RI Veterans: Did you know? (Graffiti gone, Adopt a Vet, Wreaths, events, resources…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

UPDATE  – Garden of Heroes Memorial at the Rhode Island State House

MISSION COMPLETE

No more traces of the vandalism at the Garden of Heroes Memorial located on southside lawn at the Rhode Island State House.

VFW State Commander Tiger Patrick took charge and rallied the VFW membership, volunteers, and other veterans not letting the rain stop removing the blue paint sprayed by vandals on the stones representing the branches of service in the Garden of Heroes Memorial. Tiger Patrick’s message to the vandals, “Just know you hurt a lot of people.”

An ongoing state police investigation continues on the vandalism that occurred last week at the memorial honoring Rhode Islanders soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice since 911. According to sources at the state house, one or two students from one of the city’s colleges are suspects. The graffiti markings have some distinct markings, which could help identify the vandals.

KUDOs to the VFW Leadership: Tiger Patrick, Joe Diniz, Michael Laplume , VFW members, veteran volunteers and all who ensured traces of the vandalism at the veteran memorial has been eliminated.

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Adopt A Veteran Program

On Saturday the Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) visited the South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitative veterans living at the nursing home as part of the organization newest program called Adopt A Vet Program which is connecting resident veterans with other veterans and volunteers.

The goal of ITAM organization is to have an Army of veterans and volunteers who schedule monthly get togethers living at Rhode Island nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“We must not forget our veterans living at nursing homes, assisted living, and even at home, “ said Wendy Cianci, member of ITAM Auxiliary.

The South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitative is the first facility to partner with ITAM organization,

“What a great time spent with some amazing, selfless, brothers in arms, “ said retired Army Colonel Patricia Ryan, combat Desert Storm veteran, who traveled from New Hampshire to join the group on Saturday.

Catherine Laporte, U.S. Army retired warrant Officer, combat Desert Storm Veterans said, “Such a blessing to meet them and learn their stories. Some amazing men here. Met Ralph, 93-year-old, Navy helicopter commander during Vietnam.

Ralph to Catherine and Patricia how much he loved being a helicopter pilot.

One of the veterans living at the facility, a Navy veteran, Ron Allen, proudly showed the visiting veterans and volunteers a picture from the early 50’s with his dad and 3 brothers in their uniform. Ron was 19 at the time.

Sadly, Ron would tell the group this was the last picture taken with his Dad, and a week after the picture his Dad was killed in an automobile accident.

“Our first visit in March we brought Dunkin donut coffee and donuts, zeppoles, Italian pastries and other treats,” said John Cianci, State Commander of the Italian American War Veterans (ITAM), “and we learned some of the other food items they haven’t had in years.”

Marching in with the veterans was 3-year-old Jackson Hamel, grandson of U.S. Army Veteran John Cianci. Jackson was holding the Memory Gourmet tray; twinkies, coffee cakes, snowballs, and funny bones.

“We never have leftovers from this tray. Many of the resident veterans will tell us childhood stories,” said one of the veterans who has attended numerous visits to nursing homes to meet up with the veterans living at the facility.

The resident veterans enjoyed the Dunkin Donut coffee, wine and egg biscuits spinach pies, shrimp cocktail, seafood and chicken salad, pizza chips, and much more.

ITAM organization also gave all the veterans baseball style hats representing the resident branch of service or duty assignment.

Many of the veterans have little or no money left with just $50 a month after paying for nursing home care.

It’s amazing to see how appreciable the veterans are just to be around other veterans who are connected by camaraderie of serving in the military.

ITAM organization has scheduled visits at 3 more nursing homes in addition to South Kingstown Nursing home for May 2023.

The ITAM organization is looking for more veterans and volunteers to join us and we connect with our veterans in nursing homes, assisted living, and living at home. To become a volunteer contact ITAM organization, (401) 677-9838 , email [email protected].

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Wreaths Across America Announces 2023 Youth Service Project

Wreaths Across America (WAA) announces the 2023 Youth Service Project as part of its year-round TEACH program. The project will tie into the national nonprofit’s 2023 theme, ‘Serve and Succeed.’

The Youth Service Project encourages young people of all ages and grade levels to develop, organize and execute a community service project to improve the lives of veterans or others in their local community. By participating in, and successfully completing the Serve and Succeed project of their choosing, students will receive a certificate of community service award and commemorative bracelet from WAA.

Each participant will be entered into a random drawing for the opportunity to visit the National Wreaths Across America Museum, Gold Star History and Hospitality House and the tip land monuments where replica dog tags from thousands of service men and women are hung in remembrance. The service project needs to be completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023.

Throughout the year, the WAA TEACH program provides educational opportunities for people nationwide to engage with veterans in their communities. In 2022 generous supporters made it possible for WAA to launch a K-12 curriculum that is aligned with the National Council on Social Studies and state Common Core standards. The free, downloadable lesson plans ensure stories of service, sacrifice and valor are passed down to future generations while building good character and self-worth through service to others. WAA also launched its first Youth Service Project in 2022, where students participated in an oral history project interviewing veterans. The contest winner, randomly selected from among the participants, was recently selected and will be publicly acknowledged at the organization’s annual Stem to Stone event held in Maine each summer.

“Teaching younger generations the value of freedom and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed is a core part of our mission, but we want our young people to know you do not have to be in the military to serve,” said Cindy Tatum, WAA TEACH Curriculum Developer and Gold Star Mother. “The WAA 2023 Youth Service Project encourages America’s youth to create, develop, and execute a community service project that will benefit Veterans or others in their local community or the global community. No act of service is too small, and we look forward to the impactful projects students will submit.”

To learn more about the TEACH program and participate in the service project, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach. 

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. 

For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Wreaths Across America Introduction Video

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Events

April 23, 2023 – Chopstick Auction for Department VFW Auxiliary Ways and Means Committee, Kelley Grazzero Post #2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston RI. Auction starts 1:00 p.m., more information call Stephen Doherty, (401) 500-1255 

May 6, 2023 – Memorial Day Parade Pasta Dinner Saturday, May 6th 4pm-7pm at Lincoln Senior Center- 150 Jenckes Hill Rd. Adults-$15, Children $10, Ages 5 and under free.

In addition to entry to the pasta dinner, purchase of one of these tickets will enter you in our raffle, to be eligible to win an awesome prize from local Lincoln businesses! Come enjoy great food, music, and lots of raffle prizes! Tickets are available for purchase at Town Hall – 100 Old River Rd., We Roast Coffee- 276 Front St., Ted’s Paint- 194 Front St., and Lincoln Senior Center- 150 Jenckes Hill Rd. Any questions please email [email protected] or call 401-333-8416 / 401-333-8417. All proceeds go towards the Lincoln Memorial Day Parade Celebration!

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.

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 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 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/  

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.