RI Veterans: Did you know? (License plates, events, resources), 15-12-22 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veteran contributing writer

Here’s what you need to know about all the veteran plates available to you:

Rhode Island Veteran Plates

Did you know the State of Rhode Island has a new bronze star plate for bronze star recipient available starting in January 2023 (see eligibility below and requirements)?

Did you know State of Rhode Island has a veteran plate for motorcycles? (see eligibility below and requirements)?

Military / Veteran Plates

Veteran

• Any vehicle (excluding trailers) owned or leased by a Veteran with a GVWR up to 12,000 lbs
• A DD 214 showing “honorable discharge” must be furnished to the DMV for issuance
• Passenger Vehicles – Renewed every two years – Renewal month is based on the first letter of a registered owner’s last name, or the first letter of the name of the company to which the vehicle is registered
• Trucks – Renewed annually in March
• Upon the death of the Veteran, the plates may be transferred to the spouse only, unless the spouse remarries.
• RIGL 31-3-53

Motorcycle Veteran

• Any motorcycle, scooter or moped owned by a veteran
• A DD 214 showing “honorable discharge” must be furnished to the DMV for issuance
• Renewed every two years in June
• Upon the death of the Veteran, the plates may be transferred to the spouse only, unless the spouse remarries.
• RIGL 31-3-53

Disabled Veteran

• Available to any Veteran with 100% service-connected disability on vehicles with a GVWR of 6300 lbs or less
• Only one set per eligible veteran is allowed per RIGL 31-6-8
• There is no charge for the plates or registration for this plate type
• Executive Certification by the Department of Veterans Affairs RI Regional Office
• This form is the only one we are allowed to accept and is only available at:

                  RI Dept of Veterans Affairs
                  380 Westminster St
                  Providence, RI 02903

                  Click here to view a sample of the certification letter.

• Renewed every two years in December
• Upon the death of the Veteran, the plates may be transferred to the spouse only, unless the spouse remarries.
• RIGL 31-6-8

Ex-POW

• Available to former Prisoners of War of WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict on vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less
• Only one set per eligible veteran is allowed per RIGL 31-3-46
• There is no charge for the plates or registration for this plate type.
• A DD 214 showing former prisoner of war must be furnished to the DMV for issuance
• Renewed every two years in August
• Upon the death of the Veteran, the plates may be transferred to the spouse only, unless the spouse remarries.
• RIGL 31-3-46

Purple Heart

• Available to combat wounded veterans who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less
• Two sets per eligible veteran are allowed per RIGL 31-3-48 (2022)
• There is no charge for the plates or registration for this plate type
• A DD 214 showing award of purple heart medal must be furnished to the DMV for issuance
• Passenger Vehicles – Renewed every two years – Renewal month is based on the first letter of a registered owner’s last name, or the first letter of the name of the company to which the vehicle is registered
• Trucks – Renewed annually in March
• Upon the death of the Veteran, the plates may be transferred to the spouse only, unless the spouse remarries.
• RIGL 31-3-48

National Guard

• Available to active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard on vehicles with a GVWR of 8500 lbs or less
• A letter from the Adjutant General authorizing issuance of plates must be furnished to the DMV before receiving plates
• Passenger Vehicles – Renewed every two years – Renewal month is based on the first letter of a registered owner’s last name, or the first letter of the name of the company to which the vehicle is registered
• Trucks – Renewed annually in March
• There is a service charge of twenty dollars ($20.00) and a transfer charge of five dollars ($5.00) for the plate, along with the $2.50 technology surcharge.
• RIGL 31-3-62

Gold Star Family

• Available to anyone eligible to receive a “Gold Star Lapel Button” as defined by the United States Government on vehicles with a GVWR of 12,000 lbs or less
• Only one set is allowed per family member per RIGL 31-3-111
• A certification letter from the Rhode Island Office of Veteran’s Services is required
• Passenger Vehicles – Renewed every two years – Renewal month is based on the first letter of a registered owner’s last name, or the first letter of the name of the company to which the vehicle is registered
• Trucks – Renewed annually in March
• RIGL 31-3-111

Gold Star Families Plate Application PDF file, less than 1mb megabytes

Bronze Star Medal (Available 1/2023)

• Available for recipients of the Bronze Star Medal
• Only one set per eligible Veteran is allowed per RIGL 31-3-48.2
• Registration fees apply and $5.00 transfer fee
• A DD 214 showing award of Bronze Star Medal must be furnished to the DMV for issuance
• Passenger Vehicles – Renewed every two years – Renewal month is based on the first letter of a registered owner’s last name, or the first letter of the name of the company to which the vehicle is registered
• Trucks – Renewed annually in March
• Upon the death of the Veteran, the plates may be transferred to the spouse only, unless the spouse remarries

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Events

December 19, 2022, Macaroni and Meatball Fundraiser, Parella’s Ristorante, 3-10p.m , 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI , $15 donation. Join veterans and supporters in a veteran social night to benefit Italian American War Veterans of the United States, Inc Rhode Island Veteran Home Relief Fund. All funds raised will benefit 2 home residents. The monthly charged by the State of Rhode Island takes 80% of all the veteran’s monies and does not allow credit to pay prior bills before moving into the home for needed skilled nursing home care. Monday night football will be on and bar open for this event. Tickets available at the door, and if can’t make event, donations can be mail to ITAM, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield RI 02896 (make checks payable to ITAM).

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups

Below are 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!

Be aware of the holiday time and schedules may change:

**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.