m. on both days.
Although the event doesn’t have the same flavor in the days it was held at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland, veterans will have ready access to services for housing, employment.
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Free College Courses for Veterans
The Providence Clemente Veterans’ Initiative (PCVI) is a free program that offers humanities classes to veterans in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The program’s goal is to help veterans find a sense of purpose and community through the humanities, and to explore their experiences through history, literature, philosophy, and art.
Eligibility is open to all veterans, regardless of age, deployment, disability, rank, education, and discharge status. The program offers accredited college course, free books, tuition, computer assistance, and experienced professors.
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EVENTS
Thursday/Friday September 19/20 2024, Operation Stand Down, Johnston RI – Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 33rd annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 19th 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 – 4:00 on Thursday 9/19, and 8:00 – 2:00 on Friday 9/20.
Friday, September 20, 2024 – 1 to 5 p.m. Reunion 243 Engineer Battalion, R.I. Army National Guard. Kellry Grazzerro VFW Post 2812. 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, Rhode island. Italian buffet is $25 per person, cash bar. Come join us for food, friendship and fun. RSVP no later than September 10, 2024. To sign up make your check payable to Ray Laprad and mail it along with your contact information to 243d Engr B Reunion, 33 Nothhamton St. Warwick RI 0288. Questions email [email protected].
Friday, September 20, 2024 – 7th annual Cardines Classic Army-Navy baseball game, Cardines Field, America’s Cup Ave. in Newport. Free, open to public. Student players from Naval War College will be dressed in WWII-era uniforms. Hosted by Naval War College Foundation and Naval History and Heritage Command. Sponsored by Pritzker Military Foundation.
Saturday, Sept. 21, 5 to 10 p.m.; R.I. National Guard Military Ball, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. A cocktail reception will be followed by dinner, music and dancing. Tickets are $70 each and must be purchased online at Eventbrite.com (search for “Rhode Island National Guard Military Ball”). Ticket sales end Sept. 12. Military attire is mess dress or semiformal service dress. Civilian guests should wear semiformal attire. For further information, email ring.militaryball@ gmail.com.
Sunday September 29, 2024 – 5:30 a.m. SENDOFF and Welcome Home, Sunday , September 29, 2024 @10:00 p.m at T.F Green International Airport
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 5-6 – Overnight Camping Women Veterans Retreat; at Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton. Organized by the R.I. VFW and sponsored by United Way of Fall River, the event runs from 10 a.m. on Saturday to early afternoon on Sunday. Bring your mementos and photos! RSVP no later than Sept. 10. To learn more and to sign up, call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine-horse.com. Rain Date: Oct. 12-13. Questions? Call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine- horse.com
October 7, 2024, Monday – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00-11:00 am. ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence RI, Sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US. Free for all veterans and their guest. Veteran Service officer available to assist any veteran or family member with federal and state benefits. More information, contact ITAM office, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]
Saturday, Oct 19, 2024, noon – 107th Signal Company Annual Lunch, VFW Kelly-Grazzerro Post 2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston RI. Family style meal will be served, $35. Make checks payable to Kelly Grazzero Post 2812 and mail to Bill Cill, 115 Hope Street Rumford RI 02916.Ther event is for veterans only, Any questions call Bill Cill, (401)486-2542 or email [email protected]
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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! – Supplies are low – if you go to the Veterans day today – why not bring some non-perishables with you?
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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.
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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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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 (2 Thursdays): 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.
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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 through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.
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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
(401) 222-3576
To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.
Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:
· Active-Duty Service members – Military ID
· Veterans – DD214
· Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter ( Contact VA office)
Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576
Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.
The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:
· Licensing fees
· Camping fees
· Picnic table fees
· Specialized facility use fees
· Use of equestrian areas
· Performing art centers
· Game fields fees
· Mule shed fees
If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.
Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.
Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]
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RESOURCES & ongoing groups
Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering. As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!
***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
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 – 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.
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/
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.