RI Veterans: Did you know? 20.11.25 (VA questions, Events, Thanksgiving) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Questions from one of our readers?

Does the VA have timelines you must file for travel pay for appointments? Casey, N, Smithfield

Yes, the VA requires veterans to file for travel pay reimbursement within 30 days of the appointment date. This deadline applies to all approved travel, and claims must be submitted to the VA within this 30-day window to be eligible for reimbursement.

 Who is eligible for travel pay?  Casey, N. Smithfield, RI

VA travel pay reimburses eligible Veterans and caregivers for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments. Find out if you’re eligible and how to file a claim. If you are rated a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, you are eligible for travel pay from your home of record to the VA or the location of a medical appointment scheduled by the VA.

More on travel pay eligibility from the VA website:

For Veterans

As a Veteran, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you meet the requirements listed here.

This must be true:

You’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.

And at least 1 of these must also be true:

• You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, or
• You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%, or
• You receive a VA pension, or
• You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate, or
• You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by our guidelines, or
• You’re traveling for one of these reasons: A scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care

For caregivers

We may pay for transportation and related lodging and meals for non-Veterans if the person meets any of these requirements.

At least 1 of these must be true:

• The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care, or
• The person is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care, or
• The person is your transplant care donor or support person

Types of expenses we reimburse for general health care travel

General health care travel reimbursement covers these expenses for eligible Veterans and caregivers:

• Regular transportation, such as by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail
• Approved meals and lodging expenses

How to file for VA travel pay?

Option 1: If your appointment is at the VA, after the appointment, go to the travel office.

Option 2: Online. Log in using your Login.gov or ID.me account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one to verify your identity.

Option 3: Using the VA and Health Care mobile app on your cell phone. To install the APP, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobileapp&hl=en_IN

Read the official press release about this feature.

VETTIP: Veterans are reminded that all claims for travel pay MUST be submitted within 30 days of your VA appointment date.  

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Thanksgiving Day Dinner is Offered FREE for Veterans and Guests on Thanksgiving

The Italian American War Veterans of the United States(ITAM) ’ 5^th Annual free Thanksgiving dinner will be at Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, RI, on Thanksgiving Day.

Last year, almost 250 Thanksgiving dinners were served at Perella’s Ristorante, and an additional 50 meals were delivered to veterans living at home throughout RI and MA.

“Lou Perella, owner of Perella’s Ristorante, turns over his kitchen and restaurant to ITAM, and over 50 volunteers prepare and serve Thanksgiving dinner to our veterans, “ said John Cianci, Department Commander/Veteran Service Officer for ITAM.

In addition to veterans, an estimated 70 active-duty soldiers and sailors served dinner last year.

Unique to the event, the dinner is served by volunteer waitresses and waiters.

The event is FREE thanks to donations spearheaded by U.S Army retired Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Desmarias and his family, donors, and supporting local businesses; Morris Farm (Exeter, RI), Karie’s Kitchen (North Kitchen), Roma ( Providence, RI), Perella’s Ristorante ( Warren, RI), and refreshment donations by Coca-Cola and Budweiser.

Volunteers start preparing the meal 3 days in advance. Last year, 30 turkeys and almost 500 pounds of potatoes were cooked to support the event.

“Without the volunteers, this event could not happen, “ said Tom, one of the volunteers. Additional volunteers are needed not only on Thanksgiving, but also on Tuesday and Wednesday, when all the sides are prepared and ready for Thanksgiving. If you are interested in volunteering, contact ITAM at (401) 677-9838.

Below is a Facebook message from one of our veterans, the ITAM organization has been supporting over the holidays for several years:

Facebook Message from Veteran:

Unbelievable life-changing, soon stuff settles here when I get some payment I want to donate some money to you for Thanksgiving for veterans. You guys been taking care of me and my family for a long time now and I have to pay it back, weather with a gift certificate or just straight cash for you to buy somebody a meal.

The Veteran above had been battling numerous illnesses since being discharged, and after almost 3 years, and numerous surgeries. The Veterans Administration finally acknowledged his illnesses were a result of his military service.

Thanksgiving menu includes: Turkey, Ham, Mashed potatoes, yams, corn, carrots, Caesar salad, desserts, pies, and Italian cookies.

This year’s event is expected to serve an additional 100 meals. The cost of last year’s event was over $6000.

“Last year we had a last-minute donation, which allowed us to add shrimp cocktails as one of the appetizers,” said Wendy, who coordinates the volunteers and schedules the time and seating for the event.

Want to Volunteer:

Call ITAM (401) 677-9838    or. Email itamri4vets@gmail.com

Want To Donate:

Visit https://italianamericanwarveteran.org/ or mail a check to ITAM, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, RI 02896 (checks made out to Italian American War Veterans of the US). Donations are tax-deductible, and all donations will receive an acknowledgement letter and a letter that can be used to support an IRS deduction.

ITAM will also accept gift cards to local markets and Walmart. Gift cards would be used to purchase necessary products, and all leftover gift cards will be added to the “Holiday Meal/ Grocery Boxes” delivered to approximately 20 veterans for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Veteran who would like a meal delivered:

Call ITAM (401) 677-9838    or. Email itamri4vets@gmail.com

100 percent of all donations is spent on the Thanksgiving event and or Holiday / Grocery Boxes delivered to Rhode Island veterans and their families.

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Nine New Honorees to be Recognized on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

Click here for more details & to buy tickets.

The Annual RI Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will recognize its 23^rd group of honorees on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

Guest of Honor

Lt. Col. Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, USAF (Ret), is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, the famed Black combat flying unit from WWII. He was a finance officer with the 332nd Fighter Group. Woodhouse later graduated from Yale and Boston University School of Law and became a strong advocate for veterans. He will be 99 in January.

The 2025 Honorees

Raymond W. Barnes (1915-1992)

Barnes was a radioman/gunner whose B-17 was shot down over Germany in November, 1943. Seven crew members perished and three survived as POWs, including Barnes, who lost an eye during the fight. He was liberated in June 1945. His son Ron will go to Germany in 2026 to dedicate a memorial at the crash site.

SGT Edwin Lee Bowers, Jr., USMC (1936-

Bowers, who served in Marine Aviation as an enlisted navigator from 1956 to 1961, is the recipient of this year’s President’s Award, for his contribution is to the furtherance of the Hall of Fame itself. He has been an active and hard-working volunteer on our ship projects for more than 25 years, and has helped with the RIAHOF honors event since its inception in 2003.

CW4 Michael J. Carpenter, USA (Ret.) (1944- 

Carpenter earned seven Air Medals flying light observation aircraft in Vietnam. He joined the RI Army National Guard in 1969, serving for the next 35 years. By retirement he had flown some 3700 flight hours, 800 of which were combat hours. His lifetime of service to Army Aviation resulted in the award of the order of St. Michael.

Robert G. Danis (1936-2009)

Danis soloed on his 16th birthday and went on to accrue more than 20,000 flying hours. He flew with the Civil Air Patrol and as a private charter pilot before spending 30 years with USAir. After retirement he launched Lincoln Flight Center in Smithfield. Bob was designated Pilot of the Year by the Ri Pilots Association, and received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA.

Staff Sergeant Anthony J De Fusco (1923-1944) MIA, China

By 1944 DeFusco was a radio operator / gunner on a B-25 based in China. On August 23, 1944, his plane took off on a combat mission; they were not seen nor heard from again. He was one of six sons of Pasquale and Eileen De Fusco; five of whom served on active duty during WWII (of whom three were Army Air Forces veterans.). Anthony was the only one who did not return.

CW4 Alton L. Maurais, USA (Ret.) (1937-

Maurais flew helicopter gunships in Vietnam in 1966-67. He accrued 440 combat hours flying with an innovative aerial rocket artillery unit. Having served as a mechanic after enlisting in 1956, he reenlisted in order to fly. After Vietnam he worked as a commercial helicopter pilot and joined the RI Army National Guard. When he retired in 1997 he had accrued more than 11,000 flight hours, combining military and commercial time.

Eugene F. McSweeney (1921-2015)

Navy fighter pilot McSweeney was sworn in at exercises during the Army-Chicago Bears football game at Boston on September 20, 1942. He flew 79 Hellcat sorties off the carrier USS Bataan in 1945, accruing 305 combat hours. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals. At war’s end his final missions involved dropping food and supplies to POW camps in Japan.

RADM Darryl L. Walker USN (1963-

Admiral Walker, a Naval Aviator, is President of U.S. Naval War College. Walker enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 as an Air Traffic Controller and earned a BS from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1990. He was commissioned through Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1992. He has accrued some 3900 flight hours and 696 carrier-arrested landings. He earned his MA from the Naval War College in 2002.

LTCOL Herbert “Herb” Woodcock, USAF (Ret.) (1928-2023)

Woodcock joined the Air Force and was commissioned as a navigator. He deployed to Okinawa during the Korean War; his units supported B-29 bombing missions. In January 1954 he survived a jet crash into the South China Sea. In Vietnam he was assigned to the 12th Air Commando Squadron, flying dangerous defoliation missions. He earned the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight Air Medals, as well as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Click here for more details & to buy tickets.

Cocktail Reception @ 5:30 pm

cash bar & light hors d’oeuvres

Dinner @ 6:30 pm with Ceremony to follow

buffet dinner (meat and vegetarian options), coffee / tea & dessert

Dress Code

Cocktail/Semi-Formal Attire; Black Tie Optional

Military Dress Blues; Mess Dress Optional

Tickets:

$65 per person

$480 – Table of 8

$600 – Table of 10

We are returning to The Scottish Rite Center, 2115 Broad St, Cranston, RI 02905 (at the entrance to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet)

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Prefer to mail in a check?

Please make payable to RIAHOF, and send along with your name, email, phone, and guest’s names (if applicable), to:

RIAHOF, PO Box 28581, Providence, RI 02908

You will receive a confirmation via email (or phone if email not provided).

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Brown U to expand financial support, mentorship programs for student veterans

Excerpts from the Brown Daily Herald, By Ali Schapiro, Contributing Writer

The University hopes its increased participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program will remove financial barriers for eligible graduate student veterans.

The new program “will provide student veterans with expanded one-on-one peer mentoring, along with more robust programming for community building and professional development”.

President Christina Paxson P’19 P’MD’20 introduced a new student veteran mentorship program and announced Brown’s commitment to provide an unlimited match for graduate program tuition and fees for student veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The federally funded GI bill can cover up to the full price of public, in-state university tuition and fees, but there is a cap on how much can go toward private school costs. Private schools can close that gap in cost by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, through which the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs matches every dollar a university spends to help cover tuition and fees for eligible student veterans.

Brown already utilizes the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover 100% of eligible undergraduate student veterans’ mandatory tuition and fees. In her address, Paxson said the University will now expand its participation in the program to provide a similar unlimited match for master’s and doctoral students enrolling for the 2026-27 academic year.

According to a University press release, expanding the program will ensure that financial barriers do not prevent veterans from pursuing graduate education at Brown.

Paxson also announced that with a donation from the Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation, the OMAS’s peer-mentorship program for student veterans will become the new Cisneros Veterans Scholars Program. Gilbert Cisneros MA’15 is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

The average student veteran is 27-years-old, which sets them apart from typical undergraduates. The mentorship program aims to enhance the resources available to student veterans to ensure they can find a strong community and “have all the information they need to make well-informed decisions during the transition to Brown,” he added.

The new initiatives come after the University’s 2019 goal to double its undergraduate veteran population by 2024. At the time, around 20 undergraduate veterans were enrolled at Brown. Now, that number has risen to 75, with 38 additional student veterans pursuing graduate degrees, according to the press release.

Sydney Matthes, CEO of Service to School — an organization that helps active-duty service members and veterans navigate the higher education landscape — commended Brown on its work to support student-veterans.

She praised the University’s “willingness to invest in the student veteran community” throughout its partnership with Service to School’s VetLink Program, which provides free application mentoring and networking opportunities for veterans.

Full story in the Brown Daily Herald HERE

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Rhode Island’s Office of Veterans Services and Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island hosted a Veterans Cafe in East Providence this week. Cafes are held once a month across the state and are a free social dining experience for Veterans and their loved ones. Local community partners such as Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System and the RI Department of Human Services also attend, so Veterans can make one-on-one connections, access on-the-spot claims, file for benefits – all over a nutritious meal.

 

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EVENTS

November 22, 2025 – Henri’s Heroes – Woonsocket, RI:

 

November 27, 2025, 1-4pm – Thanksgiving Day FREE Thanksgiving dinner for Veterans and their guest(to include children). Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave., Warren RI – Two sittings: 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.  Reservations are encouraged by calling the Italian American War Veterans of the US, (401) 677-9838, or emailing itamri4vets@gmail.com. Walk-ins are welcome for the 1:00 pm sitting only. Parking for handicapped and over-75 at Perella’s Restaurant parking lots. All others at 601 Metacom Ave (across from the gym). A shuttle will transport from the lot to Perella’s Ristorante.

 November 29^th, A Salute to Our Heroes: A Veterans Tree Walk: This year’s Grist Mill Pond Tree Lighting & Memorial Tree Walk will feature a new addition — A collection of trees glowing in red, white, and blue to honor our veterans, active-duty service members, police, fire, and first responders. Share a photo of your loved one with us — in uniform or not — digital or physical — to be laminated and displayed on the trees along the path. Help us fill these trees with photos of our loved ones! Email photos to info@TheOldGristMill.com or drop them off at any Red Oak Hospitality location. Visit the Grist Mill Pond Grounds in Historic Seekonk from November 29th–January 5th to see the glowing display honoring our heroes.

January 17, 2026 35^th  Desert Storm Reunion, Tri-City Elks, West Shore Road, Warwick, RI – 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 pm Veteran Social. All Desert Shield/Storm veterans invited.  5:00 p.m. Memorial service . More information and tickets go to https://35desertstorm.org

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Bow Hunters & Archery

Veterans, caregivers and families are invited to join the Narragansett Bow Hunters for free archery instruction every Monday from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Narragansett Bow Hunters Indoor Range, 1531 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown. This event is open to the public and provides a great opportunity to learn a new skill and connect with the community. Instruction is available for adults and children ages 7 and older. The range is indoors, so this is a rain-or-shine event. Questions? Reach out to Edward.Smith6@va.gov or call 401-226-3092.

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VA EVENTS/NEWS

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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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FAQ Veteran Questions On VA Health Care, VA Disability, Long Term/Assisted Living Care/ Discounts/ State Benefits

Veteran Resource Guide – Retirees

Army Newsletter Army publishes a semi-annual FREE newsletter to mail to all Army retirees, Army Echoes. To subscribe:

Call DFAS at (800) 321-1080 or online sign-up, you can update your information or sign up, https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/manage/changeofaddress/

Past editions of the Army Echoes newsletter are available for free download: https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter

Army 2025 Retired Soldier Handbook

Access the handbook, here: https://soldierforlife.army.mil/documents/army%20retirement/post%20retirement/Retired%20Soldier%20Handbook.pdf

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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: itamri4vets@gmail.com; the business 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, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office (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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https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025/11/brown-to-expand-financial-support-mentorship-programs-for-student-veterans