RI Veterans: Did you know? (ProJo, Cemetery, Thanksgiving… ) 20-10-22 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to announce that content from this column written by John A. Cianci will now be shared with readers of the Providence Journal’s Veterans Voice column. Their column which runs on Mondays, written by veteran Frank Lennon, began their first content sharing with us this past Monday. Under the photo is a link to that column. In a competitive news environment we are pleased to work together for the benefit of Rhode Island veterans. And we complement John on creating such an informational – and purposeful column with RINewsToday.

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We start off with a few questions from our readers.

How do I verify I am registered to the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI?  – Don B, Harrisville

If you completed the paperwork, call the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, (401) 268-3088.

How can I locate a friend buried at the RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery?

If you travel to the veterans cemetery in Exeter, located near the entrance is an outside grave locator. 

Using it is quite simple; you follow the instructions on the screen and type the person’s name you are trying to locate the grave. If you friend is buried at the veteran cemetery, the screen will give you not only the location of the grave, but information on branch of service and highest rank held.

What’s cool is the screen gives you the option if you want to print the information. If you choose to get a printout, it prints immediately for you. 

More information on the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter RI

Did you know the RI Veterans Cemetery has over 30 monuments and memorials located throughout the cemetery?

VETTIP – Great educational opportunity to take children to the cemetery and visit the monuments. The monuments tell stories of those who served, some giving the ultimate sacrifice. 

The entrance gate is open from 7:00 a.m to 5:00pm for winter hours. On April 1, the entrance is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

More about the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Program Description

The RI Office of Veterans Services maintains a dignified and solemn military cemetery on 280 acres in Exeter, RI. The grounds of the cemetery are beautifully maintained and include 31 monuments dedicated to veterans of specific wars and conflicts.

Services

• Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children may be buried at the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
• Burials for veterans are provided at no cost.
• Burials for spouses and dependents may incur fees.
• The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery offers in-ground casket, in-ground cremation and above-ground columbarium cremation sites. Committal services for veterans and eligible spouses/dependents are 15 minutes in length to include military honors. Gravesite locations are assigned by the Administration Office at the time of death.

Eligibility

• Honorable service.
• RI resident for 2 consecutive years prior to death -OR- joined the service from RI.
• Veterans with active duty service for which they received a campaign or expeditionary medal -OR-
• Veterans with 2+ consecutive years of active duty during peacetime -OR-
• Veterans with 20+ years of National Guard or Reserve service.
• Proof of service consists of a DD214 or the equivalent. Proof of residency consists of an RI driver’s license, RI voter registration, or IRS tax forms.

Flag Policy

• The Veterans Memorial Cemetery does accept unserviceable flags for proper retirement. Please read our Flag Policy.
• For burial arrangements, or any other questions, please call the Administration Office.

How To Apply

• Apply Online
• Veterans’ Cemetery Interment Application
• Veterans’ Cemetery Flag Policy
• Veterans’ Cemetery Adornment Policy and Map

The RI Office of Veterans Services operates the RI Veterans Home, the RI Veterans Cemetery and the RI Office of Veterans Services. 

Contact Info:

RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery
401-268-3088
301 South County Trail
Exeter, Rhode Island 02822-9712

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Rhode Island Veterans Home News

Charlie Unit is no longer in quarantine, however, staff from the Veterans home communicated that B cottage is quarantined because 4 veterans in B Cottage are Covid positive, and remain mixed with those veterans who are Covid negative.

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Holiday Needs – Operation Stand Down RI

OSDRI is collecting grocery store gift cards to assure a Happy Thanksgiving for our veterans in need – if you can help, here is the information: OSDRI is located in Johnston.

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Events

October 21, 2022, 5:00 p.m, Pawtucket Military Appreciation Day, Pariseau Field, Pawtucket – 21st Military Appreciation Day football game between Tolman and Shea high schools. Free for active duty and veterans, $5 admission for others. World War II veterans will be honored at the game and a free dinner on October 20, 2022 is being offered to all honored WWII veterans. If You Are a World War II Veteran, contact Joe Janeiro, VFW Adjutant for more information, (401) 573-7057. Joe can assist coordinating a ride to the dinner or game.

November 13 2022, Veterans Free Luncheon at Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge #2285, social hour 1:00PM , luncheon 2:00PM, veterans are free/guest $15.00. Keynote speaker Kasim Yarn, Director of the RI Office of Veterans Affairs. Music by 88th Army Band. Point of contact, Elks Lodge (after 4:00pm) 401-397-3700.

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RESOURCES & Ongoing Groups

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) – 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

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, 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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Honor Flight Return

Missed our story this week on the Honor Flight return to TF Green? Check it out: https://rinewstoday.com/honor-flight-thunderbolt-connecting-new-bonds-for-life-john-a-cianci/

To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/

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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, 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.