RI Veterans: Did you know? 27.02.25 (Cuts or savings at VA, Events, more…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

UPDATE ON VA FIRINGS AT VA PROVIDENCE VETERANS MEDICAL CENTER AND VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION LOCATED IN PROVIDENCE:

Based on all available information,  ZERO employees working at the Veterans Affairs locations were included in the firings.

RINEWSTODAY spoke with over 50 current VA employees working at the Providence VA locations, and not one knew of any co-worker included in the recent firings.

Additionally, no further responses from Senator Jack Reed and Providence Veteran Medical Director Lawrence Connel or Providence VA Public Affairs Officer.

Let’s recall, RINEWSTODAY inquired last week to Senator Jack Reed, Director Lawrence Connel Providence Medical, and Public Affairs Officer for VA Providence with the following questions:

Q1 Did any employees working at or for  VA Providence Medical receive termination letters as part of recent 17,000 employees terminated?

Q2 If yes, were you able to receive waivers for those employees; as you may be aware, VA Secretary Doug Collins statements waivers are allowed, and not one of the firings impact Veteran medical or benefits, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-dismisses-more-than-1000-employees/

Q3 Last week, according to a wife of a veteran at a private long tern care facility ( which the veteran is paying for), says last week she was told her 92 year husband primary care provider is no longer employed. She request a new one, to include an appointment. She was DENIED, VA advised he no longer was eligible for primary provider since the facility he is in has one. He still will be eligible to receive audio, prescriptions, etc…But will not be assigned a primary.

What is the policy for a combat disable veteran living in a RI long term care facility—-are they still eligible for a VA provider, since they remain registered in VA Health care?

For the record, Senator Reed’s office did respond, referring  RINEWSTODAY to his Washington DC office. The DC office provided RINEWSTODAY with a statement by Senator Reed, however, the statement did not answer any of the questions mentioned above.

VA Medical Director Connel  and VA Providence public affairs officer response was a copy of a link for VA press release on the message by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins, which he stated the firing would have ZERO impact on veteran’s health care or benefits. Like Reed’s response, Connell ad the Providence PAO did not answer the questions on firings impact to the VA Providence facilities. 

RINEWSTODAY did also reach out to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs office in Washington DC. That office within hours responded by to our inquiry. According to the communications received, no changes in any health care service or benefits have resulted from the firings of VA employees.

In conclusion, RINEWSTODAY encourages any employee working at the Providence VA Medical Center of Veterans Benefit Administration receiving termination letter last week, contact us, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]. Your identify can be withheld.

Additionally, RINEWSTODAY encourages any veteran who has been told due to the recent firings, he no longer has the same health care or benefits coverage, to contact RINEWSTODAY.

VETTIP  Veterans RINEWSTODAY interview the last few days, told RINEWSTODAY as always, he received outstanding service at the Providence VA Medical-Dental clinic. Another veteran who has used the VA for over 5 years said , “ VA Providence medical employees seemed to be more motivated during his recent visit.”

This is a developing story, as RINEWSTODAY is awaiting a response to a  Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for copies of redacted termination emails for all Providence VA Medical Center and VBA Providence employees who were terminated from February 10-23, 2026.

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DOGE Cancels $2 Billion In Government Contract: Secretary Collins Savings Back to VA Healthcare and Benefits

In a video message yesterday, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reiterated additional firings and cuts will have no impact on veteran health and benefits.

Moreover, Collins stated the $2 billion dollars of savings in terminating contracts, will be redirected to veteran health care and programs.

In his message, Collins urges veterans not to listen to all the noise of the media, to include some US members of congress.

The message he covers some of the contracts canceled that will save the VA  $2 billion dollars. For example, he canceled a contract that would teach VA employees on how to use power point. Other contracts canceled included millions of dollars for “coaching and training” .

“If you need coaching and training, that’ what you have in a supervisor,” said Collins. “And if your supervisor can’t coach you and train you in your job, then I tell you what, let me know. I’ll come help you.”

In Collin’s message, besides the recent $2 billion contracts terminated, more contracts were being reviewed to be canceled, which would result in billions of additional savings for the VA.

Veterans are urged to click on Collin’s message and listen to the almost 2 minute message.

RINEWSTODAY urges veterans to click on the link below and listen to the message from Collins, which was posted by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs on You Tube :

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VA announces return to in-person work policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced its return to in-person work policy, which states eligible employees must work full-time at their respective duty stations (agency worksites) unless excused due to a disability, qualifying medical condition or other compelling reason.

The announcement follows President Trump’s Jan. 20, presidential memorandum on return to in-person work.

More than 20% of VA’s more than 479,000 employees currently have telework or remote work arrangements. As part of the new policy:

• Political appointees, senior executive service members, SES equivalents, senior level and scientific and professional employees will no longer be eligible for remote work arrangements. By Feb. 24, 2025, their telework agreements will be terminated, except for ad hoc or situational telework.
• Also, by Feb. 24, 2025, remote work and telework arrangements for supervisors with current official duty stations within 50 miles of an agency facility will be terminated, except for ad hoc or situational telework.
• By April 28, 2025, remote work and telework arrangements for non-bargaining unit employees with current official duty stations within 50 miles of an agency facility will be terminated, except for ad hoc or situational telework.
• Remote work and telework arrangements for supervisors and non-bargaining unit employees with current official duty stations outside 50 miles of an agency facility will not be terminated at this time. Further guidance will be forthcoming regarding these arrangements.
• Return to in person work requirements for bargaining unit employees will be announced at a later date.
• VA’s policy allows exceptions for arrangements approved for employees as a reasonable accommodation due to a disability or a qualifying medical condition. Exceptions may also be allowed for military spouses with permanent change of station orders.

“This is a commonsense step toward treating all VA employees equally,” said Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter. “Most VA clinical staff don’t have the luxury of working remotely, and we believe the performance, collaboration and productivity of the department will improve if all VA employees are held to the same standard.”

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EVENTS

(Join RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor John Cianci at Toast n Tap for a Veteran Social be hosted by Toast n Tap. More information:

February 27, 2025, Thursday – 6:00-9:00 pm  Veteran Social at Toast n ‘ Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick RI.

March 1, 2025, Saturday Christ Church 57 Main Street , Swansea MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast, (First Saturday of every month) Veteran and one guest. Thanks to all the vets and volunteers at Christ Church! Free Veterans Breakfast first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUPAmerican Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos.

March 3, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian American war Veterans of US. Free to all veterans and guest. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. More information contact ITAM , (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@ann-clanton

March 7, Friday (always first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eaglerville 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. More information, (401) 640-7506. https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

March 7, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran owned, Iraqi War Veterans 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.

March 15, 2025 – Tea for RI Women Veterans, 1:00- 3:00pm, Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI. Open to all women veterans. Sponsored by Unit 118 Military Women Across the Nation.

March  26 2025, Wednesday – Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI , 500-700 pm . Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Traditional St Joesph Day celebration, to include zeppoles , contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]. Invited guest, RING Retirees and all RI / MA Desert Storm Veterans , call or email to reserve a spot for yourself and guest.

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VA Providence News

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Veterans! File Your Taxes for FREE! VA Providence is offering free tax preparation services exclusively for Veterans from Feb. 7 – April 13 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (by appointment only).

Call (401) 273-7100 ext. 12025 to schedule your appointment today!

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank!

Supplies are low- please stop by with items ““ or make a monetary contribution.

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Leave No Veteran Alone Program ““ Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide.  Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

Monthly Schedule for long term care and assisted living facilities needing volunteers:

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity. As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

Details:

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness””and their family members, friends, and supporters””can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans. 

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups 

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.”¯ As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time! 

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

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

Restaurants 

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

Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

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

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

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

Retailers 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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