RI Veterans: Did you know? 20.02.25 (facts, not fear on DOGE impact, events…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

DOGE Trimming of 17,000 VA Employees: Did not impact VA Providence medical or benefits

Social media posting and chatter throughout Rhode Island has been how the termination of over 17,000 VA employees terminated last week will affect over 60,000 veterans living in Rhode Island and Massachusetts using the Providence VA Medical Center (PVAMC) located on Chalkstone Ave, in Providence, RI. 

Based on all information available, to include a list of all exempt positions (see below) and a message on benefit cuts, VA News from Secretary of Veterans Affairs , Doug Collins, and responses or lack of responses from Senator Jack Reed , Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Providence VA Medical Director Lawrence Connel, and Providence VA Public Affairs – all who were asked simple questions by RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor: ZERO VA employees appear to have been terminated that would impact medical or benefits for Rhode Island veterans.

NOTABLY: RINEWSTODAY sought out any Providence VA Medical Center or Veterans Benefits Administration employee to tell their story – and NOT ONE response.

Moreover, in Senator Jack Reed’s website, he is seeking terminated employees to contact his office and tell their story. Based on his response, and ours, it appears NOT ONE VA Providence employee contacted his office.

This is the email and or inquiries sent Reed, Whitehouse, and Connell:

Few questions, about an article I am working on for publishing on Thursday for RINEWSTODAY

Q1 – Did any employees working at or for  VA Providence Medical receive termination letters as part of recent 17,000 employees terminated?

Q2 – If yes, were you able to receive waivers for those employees; as you may be aware, VA Secretary Doug Collins statements waivers are allowed, and not one of the firings impact Veteran medical or benefits, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-dismisses-more-than-1000-employees/

Q3 – Last week, according to a wife of a veteran at a private long term care facility (which the veteran is paying for), says last week she was told her 92 year husband primary care provider is no longer employed. She requests a new one, to include an appointment. She was DENIED, VA advised he no longer was eligible for primary provider since the facility he is in has one. He still will be eligible to receive audio, prescriptions, etc… But will not be assigned a primary. What is the policy for a combat disabled veteran living in a RI long term care facility—-are they still eligible for a VA provider, since they remain registered in VA Health Care?

Hoping to have information no later than 5:00PM on Wednesday, for an article to be published as a feature in my weekly veteran column on RINEWSTODAY, which is published every Thursday.

Sadly, RINEWSTODAY could not get answers to any of the above questions. Only “word salad” responses and or deferment to Washington, DC office for answers.

Unconscionable to think the Director of the Providence VA Medical Center cannot provide, and or know, how many employees under his management received the termination letter last week.

Unconscionable to imagine neither of the senators know how many VA employees were terminated at facilities located in their congressional district. Moreover, both Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse both have full-time staff, to include a veteran liaison to assist veterans and address any concerns. 

For further clarification to the over 60,000 veterans living in Rhode Island, below is information from VA News, nationally, on cuts:

VA dismisses more than 1,000 employees – February 13, 2025

Mission-critical positions are exempt from the reductions, which will enable VA to redirect over $98 million annually to health care, benefits and services for VA beneficiaries.

In a recent video message from his desk at VA Central Office, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins addressed media concerns that Veterans’ benefits might be targeted for cuts, https://news.va.gov/138326/va-secretary-doug-collins-veterans-benefits/ – (click on link, and scroll down, then click on video message from VA Secretary Collins on cuts).

“I’m the Secretary of VA, and I’m telling you right now, that’s not happening… the reality is, Veterans benefits aren’t getting cut,” Collins said. “In fact, we are actually giving and improving services.”

He went on to emphasize that the Veterans Benefits Administration is clearing cases faster than ever and that VA remains mission-focused by doing what it is supposed to do.

Now, in his first full week on the job, Collins also addressed concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and rumors regarding access to Veterans’ personal information. He clarified that DOGE representatives at VA are reviewing contracts to ensure operations remain efficient and that resources are directed toward services for Veterans.

“I’m happy to partner with them to find things we need to get rid of so we can put the money where it belongs… back with our Veterans,” he said.

Collins reinforced VA’s dedication to fulfilling its mission under President Trump’s leadership and concluded his message with an assurance of ongoing transparency regarding developments at VA.

Additionally, Secretary Collins created a list of all exempt positions from the terminations. RINEWSTODAY encourages all veterans to take the time to review the exempt list below; a list of the  most critical support VA medical or other benefits positions critical to the veterans quality of life, are not included in the 17,000 terminations.

		VA EXEMPTION REQUESTS
Hiring Authority	Series	Occupation
T5	0080	Security Administration (Police Chief, Physical Security Specialist, Personnel Security, Compliance Officer in 0080)
T5	0081	Fire Protection and Prevention (Fire Fighter)
T5	0083	Police
T38 Hybrid	0101	Addiction Therapist
T38 Hybrid	0101	Rehabilitation Counselor
T38 Hybrid	0101	Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder)
T5	0101	Supervisory Social Science Specialist (Veterans Crisis Line and Crisis Responder)
T5	0102	Peer Support Apprentice/Peer Specialist
T38 Hybrid	0180	Psychology
T38 Hybrid	0182	Marriage and Family Therapist
T38 Hybrid	0183	Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
T38 Hybrid	0185	Social Work
T5	0301	Correspondence Analyst (Triage – Veterans Crisis Line and IVC IEN Veteran and Family Member Programs)
T5	0301	Medical Administration Specialist (Administrator On Duty (AOD))
T5	0301	Veteran Outreach Program Specialist
T5	0340	Program Management Officer (IVC IEN Customer Service and Veteran and Family Member Programs)
T5	0340	Program Manager (IVC IEN Customer Service and Veteran and Family Member Programs)
T5	0344	Program Assistant (IVC IEN Customer Service)
T5	0382	Telephone Operating (Telephone Operators)
T5	0503	Medical Reimbursement Technician (Office of Community Care)
T38 Hybrid	0601	Acupuncturist
T38 Hybrid	0601	Blind Rehabilitation Specialist
T38 Hybrid	0601	Cytotechnologist
T38	0601	General Health Science (Chiropractors, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary)
T5	0601	Health Science Specialist (Veterans Crisis Line)
T38 Hybrid	0601	Histopathology Technologist
T38 Hybrid	0601	Nuclear Medicine Technologist
T5	0601	Supervisory Health Science Specialist (Veterans Crisis Line)
T38	0602	Medical Officer (Physician)
T38	0603	Physician Assistant
T38	0610	Nurse (All Assignments)
T38 Hybrid	0620	Practical Nurse
T5	0620/0640	Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT)/Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical)
T38 Hybrid	0621	Nursing Assistant
T38 Hybrid	0622	Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
T38 Hybrid	0630	Dietitian
T38 Hybrid	0631	Occupational Therapist
T38 Hybrid	0633	Physical Therapist
T38 Hybrid	0635	Corrective Therapist
T38 Hybrid	0636	Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant/Physical Therapy Assistant and Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Assistant
T5	0640	Health Aid and Technician
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Aid and Technician/Registered Respiratory Therapist
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Audiology), (Speech-Language Pathology), & (Audiology & Speech Language Pathology
T5	0640	Health Technician (Dietetics)
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Massage Therapy)
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Optometry)
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Pedorthist)
T38 Hybrid	0640	Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical)
T38 Hybrid	0644	Clinical Laboratory Scientist
T38 Hybrid	0645	Medical Technician (Medical Laboratory Technician)
T5	0645	Medical Technician (Phlebotomy)
T38 Hybrid	0646	Histopathology Technician
T5	0646	Pathology Technician
T38 Hybrid	0647	Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
T38 Hybrid	0648	Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist
T38 Hybrid	0649	Medical Instrument Technician
T38 Hybrid	0660	Pharmacist
T38 Hybrid	0661	Pharmacy Technician
T38	0662	Optometrist
T38 Hybrid	0665	Audiologist
T38 Hybrid	0665	Audiologist/Speech Language Pathologist
T38 Hybrid	0665	Speech Language Pathologist
T38 Hybrid	0665	Speech Pathology and Audiology
T38 Hybrid	0667	Orthotist and Prosthetist
T38	0668	Podiatrist
T38 Hybrid	0669	Medical Records Administration
T5	0671	Health System Specialist
T38 Hybrid	0672	Prosthetic Representative
T5	0673	Hospital Housekeeping Management
T38 Hybrid	0675	Medical Records Technician
T38 Hybrid	0679	Medical Support Assistance
T38	0680	Dental Officer (Dentist)
T38 Hybrid	0681	Dental Assistant
T38 Hybrid	0682	Dental Hygienist
T5	0683	Dental Laboratory Aid and Technician
T5	0690	Industrial Hygiene (Industrial Hygienist)
T38 Hybrid	0801	Healthcare Engineer
T5	0803	Safety Engineer
T5	0856	Electronics Technician
T38 Hybrid	0858	Biomedical Engineer
T5	0901	Legal Administrative Specialist (Member Services and IVC IEN Veteran and Family Member Programs)
T5	0962	Contact Representative (IVC IEN Veteran and Family Member Programs)
T5	0998	Claim Examiner
T5	1306	Health Physics (Health Physicist and Radiation Safety Officer)
T38 Hybrid	1601	Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist
T5	1712	Training Specialist (IVC IEN Customer Service)
T5	1715	Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist/Vocational Development Specialist
T5	2151	Dispatching
T5	2805	Electrician
T5	3566	Custodial Worker (Housekeeping Aids)
T5	4204	Pipefitting (Pipe Fitters)
T5	4206	Plumbing
T5	4701	Miscellaneous General Maintenance and Operations Work
T5	4742	Utility Systems Repairer-Operator
T5	4749	Maintenance Mechanic
T5	4805	Medical Equipment Repairer
T5	5026	Pest Controller
T5	5306	Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic
T5	5309	Heating and Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic
T5	5313	Elevator Mechanic
T5	5317	Laundry and Dry Cleaning Equipment Repairing
T5	5352	Industrial Equipment Mechanic
T5	5402	Boiler Plant Operating
T5	5406	Utility Systems Operating
T5	5408	Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating
T5	5409	Water Treatment Plant Operating
T5	5415	Air-Conditioning Equipment Operating
T5	5703	Motor Vehicle Operator (Limited to patient transportation)
T5	5716	Engineering Equipment Operating
T5	6907	Materials Handler
T5	7304	Laundry Worker
T5	7404	Cook (Cook and Cook Supervisor)
T5	7408	Food Service Worker (Food Service Worker and Food Service Worker Supervisor)
Any	Any	Canteen- Veterans Canteen Service
		VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINSITRATION
T5	0101	Rehabilitation Counselor
T5	0901	General Legal and Kindred
T5	0996	Veterans Claims Examiner
T5	1171	Appraisers (Specialty Adapted Housing Agents)
T5	1715	Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
		BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
T5	VLJ	Veterans Law Judges
T5	0905	Decision-Drafting Attorneys and Supervisory Counsel
T5	0905	General Attorneys
		NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION
T5	0301	Program Specialist (Cemetery Manager)
T5	0301	Program Specialist (Scheduling Office & MPS Only)
T5	0303	Program Support Assistant (Scheduling Office & MPS Only)
T5	0303	Program Support Assistant (Cemeteries Only)
T5	0341	Administrative Officers (Cemeteries Only)
T5	1630	Cemetery Administration Specialists
T5	4701	Maintenance/Operations Supervisor
T5	4749	Maintenance Worker/Mechanic
T5	4754	Cemetery Caretaker
T5	5003	Gardener
T5	5703	Motor Vehicle Operator
T5	5705	Tractor Operator
T5	5716	Engineering Eqpt Operator
T5	5803	Heavy Mobile Equip Repairer/Mechanic
T5	5823	Automotive Worker/Mechanic
T5	5823	Automotive Worker/Mechanic

RINEWSTODAY also talked to over 20 VA Providence employees, and not one are aware of any employee receiving a email or hand delivered a termination letter last week. Moreover, those VA Providence employees posting on social media of first-hand knowledge of VA Providence employees terminated would not even provide the position of the VA employees held before termination.

With all the protest and press conferences with terminated employees from the DOIG audits, why haven’t we heard from our entire congressional delegation on cuts at the VA Providence facilities.

This veteran concludes VA Secretary Collins, who received bi-partisan Senate confirmation (77-23 vote), is being transparent on his commitment not to make any cuts that will impact veteran benefits. 

Simply put, you should have no change in your health care at the Providence VA Medical Center or any additional delay in processing a claim the veteran filed.

In conclusion, RINEWSTODAY encourages any employee working at the Providence VA Medical Center of Veterans Benefit Administration receiving termination letter last week, contact us, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]. Your identity can be withheld.

This is a developing story, as RINEWSTODAY is awaiting a response to a  Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request for copies of redacted termination emails for all Providence VA Medical Center and VBA Providence employees who were terminated from February 10-15, 2026. 

Publisher’s Note: There is a lot of misinformation out there – and many efforts to instill fear about what is happening with cuts and audits – it is important to stand with the facts – RINewsToday thanks John Cianci for being a vigilant protector of the facts – when we KNOW what is happening we will INFORM you of the truth – and help in any ADVOCACY efforts we may want to take if programs or services are impacted. As of this date, we have none to report – but stay tuned to what we find with John’s efforts.

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VA Secretary Collins Kills “Politico” subscription, saving $178,000  a year

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has already swiftly embraced President Donald Trump’s demand for spending reform and cuts at the nation’s federal agencies. Just last week it was reported that Collins ended a costly contract with Politico, a national digital specialty news site, and is targeted millions of dollars in funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Following President Trump and Elon Musk’s cuts to Politico spending by USAID, Collins said he slashed two contracts to Politico Pro that cost the department $178,000 a year, a stunning price for news subscriptions.

“Ran across a $178,000 contract VA had with Politico and we promptly canceled it. That money can be better spent on Veterans health care!” he wrote Collins on X.

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Military spouses exempted from return-to-work mandate

From DOD News, February 18, 2025, WASHINGTON:  

While the president has ordered federal employees who have been working remotely and teleworking back to their offices, an exception is now in place for those federal employees who are spouses of military service members.

The Office of Personnel Management released a memorandum titled “Guidance on Exempting Military Spouses and Foreign Service Spouses from Agency Return to Office Plans” on Feb. 12, 2025. The memo explains how federal civilian employees who are also military spouses are exempt from the return-to-work mandate.

“Agencies should… ensure that their return-to-office plans categorically exempt all military spouses authorized to engage in remote work,” the memorandum explains. “This includes both military spouses appointed under the Military Spouse Employment Act authorities and those appointed under other hiring authorities.”

The memo also said agencies may continue hiring military spouses in remote work positions.

According to the memorandum, the policy covers spouses of members of the armed forces on active duty, spouses of service members who retired with 100% disability, and spouses of service members who died while on active duty. Spouses of National Guard members on full-time guard duty are also included. The memo also covers spouses of U.S. foreign service members.

“Agencies should ensure that all such military and foreign service spouses are permitted to continue with any applicable remote work arrangements,” the memo says.

Across the active-duty military, more than 48% of service members are married. Their spouses face challenges finding employment because the military lifestyle includes frequent moves, making it difficult to commit to a single employer or develop a career. That inability to find meaningful work makes life even more difficult for families who may depend on having a dual-income household. 

According to DOD’s “2023 Demographics Profile of the Military Community,” approximately 64% of military spouses want to be employed. Of the spouses who want to be employed, about 79% have found work, while about 21% are unable to find work. The new policy memo from OPM will help keep many military spouses employed and serve as a critical recruitment and retention tool.

“Rebuilding our military starts with recruiting and retaining the right people. Spouse employment is a key factor in that task, helping the department retain service members with hard-earned skills by easing the financial strain on their families,” said Tim Dill, who is currently performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs.

Dill is an Army veteran and Green Beret who served as an infantry and Special Forces officer in the 82nd Airborne Division and 3rd Special Forces Group. He said his military service gave him a deep understanding of how military service affects family life.

“I witnessed firsthand the challenges that military families face, including frequent moves, long hours and deployments,” he said. “Helping military spouses find and keep jobs helps our military families thrive in challenging circumstances, making us a more focused and lethal force.”

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EVENTS

February 26, 2025, Wednesday – Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI , 500-700 pm . Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Guest Chef Manual Leander doing his award winning Portuguese FREE remake of original dog tag—made on site, for ALL new members, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]

February 27, 2025, Thursday – 6:00-9:00 pm  Veteran Social at Toast n ‘ Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick RI.

March 1, 2025, Saturday Christ Church 57 Main Street , Swansea MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast, (First Saturday of every month) Veteran and one guest. Thanks to all the vets and volunteers at Christ Church! Free Veterans Breakfast first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUPAmerican Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos.

March 3, 2025, 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 itamri4vets@ann-clanton

March 7, Friday (always first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eaglerville Road, Tiverton RI, “Fall in Friday” for active duty, veterans and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 12:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. More information, (401) 640-7506. https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

March 7, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran owned, Iraqi War Veterans Jason Badger. Veterans can order anything off the menu free of charge, said Badger’s owner Jason Badger, including the bar’s New York System hot wieners and their fish and chips. Along with the free meals, 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.

March 15, 2025 – Tea for RI Women Veterans, 1:00- 3:00pm, Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI. Open to all women veterans. Sponsored by Unit 118 Military Women Across the Nation.

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VA Providence News

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Veterans! File Your Taxes for FREE! VA Providence is offering free tax preparation services exclusively for Veterans from Feb. 7 – April 13 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (by appointment only). Call (401) 273-7100 ext. 12025 to schedule your appointment today!

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VA Providence Healthcare News

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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.

Monthly Schedule for long term care and assisted living facilities needing volunteers:

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity. As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

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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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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 to 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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Texas Roadhouse Honors Veterans on Valentine and President Day With Free Lunch/Dinner

For a Monday, over hundredth veterans turned out for the free lunch or dinner offered by Texas Roadhouse, Warwick RI.

RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor was one of the veterans, connecting with his former commander, US marine / US Army Robert Jones, and US Navy Veteran Anya, one of over 50 Citizen Veteran Volunteers with the Italian American War Veterans of US/ LeaveNoVeteranAlone program, https://italianamericanwarveteran.org.

A salute to Texas Roadhouse for ongoing programs thanking out veterans for their service. 

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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.

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