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RI Veterans: Did you know? 31.08.23 (Support Maui Vets. URI TODAY. Other…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues
Photo: Maui News
Rhode Island Italian American War Veterans of US Supporting Maui Veterans
On Monday, September 4 2023, the Italian American war Veterans of US will have several collection points on Federal Hill to collect funds to support Maui Veterans.
“We partnered with American Legion to support our brothers and sisters impacted by the devastating tornadoes that struck Kentucky,” said Rhode Island Department Commander John A Cianci, Italian American War Veterans of US(ITAM), “and once again we’ll answer the call for our veteran brothers and sisters, in Maui.”
Throughout the day, Veterans will be located throughout Federal Hill with collection points for donations.
In addition, ITAM organization will donate $5 for each pizza ordered from ROMA throughout the day.
ITAM organization will also offer FREE delivery for ROMA from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m throughout Providence area and also Knightville area of Cranston.
“Our organization is blessed to have unwavering support of ROMA for all our veteran organizations,” said Cianci.
According to ITAM organization, additional fundraising events for Maui veterans will be announced for the month of September 2023.
If you can’t make it to Federal Hill on Monday, and would like to donate, checks can be mailed out to ITAM, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield RI 02896. The organization is also accepting gift cards to Amazon, which will be mailed directly to the veteran organization ITAM is partnering with in Hawaii.
Other Ways to Support Maui Veterans
The Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) staff is working tirelessly to care for Maui Veterans by providing resources and assistance to more than 3K Veterans impacted by the recent Maui fires.
VA is collecting donations for those affected by the fires at the VA Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center at 459 Patterson Rd. in Honolulu. Some recommended donations are toiletry items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toilet paper, disposable razors and hair ties. Non-perishable food items, water, cellphone chargers, blankets and pillows, clothing, prepaid phones or shoes.
Veterans can find more information about available resources by visiting the resource page created by VA at content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/36a098d or by calling (800) 214-1306.
For questions about other ways to help, contact Schoen Safotu, chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement, at (808) 433-7725 or [email protected].
They are reaching out to those in need providing information on where they can go for care, or to answers to questions about the VA resources available, also, at the Honolulu VA Medical Center at 1-800-214-1306.
Here is information on how you can donate to assist Veterans affected by the fires. On the form, please specify:
- Choose Hawaii
- Choose VA Pacific Islands HCS 459
- Minimum donation $5
- Specify in Donor Intent for Maui Veterans disaster donation
More on Maui
US Army Pacific & Hawaii National Guard Continue the Search – As the death toll continues to climb in the wake of Lahaina fires, service members are not giving up search for survivors. Joint Task Force 5-0 has been established to continue the response to the massive wildfire that has been named the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over 100 years. This coordinated response includes almost 700 DOD personnel—active, guard, reserve, and civilian—and 140 Coastguardsmen.
Read more about JTF-50 and how they are helping on the ground.
Soldiers’ Angels is still actively working to support those on the ground through financial donations as well as donations of gift cards to major retailers located on Maui. The donations will be used for critical items such as water, clothing, food, etc. Soldiers’ Angels also stands ready to support the National Guard families who have been directly affected by the fires as they continue the journey to recover and rebuild. In addition, Soldiers’ Angels is working directly with the Honolulu VA to provide hygiene kits and box lunches that will be utilized at clinics and Vet Centers in Maui. Soldiers’ Angels is coordinating with the VA Pacific Islands to collect much-needed items.
We have put together an Amazon Gift List with their guidance and will be collecting the items at our warehouse to be palletized and shipped to Hawaii. The VA will distribute the items to Veterans in need through stations on Maui. The government estimates that over 3,000 Veterans have been impacted by these wildfires.
How can I help service members impacted?
Due to the challenges of getting items to the island and the current lack of power and internet in the most devastated areas, the best way we can support this situation at this moment is through financial contributions of cash or gift cards.
This support will be passed to leadership on the ground to use for the items most needed to carry out their mission in supporting local citizens and tourists—water, food, clothing, etc. In addition, local National Guard families that may have been directly impacted will need all the support they can get to rebuild from the devastation.
Click the Donate Now buttons to make a cash donation now. You can also send gift cards from major retail chains that could be used to purchase supplies.
Here is a list of major retailers located on Maui or nearby islands. Amazon gift cards are welcomed too, though it will take some time to get Amazon items to impacted areas!
- WalMart
- Costco
- Target
- Whole Foods
- Petco
- Amazon (not local)
Mail Gift Cards:
Soldiers’ Angels Maui Wildfires
2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107
San Antonio, Texas 78218
Email Gift Cards: [email protected]
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Happening Today—URI Center for Military and Veteran Education hosts fall welcome and orientation for student veteran community Aug. 31
All veteran and military-connected students are invited to attend
Close to a year into his tenure at the University of Rhode Island, Bob Flynn, director of URI’s Center for Military and Veteran Education, is looking forward to the new school year. Flynn joined the University in November, following 28 years of service as a naval flight officer in carrier-based aircraft, retiring as a commander.
The first item on his agenda includes a special orientation for student veterans and military-affiliated students on Thursday, Aug. 31. The orientation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Memorial Union, 50 Lower College Road on the Kingston Campus, and is open to new and returning students.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Flynn. “We are here, we want our student veterans and family members to be aware of the programs in place and benefits that are available to them – and we want to connect them to the community that exists here on campus.”
The orientation will include an introduction to URI’s Center for Military and Veteran Education and its staff as well as URI’s Student Veteran Organization. The center, which opened in the Memorial Union in September 2022, serves as a homebase and a way to connect members of URI’s veteran and military community to one another and to the programs and support to help them succeed.
The orientation will also cover questions related to VA and military education benefits; tuition waivers; URI student resources including tutoring, academic advising, accomodations; and even questions related to housekeeping items such as Student IDs, URI Health Services, and bookstore accounts. Campus tours will also be available.
Prior to joining URI, Flynn was on the military faculty of the Strategy and Policy Department at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport. It was that experience that got him thinking about higher education.
“I liked the environment and having the opportunity to teach,” said Flynn. “That’s what made me think about URI and being able to make a difference with veterans and family members who are entering or returning to college and helping to make that transition easier.”
In the past year, Flynn has enjoyed working with students, staff and faculty to do that and found everyone to be extremely helpful and invested in both his success and the success of the student veteran community at URI.
“It’s been fun learning URI as an institution. There has been a lot to learn but people have been really great and have opened their doors to our veterans and their causes,” said Flynn, who is proud of what he’s accomplished so far.
“I think we have been doing a great job at helping to make sure people are using their benefits, but there is always more to do and more ways to help. I think people know – or at least I want them to know – that when they come into the center, if they have a problem, I may not be able to solve it for them, but I can get them to the right place or the right person to help them and make sure it happens.”
The orientation is just one part of that.
“In the coming year we want to continue to strengthen our student veteran community and to create opportunities for them inside and outside of URI,” said Flynn. “Really, we want to further our goal of being one of the best universities to go to in the country if you are a veteran.”
The Fall ’23 Veteran and Military Affiliated Student Orientation will take place in the Memorial Union, Atrium 2, and is open to all student veterans and family members. Registration is recommended.
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Events
September 2023
September 4, Monday, 9-11:00 a.m – Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave , Providence RI . Open to all veterans and their guest. Event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US/ Department of Rhode island. Free coffee, Italian toast and pastries, and calzones to all attendee—you will not leave hungry. ITAM Service Officer will be available to assist and answer any question on benefits.
September 8-10, 2023 – Rocky Point State Park, Warwick American Veteran Traveling Tribute & Traveling Wall, remembering 209 Rhode Islanders who lost their lives in Vietnam War. Donations and sponsorship will support Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. Memorial opens 8am Friday – 5 pm Sunday. Saturday September 9 2:09-2:30 and Sunday 2:09-2:30 pm reading of 209 Rhode Island names, For more information visit OSDRI’s Event Page, www.OSDRI.org
September 14-15 – Veterans Event, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, Johnston RI, Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston RI. Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 32nd annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 14th at 8 a.m. This Veteran Assistance Event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Services will be available from 8:00 – 4:30 on Thursday 9/14, and 8:00 – 3:30 on Friday 9/15.
“Since its inception in 1993, the annual event has provided thousands of veterans with access to important services including health, dental, and substance abuse care, as well as employment, legal, and housing services. After holding a scaled back event during the pandemic in 2020, OSDRI expects a full roster of service providers this September.” said Erik Wallin, Esq. Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI.
The event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center, , Varnum located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Veterans may access the location via RIPTA bus Route 28 which operates out of Kennedy Plaza and stops at the corner of Hartford and Bordon Avenue. Those arriving via their own vehicle must park and take a shuttle from behind the paved parking area ACROSS from Tri-County Community Action Agency: 1133 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919
October 27, 2023, Friday, Dinner and Entertainment, Varum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, 80th Anniversary, Prime Rib or Fish dinner, tickets $60 per person. WWII Combat Infantry Veterans are FREE. Make checks payable to Combat Infantrymen Association, 42 Manning Street, North Providence RI 02911. All proceeds to benefit HONOR FLIGHTS OF RI, Inc.
November 2023
November 5, 2023; Veterans Inc 2023 Run4Heroes 5K Road Race, Registration begins at 8 am, race begins at 10:30 a.m at the start/finish line in front of Wormtown Brewery, on Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA. All participants will indulge in a post-race celebration featuring food, a complimentary beer from Wormtown Brewery, live music, exciting prizes, and more! If you can’t make it in person this year, we are offering a virtual sign-up option as well! Just run a 5k before the deadline, submit your times, and we will recognize your participation and honor the virtual winner alongside the in-person honorees.
Travel/Entertainment for Veterans
Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.
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
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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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.
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
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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, ID.me.
ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.
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 listed below:
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 or create a Michaels Rewards account.
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)
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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/
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.