RI Veterans: Did you know? 30.01.25 (Mulcahy honors, reinstatements, more) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans’ issues. Photo: John A. Cianci

PC Friars Honors Local Veteran, Major(ret) Charlie Mulcahy at PC Basketball 

At the Providence College (PC) vs Seton Hall, at Amica Mutual Pavilion, in Providence, Friars recognized Major(ret) Charlie Mulcahy by inviting him to the game and giving him special treatment, which included having him enter the court during a timeout.

Mulcahy was presented a PC basketball and other mementos thanking him for his service by Providence College.

“I was unaware of being recognized until the night of the game,” said Mulcahy.

Due to the many military achievements, one timeout did not allow Mulcahy’s  military career accomplishment to be recognized. He started his career in the U.S. navy. After completing his contact with the Navy, Mulcahy joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard, 169^th Military Police company, Westerly RI as an enlisted soldier. Mulcahy’s leadership was recognized, and he was 1 of 2 selected for a direct commission in the 43d Military Police Brigade.

Mulcahy served a total of 32 years in the military, to include numerous combat tours. His awards are highlighted with 2 bronze stars and a purple heart. “I have known “Charlie his entire career in the Rhode Island Army National Guard,” said John Cianci. State Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard. Cianci and Mulcahly served together in the 169^th Military Police Company and were deployed together for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Give him a mission, he becomes laser focus to accomplish the mission, “ said another veteran who attended the game.

Brief summary of Mulcahy career:

Mulcahy is a veteran with 32-years of military service with both the Navy and Army. After serving as an enlisted serviceman for 12-years, he was commissioned into the US Army Officer Corps as a Second Lieutenant. In 2003, he served as a platoon leader with the 115* Military Police Company in Iraq under the command of the 3rd Infantry Division. During that 1-year deployment, MAJ Mulcahy oversaw his platoon’s participation in numerous urban combat operations. His leadership contributed to the company being awarded the prestigious “Valorous Unit Award” by the Department of Army for its extraordinary heroism while engaged against hostile enemy forces. 

MAJ Mulcahy was also ordered the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded by enemy fire during operations in the city of Fallujah. Major Mulcahy returned to Iraq for another 1-year deployment in 2005-2006 with the 43D Military Police Brigade of the Rhode Island National Guard. During this tour, he was tasked to develop and initiate a training academy for Iraqi law enforcement officers outside of the city of Basra. His success with this mission was notable contribution to the development of the Iraqi Ministry of Justice and also resulted in Major Mulcahy’s awarding of the Bronze Star Medal. In 2011, Major Mulcahy again deployed with the 43′ MP Brigade for a 1-year deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan. During this mission he was assigned to establish and run the Base Defense Operations Center for the region’s joint US and Afghanistan National Army base. His efforts greatly improved the base’s security measures against insurgent attacks and resulted in the Major being awarded his second Bronze Star Medal. 

Additionally, Charlie is a 25-year veteran of the Tiverton Police Department and currently holds a position with the Newport Naval War College.

According to Friars, Mulcahy was an easy choice with a distinguished career of not only serving in the U.S Military, but also serving and retiring as a police officer from Tiverton Police. Moreover, continuing  serving as a member of Newport Naval War College Force Protection staff,

RINEWSTODAY salutes Major Charlie Mulcahy, you are a true warrior and continue to serve as as VFW Commander and full-time position on the Newport Navy base protecting military and personnel on the base. 

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Follow-up: President Trump’s reinstating military members who declined Covid shots

VETTIP: The executive order included reinstatement rights for those who chose not to reenlist to prevent punitive actions for refusing the shot, and or being ordered to take another Covid shot. Here is order from the White House:

Executive Order: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  On August 24, 2021, the Secretary of Defense mandated that all service members receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  The Secretary of Defense later rescinded the mandate on January 10, 2023.  The vaccine mandate was an unfair, overbroad, and completely unnecessary burden on our service members.  Further, the military unjustly discharged those who refused the vaccine, regardless of the years of service given to our Nation, after failing to grant many of them an exemption that they should have received.  Federal Government redress of any wrongful dismissals is overdue. 

Sec. 2.  Redress.  Consistent with the policies announced in section 1 of this order, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, shall take all necessary action permitted by law to:

(a)  make reinstatement available to all members of the military (active and reserve) who were discharged solely for refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and who request to be reinstated;

(b)  enable those service members reinstated under this section to revert to their former rank and receive full back pay, benefits, bonus payments, or compensation; and

(c)  allow any service members who provide a written and sworn attestation that they voluntarily left the service or allowed their service to lapse according to appropriate procedures, rather than be vaccinated under the vaccine mandate, to return to service with no impact on their service status, rank, or pay.

Sec. 3.  Additional Agency Responsibilities.  (a)  Nothing in this order precludes disciplinary or administrative action for conduct that is proscribed by chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 801-946a).

(b)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall report to the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs on their progress in implementing this order.

Sec. 4.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

THE WHITE HOUSE – January 27, 2025.

RINewsToday asked about the process to apply for reinstatement, pay, etc., but these details will take some time to be determined – at least a month or two. Stay tuned for details, if this applies to you. We also asked the RI Veterans Administration how many Rhode Islanders this applies to but, without the federal details, those numbers are not yet determined.

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New Poster Requirement for Businesses

RI legislation established that employers with 50 employees or more must display a poster containing information on veterans’ benefits available. The Department of Labor and Training is charged with creating the poster and providing it to employers; and they are currently working on the poster content. When the final product is available we will publish the link to the document. The content is being developed by the RI Veterans Administration

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VFW Post 152 North Kingstown RI , Valentines for Veterans Program

North Kingstown students, friends, children, and neighbors are joining in the making of some Valentine’s cheer to be distributed at the RI Veterans Home and Providence VA Medical Center next month.

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EVENTS

February  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, sponsored by Building Bridges.

February 2, 2025, 930 am, CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL Four Chaplains Memorial Service will be held at Cornerstone of Faith Methodist Church11081 Main Street. (Parking is available behind the Church, across the street and also behind the former Police station building). There will be a special offering; proceeds going to the Chapel of Four Chaplains Foundation to aid in continuing their work to educate the public of this great, heroic, historical event. This is an ecumenical service, all are welcome. We hope you will be able to join us. Light refreshments will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 2025 to insure ample food will be available. Jane Deptula, Marine Corps League (480-0445) or (email [email protected])

February 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 [email protected]

February 8, 2025, Friday 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.

February 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. Guest Chef Manual Leander doing his award winning Portuguese FREE remake of original dog tag—made on site, for ALL new members, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email [email protected]

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.

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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.

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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

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/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%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: 401-667-6200 ““ 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) 

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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.