RI Veterans: Did you know? 23.11.23, Thanksgiving dinner, Army Navy, Vets Center – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on Veterans issues

Photo: SFC John A. Cianci – 2003 Members of the 119^th Military Police Company stationed in Baghdad, Iraq patiently and proudly display the 2 turkeys prepared for members of 119^th MP Co on Thanksgiving. 

Free Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans and Immediate Family TODAY

“Walk-ins are welcomed,” said one of the organizers, John A Cianci, Department Commander of the Italian American War Veterans of US.” TODAY, 3 p.m and 5 p.m are the times still open.”

For the second year, the Italian American War Veterans of US will be providing FREE Thanksgiving dinner for veterans, active-duty members and their guest will on Thanksgiving Dinner at Perella’s Ristorante in Warren RI.

On Thanksgiving Day, all active duty and their immediate families are invited to enjoy a complimentary Thanksgiving dinner from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Perella’s Ristorante, Warren RI. 

Veterans are encouraged to call and make reservations for sittings at 12:00, 1:00, 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. For reservations call the Italian American War Veterans of US office ( 401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected].  Although reservations are encouraged, they are not required. 

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Vet Center Offers New Support Groups

The Providence Vet Center in Warwick announced new supports for women and veterans first responders. The Veterans First Responder Support Group will meet on Tuesdays from 10-1130. The Women’s Group every other Thursday from 5-6 p.m.

The Vet Center offers confidential help for veterans, service members, and their family at no cost in a non-medical setting.

VETTIP: The Vet Center records are safe and confidential. The Vet Center records can’t be accessed by other VA offices, the DoD, military units, or other community networks and providers without your permission or unless required to avert a life-threatening situation. Here, you can be as open as you want—there’s absolutely no judgment.

In addition to the new groups, the Vet Center is a community-based counseling center that provides individual, group, couples and family counseling.

Vet Center eligibility is required. 

Eligibility

If you are a Veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, you can access our services if you:

▪ Served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility.

▪ Experienced military sexual trauma (regardless of gender or service era).

▪ Provided mortuary services or direct emergent medical care to treat the casualties of war while serving on active military duty.

▪ Performed as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat theater or area of hostility.

▪ Accessed care at a Vet Center prior to Jan. 2, 2013, as a Vietnam-Era Veteran.

▪ Served on active military duty in response to a national emergency or major disaster declared by the president, or under orders of the governor or chief executive of a state in response to a disaster or civil disorder in that state.

▪ Are a current or former member of the Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction operation, regardless of the location.

▪ Are a current member of the Reserve Components assigned to a military command in a drilling status, including active Reserves, who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma related to military service that adversely affects quality of life or adjustment to civilian life.

Please contact the Vet Center, as our eligibility may expand. If we are unable to help you, we will find someone who can.

Vet Center services are provided to family members of Veterans and service members for military related issues when it is found to aid in the readjustment of those that have served or help cope with the deployment of a loved one. Our services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the Veteran or service member. If you consider them family, so do we. 

We also offer bereavement services to family members of Veterans that were receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran’s death, and to the families of service members who died while serving on active duty

Documentation

·       DD-214 

·       Other supporting documentation showing qualifying military services

·       The Vet Center team can help obtain documents if needed

Contact Info

Warwick Vet Center
401-739-0167
2038 Warwick Ave
Warwick, RI 02889

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Did you know the Army-Navy Game will be a played  Gillette Stadium on December 9, 2023 ?

Did you know last year In front of a crowd of 69,117, Army and Navy met for the 123rd time in Philadelphia, the first time in the City of Brotherly Love since 2019 and the Black Knights earned the 20-17 win in double overtime in the Army-Navy Game the Army won the game in double overtime?

Did you know since 1890, the Army-Navy game has been played 123 times and the Navy leads the matchup with 62 wins to Army 54 wins, 7 ties?

Did you know the USS Massachusetts patch will be worn on the front of Navy uniforms?

Did you know the patch was selected to honor the USS MASSACHUSETTS (SSN 798)- the ninth ship of the name in service of the United States dating back to the earliest days of Continental Navy.

From a press release from Navy Athletes –

Did you know the USS Massachusetts will be the 25^th Virginia-class nuclear submarine to enter the U.S. Navy service and will reside in Groton, CT after commissioning,

Did you know the Submarine Force is often called “The Silent Service” because of how it operates?

Did you know  you can’t always see submarines but they are always silently moving under the sea doing important work?

Did you know submarines can submerge more than 600 feet below the ocean’s service for up to four months at a time?

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Navy Athletics Unveils 2023 Army-Navy Football Game Uniform

Navy Athletics and Under Armour unveiled the 2023 Army-Navy game uniform today that will honor the Silent Service, the U.S. Submarine Force, its families and supporting personnel on Dec. 9 at the 124^th playing of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Kickoff is set for 3 PM and the game will be televised nationally by CBS.

The entire uniform is flooded with Eclipse Navy (UA’s darkest shade of navy blue) to mimic the covert design of a submarine hull. The uniform was purposefully designed to embody the Force’s nickname: Silent Service.  The overall design was intended to be simple and utilitarian to convey the stealth purposes of a submarine’s design.

The design elements of the font are in contrasting white to mimic classification numbers of a submarine hull. These elements were strategically selected to only highlight elements that require on-field legibility like the player numbers, player names, the NAVY wordmark, the USMC globe and the Under Armour logo.  On the pants, numbers are stacked vertically to mimic depth numbers of a submarine hull.

The sleeve patch was executed using the Naval Academy Athletics anchor locked-up with the Submarine Warfare insignia or “dolphins/fish”. The design encompasses a historically inspired rendering of dolphins flanking a submarine in the middle.  The Submarine Warfare insignia was created in 1923 by Captain Ernest J. King, who proposed that the Navy create a warfare insignia device for qualified submariners. The hard-earned badge distinguishes and identifies the members of the submarine community and has since become a source of pride for the silent service.

The back neck of the uniform features the slogan “Silent Service” and features the silhouette of a U.S. submarine on top of a sonar screen that is dotted with stars to indicate targets.

Each helmet is hand painted with the right side depicting a Virginia Class Submarine underwater and the left side depicting Navy’s customary Navy anchor with the submariner pin integrated into it with color changing pragmatic paint. The front flex panel depicts a color changing radar which is used on submarines to find their target. The front decal of the helmet says Navy, while the back decal says Silent Service.

This year, 158 midshipmen earned the service assignment of submarines or nuclear submarines.

Photo from Army West Point Athletics 

ARMY TO HONOR THE SOLDIERS OF THE 3^rd INFANTRY DIVISION FOR 2023 ARMY-NAVY GAME

The 2023 Army West Point uniforms for the 124^th Army-Navy Game tells the story of the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division during the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and the Marne Division’s participation in the initiation of offensive operations in Iraq, the longest and most rapid armored advance since the Second World War.

The 3rd Infantry Division’s success hinged upon its ability to seize and maintain the initiative against a determined adversary in harsh and unforgiving terrain. The Dogface Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division accomplished this feat through the clear application of the U.S. Army’s characteristics of the offensive: surprise, concentration, audacity, and tempo.

This is the eighth season that Army Football and the United States Military Academy history department have collaborated with Nike on the specialty uniform for the Army-Navy Game.  

On December 9, Army West Point Football honors and represents the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division and their tactical acumen on the field in Foxborough. In adopting their mottos, symbols, and ethos on the field of friendly strife, we seek to emulate their application of these characteristics to defeat our rivals.

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Events

November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving) Free Thanksgiving Dinner for veterans and guest, or veteran. Spouse, and dependents, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI. FREE Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans at Perella’s Ristorante sponsored by Italian American War Veterans of the US /Department of Rhode Island. can start making reservations by email [email protected] or phone (401) 677-9838 ( DO NOT CALL PERELLA’s). Space availability will allow non-veterans to make reservations. Raffles, donations, and silent auction will benefit ITAM Recreational and Transportation Fund. Transportation for Veterans from Veterans Home is AVAILABLE by ITAM. Donations are welcomed, make check made out to ITAM (note Thanksgiving in the remarks): mail to ITAM , 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield RI 02896.Volunteers are welcomes, contact ITAM , (401) 677-9838.

December 2, 2023 (Saturday) Comedy Show and Italian Buffet Dinner (Veal/Chicken Parmigiana /pasta/salad, dessert. Dinner fundraiser for ITAM Rhode Island Veterans Relief and Recreational Fund, VFW, Shove Street, Tiverton RI. Tickets $40, doors open at 6 p.m. Tables of 8 available for $200 to groups. For tickets contact the Italian American War Veterans of US,  (401) 677-9838 or 

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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) via email at [email protected]*** 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May) 

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. 

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. 

Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 

Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC:  15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID 

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner,  ID.me. 

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe. 

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me 

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get – 

1.    Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account. 

2.    Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly. 

3.    Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered. 

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838) 

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.