RI Veterans: Did you know? 22.05.25 (Medical, Memorial Day, War Dog, events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Medical Care

Did you know 40% of all medical care provided by the VA is through the private medical community?Did you know that if the VA cannot provide you with an appointment within 30 days, the veteran is entitled to approval to use private medical options?

VETTIP: If VA cannot provide an appointment within 30 days, the veterans should verbally request approval for community care.

VA makes it easier for Veterans to use community car – Access to non-VA care no longer requires secondary approval

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced changes that will make it easier for VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense. Since 2019, the MISSION Act has enabled VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense when it is in their best medical interest. These decisions have been made jointly by Veterans and their referring clinicians but were not considered final until they were reviewed by a second VA doctor.

Effective immediately, VA will implement language in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that removes this extra review step. The change will give eligible Veterans faster access to community care.

“Under President Trump, VA is providing Veterans with more health care choices than ever before,” aid VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Now, we’re making it even easier for Veterans to get their health care when and where its most convenient for them. We are putting Veterans first at the department, and that means placing a premium on customer service and convenience. This important change will help us do just that.”

Background – Since 2019, the MISSION Act has given eligible Veterans the option of seeking community care outside VA when they meet any one of six conditions:

• When it is in the best medical interest of the Veteran.
• The care required is not available at a VA medical facility.
• The Veteran lives in a state or territory that does not have a full-service VA facility
• VA cannot meet wait time or distance standards:
  • VA cannot offer an appointment within 20 days for primary care, mental health or non-institutional extended care, or within 28 days for specialty care.
  • It takes more than a 30-minute drive to reach primary or mental health care, or a 60-minute drive for specialty care.
• VA service does not meet certain quality standards.
• The Veteran meets the grandfathered distance and location provisions of the former Veterans Choice Program.

The new, streamlined process for determining best medical interest will be backed by training for Veterans Health Administration employees to ensure compliance with the Elizabeth Dole Act.

VETALERT: Veterans are reminded if the VA cannot give you an appointment within 30 days after you have requested the appointment, ASK for approval for outside private medical care. Now, with those as mentioned earlier, a secondary review is no longer required?

Chairman Bost Applauds Trump Administration Actions on VA Community Care Access – From the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC:

“Veterans should always have access to the best healthcare that meets their individual needs – whether that’s inside or outside VA – and without a paperwork nightmare to make that happen. The Dole Act included House Republicans’ requirements to streamline the process and do exactly that,” said Chairman Bost. “I am thrilled to see Secretary Collins announcement today that VA will speed up implementation of this part of the Dole Act to improve access to care. House Republicans are intent on ending the Biden-era bureaucratic control over veterans’ healthcare by ensuring that every veteran across the country has access to the health care and services they want. Today’s action by the Trump administration is in lockstep with our efforts.” 

Background:
In January, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – introduced legislation to increase access to mental health and addiction services and other life-saving care for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). H.R. 740, The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers(ACCESS) Act of 2025, is supported by major veteran service organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, America’s Warrior Partnership, Disabled American Veterans. During the Biden administration, House Republicans uncovered disturbing stories of VA bureaucrats intentionally restricting veterans’ healthcare choice in an effort to keep veterans stuck in line in the VA system. The Veterans’ ACCESS Act, would rightfully protect and preserve the intent of the MISSION Act and the VA community care program so that no bureaucrat can stand in the way of veterans accessing the healthcare they have earned – whether that is inside or outside the VA.

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Free Newport Museums – and more – for Active Duty and Veterans

Two Newport museums are opening their doors to active-duty military members and their families at no cost this summer as part of the Blue Star Museums program. The Newport Restoration Foundation and Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame are joining this nationwide initiative, which runs from May 17 to Sept. 1. This program, a team effort between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Blue Star Families, offers free museum entry to current U.S. military personnel and up to five family members.

Beyond Newport, six other Rhode Island museums are taking part, including venues in Bristol, Providence, Westerly, and Woonsocket.

• Bristol Art Museum and Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol.
• Newport Restoration Foundation and Sailing Museum and National Sailing Hall of Fame, Newport.
• Providence Children’s Museum and RISD Museum, Providence.
• Living Sharks Museum, Westerly.
• Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket.

The program covers members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, as well as Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps. To get in free, eligible visitors need to show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card, DD Form 1173-1 ID card, or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card. The Blue Star Museums program is just one of several NEA efforts supporting military personnel and their families, including the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.

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War Dog Memorial Honors Military Canines at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery

The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery hosted a historic dedication ceremony for the War Dog Memorial this week. The memorial honors the unbreakable bond between military service members and their canine companions. This 18-foot-tall bronze memorial, created by world-famous sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg marks the culmination of his celebrated tributes to these heroic animals. 

“With unwavering loyalty and silent courage, noble canines have stood beside America’s heroes in the fiercest of battles,” said Kasim Yarn, Director of Veterans Services. “This memorial stands not only as a tribute to their bravery, but as a reminder that heroism comes on four legs as surely as it does on two. We honor their sacrifice, their service, and the unbreakable bond they forged in the defense of our nation.”

Schomberg is an internationally acclaimed sculptor whose career highlights include the iconic “Rocky” statue in Philadelphia and a series of War Dog Memorials honoring the valor of military canines at prestigious sites like March Airfield Museum in California and Sacrifice Field at Fort Benning, Georgia, and have earned international acclaim for their emotional depth and artistic mastery. The American Fine Arts Foundry of California cast the sculpture.

Ruth Gordon and her late husband, Scott, sparked the vision for the memorial. Together, they ran Delmyra Kennels in Exeter, Rhode Island, for decades, which is still in operation. Their lifelong passion for canines and deep respect for the sacrifices of war dogs fueled a dream to honor these four-legged heroes at the Veterans Cemetery.

“Scott and I always dreamed of a memorial that would honor the incredible bravery and loyalty of war dogs,” said Ruth Gordon. “After his passing, I felt an even deeper resolve to see this project through, not just for the dogs and their handlers, but in Scott’s memory. Completing this memorial feels like fulfilling a promise we made together, and I know he’d be so proud to see it come to life.”

“We are thrilled to unveil this extraordinary tribute to the war dogs who served alongside our veterans with unwavering loyalty,” said George Panichas, organizer and committee member. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, with A. Thomas Schomberg and his wife, Cynthia, flying in from Colorado to join us. Their presence, alongside Ruth Gordon’s inspiring story, made this a must-see moment for our community and for our beautiful Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, which is a model for state cemeteries throughout the United States.”

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PGA Hope Program At Kirbrae Country Club, Lincoln RI:  Golfing – Connecting and Saving Veterans’ Lives 

On Monday, the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Hope program returned for another season at Kirkbrae Country Club. The program at Kirbrae Country Club is sponsored by the PGA. The  PGA HOPE program introduces Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

This program introduces the game of golf through a development 5 week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. It is funded by PGA Reach New England, the non-profit charity of the New England PGA, so the cost of the program is FREE to Veterans. The program will be at Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Rd, Lincoln, RI, monthly. 

The PGA HOPE instruction consists of full swing, putting, and short game for week 1 through 4. Classes will take place on both the range and on-course. Week 5 is a 9-hole scramble event followed by the program graduation ceremony and dinner.

Kirkbrae is considered one of the best country clubs in New England.As one of just a handful of clubs in New England with five PGA Class-A golf professionals on staff, your event is in safe hands of over 150 years of combined experience facilitating golf events. 

30 Veterans will be participating in the PGA Hope 2025 program, to include RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor John A Cianci. Veterans in the program served in the Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Cianci last participated in the program in 2019. Since then, Cianci has only found time to golf less than 10 times.  “I like the structure and camaraderie of learning together with a common goal, “get the ball in the hole, “ an Army veteran told Cianci.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship Veteran program of PGA REACH New England, the charitable foundation of the New England Section.

PGA HOPE is complimentary to any Veteran. PGA HOPE introduces golf as a means to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Participants of the PGA HOPE New England program include military Veterans living with physical and cognitive challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Details on PGA HOPE New England and information to sign up:

PGA REACH New England Back at Kirkbrae Country Club, Lincoln, RI 

From NEPGA.com 

The New England PGA and PGA REACH New England, the charitable arm of the NEPGA, are excited to announce The REACH Classic will be held on June 23, 2025 at Kirkbrae Country Club. The event is the Foundation’s sole golf tournament fundraiser of the year and all proceeds will support our Nation’s Heroes. Registration is now open!

Click Here To Learn More & Register

The REACH Classic pulls together golfers who believe in our mission of positively impacting lives through the game of golf under our Military Veteran Pillar. The tournament is open to all players – Professionals and amateurs. Individuals can sign up as a single player, twosome, or foursome. The proceeds from one foursome registration supports three Veterans to attend a PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program.

PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. There is NO COST to our veterans. With your support, we serve our Veterans across New England with an emphasis on helping those with physical and emotional disabilities that would most benefit from our initiative.

These men and women are the tangible connection to the game and have dedicated their careers to ensuring there are more people playing and enjoying the sport. There are currently more than 1,400 PGA professionals in the country who have been trained to lead a PGA HOPE program at their facility.

The event will include golf, lunch, dinner, a silent auction, tee gifts, and gross & net prizes. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served before the shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.

“We are excited to welcome all levels of golfers to the 2025 REACH Classic at Kirkbrae Country Club,” said PGA REACH New England Director, Michael Packard, PGA. “Kirkbrae will offer an elevated experience for our participants and the day promises to be a great way to come together to help grow the game we all love for those who served our country.”

PGA REACH New England is dedicated to impacting lives through the game of golf. Participating in The REACH Classic helps us improve the lives of military veterans and their families through golf programs throughout New England each year.

The 2025 REACH Classic is presented by Gorton & Company and supported by Tournament Solutions and Sovereign Brands.

Interested in getting involved in the REACH Classic – partnering with PGA REACH New England, donating to the silent auction, etc? Please contact a member of our staff: Michael Packard, PGA – PGA REACH New England Director, and Chad Eades – PGA REACH New England Program Manager.

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EVENTS

May 23-25, 2025 Boots on Ground For Heroes, Fort Adams, Newport RI

May 24, 2025 Saturday, Military Appreciation, Rhode Island FC, Pawtucket RI

May 25, 2025 Memorial Day Parade, Exeter, RI WANTED Veteran and active duty members to march and or ride in military vehicles. All veterans who participate will receive a FREE remake of his or her original dog tags and $10 Dunkin gift card. Call John to register and of more information, (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets

May 25, 2025 Sunday, First Annual Pig Roast, TOO FAR GONE band, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s music, Tri City Elks No. 14, 4 pm. 1915 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI Honoring all veterans past and present.

May 26, 2025, 3pm, RI Day of Portugal wreath laying – at Portuguese & Luso-American Memorial, Exeter Cemetery

May 26, 2025, Monday Memorial Day – City of Pawtucket to Host Annual Memorial Day Ceremony – Pawtucket, in partnership with the Pawtucket Veterans Council, annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park, at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and Exchange Street. This meaningful event honors the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. All community members are invited to attend and take part in this event. “We are proud to continue this important tradition alongside the Pawtucket Veterans Council,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “Each year, this ceremony remembers the profound sacrifices made by our armed service members, and the responsibility we share to honor their memory. I encourage everyone in our community to join us.”

City Council President Terrence Mercer, who will be a guest speaker at this year’s event. “Working with the Veterans Council on events like this is something we look forward to each year,” said Mercer. “Their commitment ensures that we continue to recognize the meaning of Memorial Day with the respect it deserves.” “Memorial Day holds deep meaning for those of us who served,” said John Gallo, President of the Pawtucket Veterans Council. “This ceremony is a moment to honor our brothers and sisters who never made it home, and I am so proud to participate every year.”

The ceremony will include remarks from local officials, veterans, and community leaders, along with ceremonial honors. For additional information, please contact the City of Pawtucket’s Chief Equity Officer, Charles “Chachi” Carvalho, at [email protected]

May 26, 2025 Sunday – Memorial Day Free Lunch. 12p – 4p at Texas Roadhouse – All active duty and veterans are invited to Texas Roadhouse 1200 Quaker Lane East Greenwich, alcohol not included, $20 per Veteran.

Limited spots, reserve by contacting For a FREE lunch, value. Please email Missy at [email protected] to reserve your spot today! Only 50 spots available, First Come First Serve. Value of $20.00 per Veteran, alco[email protected]

May 28, 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. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. [email protected]

June 2, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s  Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM, at (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

June 5, 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 is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos. 

June 6, Friday (always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville 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. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

June 6, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteranJason 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.

June 18, 2025 (always the 2^nd Wednesday of the month), toast n’ tap, 5:00-7:00, toast n’ tap, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick, RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest.

June 25, 2025 Wednesday (always last Wed. of month), 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. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. [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.

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.

COVID-19 vaccination

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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:

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:

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

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

https://dem.ri.gov/about–us/dem–offices/boating–registration–licenses/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%20decision.

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:

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: 401-6676200
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 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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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.