RI Veterans: Did you know? (COLA, taxes, events…), 5-1-23 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

We will start off with questions from our readers on the COLA increase and whether VA disability/compensation is taxable

Who do I contact if I did not get the COLA increase on January 1, 2023? – Linda, Pascoag

If you do not see a difference in your monthly VA compensation the amount, contact the VA regional office near you, or call 800-827-1000.

What is the amount of COLA increase effective January 1, 2023? – Linda, Pascoag

From a news release from the VA – the VA is increasing compensation payment rates based on the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, Veterans and beneficiaries who receive VA compensation benefits will see an 8.7% increase in their monthly payments—the largest increase in over 30 years.

Is my VA disability taxable? – Lenny, Woonsocket RI

According to a VA fact sheet, disability compensation is a benefit paid to Veterans because of injuries or disease that happened during active duty. In some cases, an existing disease or injury was worsened due to active military service. This benefit is also paid to certain Veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free.

According to the IRS rules, disability benefits received from the VA should not be included in your gross income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

• Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid either to Veterans or their families,
• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living,
• Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of their limbs, or
• Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.

If you are a military retiree and receive your disability benefits from the VA, see IRS Publication 525 for more information.

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Did you know – the Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center (PVAMC), Chalkstone Ave, in Providence, offers FREE tax preparation for veterans starting February 5 – April 15, 2023?

The services are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. February 5—April 15, 2023. This free service is for veterans enrolled in PVAMC. The service is by appointment only, 401-273-7100, Ext. 2025.

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URI’s Tracy Santos selected Student Veteran of the Year finalist

President of URI Student Veterans Organization, Santos’ efforts and leadership recognized by national advocacy group

The first day Tracy Santos stepped onto the University of Rhode Island’s campus was the first day of classes, September 2021. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she joined the Marine Corps in 2013 at age 17, where she served as a member of a light-attack helicopter squadron, eventually achieving the rank of sergeant. Now, close to 10 years later, Santos ‘24 is president of URI’s Student Veterans Organization and has been named one of 10 student veteran of the year finalists by Student Veterans of America.

Lauding the selection, Bob Flynn, director of URI’s Center for Military and Veteran Education, and a retired Navy commander, stated, “Tracy brings so much talent and energy to the URI community. Her leadership at the Student Veterans Organization has been inspirational. Her family, the University of Rhode Island and the Marine Corps should all be proud of her nomination as Student Veteran of the Year!”

The Student Veterans of America Honors Awards celebrate the significant contribution and impact that student veterans, advisors, chapters, and partners make in empowering student veterans to lead and live their best lives. Honorees represent the very best of the student veteran extended community, as well as the epitome of service, scholarship, and accomplishment.

“I was extremely surprised to get the call that I was nominated and now a finalist. It is humbling to be on the same platform with such amazing student veterans who are doing so much on their very own campuses and beyond,” said Santos, who is majoring in clinical neuroscience. “I am proud to be able to represent the University of Rhode Island, and most of all its student veterans. Whether I am named Student Veteran of the Year or not, being a part of URI and the SVO in my heart I’ve already won.”

For many student veterans, the transition from life in the military to life on campus can be complicated—and sometimes isolating. Gone are the days of structure and the camaraderie of working and living with the same group of people. Facing new challenges of balancing classes, coursework, and exams with a home life that may include a spouse and children, a job, and other priorities can be stressful and leave little time for anything else.

First established in 2018, the URI Student Veterans Organization connects student veterans, current military and military-connected students. As president, Santos’ goal has been to create a supportive community, bring people together and help to build up URI’s student veterans – so that they understand they are an asset in the classroom and their life experiences are important and bring value.

“The SVO has become a home for me, and I hope it can become a home for others as well – to build new relationships and to make a healthy adjustment to college life – and to begin bridging the divide between students and student veterans so we can all feel a part of the same community,” said Santos.

URI enrolls close to 300 military veterans or active military, with approximately 140 military dependents. Those numbers have seen steady growth in recent years. The University’s graduating class of 2022 included 57 military veterans – 32 undergraduates and 25 graduate students.

“I’m proud to be part of a university community like URI that works so hard to make sure its veteran-scholars feel valued and connected,” said Sean Edmund Rogers, vice president of Community, Equity and Diversity, and an Army and Air Force veteran. “URI’s world-class academic programs attract the best and brightest service members to our campus, and Tracy is a shining example of the caliber of veteran-scholar at URI.”

Student Veterans of America is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education since 2008.  Through a dedicated network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters representing more than 750,000 student veterans, the organization works to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can connect, expand their skills, and achieve their potential, providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Honors Award winners will be announced at the Student Veterans of America Honors Luncheon during its national convention in Orlando, Jan. 6.

Congratulations to Marine Corp. veteran Tricia Santos.

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Events

January 21, 2023, 1500-2100 (3-9pm) – Rhode Island National Guard Reunion – The RING REUNION will be here before you know it! If you haven’t contacted Patty Ryan to arrange payment, please do so ASAP. Use one of the payment options, Venmo, PayPal, Zella, cash or send a check, made out to Patty Ryan, PO BOX 1945, Elizabethton, TN 37644. As a reminder, this event is BYOB! Cost is $20. According to the event coordinator, Patty, estimates are 40 prior members of the Rhode Island National Guard have committed. If you have questions, contact Patty Ryan through Facebook or by email at [email protected].

February 5, 2023 – CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL SERVICE. On 5 we will conduct a Four Chaplains Memorial Service. This service will be dedicated to these courageous, unselfish men. Service will start at 1100. The location is 1081 Main Street, Cornerstone of Faith Methodist Church. (Parking is available behind the Church, across the street, and also behind the former police station building). As you may know, Four Army Chaplains gave up their life preservers to soldiers as their troopship, the Dorchester, which had been torpedoed by a German submarine, was sinking. A candle will be lit, a short biography read, and a wreath placed for each Chaplain as part of this ceremony.

This true story of bravery in the Second World War has led to the Creation of the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation which keeps the memory and sacrifice of these four remarkable men of God alive. There will be a special offering; proceeds going to the Chapel of Four Chaplains Foundation to aid in continuing their work to educate the public of this great, heroic, historical event. This is an ecumenical service, all are welcome. Light refreshments will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by Thursday 2 February 2023 to ensure ample food will be available. Jane Deptula, Dept. of RI Marine Corps League Chaplain (825-6685) or (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) 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

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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 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 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/

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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.