RI Veterans: Did you know? 29.01.26 (Veteran Buddy Cianci, Desert Storm, Resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Did you know the late Vincent “Buddy†Cianci served in the U.S. Army?

Vincent “Buddy” Cianci served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps and was stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Cianci enlisted in the United States Army on November 29, 1966. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps on April 24, 1967. He served on active duty until 1969 and then in the Army Reserve as a civil affairs officer through 1972.

Buddy was also a member of the Italian American War Veterans of the United States. He was an adamant supporter of veterans, always available to assist.

VETTIP: One of my Buddy Cianci’s stories – Buddy was invited as a guest speaker to the 10^th Anniversary of Desert Storm in 2001 (Buddy donated the Mayor’s Own Marinara Sauce® for the event.

Buddy was a late arrival. After his short speech to the veterans, my son, John Jr., and my nephew, Anthony Sinapi, presented Buddy with a remake of his dog tags. While placing the dog tags on him, the chain caught his hairpiece and almost pulled the hairpiece off.

RIP 2^nd Lieutenant Vincent Cianci, U.S. Army.

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Agent Orange Stored and Used At Fort Drum NY

Question From Our Readers

Q – I served in the Rhode Island National Guard in the field artillery and currently have Type II diabetes and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My duty included annual training (active duty) at Fort Drum. I am told Fort Drum is a known location where Agent Orange was stored and used. What should I do? Bob, Johnston.

A – First, according to the VA website, Fort Drum is a location where Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were tested or stored elsewhere, including many military bases in the United States. Below is information from the Department of Defense (DoD) on projects to test, dispose of, or store herbicides.

VETTIP – Open the link, https://www.va.gov/vetapp05/files1/0502908.txt. Take the time to read. Important relevant evidence for a VA claim is listed in this decision supporting Agent Orange storage and usage at  Camp Drum, now Fort Drum, NY. For example…

In light of the veteran’s assertions, the RO contacted the US Armed Services Center for Research of Unit Records (USASCRUR) in October 2003 and requested any information regarding the veteran’s claimed exposure to herbicides at Camp Drum in 1959.  In a February 2004 response, USASCRUR indicated only that available military records documented the testing of Agent Orange in the spring of 1959 on Fort Drum.   The Board finds that the February 2004 response from USASCRUR was only partially responsive to the RO’s inquiry.  In other words, USASCRUR confirmed that Agent Orange testing occurred at Camp Drum in spring of 1959, but USASCRUR did not provide additional necessary information such as the veteran’s duties at Camp Drum in the Spring of 1959, or whether the veteran’s unit worked in or near the area(s) that were sprayed with herbicides.  Further more, it is unclear as to what extent the testing caused damage to the foliage and whether any soldiers worked in those areas.   Furthermore, as the veteran has never been afforded an examination to determine the cause of his diabetes mellitus-and, in particular, whether it is attributable to exposure to Agent Orange while stationed at Fort Drum, New York, an examination is required prior to resolution of his claim. See 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103A(d) (West 2002).

Step 1: I recommend you file an Intent To File , https://www.va.gov/supporting-forms-for-claims/intent-to-file-form-21-0966/introduction immediately by phone or online. To do this, you would just have to provide basic information to the VA: name, date of birth, branch of service, etc.

After you submit your intent to file, you have 1 year to complete and file your claim. After 1 year, the potential effective date for your benefits will expire.

Step 2: I suggest you contact the VA and request a FREE Agent Orange Health Exam, To request a FREE  specific, free environmental exposure exams (e.g., Agent Orange, Gulf War), contact a local VA Environmental Health Coordinator. According to the VA website, the State of Rhode Island’s Environmental Health Coordinator is Sherry Refino, (401) 273-7100 ext. 15862 or by a email Sherry.Refino@va.gov , https://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/coordinators.asp#RhodeIsland

Ask for the FREE Agent Orange Health Exam – advising the VA you served on active duty and reserve duty at Fort Drum NY.

VETTIP – Assisting veterans with VA, federal, state, and local benefits, even  if the veteran has no pending medical condition, and he or she trained at Fort Drum as a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard or any other branch of service, I suggest you request the FREE physical.

Why? This will document your exposure and provide evidence if you ever have to file a claim with the VA. Moreover, if your death is related to any of the presumptions for being exposed to Agent Orange, your surviving spouse or dependents could be entitled to monthly compensation, including medical coverage.

Any veterans or surviving spouse who has any questions, contact the Italian American War Veteran of the United States (ITAM)  Veteran Service Officer/ Advocate at (401) 677-9838, or email itamri4vets@gmail.com. All assistance provided by ITAM is FREE.

From the VA website:

VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service. The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service. VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.

You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries:

• Agent Orange Registry
• Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
• Gulf War Registry(includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn)
• Ionizing Radiation Registry
• Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program
• Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center

Use the chart below to help determine your eligibility.

In addition, Veterans and some Reservists who state that they flew on or worked on a C-123 aircraft between 1969 and 1986 are eligible for the Agent Orange Registry.

Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about getting a registry evaluation. You do not need to enroll in VA’s health care system to take part.]

Interested in disability compensation?

The registry evaluation is separate from VA’s disability compensation process and does not confirm exposure to environmental hazards during military service. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for exposure-related health problems must file a claim for disability compensation.

During the claims process, VA will check military records to verify exposure to the claimed environmental hazard or qualifying military service. If necessary, VA will set up a specific compensation examination.

Go – HERE

Evidence confirms the use and testing of Agent Orange (and related tactical herbicides) at

Fort Drum, NY, primarily during the late 1950s. While the VA historically denied many of these claims, recent Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions have granted service connections for veterans stationed there during specific testing windows.

Historical Evidence of Exposure  for Fort Drum

• Testing Windows: The Department of Defense (DoD) confirms tactical herbicides were tested at Fort Drum from May to October 1959.
• Scope of Application: During the 1959 tests, approximately 715 gallons of Agent Purple (a precursor to Agent Orange containing 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) were sprayed via helicopter over a 4-square mile area.
• Extended Use Cases: Evidence submitted in VA court cases suggests herbicides were also used for maintenance, visibility, and weed control along roads and impact areas from the 1950s through the early 1970s.
• Improper Storage: Reports have identified the discovery of leaking metal cans containing Agent Orange components in various areas of the base, indicating potential long-term residual contamination.

VA Claims and Presumptive Status

• Not Automatically Presumptive: Unlike service in Vietnam, exposure at Fort Drum is not automatically presumed by the VA. Veterans must generally prove they were present during the specific 1959 testing window or provide evidence of actual contact for other periods.
• Successful Appeals: Some veterans have won VA Disability Compensation by establishing “direct evidence” of exposure. Conditions granted in these cases include Parkinson’s Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, prostate cancer, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Current Action: Veterans seeking benefits should check the VA’s official list of herbicide test locations and may need to file a claim supported by specific service records showing they were at the base during documented spray or storage events.

As of late 2025, the VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs recognizes 17+ presumptive conditions for Agent Orange exposure, requiring no proof of service connection for eligible veterans. Key conditions include various cancers (bladder, prostate, respiratory, leukemia), Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension.

Presumptive Conditions for Agent Orange (As of Dec 2025):

• Cancers: Bladder Cancer, Chronic B-cell Leukemias, Hodgkin’s Disease, Multiple Myeloma, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Prostate Cancer, Respiratory Cancers (lung, bronchus, trachea, larynx), Soft Tissue Sarcomas.
• Diseases/Conditions: AL Amyloidosis, Chloracne (or similar acneiform disease), Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Hypothyroidism, Ischemic Heart Disease, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinsonism (Parkinson-like symptoms), Peripheral Neuropathy (early-onset), Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.
• Note: Peripheral Neuropathy must be at least 10% disabling within 1 year of herbicide exposure.

Key Locations/Service Periods:
Veterans who served in Vietnam (1962–1975), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, or on/near Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) during specific timeframes, or on certain Navy/Coast Guard ships, are eligible.

For the latest, always check the VA Public Health (.gov) for official, up-to-date information.

VETTIP – The above list of presumptions conditions, does not include all cancers and illnesses that can be linked to Agent Orange. I recommend that veterans file a claim for their condition if they believe it was linked to their service. Let the VA review and make a decision on whether your condition was linked to your service.

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Information on the National Desert Shield and Storm Memorial

 The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is a new national monument to be built at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 14, 2022.

Although we have been constructing the various elements of the memorial off-site for several years, on-site construction has begun. The dedication will be October 24, 2026.

National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act – Authorizes the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor those who, as members of the Armed Forces, served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.

Construction of the Memorial is led by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, a 501(c)3 organization in Washington, D.C. The association is led by a Board of Directors comprised of veterans who served during Operation Desert Storm.

More information on monument go to https://www.ndswm.org/ and https://www.mynbc5.com/article/desert-storm-memorial-emily-bedard-rob-eccleston/69295603

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UPCOMING EVENTS

February  2, 2026 Monday 9:00-11:00 a.m. ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI The Italian American War Veterans of the United States hosts its monthly veteran coffee social at ROMA, always the first Monday of the month. ITAM Veteran service officer/advocate will be available to assist any veteran or family member needing assistance with VA, federal, state, local, or private benefits. All assistance is FREE of charge. All veterans are invited.

February 11, 2026 FREE Dinner for Veterans and their guest, 4:30 to 7:00, Toast n Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the United States. Dinner will be stuffed shells, sausage and peppers,  rolls, dessert, and coffee.

The dog tag machine will be on site to make a FREE dog tag for any veterans. You can pre-order the dogtag by contacting the Italian American War Veterans of the United States at (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com .

 

 

 

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Veteran Burial Resource Guide

RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI

Changes to federal laws have made veterans who were previously ineligible for the RI Veteran Cemetery now eligible. For example, previous members of the RI Guard and/or reserve are ineligible, unless they met active duty requirements and/or served in a conflict.

However, the  Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act,  which made National Guard and Reserve members eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries regardless of their active-duty status, was enacted on  March 15, 2022. This legislation ensured that Guardsmen and Reservists meeting certain criteria, such as not having a dishonorable discharge, would be eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries, even if they didn’t meet the previous, more restrictive, eligibility requirements  

How to apply?

https://vets.ri.gov/veterans-cemetery-interment-application-online

Veteran Resource Guide

Retirees

Army Newsletter Army publishes a semi-annual FREE newsletter to mail to all Army retirees, Army Echoes. To subscribe: Call DFAS at (800) 321-1080 or online sign-up, you can update your information or sign up, https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/manage/changeofaddress/

Past editions of the Army Echoes newsletter are available for free download – https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/Army-Retirement/Post-Retirement/Army-Echoes-Newsletter

Army 2025 Retired Soldier Handbook – https://soldierforlife.army.mil/documents/army%20retirement/post%20retirement/Retired%20Soldier%20Handbook.pdf

The purpose of the U.S. Army Retired Soldier Handbook is to provide current and updated information for Retired Soldiers and their families, about the benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through their years of faithful service.

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

Saturdays:

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

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

Mondays:

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

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

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

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

Wednesdays

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

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

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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.

What We’re Looking For:

Active driver’s license & vehicle insurance

Clean driving record

Ability to pass a background check

COVID-19 vaccination

Details: © Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available) – Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

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

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

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

No cost licenses are available if you are:

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

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

DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)

To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing.

The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is: DEM Licensing

Office 235 Promenade Street, Room 360 Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-3576

To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an

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

Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:

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

Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In–Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:  Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Room 360″¨Providence, RI 02908 – Phone: 401-222-3576

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf   Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

https://dem.ri.gov/about–us/dem–offices/boating–registration–licenses/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%20decision.

Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans:   Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.

The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:

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

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.

Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.

Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters 1100 Tower Hill

Road North Kingstown, RI 02852 Phone: 401-6676200″¨Email: dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.â€Â¯ 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 – 2ndâ€Â¯and 4th – Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1stâ€Â¯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  Groupâ€Â¯â€“ 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.â€Â¯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 Youâ€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 GameStopâ€Â¯- 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 Youâ€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: itamri4vets@gmail.com:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

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If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office 1-(401)6779VET(9838)    

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john–acianci/    

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: itamri4vets@gmail.com; the business name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office (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.