RI Veterans: Did you know? 24.07.25 (Naval War College trip, upcoming events, resources) – John A. Cianci ) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Nursing Home Residents Visit Naval War College Museum

A RI Gem: Naval War College Museum, Newport RI

The Italian American War Veterans of US sponsored veterans and spouses of veterans living at long-term care facilities,  Village House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Newport, RI, and Eastgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Service, East Providence, RI, traveled to Newport Navy War College Museum earlier in the week.

“Best thing that has happened in my life in the last 10 years since being diagnosed with my illness, ” said watery-eyed U.S. Army Veteran/ former Rhode Island National Guard veteran as he thanked the members of the Italian American War Veterans of US and volunteers after exiting Newport Naval War College Museum.

The veterans and staff from Village House were greeted in the parking lot by active-duty soldiers volunteering during their lunch break to assist with escorting the veterans.

“My God, what did I do to deserve this royal treatment? ” said a Navy veteran who has been living in a long-term care facility for almost ten years, and active-duty Navy personnel pushed his wheelchair.

After touring the museum, the veterans were treated to lunch on the deck at the Officers Club. The veterans ordered lunches normally not provided at their long-term care facilities; shrimp PoBoys, cheeseburgers, beer-battered fish and chips, and a million-dollar view of the ocean with the Newport bridge in the background.

“To see the joy of the veterans, especially the 4 Navy and Coast Guard veterans enjoying the museum, was special. The trip connected them to their military past, to include the  Army/Navy rivalry, which was evident during the museum tour, ” said John A Cianci, State Commander of the Italian American War Veterans of US.” We will continue trips to not only to the Naval War College Museum in Newport, but also to the Veterans Memorial Museum in Woonsocket.”

“Donations make events like this happen. Thank you to our donors to ITAM’s LeaveNoVeteranAlone Program, ” said Cianci.

ITAM will continue to schedule more field trips like this for our veterans living at long-term care facilities.

ITAM would like to partner with teachers at Rhode Island public schools to organize and sponsor field trips for school children to either of the museums If you are a teacher or a long-term care facility activity director and have an interest in bringing your group, contact ITAM at 1-401-677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com. ITAM will assist in all of the requirements to obtain access to the base, and if needed, coordinate the transportation.

Special Thank You to the staff at Eastgate and Village House Nursing and Rehabilitation, and the active-duty Navy officers who sacrificed their lunchtime off to spend with our veterans. Thank You.

 

More history on Naval War College Museum

On Sept. 20, 1884, Rear Adm. Stephen B. Luce, USN, was relieved as Commander, North Atlantic Squadron and was rowed from the flagship USS Tennessee anchored off Newport to Coasters Harbor Island, 2 miles north of the center of Newport. Once on the island, as the Army and Navy Journal reported, Luce proceeded to a large stone building built in 1819, the former Newport Asylum for the Poor, climbed its rickety steps, and as he put his hand on the front door, solemnly declared to his few companions and the empty grounds, “Know all men by these presents, and in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I christen this building the War College of the American Navy.” Two weeks later, on Oct. 6, 1884, Secretary of the Navy William Chandler issued General Order 325, formally establishing the Naval War College.

Today, the “little poorhouse” is a well-preserved and stately structure, a National Historic Landmark and home to the Naval War College Museum. Named Founders Hall in honor of the founding fathers of the college, it is uniquely suited for its current purpose. In addition to being the original home of the oldest war college in the United States, it is where Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan, USN, the college’s president in 1886 through 1889 and 1892 through 1893, first delivered his lectures on sea power. These lectures, first published in 1890 as the epochal “The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783,” were the first in a series of Mahan’s books that marked the beginning of modern naval strategic and historical studies. Today, the Naval War College Museum is one of 10 official U.S. Navy museums. It is operated under the Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Naval War College.

Collection and Exhibit Themes: The museum’s themes are the history of naval warfare, particularly as studied at the college, and the naval heritage of Narragansett Bay – a tale that begins with the nation’s colonial roots. Its collection consists of items relating to these subjects that are perceived to be of value to scholarship, and these form the core for exhibits throughout the college and for educational outreach projects. Besides permanent exhibits about the college, the genesis of the Navy in the region and the evolution of permanent naval installations from the late 19th century to the present, the museum features short-term special exhibits relating to the college curriculum and to current naval-related topics. In general, the museum exhibits identify milestones in the evolutionary development of war at sea; explain the significance of the sea as a factor in the formulation and the attainment of national policy objectives; describe the character, educational philosophy and mission of the college; and chronicle the eventful relationship of the U.S. Navy with Narragansett Bay and its people.

The Naval War College Museum interprets the history of the Navy in Narragansett Bay. Permanent exhibits interpret naval activities in the region from the colonial period through the Civil War and also focus on the Naval Torpedo Station, the Naval Training Station, and the Naval War College. A naval art gallery and temporary exhibit space offer changing exhibits on various subjects.

The Museum is free and open to the public 10 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. It is closed on holidays. Public access to the Museum with a personal vehicle or bus is through Gate 1 of U.S. Naval Station, Newport. For reservations, please call (401) 841-4052.

Public access to the museum with a personal vehicle is through Gate 1 of U.S. Naval Station, Newport. For reservations, call 401-841-4052 at least five working days in advance. Reservations and two forms of government-issued identification are necessary to enter the Naval Station for those without Department of Defense identification. Foreign nationals require two weeks’ advance notification. Visitors must stop at the Pass Office before proceeding to Gate 1.

Facilities for the disabled are available, as is a gift shop operated by the Naval War College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the Museum as part of its many activities to buttress the Naval War College. Further information about the museum’s exhibits, special events, and its naval history book lecture series may be found on the museum’s website at www.usnwc.edu/museum, on its Facebook page, and on the Naval War College Museum blog at http://navalwarcollegemuseum.blogspot.com – https://www.veteransmemorialmuseumri.org/

___

Free Veteran and Active Duty Golf Clinic

July 28, 2025 FREE New England PGA , Golf Clinic for Veterans at The Agawam Hunt Club PGA REACH New England is excited to announce that The Champions Tribute, a Veteran Clinic Series, is back for the 2025 season!

We have 20 spots available for an instructional golf clinic, delivered by New England PGA Professionals at The Agawam Hunt Club in East Providence, RI on Monday, July 28th, 2025 from 3:00p to 5:00p. This opportunity is a first-come, first-served basis.

To register for The Champions Tribute on July 28th, please follow the link below:

Register Here – The Champions Tribute

POC is Chad Eades, Foundation Programs Manager, ceades@pgahq.com | www.nepga.com
T: (508) 869-0000 C: (781) 715-7125

___

Women Warrior News

She Served, She Deserves: Women Veterans Event in Charlestown

VA Providence invites all women Veterans to a special evening focused on honoring your service and helping you access the benefits you’ve earned. Join us Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Downey Weaver American Legion Post 34 (22 Whipple Drive, Charlestown, RI 02813).

Whether you’re newly separated or have been out for years, this event is designed with you in mind. Our VA Enrollment and Eligibility teams will be on-site to get you started with VA health care, while representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and VA Providence Suicide Prevention will be available to answer questions and connect you with critical resources.

Come meet fellow women Veterans, learn about your benefits, and take the first step–or the next step–on your VA journey. You served. Now let us serve you. The event is FREE.

Sign The Petition, Rename “Women in World War II” Memorial

From website, change.org

The Issue: Our World War II Homefront Workers deserve to be recognized. But not at the expense of other women’s history, including our women veterans.

This is not just about changing the name of a memorial; it’s about ensuring that the contributions of women, often falsely symbolized by Rosie the Riveter, are recognized and celebrated in a manner that accurately reflects their impact during World War II.

The current memorial name, “Women in World War II,” claims to represent all Women in World War II, but in reality, only celebrates the role of civilian factory workers. Their language, marketing, and imagery are heavily focused on Rosie the Riveter and other women who served as civilian factory workers on the home front in World War II. But yet they claim to represent all women in World War II with this name.

The legislation that was introduced in Congress does not even represent all women; it is titled “Women Who Worked on the Homefront World War II Memorial Act.”

Changing the name to better identify who this memorial is for will help educate current and future generations about the pivotal contributions made by these incredible women, without obscuring the contributions of the women who served in the military, Red Cross, and other non-factory roles.

Despite being titled the Women in WWII their mission consistently only refers to the 18 million women who worked in factories, excluding the 350,000 women who served in the military (this number now rightfully includes the WASP), 50,000 members of the Red Cross, 325,000 women who served in the American Women’s Voluntary Service, and 100,000 women who served in the Cadet Nurse Corps. To put it simply, this memorial has clearly defined itself as exclusively a tribute to Rosie and should be named accordingly.

Renaming the memorial would not erase history; instead, it would clarify and honor the contributions of women in wartime America. Let’s ensure that this symbol of women’s strength and resilience is properly commemorated. Sign this petition to advocate for a change that rightly honors these heroic women, all of them, in all of their roles

We are seeking one of two outcomes:

Amend the bill from World War II Women Memorial Act to its original name of Women Who Worked on the Homefront in WWII Memorial Act Expand who the memorial will represent, to be a true memorial to all women who contributed in WWII, including veterans, Red Cross, American Women Voluntary Services, Motor Corps, Civil Air Patrol, and Nurse Cadets.

Join the campaign here or please share with your networks. Thank you.

https://www.change.org/…/rename-women-in-world-war-ii…

___

DEADLINE FOR CLOTHING ALLOWANCE AUGUST 1 2025

Did you know you might be eligible for an annual clothing allowance of almost $1000 from the VA?

Eligible Veterans Must Apply Before August 1, 2025 for Clothing Allowance

VA Clothing Allowance

The VA Clothing Allowance is an annual benefit that helps veterans cover the cost of replacing clothing damaged by prosthetic devices, orthopedic devices, or skin medications related to a service-connected disability. The allowance, currently at $999.51 per year, is adjusted periodically to reflect the cost of living.

Eligibility:

• Veterans must have a service-connected disability for which they require prosthetic, orthopedic, or skin medication.
• The device or medication must cause damage to clothing, such as wear and tear or irreparable staining.
• The VA form 10-8678 must be submitted by August 1st of the current year to receive the benefit for that year.

Coverage:

• The allowance covers items like shirts, pants, skirts, and other similar garments that are permanently damaged.
• It does not cover items like shoes, hats, scarves, underwear, or socks.

Application:

1. Complete VA Form 10-8678, Application for Annual Clothing Allowance., https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-8678/
2. Submit the form to the VA by August 1st.
3. The form can be submitted online, by mail, by fax, or in person at a VA medical center.

Payment:

• The allowance is typically paid between September and October.
• Veterans can receive multiple payments if they qualify based on multiple devices or medications.

Important Considerations:

• The benefit is intended to help veterans maintain an acceptable level of attire.
• The VA may adjust the amount of the allowance periodically to reflect inflation.

The VA releases clothing allowance payments between September 1 and October 31 for those who have qualified by August 1. To receive an annual payment, applications must be submitted by August 1 of the relevant year.

___

VA NEWS

VA, CMS partner to identify and recover $106M in duplicate billing

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a new partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to eliminate instances in which both agencies are billed for the same health care episode. As part of the partnership, VA and CMS reviewed medical billings for the last six years for Veterans enrolled in both VA health care and Medicare and found $106 million that was improperly spent on duplicate billings.

VA and CMS this month will begin sending bills to overpaid providers to recover any improper payments. Approximately 5.9 million Veterans are dually enrolled in VA health care and Medicare, and both VA and CMS pay for a variety of medical care from third-party providers. Until now, however, VA and CMS had no system in place to prevent double billing.

VA and CMS have now established a data-matching agreement to identify medical providers who have submitted claims for payment to both VA and Medicare, helping eliminate overpayments and future instances of double billing.

“We are proud to implement this commonsense reform, which should have been instituted years ago but is only happening now under the leadership of President Trump,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “The money we save as a result of this effort will be much better spent helping VA and Medicare beneficiaries get the benefits they’ve earned.”

“For too long, government programs have operated in silos, enabling improper payments to slip through the cracks at the expense of taxpayers,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Under President Trump’s leadership, CMS is proud to partner with the VA to root out duplicate billing, recover taxpayer funds, and reduce redundant paperwork and waste so American Veterans and seniors receive the care they deserve.”

___

VETERANS EVENTS

July 26, 2025, Fenway Park – RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor, John A Cianci will be one of the crawlers, I mean walkers on Saturday.

July 30, 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. itamri4vets@gmail.com

August 1, 2025, 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

Aug 1, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteran 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.

August 2, 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

August 4 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 itamri4vets@gmail.com

August  13, 2025 ( always the 2^nd Wednesday of the month), toast n’ tap, 4:30 – 6;30,  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.

August 16, 2025 , Saturday – Annual Calling All Veterans

August 18, 2025, FREE Veteran’s Luncheon, 1130am to 100pm Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI. All veterans are invited, and reservations for the August or September Lobster or Lasagna Veteran luncheon will be taken ( must be present for the August luncheon to reserve a seat for lobster or lasagna luncheon. 

August 23, 2025 Naval Station Newport is putting the finishing touches on Salute to Navy 250, a special edition of the installation’s annual open-to-the-public Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.

“This year we are celebrating the 250th birthday and founding of the United States Navy,” explained Capt. Henry Roenke, installation commanding officer and host of the event. “In celebration of the proud service and legacy of the Navy, we have branded this event Salute to Navy 250. There is no better occasion to showcase the valuable relationship between our Ocean State community and the Navy than during this annual program, and we welcome the public to be part of this great event.”

 

 

 

September 6, 2025 Dive 4 The Prize

___

VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program (https://italianamericanwarveteran.org)   – 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:

Saturdays:

1st Saturday: South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, 2115 S County Trail, West Greenwich, RI

3rd Saturday, Friendly Home, 303 Rhodes Ave, Woonsocket RI

Mondays:

2nd Monday – Greenwood Nursing and Rehab, 1139 Main Ave, Warwick RI

4th Monday– Chapel Hill Senior Living , 10 Old Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland RI  Tuesdays

1st Tuesday Village House Nursing and Rehab, 70 Harrison Ave, Newport RI

2nd Tuesday– Elmwood Nursing Home and Rehab, 225 Elmwood Ave. Providence RI

Wednesdays

1st  Wednesday– Eastgate Nursing and Rehab, 198 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI 2nd Wednesday –West Shore Health Center109 West Shore Road, Warwick  RI Fridays

1st Friday–Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin MA

___

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.

What We’re Looking For:

Active driver’s license & vehicle insurance

Clean driving record

Ability to pass a background check

COVID-19 vaccination

Details:

© Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available)

& Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

___

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.

___

Free Golf,  Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans:

Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park through the 3rd Saturday in November at 884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-6676200.

___

Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans:

A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses.

No cost licenses are available if you are:

• over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident
• a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration

To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL

DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions).  To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing.

The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is:”¨ DEM Licensing Office”¨ 235 Promenade Street, Room 360″¨Providence, RI 02908″¨(401) 222-3576.

To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.

Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans.

A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:

• Active-Duty Service members – Military ID
• Veterans – DD214
• Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter ( Contact VA office)

Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In–Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management”¨235 Promenade Street, Room 360″¨Providence, RI 02908″¨Phone: 401-222-3576

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:

• Licensing fees
• Camping fees
• Picnic table fees
• Specialized facility use fees
• Use of equestrian areas
• Performing art centers
• Game fields fees
• Mule shed fees

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged. Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.

Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters,”¨1100 Tower Hill Road”¨, North Kingstown, RI 02852″¨. Phone: 401-667-6200. “¨Email: dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov

___

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.

___

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.

___

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 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)

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.