Subscribe!
RI Veterans: Did you know? 24.10.24 (Arlington info, upcoming events, resources ) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans’ issues
We start off with a question from one of our readers:
Q: Am I eligible for Arlington Cemetery Bronze Star recipient for service during Vietnam? – Mike H, Cranston, RI
A: The bronze star is not one of the awards that make a veteran eligible for Arlington cemetery.
VETTIP: If you are eligible and final wishes include being buried at the Arlington National Cemetery, recommend you print up this article, attach it to the required discharge documentation, and place in a location with other relevant information on your wishes.
From the Arlington National cemetery website: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/funerals/scheduling-a-funeral/establishing-eligibility
Eligibility
Arlington National Cemetery’s eligibility requirements for burial and inurnment are different from other national cemeteries that are maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility for in-ground burial at Arlington National Cemetery is the most stringent of all U.S. national cemeteries. However, most veterans who have at least one day of active service (other than for training) and an honorable discharge are eligible for above-ground inurnment. Eligibility is determined at the time of need.
Eligibility for interment at Arlington National Cemetery is verified at the time of need (time of death) and cannot be verified by the cemetery or accommodated before that time. Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 553 (26 September 2016), Section 12, outlines which individuals who are eligible for interment (in-ground burial) at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Veterans Veterans who received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, or Purple Heart
- Active duty members Active duty members of the Armed Forces, except those serving on active duty for training
- Retired members Retired members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty and are entitled to receive retirement pay
- Former prisoners of war Former prisoners of war who served honorably in the active military, naval, or air service and died on or after November 30, 1993
- Elected federal officials Elected federal officials, such as the president and vice-president
- Family members Spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children of eligible service members
Here is a user-friendly chart on eligibility:
| Service Member with Honorable Discharge | Eligibility* | |
| Inurnment in Columbarium Court or Niche Wall | In-Ground Burial (Casket or Cremated Remains) | |
| Dies on Title 10 federal active duty (other than for training) | Yes | Yes |
| Dies on active duty for training only under Title 10 | Yes | No |
| Veteran – retired from active duty and receiving retirement pay | Yes | Yes |
| Veteran – at least one day of active duty other than for training | Yes | No |
| Veteran – received Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force or Navy), Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star or Purple Heart | Yes | Yes |
| Any member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, and any member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, whose death occurs under honorable conditions while on active duty for training or performing full-time service | Yes | No |
| Any former prisoner of war who, while a prisoner of war, served honorably in the active military, naval or air service; whose last period of service terminated honorably; and who died on or after Nov. 30, 1993 | Yes | Yes |
*Reflects current eligibility criteria in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 32, Part 553, Sections 12 and 13.
Eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery is determined at the time of death. The process to schedule a burial can be complex and may take several weeks to several months.
How To Request A Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery
To request a funeral, you can call the customer service center at (877) 907-8585. You will need to provide the following documents: DD214 (or service equivalent), Death certificate, and Any additional documents required to verify eligibility.
How much does it cost ?
Interment/Inurnment Costs
Arlington National Cemetery does not charge fees for an interment or inurnment at the cemetery. The only potential costs to the estate of the deceased are for vaults. Effective December 2017, placement of private markers is no longer available for service members and families. Secondary interments will still be authorized and required to have inscriptions placed on already existing private markers following interments by the estate or next-of-kin. The next of kin may elect to provide a private vault as an outside container other than the standard government-provided grave liner.
Government grave liners are made of reinforced concrete that surrounds the casket or urn. After the committal service, the casket or urn is lowered into the government liner and the concrete lid is placed on top. The purpose of the government liner is to prevent the grave from sinking. It is not designed to protect the casket or urn from the elements. A government liner is provided at no cost to the family.
A burial vault is made of reinforced concrete or other materials such as steel or bronze. Burial vaults come with a variety of special linings and may be sold with a warranty. The purpose of the burial vault is to protect the casket for some period of time and prevent the grave from sinking. Burial vaults are sold by funeral homes and not provided free of charge by the cemetery. If a family elects to purchase a burial vault, the cemetery will not provide the free government liner.
All costs associated with preparation of the remains, casket or urn, and shipping of the remains to the Washington, D.C. area are at the expense of the estate, unless the deceased was on active duty with a branch of the Armed Forces. Please check with your local VA and Social Security Administration office to determine if any benefits are available from either or both agencies.
Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s most hallowed ground, is the final resting place for approximately 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. This historic cemetery bears witness to American heritage and the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform throughout the nation’s history. Families come from all over the country to bury their loved ones at Arlington National Cemetery. They come to Arlington because of the rich history of military honors that makes the service so special. The nation’s veterans are laid to rest with dignity and honor by a compassionate and dedicated work force. We believe that caring for our nation’s heroes and their families during their time of need is a sacred duty entrusted to us.
On average, Arlington National Cemetery conducts between 27 and 30 funeral services each weekday. There are up to six committal services an hour, five times a day. Saturday services are also available for placements and services for cremated remains that do not require military honors or military chaplain support. The cemetery generally conducts between six and eight services on Saturdays.
Understanding Arlington’s Scheduling Process
The process to schedule a burial at Arlington National Cemetery can be complex, and we handle each family’s request individually with the utmost care and professionalism. Each request is unique. The length of time it takes for scheduling depends on many factors, including the family’s ability to provide all documents to verify eligibility, the type of remains, the military resources available and any special requests (such as requests for the chapel located on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall).
When the family or funeral home makes the first call to the customer service center, they are given a case number for tracking purposes and are asked to fax or e-mail all required documents for review. The cemetery staff will need to establish and confirm that the service member is eligible for burial at Arlington. We recommend that you have all of the required documentation together before you call to schedule the service. Any documents requested by cemetery staff can be e-mailed to [email protected] and must include the case number provided by the customer service center. Please Note: Arlington National Cemetery will not respond to other inquiries via this email box.
The required documents are the DD214 (or service equivalent) with an honorable character of service to establish eligibility for the eligible service member, death certificate and cremation certificate, if applicable. It is the family’s responsibility to provide the service member’s eligibility documents. A service will not be scheduled until all required documents are received. Click here for instructions on how to make an emergency records request.
Families will be required to validate that an urn contains 100 percent of the decedent’s remains received from the crematorium or funeral home before Arlington National Cemetery conducts the burial service.
For more information on the scheduling process, please see our fact sheet.
Required Documentation
- DD214 or equivalent service documentation showing honorable discharge and active duty service. (Mandatory for a veteran; not required for the second interment of spouse if ANC can verify the veteran’s eligibility from historic archived records.)
- Death certificate.
- Cremation certificate, if applicable.
- Succession documents for the person authorized to direct disposition (PADD) to act on behalf of the primary next of kin (PNOK).
- Other documents, as requested by the cemetery.
Tips for Scheduling Services
- Provide the cemetery with multiple ways to contact the funeral home and the PNOK. An e-mail address is required for the PNOK. Only the PNOK or PADD is authorized to sign the required documents.
- Have all of the required documentation together before you call to schedule.
- If the decedent is being interred with someone already at Arlington National Cemetery, please provide the section and grave number for in-ground gravesites and court, or section, column and niche numbers for above-ground interments, if known.
- Consider a Saturday service for placements or services for cremated remains that do not require military honors or military chaplain support.
Important Information: Cremated Remains
Arlington National Cemetery requires certification of 100% of cremated remains and a cremated remains certificate. We support industry best practices of providing the cremation identification number, which is included with the remains and annotated on the cremation certificate. Arlington does not accept cremated remains by mail.
Urns should be no larger than 9″ x 9″ x 9″ (not including companion urns). If the urn purchased by the family exceeds this size, please inform ANC staff prior to the interment date.
Saturday services are available for placements and services for cremated remains that do not require military honors or military chaplain support.
Important Information: Casketed Remains
Arlington National Cemetery will request that the funeral home provide additional information regarding unusually heavy caskets, oversize caskets or vaults, or any other item which could impact the handling of the remains on the day of the service.
___
TODAY – RHODE ISLAND TO HOST FIRST WHEELCHAIR BOWLING TOURNAMENT BENEFITING VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY
The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rhode Island Sports Commission are honored to announce the Patton-Stevens Foundations Fall Classic hosted by Wheelchair Bowlers of America. This first-time, four-day bowling tournament, a partnership between Wheelchair Bowlers of America, the Matthew Patton Foundation, and the Stevens Family Foundation, also serves to bring awareness to the difficulties Veterans and active duty military members face.
The tournament runs October 24-27 at East Providence Lanes. Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, and Director of the Office of Veterans Services Kasim Yarn will speak at the tournament’s Opening Ceremonies on October 25 beginning at 10 a.m.
The Matthew Patton Foundation was founded by Lynn and John Patton, the parents of Matthew Patton, an Army Veteran and Mount Hope High School graduate who died by suicide in 2013. Matthew joined the Army in 2008, serving for 5 years including a deployment to Afghanistan. The foundation’s mission is to improve the military mental health system as well as educate and advocate for all Service members to ensure their needs are met.
The Stevens Family Foundation seeks to raise awareness by honoring, empowering, and improving the lives of those with special needs so that they are seen as the gifts that they are.
Wheelchair Bowlers of America was founded in 2021 by a disabled veteran who enjoys the sport of bowling. The board consists largely of Veterans, but Wheelchair Bowlers of America is open to anyone in a wheelchair who wishes to participate in or learn the art of bowling, with or without adaptive equipment.
___
LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program
Oct 1 -December 2024 LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program for veterans over 500 veterans living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and Long Term / Assisted Living Facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of Rhode Island is requesting assistance in filling veteran’s wish list for Christmas.
This year’s program, Liliana has taken on the project to led in assisting the success of the program. Simple, every day items, like batteries, motion battery operated lights for closets, clappers to turn on lamp and TV—-items the veterans can not afford , most veterans are left with $75 a month after paying for his or her care at the long term care facility.
Liliana has established an Amazon gift list, https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1NP4LQO2F7O44?fbclid=IwY2xjawGGVqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcOAm2DRLqx9fplW7_eGTm4QNtUM-JMyGS9yd9vTJBAl-noduso-UDbcGQ_aem_a3YsygzetGGf3Y_pXcK4vQ
The list is updated weekly, as veterans submit his or her Veteran Christmas Wish list. Items purchased on gift list will be wrapped by Liliana’s school and delivered in December 2024 to the veteran by volunteers.
___
New Warwick Veterans Coordinator – former Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson
___
Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Adds Admiral Lisa Franchetti to RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra
Chief of Naval Operations, 4-star Admiral Lisa Franchetti, will receive the Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame’s (RIIAHF 501©(3) 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra on November 2, 2024 at The VETS in Providence. Senator Jack Reed will present the award to Admiral Franchetti. The Hall of Fame will also honor highly respected physician and author Dr. Edward Iannuccilli and former New England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi at this event. Governor McKee will present the award to Mr. Andruzzi.
World renowned Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey will perform a Salute to Sinatra concert accompanied by a 12 piece orchestra. Duprey has performed in more than 200 theaters around the country generating sold out performances and rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
Proceeds from this RIIAHF fundraiser benefit the organization’s scholarship fund. 11 exceptional college bound Rhode Island students from all ethnic backgrounds will be recognized and receive scholarship awards totaling at least $33,000 as each student will receive a $3,000 scholarship. This event will be co-hosted by NBC 10’s Gene Valicenti and former NBC 10 sportscaster and RIIAHF President, Joe Rocco.
Franchetti, Andruzzi and Iannuccilli will join many accomplished Italian Americans previously honored by the Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame including Jay Leno, Mario Andretti, Dan Marino, Leon Panetta, Terry Francona, Ernie DiGregorio, Tom Lasorda, Dominic DiMaggio, Maria Spacagna, Mike Tranghese, Chris Terreri, Phil Esposito and many more prominent Italian Americans who have excelled in their fields.
Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Executive Committee: President-Joe Rocco; Secretary-Mike Capuano; Treasurer-Steve D’Antuono; Board of Directors, Michael Integlia, Jr., Peter Palmisciano, Jina Petrarca, Vincent Ragosta, Steve D’Antuono, Mike Capuano, Robert Rodio, Joe Rocco, Angelo Rotella.
Tickets are available at thevetsri.com 401.421.2787 PPAC Box Office
Veterans wishing to claim 2 tickets, contact the Italian American War Veterans of US (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]
The RIIAHF has awarded more than $450,000 in scholarship awards to extraordinary Rhode Island students of all ethnic backgrounds since 1987 while honoring prominent Italian Americans from sports, business and the arts. For more information on the RI Italian American Hall of Fame or this event please visit RIIAHF.org or contact Joe Rocco, [email protected], 508.336.5818.
___
Friday, Oct. 25, 8:30 am to 7pm – Golf tournament and banquet hosted by Ocean State Chapter of the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Triggs Memorial Golf Course; 1533 Chalkstone Ave., Providence. Shotgun start, Texas Scramble format. Cost for a foursome is $600, including banquet. Full bar on-site; no outside alcohol permitted. Come join us for a day of golfing to raise funds for Operation Stand Down RI, the Family Assistance Center and the Ocean State Warrant Officers Association. To
register or for details, visit osusa-woa.org/event-details/ocean-statewoa-4th-annual-golf-tournament.
October 30 2024 Department of Rhode Island Italian American War Veterans of the US Monthly Member Dinner, no charge thanks to generous donation by Side by Side Charitable Organization, Lobster ( boiled) or lasagna dinner. Special guest will be family of PFC Anthony J Sivo, https://www.virtualwall.org/ds/SivoAJ01a.htm. PFC Sivo , Cranston RI native, was killed in action while serving in Vietnam.
Monday. November 4, 2024 – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m ROMA, 330 Atwells Ave, Providence RI, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of RI. Open to all veterans and their guest. Enjoy ROMA’s espresso, coffee, Italian toast, pastries, calzones and more. POC is ITAM at (401) 677-9838.
Monday, November 11, 2024 Rucking for Roofs, 24 Mile Ruck.
A walk to raise funds to house Veterans. Starts at Newport Elks lodge and ends at East Providence Elks Lodge.Donate per mile, per step, per flat amount. 7637Starts at Bristol Elks Lodge, 1 Constitution St. Bristol RI , ends at East Providence Elks Lodge, 60 Berkley Street East Providence. Contact Matt Vianna for More Information:
[email protected] or 508-933- 7637
November 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00PM – North Kingstown Veterans Resource fair and Blood Drive, Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach St., North Kingstown RI.Requesting Christmas & Holiday Cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. Call for Christmas & Holiday cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. The cards will be collected at the Veterans Resource Fair & Blood Drive being held 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach Street, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. All Christmas and Holiday cards are welcomed. Hand-made cards by school children are always a big hit.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. – to Rhode Island Model Rocketry Association invites all veterans and
serving military to participate in a tree Rocket launch at the RI Peckham Farm Field in West Kingston. Rockets provided for veterans, or you can can bring a rocket you built yourself. Just show your veterans or military ID. Veterans will have access to the low-power pads (A-D motors). For access to mid-power and high-power pads, veterans will need to be NAR members (nar.org/join-nar/). To register, email Lucy DIMase at [email protected]. The general public may watch the launch at no charge.
November 17th – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks #2285 Tribute to Our Veterans, Free luncheon for veterans , Social Hour : 1:00 p.m. Luncheon 2:00 p.m. Veterans are FREE, all other guest are $15.00. Tickets are limited, must reserve or purchase tickets by November 8, 2024. For more information, contact Donald Swanson, 401-871-8612
November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+:
Thursday, November 28, 2024 Thanksgiving, FREE Thanksgiving dinner, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI (please, do not call Perella’s to make reservations) to all veterans and their one guest. Additional guests will be asked to make donations to sponsor a veteran gift for Christmas. 1:00pm and 4:00pm reservations are open, call the host organization Italian American War Veterans of the US/ Dept. of Rhode Island. (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]/. Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen, serving, delivering to shut in veterans (last year over 200 meals were served. Donations and sponsors are welcomed, checks made out to ITAM, mailed to Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, note in remarks ‘THANKSGIVING RESTRICTED FUND”. Tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. “The more donations and sponsors, the more will spend on the event. For example, we add additional desserts and other side dishes,” said John Cianci, ITAM Commander, “this is not a buffet, sit down with waitress or waiter service in a five star Ristorante.”
___
Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!
Supplies are low- please stop by with items – or make a monetary contribution.
___
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.
___
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 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 – or call (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
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: [email protected]
___
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: [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/
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.