RI Veterans: Did you know? 7.11.24 (Veterans Day events, eat free, Vets ID, more) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

VETERANS DAY EVENTS

On Monday, November 11, 2024. Veterans Day numerous national and local chains offer freebies and discounted items to active duty, veterans, and dependents.

How a Veterans can eat for FREE on Veterans Day –

RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor will start his day off with a FREE coffee at Starbucks. After Starbucks, he will head over to Dunkin Donuts for a FREE donut, and finish off breakfast by going to IHOP for FREE Red, White, and Blue stack of pancakes. After IHOP, he will travel to ROMA in Federal Hill for a slice of FREE pizza. From ROMA, he will head over to Perella’s Ristorante on Metacom Ave, in Warren, RI for a takeout macaroni and meatball lunch.

To include his wife, and taking her to lunch, she will bring a few bags of clothes with her to Perella for a clothing bin setup from 11:00 to 4:00 to donate. Donated clothing will benefit the Italian American War Veterans LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Christmas Program. All drive up customers with a bag of clothes, will also receive a FREE macaroni and meatball takeout lunch. After lunch, he will travel to Texas Roadhouse for a $20 certificate Veterans will receive, and can redeem on Veterans Day, or up until May, 2025.

Time might allow RINEWSTODAY contributor to stop at 1 or 2 other locations for FREE lunches being offered at other locations such as Applebee’s, Ninety Nine, Chili’s, Red Robin, Little Caesar’s, Chick-Fil-L, Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings.

In between lunch and dinner, he will shop at Ocean State Job Lot to receive a 40% gift card of the total purchase of items. Rhode island is small enough, which allows RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor after dinner at Texas Roadhouse, to go to Applebee’s for FREE dinner offering. After his second dinner, he probably will stop at 7-Eleven for a FREE coffee and a 7-Eleven Gulp.

Immediately getting up on Tuesday, RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor will be calling Awaken180 weight management program in Seekonk to sign up and take advantage of Awaken180’s 20% veteran discount being offered.

To access all the above and below discounts, be sure to have proof of being a veteran (RI license, VA card, veteran organization membership card, etc..) If you don’t have an ID identifying you as a veteran, below the Veterans Freebies and Discounts 2024, is how to obtain a FREE VA ID card.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS AFOREMENTIONED AND OTHERS:

Veterans Day Freebies/ Discounts 2024

Awaken180 20% discount for all active duty, veterans and spouses. RINEWSTODAY contacted AWAKEN180 to confirm PROMO for veterans first heard on WPRO Tara Granahan’s show, CEO Paige Lopez, Awaken180Weightloss.com responded the promo is 20% veteran discount is at all locations.

Cardi’s Furniture 50% off delivery charge for all veterans throughout the month of November.

Ocean State Job Lot 40% gift card During our Military & Veteran Deal Days – Thursday, November 7 through Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – all active-duty, National Guard, and reserve military service members; all military veterans; and their immediate family members and dependents are eligible to receive a Crazy Deal Gift Card equal to 40% of their purchase when they spend $20 or more at Ocean State Job Lot.

A valid photo ID is required. Acceptable forms of ID include:American Legion ID, Blue Star Mother’s ID, CAC IDDD-214/Military Discharge Papers, DOD Active/Retired Military Dependent/Family ID, DOD Active/Retired Military ID,Gold Star Family Members (DD Form 1300),State-issued License with Military or Veteran Designation,USAA Membership Card, VA Medical ID, VA ID, VFW ID, AMVET, or Italian American War Veterans of US

Target is offering a 10% military discount from October 27 through November 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

Restaurants Freebies and Discounts

Applebee’s offering veterans and active duty a free meal  from a limited menu. This meal is for dine in only on November 11, 2024.

Chili’s look forward to once again showing our gratitude with a FREE* Veterans Day meal from select menu as a small way to honor your service and the sacrifices you’ve made for our country. Thank you will never be enough.

Chick-Fil-A Veterans Day is on Monday, November 11, 2024.

It’s up to the discretion of the individual franchises, so you’ll need to check with your nearest restaurant to see if they’ve got anything planned. Show your military or veteran ID or a copy of your DD-214 when you ask for a military or Veteran’s Day discount. 

Little Caesars – In keeping with its tradition of giving back and honoring U.S. military personnel, Little Caesars® is once again offering veterans and active-duty military members a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo at participating locations across the country this Veterans Day. On Monday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. “We are deeply grateful to all veterans and military members for their service,” said Little Caesars President and CEO, David Scrivano. “This year holds special significance for us and our veteran community, as we are opening a new Little Caesars restaurant at Pearl Harbor, where our founder, Mike Ilitch, was stationed in the U.S. Marine Corps from December 1950 to August 1951. Mr. Ilitch’s military experience at this iconic base laid a solid foundation for his future business success. Along with offering a free lunch on Veterans Day, we continue to support these heroes year-round through initiatives like the Little Caesars Veterans Program.” No coupon is required to claim the free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo on Veterans Day. Veterans and active-duty military personnel will need to present proof of service, such as a military ID, DD-214 form, or veteran designation on their ID card. The Little Caesars Veterans Program, alongside the opening of a new restaurant at Pearl Harbor this year, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact and giving back to those who have served.

IHOP on veterans day, Monday, November 11, 2024 offers veterans and active duty a FREE order of Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes for dine-in-service , Valid ID and proof of being a veteran is required.

Ninety-Nine FREE lunch on Veterans Day menu with the purchase of any entrée from opening to 5:00 p.m.

Olive Garden To thank members of the military for their service, Olive Garden is offering those that dine-in on November 11, 2024 a complimentary entrée from a special menu, featuring favorites like Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo. As always, entrees come with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad. Guests can find their closest restaurant at OliveGarden.com.

Perella’s Ristorante , 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI FREE Veterans dine in lunch from 12:00 to 3:00. Macaroni and Meatballs, salad and dessert. From 12:00 to 4:00 Clothing Drop off in parking lots. All patrons who drop off clothing will received a FREE take out macaroni and meatball lunch.

Red Robin Dine in at Red Robin on Veterans Day 11/11 and we’ll serve you up a FREE* Red’s Big Tavern Burger featuring our NEW thicker, juicier burger, topped with Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, American cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun — served with Bottomless Steak Fries!

Sonic – 50% off Classic or Masters Shake and more on Veterans Day.

ROMA, Atwells Ave, Federal Hill, Providence FREE – one slice of pizza from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m for all veterans ; sponsored by Italian American War Veterans of RI

Texas Road House At participating Texas Roadhouse locations, for all active and retired military or current military veterans, you can dine in or receive a meal voucher on November 11, 2024 from 11:00am – 2:00pm with form of military ID. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out at a later time. Vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2025, for one of 10 entrees, including a 6-ounce sirloin and two made-from-scratch sides plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee. At participating Texas Roadhouse locations, for all active and retired military or current military veterans, you can dine in or receive a meal voucher on November 11, 2024 from 11:00am – 2:00pm with form of military ID. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out at a later time. The voucher is good until May 30, 2025. If you choose to dine in on November 11, from 11:00am – 2:00pm, there will be a specific menu to select from.

Buffalo Wild Wings On November 11, 2024, Buffalo Wild Wings will offer 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.

7 Eleven Veterans and Active Duty military members can get a free coffee or Bug Gulp. Sign in or register with 7 rewards.

BJ’s  Restaurant and Brewhouse

Retail/Other Veteran Freebies or Discounts

Target is offering a 10% military discount from October 27 through November 11, 2024 to all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. The 10% discount can be used on two separate transactions, in store or online.

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Did you know if you received an honorable or general, and served in the Guard or Reserve you are eligible for a VA ID card? Did you know any veteran not using the VA is eligible for a VA ID card, as long as the veteran was honorable or general discharged.

Did you know the only way to obtain a veteran ID card is to do online?

Getting a VA ID Card – How to apply for a Veteran ID Card

A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.

Am I eligible for a Veteran ID Card? You may be eligible if you meet both of these requirements.

Both of these must be true:

If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.

You’ll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge. Note: Retail vendors volunteer to take part in this discount program. If a business decides to provide discounts to Veterans, it doesn’t mean that we’re recommending or favoring that business.

How do I apply for a Veteran ID Card?

You can apply online now. Note: As of September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards are digital. If you already have a physical Veteran ID Card, you can continue using it to get discounts.

Sign in to apply for a Veteran ID Card

Sign in with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now.

When you apply, be sure to have these on hand:

Your Social Security number

A digital (scanned) copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22 that you can upload. This could be in a .pdf, .jpeg, or .png file format.

A copy of a current and valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card.

You’ll also need a digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up. The photo should follow all these standards: Show a full front view of your face and neck (with no hat, head covering, or headphones covering or casting shadows on your hairline or face), and Be cropped from your shoulders up (much like a passport photo), and Show you with your eyes open and a neutral expression, and Be taken in clothing you’d wear for a driver’s license photo, and Be a square size and have a white or plain-color background (with no scenery or other people in the photo), and Show what you look like now (a photo taken sometime in the last 10 years), and Be uploaded as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff file

What happens after I apply for a Veteran ID Card? They check your eligibility and verify that:

Then they’ll send you an email letting you know the status of your application. If you have an unknown or uncharacterized discharge status, your application will take more time to process. (They may need to request your records from the National Personnel Records Center.) If you receive an email asking for additional information or evidence to process your application, you’ll need to sign in to AccessVA and update your application.

If you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card, they’ll send you an email with your digital card attached. Check the status of your application after you apply – You can sign in to your AccessVA account to check the status of your VIC application. Sign in to your AccessVA account

Replace your Veteran ID Card if it gets lost or stolen – To request a new card, please send an email – Email us at [email protected]. They’ll send you an email with your new digital Veteran ID Card attached.

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EVENTS

Fishy – Fishy – Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is honoring veterans by stocking ponds across the state with trout for fishing, providing an opportunity for veterans and families to enjoy the outdoors in tribute to their service.

November 7, 2024 Veterans Day Observance 1PM to 2PM URI Alumni Center . Guest speaker Tim Gray, an award winning documentary filmmaker and Founder and President of the WWII Museum in Wakefield RI.

November 10 – In Newport, “Fire at the Fort” at Fort Adams State Park will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with illuminated fort walls, fire pits, live music, and family activities. A rain date is scheduled for November 11.

Monday, November 11, 10am to 5pm – Newport Car Museum, Newport, RI. Year-round discounts for veterans and active-duty military in appreciation of their service. Tickets online and at the door (no rsvp necessary): $17

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

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November 11, 10am – In East Greenwich, the annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., featuring a procession through the historic district, a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial, and a flyover by the Rhode Island Air National Guard (weather permitting).​

November 11, pm – WaterFire Salute to Veterans will take place in Providence. This event will feature a Veterans Resource Fair and a torch-lighting ceremony on the river. The day’s events include military vehicle displays, memorial dedications, and a solemn “Ring of Fire” torch procession on the river to honor fallen service member.

November 12, 2024 Veteran Appreciation Breakfast & Awards Ceremony , 9 to 12:00 AM at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick RI

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm , RISD Museums Metcalf Auditorium in Providence RI. 4^th Annual Veteran Voices. Organized by Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative and Trinity Repertory Company

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+:

November 23 , 2024

Island Aviation Hall of Fame announces 2024 honorees who will be recognized at November 23 dinner. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this dinner. Tickets cost $65 each and can be obtained by emailing [email protected], or logging in to our website at www.riahof.org. For further information, please call 401-831-8696. The RI Aviation Hall of Fame will induct five new members and honor four others with special recognition awards as part of their 22nd class of honorees. The Hall of Fame will also announce a new initiative involving a scholarship program and present a special recognition to the RI Airport Corporation. The ceremony and dinner will take place at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Cranston Saturday evening, November 23rd. Reception is at 5:30PM; dinner and awards will follow.

Guest of Honor Vice Admiral Peter Garvin, US Navy, President of the National Defense University in Washington, DC. An Annapolis grad, he is a career Naval Aviator who served until August as President, US Naval War College in Newport. Special Guest Domenic Giarrusso of Cranston, who served for 28 months as a B-24 flight engineer and mechanic in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He will be 102 years old in January.

Robert M. Magown/Edward F. Roberts Scholarship FundOn March 9, 1966, a twin engine aircraft returning to RI from South Carolina crashed in Virginia, killing Colonel Robert M. Magown, CO of the 143rd Air Commando Group and Lt Col Edward F. Roberts, Operations Officer of the Group. After their deaths, the Magown-Roberts Scholarship Fund was established with the Rhode Island Foundation to provide educational assistance to Air Guard members and their families. RI Aviation Hall of Fame will be working with the Fund and the Foundation to expand eligibility for scholarships and promote their availability.

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.”

Monday. December 2, 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.

Wednesday , December 4, 2024– Italian American War Veterans of US membership FREE Monthly dinner at Rosario Club. Meal choice is Veal or Chicken parmigiana. Doors open 430, dinner starts at 5:15. All ITAM members are encouraged to bring another non-veteran member. 

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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

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) 

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.