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RI Veterans: Did you know? 31.10.24 (Major Richard Star Act, events, updated) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
TODAY! Join us!
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Did you know despite partisan issues between Republicans and Democrats, one issue that remains bi-partisan, is passing federal, state, and local bi-partisian legislation taking care of our nation 16 million veterans?
Did you know disabled veterans collecting 40% VA compensation (estimated $800 a month) loses his VA compensation or has to choose to have it deducted from his or her military retirement, however, if he was receiving 50% or more VA monthly compensation (estimated $1100 a month), the veteran would NOT lose his VA disability.
Why? Simply put, MONEY. Moreover, pending legislation correcting this injustice against disabled combat veteran receiving less than 50 percent has been pending for years…
Federal legislation impacting veterans – Major Richard Star Act
We recently received a letter from a reader questioning if Sen. Jack Reed was blocking, or opposing, a bill to be added to the NDAA as SA2360 S 344, the Major Star Act. Jeffrey Powell went on to explain:
Congress Owes a Moral Debt: It Must Pass the Major Richard Star Act. In the U.S. House and Senate, where the cost of legislation is measured in dollars and cents, our nation’s moral fiber is being tested. Congress’s continued failure to pass the Major Richard Star Act (Star Act) is not just a lapse in legislative action; it is an explicit breach of our nation’s moral obligations to combat-injured veterans who have sacrificed their well-being on the battlefield.
So, why should you care about the Star Act? The Major Richard Star Act seeks to correct an injustice that denies combat-injured veterans the full military medical retirement pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation they earned. This is not a favor being asked by our veterans; it is a debt owed. Yet, this bill languishes, stalled by arguments over fiscal responsibility.
By stalling its passage, lawmakers imply that they value budgetary savings over the lives and well-being of our veterans. To argue against the Major Richard Star Act based on its financial implications dehumanizes the worth of veterans in terms of dollars rather than dignity and duty. This reasoning suggests that we, as a nation, are willing to send our men and women to war but are not as willing to pay the full price of their immense sacrifices. Once they return home wounded and battered, they need every ounce of support we can offer.
Thanks. Jeffrey Powell
We wrote to Sen. Reed, making these points:
An example I am using is for a RI Guardsman combat veteran whose vehicle was struck by IED. He remained in the military to complete 20 years, which included a 40 % rating, (30 percent knee, 10% shoulder, 10 percent tinnitus. although drilling with Guard ws almost for ZERO, as his disability would be deducted. While still in Guard, he was deployed a 2nd time, signing waivers.
Whereas combined rating is less than 50 percent, when he started collecting military retirement his option was to take VA compensation and deduct it from his military retirement. Simply put, he recives almost $800 less, $1500Whereas, a veteran rated 50 % receives $1100 a month VA compensation, starts collecting he will receive both, $2700 a month (no deduction).
Moreover, hundreds of Rhode Islanders are impacted by this bill, to include many who have served in the RI National Guard and eligible for military retirement after serving over 20 years in Guard,
Please advise on position and reasoning why you support or do not support this bill that impacts disabled veterans.
Our response from Sen. Reed’s office
“John: Got your e mail. Senator Reed is not blocking this bill. He supports it and would vote for it. In fact, he has voted for it over the years in the different versions of it that have come up. He is not a co-sponsor because he is the Chairman of SASC and follows the tradition of not co-sponsoring bills referred to the committee.
The bill has likely stalled because it does not provide a budget offset. That is a separate issue. But again, would be completely inaccurate to claim Jack Reed is blocking the bill.” – John Unruh, Sen. Reed’s office.”
RINewsToday’s veterans column will continue to focus on this bill and reach out to Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse for comments.
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Vets Vote: Veterans’ Vote Matter
According to National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, in 2023 United States has over 18.3 million veterans , which is estimated one million increase from 2022. Out of the 18.3 million, 62, 244 veterans live in RI: 46, 567 RI veterans are war time veterans (22, 444 Gulf War, 19,968 Vietnam, Korean, 3064, World War II 1,888).
In a close race, the veterans vote could make the difference, especially in a democratic primary for any of the RI state offices. For example, 3,357 votes separated Governor Dan McKee from Democratic candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes. Simply put, if Foulkes had received 5% of the veteran vote more, she could have been the current Governor. Moreover, Foulkes targeting veterans and targeting the almost 18.000 female veterans in Rhode Island, could have a primary result in 2022 would have been different.
Whereas little more than 12,000 votes separated former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden in the 2020 Georgia state’s presidential race. The 12,000 votes represent and 1.7 % of the over 692,000 veterans living in Georgia votes separate former President Trump and current President Biden. Simply put, multi-millions of American voted for president in 2020, and the Veterans vote in Georgia and or nationally could have been the difference.
Sadly, veterans appear to get little attention from the Presidential candidates, although whoever is elected will make a difference in millions of veterans lives.
Below are 3 U.S Congressional seats in RI:
Currently, 3 federal elected positions are up for re-election:
Rhode Island Senate
Incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse
Opponent: Patricia Morgan
US House of Representative
1st Congressional District:
Incumbent : Gabe Amo
Opponent: Allen Waters
2nd Congressional District:
Incumbent: Seth Magaziner
Opponent: Dr. Steve Corvi
Christopher Reynolds
Those who are elected in these Congressional seats, will impact quality of life not only over 60,000 RI Veterans, but thousands of disabled veteran and their family.
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State Officials Impacting Veterans
Issue : Retired Members of RI Guard Not Eligible for Veterans Home, Although He or She is Eligible for Military Retirement
Did you know you could be a member of the Rhode Island National Guard and collecting military retirement for serving over 20 years, and NOT be eligible for the RI Veterans Home?
Why? Money and that RI Senators and Representatives failed to pass a law to make retired RI Guards who are eligible for military retirement eligible for the state operated RI Veterans Home in Bristol.
Eligibility for RI Veterans home is legislated by state law. Whereas, unlike Connecticut and Massachusetts, state veterans home laws allow eligibility for state veterans home to retire Guardsman’s and Reservists who are eligible collecting military retirement.
Unlike almost every other pending legislation, Kasim Yarn, Governor McKee’s Director of Veteran’s Services submitted a letter to reiterate that the passage of the bill to make retired Guardsman eligible would have a financial impact. However, further research on Yarn’s comments shows that no federal benefit would be impacted.
As a retired member of the RI Guard, who has been state activated for hurricanes, and ordered to travel in the middle of a hurricane impacting RI for possible perseverance of civilian life, it’s very disturbing to think that I could be injured serving on state duty, and not be taken care of.
Moreover, it’s disturbing to know that almost every state that operates a state veterans home expanded eligibility to include members of the Guard and reserve who are eligible for a military retirement.
Solution? Reintroduce state legislation to correct this injustice. Guard members who answer the call to duty not only in federal emergencies, but state emergencies like hurricanes, Covid, prison strikes etc… need to be eligible.
Simple language: “Eligibility for the RI Veterans Home expanded to include ALL members of the Guard and Reserve eligible for military retirement, AND, a member of the Guard who has been injured in a state emergency, and collecting state compensation for those injuries.”
Recommend veterans reach out to those incumbents and opponents running for RI State Representative and or RI Senate and ask him or her: Do you support expanding eligibility for the RI Veterans Home to former members of the RI Guard and or Reserve who are eligible for military retirement, AND/OR are injured during a state activation and previous compensation ( workmen compensation, State of RI insurance, etc..)?
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LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program
Now through December 2024 the LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Santa Program for veterans over 500 veterans living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and Long Term / Assisted Living Facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of Rhode Island is requesting assistance in filling veteran’s wish list for Christmas.
This year’s program, Liliana has taken on the project to led in assisting the success of the program. Simple, every day items, like batteries, motion battery operated lights for closets, clappers to turn on lamp and TV—-items the veterans can not afford , most veterans are left with $75 a month after paying for his or her care at the long term care facility.
Liliana has established an Amazon gift list, https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1NP4LQO2F7O44?fbclid=IwY2xjawGGVqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcOAm2DRLqx9fplW7_eGTm4QNtUM-JMyGS9yd9vTJBAl-noduso-UDbcGQ_aem_a3YsygzetGGf3Y_pXcK4vQ
The list is updated weekly, as veterans submit his or her Veteran Christmas Wish list. Items purchased on gift list will be wrapped by Liliana’s school and delivered in December 2024 to the veteran by volunteers.
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Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Adds Admiral Lisa Franchetti to RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra
Chief of Naval Operations, 4-star Admiral Lisa Franchetti, will receive the Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame’s (RIIAHF 501©(3) 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra on November 2, 2024 at The VETS in Providence. Senator Jack Reed will present the award to Admiral Franchetti. The Hall of Fame will also honor highly respected physician and author Dr. Edward Iannuccilli and former New England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi at this event. Governor McKee will present the award to Mr. Andruzzi.
World renowned Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey will perform a Salute to Sinatra concert accompanied by a 12 piece orchestra. Duprey has performed in more than 200 theaters around the country generating sold out performances and rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
Proceeds from this RIIAHF fundraiser benefit the organization’s scholarship fund. 11 exceptional college bound Rhode Island students from all ethnic backgrounds will be recognized and receive scholarship awards totaling at least $33,000 as each student will receive a $3,000 scholarship. This event will be co-hosted by NBC 10’s Gene Valicenti and former NBC 10 sportscaster and RIIAHF President, Joe Rocco.
Franchetti, Andruzzi and Iannuccilli will join many accomplished Italian Americans previously honored by the Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame including Jay Leno, Mario Andretti, Dan Marino, Leon Panetta, Terry Francona, Ernie DiGregorio, Tom Lasorda, Dominic DiMaggio, Maria Spacagna, Mike Tranghese, Chris Terreri, Phil Esposito and many more prominent Italian Americans who have excelled in their fields.
Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Executive Committee: President-Joe Rocco; Secretary-Mike Capuano; Treasurer-Steve D’Antuono; Board of Directors, Michael Integlia, Jr., Peter Palmisciano, Jina Petrarca, Vincent Ragosta, Steve D’Antuono, Mike Capuano, Robert Rodio, Joe Rocco, Angelo Rotella.
Tickets are available at thevetsri.com 401.421.2787 PPAC Box Office
Veterans wishing to claim 2 tickets, contact the Italian American War Veterans of US (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]
The RIIAHF has awarded more than $450,000 in scholarship awards to extraordinary Rhode Island students of all ethnic backgrounds since 1987 while honoring prominent Italian Americans from sports, business and the arts. For more information on the RI Italian American Hall of Fame or this event please visit RIIAHF.org or contact Joe Rocco, [email protected], 508.336.5818.
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EVENTS
Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Veterans Breakfast, 8:30am to 11am – Christ Church Parish Hall, Swansea, MA:
Monday. November 4, 2024 – Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m ROMA, 330 Atwells Ave, Providence RI, sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US/Department of RI. Open to all veterans and their guest. Enjoy ROMA’s espresso, coffee, Italian toast, pastries, calzones and more. POC is ITAM at (401) 677-9838.
Monday, November 11, 2024 Rucking for Roofs, 24 Mile Ruck.
A walk to raise funds to house Veterans. Starts at Newport Elks lodge and ends at East Providence Elks Lodge.Donate per mile, per step, per flat amount. 7637Starts at Bristol Elks Lodge, 1 Constitution St. Bristol RI , ends at East Providence Elks Lodge, 60 Berkley Street East Providence. Contact Matt Vianna for More Information:
[email protected] or 508-933- 7637
November 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00PM – North Kingstown Veterans Resource fair and Blood Drive, Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach St., North Kingstown RI.Requesting Christmas & Holiday Cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. Call for Christmas & Holiday cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. The cards will be collected at the Veterans Resource Fair & Blood Drive being held 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach Street, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. All Christmas and Holiday cards are welcomed. Hand-made cards by school children are always a big hit.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. – to Rhode Island Model Rocketry Association invites all veterans and
serving military to participate in a tree Rocket launch at the RI Peckham Farm Field in West Kingston. Rockets provided for veterans, or you can can bring a rocket you built yourself. Just show your veterans or military ID. Veterans will have access to the low-power pads (A-D motors). For access to mid-power and high-power pads, veterans will need to be NAR members (nar.org/join-nar/). To register, email Lucy DIMase at [email protected]. The general public may watch the launch at no charge.
November 17th – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks #2285 Tribute to Our Veterans, Free luncheon for veterans , Social Hour : 1:00 p.m. Luncheon 2:00 p.m. Veterans are FREE, all other guest are $15.00. Tickets are limited, must reserve or purchase tickets by November 8, 2024. For more information, contact Donald Swanson, 401-871-8612
November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+:
Thursday, November 28, 2024 Thanksgiving, FREE Thanksgiving dinner, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI (please, do not call Perella’s to make reservations) to all veterans and their one guest. Additional guests will be asked to make donations to sponsor a veteran gift for Christmas. 1:00pm and 4:00pm reservations are open, call the host organization Italian American War Veterans of the US/ Dept. of Rhode Island. (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]/. Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen, serving, delivering to shut in veterans (last year over 200 meals were served. Donations and sponsors are welcomed, checks made out to ITAM, mailed to Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, note in remarks ‘THANKSGIVING RESTRICTED FUND”. Tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. “The more donations and sponsors, the more will spend on the event. For example, we add additional desserts and other side dishes,” said John Cianci, ITAM Commander, “this is not a buffet, sit down with waitress or waiter service in a five star Ristorante.”
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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.
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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 – or call (401) 222-3576.
To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.
Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply: Active-Duty Service members – Military ID – Veterans – DD214 – Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter (Contact VA office).
Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management – 235 Promenade Street, Room 360 – Providence, RI 02908 – Phone: 401-222-3576
Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.
The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:
Licensing fees – Camping fees – Picnic table fees – Specialized facility use fees – Use of equestrian areas – Performing art centers – Game fields fees – Mule shed fees
If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.
Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.
Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters – 1100 Tower Hill Road – North Kingstown, RI 02852 – Phone: 401-667-6200 – Email: [email protected]
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RESOURCES & ongoing groups
Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering. As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!
***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
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Discounts for Veterans
Services
No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.
Restaurants
Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022.
Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.
Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022.
Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021
99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID
Retailers
Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021
Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).
BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021
Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner
GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me
Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.
Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.
Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI
Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.
O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.
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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]: the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.
If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)
To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/
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.