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RI Veterans: Did you know? 26.09.24 (Fisher House, OSD success, events) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, veterans writer
Start off with questions from our veteran readers.
Q: I am scheduled for surgery at the West Roxbury VA Center, which will require an overnight stay – does the VA offer any lodging for my wife? Paul, Smithfield, RI
A: Yes, within walking distance is a Fisher House.
Fisher House Boston’s mission is to provide a home away from home where military families (active, guard, veteran, or retired) can stay, free of charge, while a loved one is receiving in-house treatment at any of their world-renowned medical centers in Boston.
Fisher House Manager contact information:
Beth St. Pierre
857-203-4000
[email protected]
Staff Office Hours:
Monday: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Fisher House Name: VA Boston Healthcare System Fisher House
Fisher House Mailing Address: 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Fisher House Phone Number: 857-203-4000 or [email protected]
Fisher House Hours of Operation: 24/7
Website: Boston VA Fisher House
The Fisher House has an online application https://fisherhouseboston.org/apply-for-lodging/
What does the Boston VA Fisher House have to offer? The Boston VA Fisher House has 20 suites to accommodate family members. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The house features a common, fully-stocked kitchen, spacious dining room, an inviting living room, toys for children and laundry facilities. Bedrooms offer either one queen sized bed or two twin size beds. Each room has an adjoining private bathroom with a shower and all rooms are equipped with a TV and DVD. The Boston Fisher House is located on the VA Boston West Roxbury campus. The Fisher House has it’s own parking lot designated for guests and visitors to the house only.
Eligibility Requirements: Families and or Caregivers of Veterans or Active Duty Military Personnel receiving VA impatient treatment at Boston VA Healthcare, or receiving VA covered care in the community, may stay at the Fisher House while they receive inpatient care.
The following are eligibility requirements for lodging at the VA Boston Fisher House: (1) guest must be medical stable and able to care for themselves and/or family members independently. (2) Guest must live 50 miles or more from the Fisher House, exceptions to the mileage can be made by the House Manager. (3) Guest must agree to house guest rules, and be able to abide by them (4) Minor children must be supervised by their families at all times.
A Fisher House™ is a ”home away from home” for families and caregivers of Veterans and Service members receiving treatment at major military and VA medical facilities. VA Fisher House accommodations are provided at no cost to guests and located within walking distance of the treatment facility. VA Fisher Houses provide temporary accommodations at no cost for Veterans, Service members, their families and caregivers while receiving treatment through a VA Medical Facility.
The Boston Fisher House depends on donations from individuals and groups to support its programs. Funds are used to provide cooking supplies, food items, and personal items that family members use during their stay. By donating directly to Boston VA Hospital, you can be assured that 100% of your donation will be used to support the Fisher House. Donations can be made to: Voluntary Service (Fisher House 5009) VA Boston Healthcare System 1400 VFW Parkway West Roxbury, MA 02132 For information about making donations, contact Voluntary Service To find out more, see your Social Worker for a referral, or contact 857-203-4000, for questions.
Motorcycle Raffle for Fisher House
Local Marine Veteran Dan Hebert, owner of Dan’s Place, W. Greenwich is raffling off a brand new 2024 Harley Davidson Breakout 117 motorcycle, with 100% of all proceeds to be donated to the Boston VA Fisher House; patrons of Dan’s Place can’t miss the Harley Davidson on display above the bar. KUDOs to Marine Veteran Dan Hebert.
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Follow-up : Operation Stand Down Rhode Island Annual Event
According to the staff of Operation Stand Down, over 300 veterans requested multiple assistance at the event held last week. Dozens of tents were setup for numerous services available to veterans, which included legal, dental, IRS, VA, housing and much more.
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Free College Courses for Veterans
The Providence Clemente Veterans’ Initiative (PCVI) is a free program that offers humanities classes to veterans in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The program’s goal is to help veterans find a sense of purpose and community through the humanities, and to explore their experiences through history, literature, philosophy, and art.
Eligibility is open to all veterans, regardless of age, deployment, disability, rank, education, and discharge status. The program offers accredited college course, free books, tuition, computer assistance, and experienced professors.
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EVENTS
Sunday September 29, 2024 – 5:30 a.m. SENDOFF and Welcome Home, Sunday , September 29, 2024 @10:00 p.m at T.F Green International Airport
Saturday, October 5 – 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. Salt War Fly Fishing. For details to sign up, call Ed Smith, (401) 739-0167.
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 5-6 – Overnight Camping Women Veterans Retreat; at Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton. Organized by the R.I. VFW and sponsored by United Way of Fall River, the event runs from 10 a.m. on Saturday to early afternoon on Sunday. Bring your mementos and photos! RSVP no later than Sept. 10. To learn more and to sign up, call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine-horse.com. Rain Date: Oct. 12-13. Questions? Call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine- horse.com
October 7, 2024, Monday – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00-11:00 am. ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence RI, Sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US. Free for all veterans and their guest. Veteran Service officer available to assist any veteran or family member with federal and state benefits. More information, contact ITAM office, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]
Saturday, Oct 19, 2024, noon – 107th Signal Company Annual Lunch, VFW Kelly-Grazzerro Post 2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston RI. Family style meal will be served, $35. Make checks payable to Kelly Grazzero Post 2812 and mail to Bill Cill, 115 Hope Street Rumford RI 02916.Ther event is for veterans only, Any questions call Bill Cill, (401)486-2542 or email [email protected]
November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+
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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! – Supplies are low – if you go to the Veterans day today – why not bring some non-perishables with you?
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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.
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Free Help for Homeless Veterans
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends, and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Can Call
- Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
- VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
- Federal, state and local partners
- Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless
Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)
- It’s free and confidential
- You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
- It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area
What Happens When Veterans Make the Call
- A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
- Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
- What Happens When Others Make the Call
- Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
- They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
- VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
- VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans.
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Button Hole Golf Course continues Veterans Golf Clinics
All veterans and active service members are welcome, as well as immediate family members. There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two ‘ParaMobile’ golf carts are also available. The remaining 2024 schedule (2 Thursdays): September 26, Oct. 10.
Typical agenda: 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Instruction on the range, plus playing as many holes as we can (or desire). A light meal and soft drinks will follow the golf, allowing a few minutes to unwind and talk about our golfing exploits.
Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, please email [email protected] so they’ll have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue, please call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664 and Button Hole can find you a ride.
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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 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.
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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:
· 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
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]
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RESOURCES & ongoing groups
Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering. As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!
***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
Services
No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.
Restaurants
Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022.
Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.
Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022.
Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021
99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID
Retailers
Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021
Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).
BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021
Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner
GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me
Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.
Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.
Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI
Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.
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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [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.