RI Veterans: Did you know? 29.05.25 (Disability info, events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Questions from our readers:

COVID 19

Q: – I was in the RI Guard, and after being ordered to take the COVID-19 shot, I became sick. I still get headaches, can’t smell, and joint pains. Am I eligible for any VA disability? – James, Coventry

A: – Yes, you could be eligible for VA monthly disability compensation. Moreover, the VA has a list of medical issues for if the symptoms started after COVID-19, it’s assumed the COVID-19 shot was the cause: the VA has established a “presumption list.”

Active-duty military service and National Guard members on emergency duty may have been exposed to COVID-19.

First, if you have never filed and after receiving the shot you became ill, you might have been exposed to COVID-19.

What is in the “presumption list by the VA for COVID-19?

1. Respiratory
2. Mental health/fatigue
3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
4. Headaches
5. Joint/Muscle pain
6. Rash
7. Fibromyalgia
8. Complete loss of smell or taste lasting 6 months

VETTIP: If the veteran experienced any items not listed, he or she should also file a claim with the VA. The Italian American War Veteran of the US, Veteran Service Officer/ Advocate, can assist any veteran or family member to file a claim with the VA. Call John at 1-800-934-4711 or email , or send a text itamri4vets@gmail.com. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE, and assistance is given to members and non-members.

 Here is a simple 1-page sheet detailing the COVID-19 list of illnesses

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Question:

Q: – My Dad is 93 years old, a Korean War veteran, and his VA card (VHIC) is expired. how does he renew it, since he is homebound and very limited in mobility?

A: – The VA prefers online renewal. 

How to Renew Online (This is the preferred method)

To renew your VHIC online, visit https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/. Online or Self-Service requests are processed by our local team within 24-48 hours, excluding weekends/holidays. Please note that if you renew online and the status says HOLD, that is a good thing, meaning it is in the queue for processing.

Presenting in person will not result in receiving your renewed card any faster. All cards are printed and mailed from a central off-site location regardless of renewal method.  Normal processing time is 5-10 days but could be longer during this mass renewal period. 

• Travel pay is not authorized when visiting a VA location solely for the purpose of renewing a VHIC.

In-Person Renewals

Please be sure to bring a valid (not expired) form of ID and understand there may be a bit of a wait due to the high volume of walk-ins. The VA card can be renewed in person at, VA Providence Medical Facility, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI. You do not need an appointment, but do have identification with you. After completing the application, the veteran should receive his or her reissue card within 2-4 weeks.

Moreover, even if your card has an expiration date of June 2025, don’t sweat. This expired card will get you off the islands and chilling at home. https://italianamericanwarveteran.org

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Rhode Island Ranks 45 of 51  for Military Retirees – 2^nd Worst in New England for Military Retirees

So says the source – WalletHub

Between 2010 and 2023, the total number of veterans fell by more than 5.9 million, or more than 25%. According to WalletHub, the Rhode Island veteran population is down to less than 52K.

What mythology was used?

Methodology: In order to determine the best and worst states for military retirement, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions: 1) Economic Environment, 2) Quality of Life, and 3) Health Care.

“We evaluated those dimensions using 28 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for military retirees. For metrics marked with an asterisk (*), we measured the “number of veterans” by the square root of the veteran population in order to avoid overcompensating for small differences among states, considering Veterans Administration (VA) facilities have not increased proportionally with the number of veterans.

Quite disturbing to veterans, the Rhode Island population was always reported in the 60k plus. Now, according to WalletHub.com:

We then determined each state and the District’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Economic Environment – Total Points: 33.33

• State Tax on Military Pension: Quadruple Weight (~6.35 Points)
• Tax-Friendliness: Double Weight (~3.17 Points)
  Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Tax Rates by State” report.
• Share of Veteran-Owned Businesses: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
• Dollars in Defense Department Contracts per Capita: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
• Job Opportunities for Veterans: Triple Weight (~4.76 Points)
• State Authorization for Veterans’ Preference in Private Hiring: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
  Note: This binary metric considers the presence or absence of a state statute authorizing private employers to implement a veteran-employment preference without vulnerability to claims of discrimination.
• Job Growth (2024 vs. 2023): Double Weight (~3.17 Points)
• Military Bases & Installations per 100,000 Veterans: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
• Total VA Expenditure per Number of Veterans: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
• Presence of State Help for Returning Veterans: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
  Note: This binary metric considers the presence or absence of veteran transition programs & commissions in a state.
• Presence of Academic Credit for Military Service: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)
  Note: This binary metric considers the presence or absence of state legislation recognizing the varied skills and knowledge veterans acquire by counting it toward college credit.
• Housing Affordability: Double Weight (~3.17 Points)
• Cost-of-Living Index: Full Weight (~1.59 Points)

Quality of Life – Total Points: 33.33

• Share of Veterans: Full Weight (~3.17 Points)
• Share of Veterans Not Receiving SNAP: Full Weight (~3.17 Points)
• Share of VA Benefits-Administration Facilities per Number of Veterans*: Double Weight (~6.35 Points)
• Quality of Public University System: Full Weight (~3.17 Points)
  Note: This metric is based on WalletHub “College & University Rankings.”
• Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Establishments per Capita: Half Weight (~1.59 Points)
• Share of Population Aged 40 & Older: Full Weight (~3.17 Points)
• Share of Homeless Veterans: Double Weight (~6.35 Points)
• Idealness of Weather: Double Weight (~6.35 Points)
  Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Cities with the Best & Worst Weather” ranking.

Health Care – Total Points: 33.33

• Number of VA Health Facilities per Number of Veterans*: Full Weight (~3.70 Points)
• Federal, State, Local & Private Hospitals per Capita: Full Weight (~3.70 Points)
• Quality of VA Hospitals: Triple Weight (~11.11 Points)
  Note: This metric includes VA hospital performance star rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ “Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning” (SAIL) performance improvement tool.
• Physicians per Capita: Full Weight (~3.70 Points)
• Mental Health Counselors per Capita: Full Weight (~3.70 Points)
• Veteran Suicide Rate: Full Weight (~3.70 Points)
• Presence of Veteran-Treatment Courts: Full Weight (~3.70 Points)
  Note: This binary metric considers the presence or absence of veteran-treatment courts, programs that provide treatment and mentoring services to veterans with mental-health and substance-abuse problems to keep them out of the criminal justice system and help stabilize their lives.
• Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected as of April 21, 2025 from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Military Officers Association of America, Military OneSource, USAspending.gov, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Conference of State Legislatures, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Council for Community and Economic Research, WalletHub.com, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Indeed and WalletHub research.

Networking with other veterans, we wonder why the VA established the COVID-19 illness list within 1-2 years after their duty. Why can’t this setup and kicking be implemented for Agent Orange? Burn pits?

Rhode Island can take steps to make RI more friendly for members of the Armed Forces and thousands of veterans. Here is a few suggestions:

1. There would be no tolls for veterans receiving 100% monthly VA disability. Florida is a state that has a program to issue a toll booth box. The box would register ZERO.
2. No registration fees for all veterans who have been in combat and remain living in the State of RI.
3. Free license for all honorable discharge veterans who completed his or her initial contract.
4. Uniform the tax credit for veterans owning a house. Why should a 100% disabled veteran living in Cranston pay no property tax? However, he he lived in Warwick, RI, he would be paying anywhere between 4k and 5k a year in real estate taxes.
5. FREE tuition and registration fees for any 100% VA disabled compensation, veteran, spouse and or dependent at any state college or university that completed his or her initial military contract and received an Honorable discharge.

In summary, Rhode Island leaders can improve their treatment of veterans and members of the armed forces by implementing minimum changes.

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EVENTS

June 2, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s  Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM, at (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com

June 5, 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 is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos. 

June 6, Friday (always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville 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. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

June 6, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteranJason 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.

June 18, 2025 (always the 2^nd Wednesday of the month), toast n’ tap, 5:00-7:00, toast n’ tap, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick, RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest.

June 25, 2025 Wednesday (always last Wed. of month), 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. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. itamri4vets@gmail.com

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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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FAQ Veteran Questions On VA Health Care, VA Disability, Long Term/Assisted Living Care/ Discounts/ State Benefits

Veteran Resource Guide – Retirees

Army Newsletter Army publishes a semi-annual FREE newsletter to mail to all Army retirees, Army Echoes. To subsribe:

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 ““ 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.

What We’re Looking For:

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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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:

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:

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:

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.”¯ 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) 

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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: itamri4vets@gmail.com; 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, itamri4vets@gmail.com, 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.