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RI Veterans: Did you know? 19.10.23 (PFAS, holidays, events, resources…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer
Questions from one of our readers
Q: – “I was stationed as a member of the Rhode Island Air National Guard at Quonset Point and was told to sign up with a private attorney under the PFAS lawsuit? If I sign up, how does filing with a private attorney impact a VA claim filed for PFAS exposure?” – Casey, North Smithfield
A: – First, any private legal action the veteran is signed up for re exposure to PFAS will not affect the veteran’s claim filed with the VA.
Quonset Point is located in Washington County.
Washington County is one of the locations that if you drank from a water source contaminated with PFAS for 6 consecutive months at any time since 1990 and were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or cancers affecting the testicles, kidneys, liver, prostate, or pancreas after the year 2000, then you may be eligible for compensation due to exposure to those PFAS.
VETNOTES: According to another website, other Rhode Island locations have tested positive for PFAS: North Smithfield Air Guard Station, and Coventry Training Site. For the complete list of military bases with PFAS contaimination, here is the link, https://www.nationalinjuryadvocates.com/list-of-military-bases-with-pfas-contamination/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhL6pBhDjARIsAGx8D5-DqSpD-LA88toVYwISf_eyz9Vq-qqOtR7CMIR25RNDpVDrWbqraCoaAtx5EALw_wcB
From a recent article by a Rhode Island law firm, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick, LTD, below are locations veterans and civilian could be eligible for compensation:
However, you must reside in one of the following locations:
· Alabama
o Calhoun
o Centre
o Guin
o Saraland
o Satsuma
· Alaska
o Fairbanks North Star Borough
· Arizona
o City of Tempe
o Phoenix
· California
o East LA
o Fresno
o San Jose
o Los Angeles
o Sacramento
o San Bernardino
· Colorado
o Colorado Springs
o Denver
· Florida
o Escambia County
o Pensacola
o Stuart
· Illinois
o Collinsville
o Cook City
o Grundy County
o Kane
o Lake County
o Madison
o McHenry County
o Rock Island
o Clair County
o Tazewell County
o Will County
- Kentucky
- Bullitt
- Greenup
- Hardin
- Nelson
- Oldham
- Shelby
- Spencer
- Massachusetts
- Ayer
- Easton
- Hyannis
- Lanesborough
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Worcester
- Michigan
- Algoma Township
- New Hampshire
- Portsmouth
- New Jersey
- Essex
- North Carolina
- Maysville
- Brunswick
- New York
- Hampton Bays
- Dutchess
- Ulster
- Ohio
- Dayton
- Hamilton County
- Pennsylvania
- Warminster
- Warrington
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- South Carolina
- Charleston
- Clinton
- Wisconsin
- Milwaukee County
What Are PFAS?
“Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” or PFAS, are toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans. These chemicals are produced by a variety of industries, including oil processing and manufacturing. As a result, they can be found in a wide variety of places, including in certain fabrics; cleaning products; paints; and other consumer goods that you use in your daily life.
Simply put, PFAS is a type of foam used by firefighters to smother high-intensity fires.
Unfortunately, research has linked PFAS to cancer.
What are the criteria for seeking compensation related to PFAS exposure?
As stated, if you drank from a water source contaminated with PFAS for 6 consecutive months at any time since 1990 and were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or cancers affecting the testicles, kidneys, liver, prostate, or pancreas after the year 2000, then you may be eligible for compensation due to exposure to PFAS.
In a recent study, researchers found that elevated blood levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a specific type of PFAS, was associated with higher risk of developing testicular cancer type. These findings were published in Environmental Health Perspectives in July 2023.https://dceg.cancer.gov/news-events/news/2023/pfas-testicular-cancer
In conclusion, after reading the aforementioned information on PFAS you believe your cancer or other medical issues are related to military service and being exposed to PFAS at one of the locations, contact a Veteran Service Officer to seek assistance in filing a claim. The Italian American War Veterans Service Officer can be reached at (401) 677-9838, email [email protected], or any veteran service officers from the VFW, American Legion, and DAV. All assistance provided is FREE from these VA accredited organizations.
In addition, you can Google search for an attorney assisting veterans filing private legal action for members of the military who have been exposed to PFAS.
Events
October, 2023
TODAY – October 19, 2023 – Lieutenant Governor Matos, RI Blue Star Moms to Kick Off Operation Holiday Cheer Donation Drive Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos and elected officials from across Rhode Island will join the RI Blue Star Moms, the RI National Guard, Operation Stand Down RI, the United States Postal Service, and the American Red Cross of RI to kick off the 21st annual Operation Holiday Cheer, which provides care packages for Rhode Island military service members stationed away from home during the winter holidays.
October 25 2023 – On Wednesday, October 25, RI Commander of the Military Order of Foreign Wars (RIMOFW) will host its annual dinner. It will take place at the beautiful Squantum Association facility at 947 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Riverside, 02915. The Squantum features elegant surroundings, excellent food and sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. A military group’s “dining-in” is a tradition which allows unit or association members to enjoy each other’s company as well as poke some fun. RIMOFW is justly proud of its annual dining-in. (Full disclosure: I am the past commander of this organization, so there is some pride of ownership involved in this announcement.) This year, however, the group has decided to hold a “dining-out” instead. While the dining-in is limited to the members of the group, the dining-out may include other guests. It is tailored to minimize some of the military trappings to make it more appealing to civilian guests.
Captain John Conlin will host the event. He served three combat tours in the Borneo jungle with the famed Gurkha Rifles after his 1962 graduation from Sandhurst, the British Military Academy, his avocations include horse jumping, fox hunting and even elephant polo. An avid student of military history, his keen sense of humor and dynamic personality will make the event most interesting and entertaining. Conlin will lead a brief reenactment of the notorious 1925 court martial of Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, considered the father of American air power. After hearing both sides, dinner guests will decide General Mitchell’s guilt of innocence. Attire is cocktail/semi-formal for civilians; black tie is optional. For military guests, dress blues would be appropriate, with mess dress optional. Tickets are $50 each and are available online at https://www.RIMOFW.org; or by mailing a check to RIMOFW, c/o LTC James Kenney, 26 Mohawk Street, Cranston, RI 02816.
October 27, 2023, Friday – Dinner and Entrainment, Varum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich RI , 80th Anniversary – Prime Rib or Fish dinner, tickets $60 per person. WWII Combat Infantry Veterans are FREE. Make checks payable to Combat Infantrymen Association, 42 Manning Street, North Providence RI 02911. All proceeds to benefit HONOR FLIGHTS OF RI, Inc.
November 2023
November 4, 2023 (Saturday) – Masonic Lodge Franklin Lodge No. 29, F.& A.M., in Westerly is having a free Turkey Dinner on Saturday, November 4, 2023; at Masonic Temple, 20 Elm Street, Westerly for veterans and active military. Spouses and companions welcome.RSVP 860-608-5265, Ray Geer, [email protected]. Dinner is served from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
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.
November 20 (Monday) – Monday, VFW Post, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton, RI FREE. FREE luncheon for Veterans from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Italian American War veterans of the US and Building Bridges
November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving) – Free Thanksgiving Dinner for veterans and guest, or veteran spouse, and dependents at Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI. FREE Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans at Perella’s Ristorante sponsored by Italian American War Veterans of the US /Department of Rhode Island. can start making reservations by email [email protected] or phone (401) 677-9838 (DO NOT CALL PERELLA’s). Space availability will allow non-veterans to make reservations. Raffles, donations, and silenet auction will benefit ITAM Recreational and Transportation Fund. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW. Transportation for Veterans from Veterans Home is AVAILABLE by ITAM. Donations are welcomed, make check made out to ITAM ( note Thanksgiving in the remarks): mail to ITAM , 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield RI 02896.Volunteers are welcome, contact ITAM , (401) 677-9838.
December, 2023
December 2, 2023 (Saturday) – Comedy Show and Italian Buffet Dinner (Veal/Chicken Parmigiana /pasta/salad, dessert. Dinner fundraiser for ITAM Rhode Island Veterans Relief and Recreational Fund, VFW, Shove Street, Tiverton RI. Tickets $40, doors open at 6 p.m. Tables of 8 available for $200 to groups. For tickets contact the Italian American War Veterans of US.
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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 your 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]
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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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: 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.