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RI Veterans: Did you know? 28.11.24 (Tricare, Thanksgiving, events, resources) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans” issues
Photo, top: John Cianci, RINEWSTODAY veterans writer (center), and members of the 119th Military Police Company . Cianci is holding 2 turkeys he cooked in Baghdad, Iraq in 2003.
Q. I live in Rhode Island, retired from the RI Guard and eligible for TRICARE at age 60, what are my options for medical?
A. In Rhode Island you have the option of Tricare or US Family Health if you are eligible for Tricare.
TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) is a health plan for qualified retired members of the National Guard and Reserve, their families, and survivors. TRR is a premium-based plan, and you’ll pay a monthly premium to stay enrolled. There is no government subsidy. Deciding on US Family Health over Tricare, I found both plans were identical in costs, however, US Family Health offers chiropractic services, unlike Tricare. If you choose US Family Health over Tricare, you will not be able to access care at military hospitals or clinics when enrolled in USFHP.
Q. I still have medical coverage thru my employee, do I need to sign up for Tricare ?
A. No, however, I would compare your out of-pocket cost and benefits provided by TRICARE to your employer sponsored health care, more than likely, you will find TRICARE medical cost less out of pockets and has equal to better medical coverage.
Delaying signing up for TRICARE – you are not penalized.
Q. I have Tricare and turned 65, do I need to sign up for Medicare?
A: Yes. To continue Tricare benefits after you turn 65, you must enroll in Medicare A and B. You should sign up at least a month before, this will insure you receive you Medicare card. After signing up for Medicare A and B, you are automatic enrolled in Tricare for Life.
What happens if I already have Tricare and don’t sign up for Medicare A and B when I turn 65?
If you don’t enroll in Medicare by 65, your Tricare benefits end the first day of the month you turn 65.
Q. How do I sign up for TRICARE?
A. The link for TRICARE is https://www.tricare.mil/trr
More information on Tricare:
TRICARE Open Season is Nov. 11–Dec. 10, 2024. TRICARE Open Season lets you change your healthcare plan for next year. Changes you make during this time start on Jan. 1, 2025. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, new T-5 regional contracts will take effect in the U.S. For more information, see the “T-5 Regional Contract Changes” section. TRICARE Open Season applies to you if you have or qualify for TRICARE Prime, US Family Health Plan, or TRICARE Select. Want to learn more about TRICARE Open Season 2024? Check out issue 4 of the TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter. This issue includes region-specific information about TRICARE Open Season and the new regional contracts. You might also qualify for dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. The Office of Personnel Management runs this program.
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4th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024
For Active Duty/ Veterans and Guest (plus all minor children of veteran and or active-duty member). “We have expanded to not just dine-in at Perella’s Ristorante in Warren, but also delivery to those veterans who have limited transportation in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts community,” said John Cianci, one of the veteran organizers of the annual Veteran Thanksgiving Free Dinner.
Veterans, family members, and neighbor of a veteran are encouraged to call Italian American War veterans of US, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected] with name and address of veteran who would like a not Thanksgiving Dinner delivered on Thanksgiving.
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LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program
Now through December 2024 the 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.
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EVENTS
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.”
Monday. December 2, 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.
Wednesday , December 4, 2024– Italian American War Veterans of US membership FREE Monthly dinner at Rosario Club. Meal choice is Veal or Chicken parmigiana. Doors open 430, dinner starts at 5:15. All ITAM members are encouraged to bring another non-veteran member.
January 25, 2025 – Rhode Island national Guard Reunion, 2:00 to 4:00 PM 13110 S Lake Mary Jane Lane, Orlando, Florida. 32832. $25 BYOB. Please respond no later than January 10, 2025. Payments can be made by check or pay by Venmo at @Patricia-Ryan-37.
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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.
See our need for delivering Thanksgiving meals – top of this article!
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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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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]
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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/
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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.