RI Veterans: Did you know? (Free gas Friday, July 4th info) – 30 June 22 – John A. Cianci

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

Free Gas for Eligible Veterans – this Friday

On Friday, July 1^st, the first 200 eligible veterans will receive up to 50 dollars of free gas at the Village Gas Station, 101 Pleasant View Ave., in Smithfield, Rhode Island from 10am – 1200. 

Three college friends, Rich Santelli, Robert Skeffington, and Bill Hogan donated $10,000 to support the event called Independence Day in the flyer announcing the event. 

“Knowing how bad the prices are, we came up with the idea to help our veterans before the Fourth of July,” said one of the donors, Bill Hogan.

Veterans and members of the Armed Forces will have their eligibility verified by members of the Italian American War Veterans of the US and Berard-Desjarlias, American Legion Post #88 in the parking lot across the street from the gas station. The following forms of identification are being accepted:

Military ID

Retired Military ID

VA Healthcare Card

RI Driver’s license with the veteran marking

After verification, eligible veterans will be issued a voucher to use at Village Gas and their vehicles will remain in a line to be controlled by the Smithfield Police who will be on-site for traffic control. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans must not go directly to the gas station; no vouchers are available there. “For safety and traffic control, the verification of eligibility will happen in the lot across the street and if needed, another lot next to the school, “ said the Smithfield Police Department.

The owner of the gas station, Shan Abid, also donated $1,000 and labor to provide full service to the eligible veterans who have been issued a voucher for up to $50 in gas for the event.

“I’m excited! We love our gas customers, especially our veterans,” said Danielle Noury of Scituate RI. Noury has worked at Village Gas for over a year, providing full service. “Throughout the community, I’m known as the gas girl,” she added.

Another employee scheduled to work is Alessandra Gaido. Gaido said, “I’m excited about giving back to veterans who have done a lot for our country, and deserve more ‘thank-yous’, like this.”

“I heard about it on Facebook, and immediately spread the word about the Friday event, “said Carter Cianci when called by RINewsToday. Cianci is currently on active duty serving with the Air Force as an activated member of the Rhode Island Air National Guard.

The owner of Village Gas, Abid, also owns another gas station in Scituate, Rhode Island. Both of his gas stations are known for consistently being the cheapest price for gas and providing full service at the same price.

Now you know where to go – and the identification being accepted – to receive up to $50 gas voucher to be used on Friday, July 1, 2022, from 10am to 12pm at Village Gas in Smithfield, RI.

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

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RESOURCES

AARP – offers a free career center for veterans, http://campaigns-aarp-org-stage.targetclose.com/veteran-job-center. The center offers a free course, Veterans Career Advantage,  job search tool for companies seeking veteran employees, link to access what a good resume looks like, and other tips for veterans seeking employment. 

Providence Vet Center – 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 pm.

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DISCOUNTS

Target Announces July 4^th Veterans and Military Discount – Target is offering a 10% military discount from June 26 through July 4 to all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. The 10% discount can be used ontwo separate transactions and applies to all in-basket items, online and in-store. Target announced new Target military discount for the 4th of July will give veterans, active-duty, and Guard and Reserve service members and their direct family members a 10% discount on most products.

Just like with its annual Veterans Day military discount, the new Target July 4 military discount can be used on two separate transactions or orders online or in store. The discount isn’t just available on the 4th of July. Instead, it can be used twice any time between June 26 and July 4, Target announced on its website.

How to get the Target July 4th military appreciation discount

To use the Independence Day discount, shoppers must first create a Target Circle account and verify their military or military-connected status. “Just sign into Target Circle and confirm your military verification. We’ll just need a document to confirm your military status (a Veteran ID Card, as one example),” the Target website says.

Related: 4th of July Military Discounts

After registering for a Circle account, users can visit the Target military registration page where they will be prompted to input their or their service member or veteran’s information. They’ll then be prompted to upload a supporting document that shows:

· The service member’s full name

· The service member’s branch of service

· The service member’s discharge date (if applicable)

· The service member’s current affiliation with the armed services.

Depending on which service connection option you selected on the first screen, you might be given additional documentation requirements. Target relies on the secure SheerID system for verification. During a test of the system by Military.com, selecting “veteran” and providing basic service member information provided instant verification without requiring any additional documents.

What can you buy with the Target military discount for the 4th of July?

Discounts like the Target military discount for the 4th of July often come with some product exclusions.  

Here’s what is excluded from the July 4th discount:

“Excludes alcohol, Barbie camper and houses, Beats Fit Pro, Beats Flex, Beats Powerbeats Pro, Beats Studio Buds, Bose, clinic & pharmacy, dairy milk, Disney Ultimate Princess Castle, Do-a-Dot, DSLR cameras & lenses, face masks (Dolan, Sanctuary & Sugar Fix brands), Fisher Price Laugh n Learn, Fitbit,  gift cards, HALO Baby, Hasbro Games (Classic Monopoly, Connect Four, Jenga, Sorry, Trouble), Hatch Maternity, HP Inc., Hudson Baby, Infant Optics, JBL, Lamaze, LEGO, LG OLED TV, Luvable Friends, mobile contracts, Monica and Andy, Polder, Peg Perego, Plan B, power shave, power dental, prepaid cards, PlayStation consoles and accessories, Q by Quincy Mae, Revival, Samsung TVs, Sonos, Sony Electronics, Take Action, Target Optical, Tempur-Sealy, Touched by Nature, Trading Cards, Tylenol pain relief, Tylenol PM, Ulta Beauty at Target Brands, Unlocked phones, Vera Bradley handbags, and Weber,” according to a release.

Stay Up-to-Date with Military Discounts

Want the scoop on military discounts? From travel to phones and everything in between, troops, military families and veterans can stay on top of military discounts. Become a Military.com subscriber and get full access through our newsletter.

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.

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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 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 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.