RI Veterans: Did you know? (VALife, taxes, events…), 19-1-23 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Let’s start off with a question from one of our readers:

“I brought my DD214 to the Town Hall in Coventry for the tax exemption credit on my house and was told I was not eligible. Correct me if I am wrong, Governor McKee signed a bill recognizing Cold War Veterans for tax exemption.” – Manny, Coventry RI

You are correct. Governor McKee signed into law legislation (2021-H 5785, 2021-S 0982) which will extend property tax exemptions to veterans who served in uniform during the Cold War, between 1947 through 1991, even if they did not serve in a declared war or conflict.

VETTIP:  I would return to the town hall and apply again. If the town hall tells you the exemption does not apply to you, ask for it in writing and immediately contact your Rhode Island state representative or senator.

***Most towns and cities require applying for the veteran tax exemption in the early months of the year, January and February, to ensure the tax credit is applied for the current fiscal year.

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Did you know the Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center(PVAMC), Chalkstone Ave, Providence RI offers FREE tax preparation for veterans starting February 5th. The services will be available onTuesday, 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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Did you know the current U.S. House of Representatives will have 80 members who’ve served in the military at some level, or 18.4% of the total membership, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of this fall’s election results?

Did you know the 118th Congress’ cohort of veterans includes a historic first – Congress’ first two black West Point graduates?

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Did you know the VA launched a new life insurance program for veterans with no health requirement to apply?

More about the recently launched Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)  

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) provides low-cost coverage to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. More information from the VA website:

Eligibility for VALife

If you’re age 80 or younger

• You’re eligible for VALife if you have a VA service-connected disability rating—even if your rating is 0%.
• There’s no time limit to apply after getting your disability rating.

If you’re age 81 or older

• You may be eligible for VALife if you meet these requirements.
• All of these must be true: 
• You applied for VA disability compensation before you turned 81 years old, and 
• You got your service-connected disability rating after you turned 81, and
• You apply for VALife within 2 years of getting notification of your disability rating

Who’s covered

Veterans with a VA rated disability, which includes veterans with a 0 percent rating.

VETTIP – A lot of veterans are rated 0 percent for hearing loss. Others receive hearing aids from the VA and have never filed a claim for the hearing loss. With the launch of VALife in January 2023, veterans wishing to be eligible and have no other rating, should review their military service to link hearing loss to their service.

According to the VA news release, on Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs opened enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans.

VALife will provide up to $40,000 of whole life insurance for all Veterans, age 80 or under, with service-connected disabilities rated from 0-100%. Acceptance in the program is guaranteed, and no medical underwriting is required. It will also allow Veterans to complete their application online, receive instant decisions, and perform self-service functions — including electronic payments and beneficiary updates.

VETTIP: – A veteran could be battling cancer and he or she would be eligible for VALife. Monthly premium is determined by age and the amount chosen from $10,000 to $40,000 coverage. In my case, a veteran 60 years old and seeking $40,000 coverage the premium would be $200 a month. The full $40,000 coverage would only be paid out if the veteran had paid 2 years of the monthly premium. If the veteran dies and pays 7 months, the policy only pays out the amount paid.

“All Veterans deserve to know that their families will have financial support when they pass away,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VALife is a critical step toward making that goal a reality, helping VA provide more life insurance to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history.”

VALife will increase Veteran access to life insurance in several ways:

• There is no time limit to apply: VA’s existing life insurance program for service-disabled Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance, required most Veterans to apply for insurance within 2 years of receiving their disability rating. VALife has no such time constraint for Veterans aged 80 and under.  
• There is no health requirement to apply: Under S-DVI, Veterans had to be in good health except for service-connected conditions. VALife has no medical evaluation tied to it.
• Veterans are eligible for more coverage than before: Under S-DVI, most Veterans could only receive up to $10,000 of coverage. Under VALife, all Veterans are eligible for up to $40,000 of coverage.

VALife premium rates are competitive with, or better than, similar coverage available in the private sector, and $40,000 of coverage is more coverage than other like products offered. The policy will build cash value after the first two years of coverage when the face value goes into effect. If a Veteran passes away during this two-year waiting period, the named beneficiary will receive all premiums paid plus interest. Unlike S-DVI, Veterans will not be able to get a waiver for their premiums.

VA currently serves nearly 6 million Veterans, service members and their families with more than $1.2 trillion of insurance. Veterans currently enrolled in S-DVI will have the option to keep their current coverage or switch to VALife. These Veterans can apply for VALife at any time after Jan. 1, 2023; however, if they apply between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2025, they can also retain coverage under S-DVI during the two-year waiting period for the VALife death benefit to go into effect.

Veterans will no longer be able to apply for S-DVI after VALife launches Jan. 1, 2023.

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Connecticut Veteran non-profit Work Vessels for Vets, Inc. announces latest grants – $75,000 in awards to 13 injured Veterans in 4^th quarter of 2022

From a news release by Work Vessels for Vets, the Connecticut-based charity that purchases equipment for injured veterans who are starting a business, announces their end of the year 2022 grants. In the last 3 months of 2022, thirteen veterans in 8 states received $75,000 in equipment for their civilian startup businesses.

“This was our very best quarter in our 14-year history! We are thrilled to make a difference to so many young men and women who sacrificed and were injured in service to our country.  We are honored to help them make a new start as business owners,” said Cathy Cook, Executive Director.    

“All we ask in return is for these 13 new entrepreneurs to use their business plans to succeed, and go on to hire more veterans, serve their communities and contribute to the economy,” noted John Niekrash, President and Co-founder of Work Vessels for Vets.  Niekrash started the charity in 2008 with the gift of his lobster boat to a USMC amputee who was starting a clamming business in Narragansett Bay, RI. 

Since 2008, Work Vessels for Vets awarded equipment valued at $3.7 million to 2700 injured veteran-entrepreneurs in all 50 states. This volunteer-run nonprofit is lauded as a Top-Rated Nonprofit at Great NonProfits, and achieved the highest Platinum status at GuideStar (now known as CANDID) for its transparency and efficiency.  The administrative overhead at Work Vessels for Vets is 1%.   

$14,000 for Army Sgt Seff Boyle of Tennessee who received a new dump trailer. Semper Fi Fund participated in this award. 

“Even the dealership wanted to thank WVFV for working with me,” said Boyle. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have foundations like WVFV and Semper Fi Fund in my corner with this new business.  I appreciate it more than anyone will ever know.”

Previous living and working with Veteran non-profit organizations, and on a few occasions volunteered for Work Vessels for Vets, first-hand I witnessed the organization and volunteer passion to help veterans. Moreover, I know a few veterans who have been recipients of equipment provided to them by Working Vessels for Veterans.

For more information on Working Vessels for Vets: https://va.org/work-vessels-for-veterans-review/

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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. If none of the payment options, Venmo, PayPal, Zella, cash or send a check, made out to Patty Ryan, to PO BOX 1945, Elizabethton, TN 37644

As a reminder, this event is BYOB! Cost is $20. According to the event coordinator, Patty, estimate 40 prior members of the Rhode Island National Guard have committed. If you have questions, contact Patty Ryan through Facebook or by email: [email protected]

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February 5, 2023 – CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL SERVICE. On 5 February 2023 when 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 at 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. We hope you will be able to join us. 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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February 11, 2023, Veteran Empowerment Day – The event is being held by the VFW.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars appreciates your interest in attending the Empowerment Day at the Wyndham Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown RI. 02842 on 02/11/23.

To get the most out of this day, we would like for anyone who is interested in attending, to please fill out some basic information about anyone attending the event.  We would like this event to empower you and your family to be educated in benefits and resources you and your family may qualify for.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have youth activities for children ages 5 and older.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Rhode Island, have created a safe space for learning and networking. The day will be as follows:

• 0715-0830
  • Free Breakfast
  • Registration
  • Veteran Organizations and Service Providers, exhibitors, and resources.
    • The ballroom will be available for a meet and greet with Organizations, Service Providers, exhibitors, and resource tables.
  •  0830-0835
    • Four Chaplains Ceremony
      • Ceremony to remember Four Chaplains Day, usually celebrated on Feb 3rd, every year, in recognition of four Army Chaplains who acted in the spirit of heroic sacrifice and humanitarianism, on board a sinking ship in WWII.
  • 0835-0845
    • Introduction to the Commander-in-Chief, Tim Borland, being present to speak to our attendees and kick off the empowerment day.
  • 0845-0900
    • Introduction to classroom staff and sponsors
      • Attendees will be able to meet all classroom staff of the day.
  • 0900-0915
    • Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.
  • 0915-1000
    • Session 1: A – D
  • 1000-1015
    • Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.
  • 1015-1100
    • Sessions 2: The next set of top 4 classes that were chosen by the attendees register. E-H
  • 1100-1115
    • Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.
  • 1115-1200
    • Sessions 3: A – D
  • 1200-1230
    • Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.
  • 1230-1430
    • Student scholarship luncheon*
    • Patriot’s Pen / Voice of Democracy
      • All attendees for the days’ events are invited to our following events where we will be honoring the State of Rhode Island winners of the two scholarship programs that the Veterans of Foreign Wars provide to grades 6th – 8th and 9th -12th. The winner of Voice of Democracy scholarship will have a paid trip to the national rewards banquette located in Washington D.C. where they will be able to bring one parent paid for by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The winners at the national level will be awarded $35,000 by the Voice of Democracy Scholarship (grades 6th-12th) and $8,000 by the Patriot’s Pen (grades 6th-8th).

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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.