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RI Veterans: Did you know? (Saturday event) – 16 June 22 – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, Department Veterans Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans (ITAM)
On Saturday June 18th, RI Elder Info will be hosting the 3rd Annual Calling All Veterans Day from10am to 2pm in the field at 2111 Plainfield Pike, Johnston.
Rhode Island Elder Info, the state’s foremost resource for information and resources for older adults, announces its third annual “Calling All Veterans” Day to take place on Saturday, June 18, from 10 AM to 2 PM in the field at 2111 Plainfield Pike, Johnston. Over 40 resource providers will offer information on their services and products. Veterans will be able to apply for benefits onsite. Military vehicles and military memorabilia will be on display.
Opening remarks will be provided by Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Nellie Gorbea. Special presentations will be given on applying for VA benefits, the Women Veterans Center, and more. Live music, military vehicles and military memorabilia will be on display.
Calling All Veterans Day was created in response to many calls to RI Elder Info from Veterans and their families seeking resources to remain independent and connected with the community as they age. The 3rd Annual Calling All Veterans Day is an opportunity for the more than 45,000 Veterans in Rhode Island to receive information on resources and benefits from organizations that empower independent aging for themselves, their spouses or their aging parents.
RI Elder Info is a 501c3 nonprofit located in Rhode Island. Their mission is to empower people throughout the aging journey by providing easy one-stop access to comprehensive information and resources. Their core belief is that information is power and no one should struggle to live a healthy, safe, dignified and happy life from a lack of it.
What will you find when you stop by? (You NEED to stop by!)
· A LOT of Veteran resource providers-more being added as we speak
· You can apply for VA benefits onsite
· Listen to live music
· Raffles
· Get a COVID vaccine/booster
· Check out military vehicles & memorabilia
· Learn how the Veteran benefits process works
· How to get a replacement DD214
GET YOUR FREE TICKETS AND SEE THE AGENDA HERE:
https://rielderinfo.com/calling-all-veterans-day-2022/
The Italian American War Veterans of the U.S. (ITAM) and Town of Burrillville Veterans Service Officer will be available to assist veterans understand and apply for various federal and state benefits he or she are eligible for.
“Most veterans procrastinate applying for benefits which impact their quality of life for their family and the veteran, “ said Linda D’Andrea Peck, Town of Burrillville Veteran Service Officer, “we will have the applications for Rhode Island Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Rhode Island Veterans Home, and other federal and state benefits for the veteran to apply.”
Peck and the ITAM veteran service officer have assisted over 200 veterans sign up for federal and state benefits.
“At the Berard-Desjarlais American Legion Post #88, we meet veterans and their families to assist them understand benefits they are entitled to,” said Peck.
This event is a private sponsor event bringing numerous federal, state, and private organizations to one location to assist veterans and their families.
“For sure, one of the best events for veterans and their families to attend to identify benefit they could be entitled to, “ said John, the National Veteran Service Officer for the Italian American War Veterans of the US.
The event is free for all and will be held rain or shine on Saturday.
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“RI Veterans: Did you know?” Sponsor – Precision Home Lending
Events
July 14, 2022 – Thursday, Washington DC, 10 AM, Groundbreaking Ceremony: NATIONAL DESERT STORM AND DESERT SHIELD MEMORIAL
It is the distinct honor of the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to announce the details for the Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial.
CEREMONY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
DATE: Thursday, July 14, 2022, 10 am ET
LOCATION: SW corner of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street NW
More information, www.ndswm.org
August 6, 1st Annual Tight Lines for VETS Fishing Trip – Free Fishing Trip for combat veterans. More information regarding the event can be found on Facebook @tightlinesforvet or by emailing Stephen, [email protected]
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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 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
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
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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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.