RI Veterans: Did you know? 4-8-22. Advance Directives, Victory Day – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Department Veterans Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans (ITAM)

We start off with a question from one of our readers.

How should I inform the VA about my personal preferences regarding future treatment options if I am unable to do so? Ken C Woonsocket

The VA has a form that you can fill out to inform the VA and after completion can be filed in your VA Medical files, VA Form 10-0137, VA Advance Directive/Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will., Download VA Form 10-0137 (PDF).  The VA does not require the form to be notarized, just two people witnessing you complete the form and sign .

After your question, I completed the form for myself, and submitted it to the VA Medical Center in Providence RI. More information on completing the form and where to submit in this week’s column:

Advance Directives: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

After one of our reader’s questions on how to inform the VA is not able to make his or her own treatment decisions, additional research was completed on the form and the importance to do the form immediately and submit to the VA the completed form.

Firsthand I was able to become more knowledgeable on the location at the VA Providence Medical facility to drop off the completed VA 10-0137, VA Advance Directive /Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will. However, witnessed by me, most of the VA employees I asked did not know where to drop off the form.

What is the importance of completing and submitting VA 10-0137?

The form authorizes the VA to discuss your treatment and preferences if you are not able to make that decision. The advance directive form is an official document where you can write down your preferences for your health care. If someday you can’t make healthcare decisions for yourself anymore, this advance directive can help guide the people who will make the decision for you.

The form can be used:

1. Name specific people to make health care decisions for you
2. Describe your preferences for how you want to be treated
3. Describe your preferences for medical care, mental health care, long-term-care, or other types of health care.

Completing the form helps your providers and family understand your wishes about your health care. Moreover, it can help them decide about treatments if you are too ill to decide for yourself. Part III Living Will, is a section you can indicate your preferences for life-sustaining treatments in certain situations. Some examples of life-sustaining treatments are:

• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• a breathing machine (mechanical ventilation)
• kidney dialysis
• a feeding tube

In this section, the veteran is asked questions and if in that situation, would I want to have life-sustaining treatment? 

What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care lets you name a person you trust to act as your health care agent–to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. The person should be someone who knows you well and be willing to serve as your health care agent. If you do not choose a health cared agent, your doctor will select the appropriate person to make decisions for you, based on an established order as follows:

1. Healthcare agent
2. Legal guardian or special guardian
3. Next of Kin (a close relative, 18years of age or older, in the following order of priority: spouse; child; parent; sibling; grandparent; grandchild or close friend.

What is a Living Will?

A living will is a type of Advance Directive in which you indicate your personal preferences regarding future treatment options. A living will includes your preferences about life-sustaining treatment, but it may also include preferences about other types of health care.

Should I have an Advance Directive?

It’s up to you to decide if you want an Advance Directive.  An Advance Directive helps protect your right to make your own choices–to make sure your values and wishes are respected if you can’t speak for yourself. Some people name a health care agent, and also complete a living will. You can decide how general or specific you want instructions to be.

What should I Do with My Advance Directive?

Give a copy of your Advanced Directive to your health care agent and your health care providers so that it can be placed in your medical record. You should also keep a copy for yourself—-along with other important papers (example DD214) is a safe place.

Can My Advance Directive be Changed?

Yes, but only by you. You may change it or revoke it at any time. If you make changes, ensure to copy your providers and all the people listed on the form.

Where Can I Get a Copy of the Advance Directive Form?

Download VA Form 10-0137 (PDF)

Where Do I Bring the Form After I Completed?

First, make at least 3 copies. 

Second, you need to mail, or hand deliver a copy to the record department of the VA Medical facility providing medical services to you. Unknown to me and many of the VA Providence Medical Facility, a copy of the Advance Directive should be delivered to Medical Records, D1098C. Hour of operations 8:30a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday.  Telephone number (401) 273-7100 ext. 13201.

VETTIP – The room is located in the main entrance, to the right. If closed, you can leave the completed form with one of VA employees doing veteran enrollments, which is what I did. I followed up with a call the next day to the records departments to verify they received it, which they did. 

If you need to mail:

VA Providence Medical Facility – ATTN : Medical Records – 830 Chalkstone Ave – Providence RI 02908

VETTIP – Send one to your provider by mail or MyHealth VA

Now you know about the Advance Directive form. If you intend to complete one, make it happen sooner than later, so you will ensure your medical preferences are followed. 

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“RI Veterans: Did you know?” Sponsor – Precision Home Lending

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WANTED: WORLD WAR II VETERAN TO HONOR WITH A FREE DINNER ON AUGUST 8, 2022

Did you know this Monday Rhode Island is the only state to celebrate as a state holiday V-J Day or Victory ?

Do you know a living World War II veteran available for a FREE Italian dinner and homemade dessert on August 8, 2022? If yes, please contact him or her to invite for a special dinner to honor them (see article for details and point of contact).

The Italian American War Veterans of the United States, Inc., and the War Veterans Tribute Cruise In committee are  hosting a FREE dinner for local World War II veterans and their guest at Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI,  on Monday August 8, 2022, from 3:00 to 6:00pm.

VETTIP – If you are a World War II veteran (and guest), and the dessert is not mentioned above, you must order the special dessert of your choice no later than August 6, 2022. Confirmation can be by contacting the Italian American War Veterans of US, Inc. by phone, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

If you are a World War II veteran and or planning on attending with a World War II veteran as a guest, please RSVP no later than August 6, 2022 by calling (401) 677-9838 or via email [email protected]. in the RSVP, communicate your dinner time of 4pm or 5pm, and the main entree of your choice.

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RESOURCES

Below are all of 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) via email at [email protected] ***

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2^nd and 4^th 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 – 2^nd and 4^th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1^st and 3^rd 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 – 1^st and 3^rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 p.

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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 07/31/2028

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 07/31/2028 (PS I had breakfast there on Saturday).

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, 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 15% 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 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, [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, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, 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.