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RI Veterans: Did you know? 19.12.24 (104 WWII Veteran Medeiros, 2024 review…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
104-year-old RI Battle of Bulge Survivor, WWII Veteran Arthur Medeiros; one of Rhode Island’s Most Decorated Living Combat Veterans and John A. Cianci
RI WWII Survivor of Battle Of Bulge
December 16, 2024 marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, a World War II battle. U.S Army veteran, Arthur Medeiros, of Bristol, RI, 104 years old, is a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. Approximately, 19,000 U.S Soldiers were killed in the battle, in what became the United States’ deadliest single World War II battle.
Mederois plays golf three time a week – “I was in a foursome with him at a veteran golf tournament held by the Side by Side Foundation at Pleasant Valley in Sutton,” said RINEWSTODAY veteran writer John A. Cianci. “He played 18 holes and didn’t have one bad drive.” Medeiros would drive the ball 150-175 yards. “I’ve been having breakfast 1-2 times a week with Arthur, and he, like the dozen other RI World War II Veterans are living heroes, “said Cianci.
Medeiros is one of Rhode Island’s most decorated veterans. His awards include Silver Star, Bronze Star, 3 Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, World War II Victory Medal, numerous bronze campaign stars on the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal. many others.
Reviewing Medeiros’s DD214 show he participated in several of the major battles, to include D-Day, June 6, 1944. He was among the thousands of Allied soldiers to storm Normandy’s beaches, Day 1 in the fight to liberate France.
Medeiros would be shot in Normandy and have to be medi-vacced to England for his injuries. However, his stay was not long in England, as he was treated for his injuries and insisted to be returned to the battlefield, which he was, going back to Normandy for a second time. He fought several more months before the Battle of the Bulge. After the Battle of Bulge, he remained fighting in several other battles of WWII.
On March 15, 1945, the end of the war near, he suffered his last injury while in a military jeep that was attacked by the Germans. Exiting the vehicle, he was wounded again. 2 of the 4 soldiers in the jeep were killed, to include Medeiros’ captain, Edward J. O’Melia Jr.
Before the war, O’Melia was a Holy Cross football star. Edward J. O’Melia Jr. was among some 8,000 military dead laid to rest (Plot F, Row 4, Grave 75) at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium
In June, Medeiros, who returned to Normandy for the 80-year remembrance of D-Day, talks freely about his war experience, as if it’s a sense of duty. Medeiros is looking forward to celebrating his 105th birthday in 2025, which will have to wait his return from Florida, as he travels down as a snowbird with his daughter, Sharon, annually. “I can continue to play golf 3-4 times a week in Florida and look forward to coming back to RI after the winter and celebrating my 105th birthday,” said Medeiros.
“Medeiros friends will miss him, which include myself,” said Cianci. Arthur you are a living hero, and Rhode islanders patiently await your return. WE THANK YOU for your service.
More information on the Battle of Bulge, from the Arlington Cemetery website:
The Battle of the Bulge, described by Winston Churchill as “undoubtedly the greatest American battle” of World War II, took place in the Ardennes Forest region of Belgium and Luxembourg from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945. The last major German counteroffensive on the Western Front, it ended in victory for Allied forces under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower — but at great cost. Soldiers fought in brutal winter conditions, and the U.S. Army lost approximately 19,000 men (and suffered some 75,000 total casualties) in what became the United States’ deadliest single World War II battle.
In 2002, Congress authorized the placement in Arlington National Cemetery of a memorial honoring World War II veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. The memorial was dedicated on May 8, 2006, in a ceremony attended by 300 veterans and family members, along with Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt of Belgium and Luxembourg’s secretary of state for culture, Octavie Modert. Its main inscription reads, “To World War II American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge — the greatest land battle in the history of the United States Army.” Text on the base of the memorial reads, “Triumph of courage” and “From the grateful people of the Kingdom of Belgium and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.”
More about the Battle of the Bulge, from the U.S. Army Center of Military History.
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Events
January 6, 2024, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00 – Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian American war Veterans of US. Free to all veterans and guest. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. More information contact ITAM, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]
January 25, 2025 – Rhode Island National Guard Reunion, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, 13110 S Lake Mary Jane Lane, Orlando Florida. 32832 . $25 BYOB. Please respond no later than January 10, 2025. Payments can be made by check or pay by Venmo at @Patricia-Ryan-37.
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Governnor McKee announces accomplishments in 2024 from the RI Department of Veterans Affairs:
“Rhode Island is forever indebted to the brave men and women, and their families, who have served our country selflessly,” said Governor Dan McKee. “These heroes represent the best of our state, and I’m grateful to the Veterans Services team for helping us honor their service, support their day-to-day lives, and provide our veterans access to care and resources they need to enjoy the lives they deserve.”
“Your Veterans Services team is proud to come to work every day and advocate for our Veterans and their loved ones,” said RIVETS Director Kasim Yarn. “In 2024, we teamed up on projects that make Rhode Island a viable place for Veterans to work, retire, and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We’re heading into 2025 with renewed optimism to continue finding new ways of serving our military families.”
RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery Expansion – Expansion efforts are underway at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery (RIVMC) in Exeter. Nearly 300 acres are dedicated as a solemn resting place for our Veterans and family members. Staff assists in approximately 100 monthly burials with an eye toward future growth and capacity. RIVMC applied for and received a $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to construct a new columbarium wall for 2,100 “niches,” or small compartments that hold urns. As cremation becomes more practical, the cemetery has built more niche walls to accommodate our military heroes’ urns. Construction will finish in 2025. Construction is underway at the site of RIVETS’ new columbarium wall.
RI Veterans Home Improvements: The Vets Home is Rhode Island’s premier long-term health care facility for more than 140 war Veterans on Mt. Hope Bay in Bristol. In 2024, a pharmacy expansion nearly doubled the square footage and improved the workspace to service the increasing pharmaceutical needs of our Veteran residents. Security gates were also added to the property at the front and rear entrances to enhance safety for residents, families, and staff. In addition to this, RIVETS was awarded a $47,500 grant by the Department of Veteran Affairs to promote the hiring and retention of nurses. Separately, planning is underway for a job fair to recruit nurses and certified nursing assistants at the Veterans Home as the office looks to open more available beds for our deserving Veterans.
Veterans Café Offers Healthy Meals and Social Opportunities: In July 2024, RIVETS launched the Veterans Café in partnership with Meals on Wheels of RI and the Office of Healthy Aging. The Veterans Café, at its core, offers an opportunity for Veterans over the age of 60 to share a nutritious meal, socialize, and connect with much-needed benefits like those provided by the Department of Human Services and VA Health Care in Providence. Café locations rotate monthly between locations in Woonsocket and Warwick.
New Veteran Service Officers Across the State: Eight new certified community behavioral health clinics now offer Rhode Island residents and military families access to Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in different regions across the state. These newly trained VSOs are equipped to help Veterans, and their families navigate access to benefits in addition to being able to provide mental health and substance use services. RIVETS has worked on the health clinic rollout in partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, and the RI Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Mental Health Awareness: Mental health awareness and suicide prevention are important pieces of overall health care in the Veteran community. RIVETS is a key partner with the Department of Health in coordinating services between local, state, and federal agencies working on behalf of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant ($750,000). RIVETS and RIDOH produced “Ask the Question” training statewide to educate community organizations on best practices for collecting and utilizing military service information. “Help for Veterans” brought Veteran specific mental health resources to Veteran households. After a mass mailing effort to raise awareness of the program and reduce mental health stigmas, a dedicated website was visited more than 48,000 times.
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Boots to Bushels farmer training for New England
Military veterans, family members and beginner farmers invited to join market garden program; next class starts in January. URI’s Boots to Bushels farmer training gives military veterans and other beginning farmers the chance to learn skills like Westin Palumbo, shown, a senior in the University’s sustainable agriculture and food systems program.
The University of Rhode Island’s Cooperative Extension is welcoming applications for the second year of a program that connects New England military veterans and beginning farmers with opportunities in agriculture. The University of Rhode Island Boots to Bushels program is a comprehensive nine-month market garden training program for beginning farmers, military veterans, and their family members.
The winter program, which starts in January, offers online classes and farm tours that focus on building a sustainable farm business and connecting learners with agricultural resources for sustainable farming practices.
Registration for the next session is open through Dec. 31.
Tricia Lourenco Boucher, Boots to Bushels program director and a military veteran, says the program began as a way to connect veterans with careers in agriculture; along the way, it also expanded to include beginning farmers and those from underserved populations.
Air Force veteran Jonathan George ’26 is one participant in Boots to Bushels. Applications for the next session are due by Dec. 31.
“We had a very successful first year,” she says, “with about 28 online participants from across the Northeast. We are looking forward to this upcoming year with lots of great subject matter experts including a business mentor. We also changed the time to evenings with the hopes to reach more participants. The class is really for anyone, but especially veterans who are considering starting a small farm but don’t know where to start.”
The course runs from Jan. 21 through March 27 with classes held via zoom on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Classes will be taught by agricultural experts from across the Northeast, from Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Land for Good, AgrAbility, and Land & Sea Together, with additional speakers from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.
In the spring and summer, there will be optional farm tours across Rhode Island and Maine, offering valuable opportunities to learn and build relationships from farmers with boots on the ground.
Boucher says, “If you are considering B2B but are not from Rhode Island or Maine, and would like to attend a farm tour, we can help facilitate other options closer to you. Many farmers are happy to share their knowledge.”
The final stage of the program includes optional summer workshops at URI’s Kingston Campus. These hands-on opportunities offer added perspective on farming and are free for participants who complete the course.
“This program helps to make those connections and provide practice in the many skills needed to be successful in farming,” says Boucher. “It’s a program that makes sense, both for veterans to continue to serve their country through land stewardship and through providing food to their communities. I’m excited about the potential of Boots to Bushels to have a lasting impact on veterans, beginning farmers and our food system.”
Scholarships are available for veterans with limited resources. Please email [email protected] to learn more scholarship opportunities.
To learn more or apply, visit here. Applications are due by Dec. 31.
Cooperative Extension strives to reach every corner of Rhode Island, providing science-based information through educational programs and services for people to apply to their everyday lives. For more information or to get updates on future training sessions, email [email protected].
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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!
Supplies are low- please stop by with items – or make a monetary contribution.
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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:
Leave No Veteran Alone Program – Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide. Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.
See our need for delivering Thanksgiving meals – top of this article!
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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends, and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Can Call
- Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
- VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
- Federal, state and local partners
- Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless
Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)
- It’s free and confidential
- You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
- It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area
What Happens When Veterans Make the Call
- A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
- Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
- What Happens When Others Make the Call
- Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
- They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
- VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
- VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans.
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Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans:
A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses. No cost licenses are available if you are: over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident – a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs – a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration.
To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)
To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing. The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is: DEM Licensing Office – 235 Promenade Street, Room 360 – Providence, RI 02908 – or call (401) 222-3576.
To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.
Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply: Active-Duty Service members – Military ID – Veterans – DD214 – Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter (Contact VA office).
Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management – 235 Promenade Street, Room 360 – Providence, RI 02908 – Phone: 401-222-3576
Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.
The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following: Licensing fees – Camping fees – Picnic table fees – Specialized facility use fees – Use of equestrian areas – Performing art centers – Game fields fees – Mule shed fees
If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.
Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.
Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters – 1100 Tower Hill Road – North Kingstown, RI 02852 – Phone: 401-667-6200 – Email: [email protected]
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RESOURCES & ongoing groups
Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering. As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!
***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
Services
No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.
Restaurants
Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022.
Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.
Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022.
Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021
99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID
Retailers
Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021
Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).
BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021
Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner
GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me
Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.
Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.
Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI
Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.
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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]: the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.
If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)
To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/
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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.
Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.
Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.
He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.