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Updated: RI Veterans: Did you know? (Veterans Day) 10-11-22 – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
Photo, above: members of Balfour-Cole Post 64, American Legion. Smithfield, RI in front of Pleasant View Elementary School, Smithfield after enjoying a veteran concert by over 500 students at the school.
On November 11, 2022, be sure to recognize and thank a veteran for his or her service. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all veterans of the United States Armed Forces and current active members of the U.S. military.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime. On this day, the nation honors military veterans — living and dead — with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. (US Census)
Did you know? There are 1.7 million military veterans in the US (2021). 1.9% are female, 8.2% Hispanic/Latino (of any race), 12.3% African American, .7% American Indian or Alaska Native, .2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 2.7% listed as “other” Also – 24.4% of veterans are ages 75 and older, while 8.2% are younger than 35.
And – Veteran-owned businesses had an estimated $926.7 billion in receipts, 3.6 million employees, and $176.6 billion in annual payroll.
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BELOW is a list of MANY events and opportunities for Veterans Day – Friday, November 11, 2022 – read through them all and make your plan to celebrate with your comrades, family and friends. This is your day!
All Day for Veterans – Free Coffee/Meals and Deals by Restaurants and local Retailers
Restaurants
This year local restaurants and retails offer veterans numerous free and discounted items to members of the active military personnel and veterans with proper identification.
Veterans can start their day off with any of the following offers, free donut of their choice at participating Dunkin, free coffee and donut at Krispy Kreme, Denny’s complimentary Grand Slam breakfast, IHOP Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes, or fee hot or ice coffee at Starbucks.
Veterans can choose lunch or dinner at variety of local restaurants to include free lunch items for veterans such as a quarter-pound hot dog at 7-Eleven, free lunch at Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chelo’s Hometown Bar and Grille, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Golden Corral, Hooter’s, Ninety Nines, O’ Charley’s, Outback Steakhouses, Red Lobster, Red Robin, and Smokey Bones, among others.
VETTIP – Be sure to have a military ID, or state driver’s license noted with veteran identification, or membership card from one of the veterans’ organizations for proof of your veterans status. Important to thank the restaurant for the free offer and be sure to tip waiter/waitresses.
Veteran owned pub in Pawtucket, RI
One of my favorite FREE pasta and meatball lunch will be the one at a veteran owned business, offered at Badger’s Pub, 530 Broadway Street, Pawtucket RI from 1:00 to 4:00. Badger’s is a small and quaint pub, where a veteran feels at home with all the military flags hanging on the wall. Moreover, there is a table known as the fallen comrade table, also known as the Missing Man Table. Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feeling reserved for those who did not come home.
VETTIP – The pasta will be topped with “gravy” prepared by John Cianci, the pasta will all be prepared “al dente” by members of the Italian American War Veterans of US. All veterans who attend, will receive a FREE custom made dog tag made with a GI issue dog tag machine that has seen tours of duty in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm.
J’s Deli, a local vendor, at 285 George Washington Highway, Smithfield and its 2nd location at 760 Cumberland Hill Road is offering a FREE sandwich and drink on Veterans Day.
Comrades, enjoy your day on November 11, 2022. To all my brothers and sisters – THANK YOU for your service.
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Events
Dighton’s Council on Aging & Veterans Services – Veterans Week, Nov. 7-11:
Nov. 10, 8:30am – Dighton’s Veterans Breakfast, Dighton's Council on Aging and Prime Time, along with Veteran’s Services Officer Hague. 1059 Somerset Ave. A flag-lowering ceremony will follow the breakfast. Must RSVP: 508-823-0095.
Nov. 11, 11am – Veteran’s Memorial Park, Veteran’s Day Ceremony to honor all who have served our country. Hosted by the Veteran’s Services Department. 979 Somerset Ave.
Nov. 12, 9 -11am – Father’s House Family Church, Veteran’s Services Department will be holding a veteran & veteran service only breakfast on Saturday. 207 Main Street Thursday.
Trinity Rep, Chace Theater – Nov. 10, 6pm – Presented as part of Trinity Rep’s Green Light Ghost Light Project. Listen to the stories of local veterans in their own words with Veteran Voices.
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North Kingstown Veterans Day Commemoration – Nov. 11, 9am – placing of wreaths at Town Hall (80 Boston Neck Rd.) and at Veterans Memorial Park. Parade kickoff is 10 a.m.; route is West Main and Brown streets through Wickford village to Boston Neck Road and then to North Kingstown High School for concluding ceremonies which are expected to begin at 11 a.m. Call Bill Pennoyer, 401-398-2358.
South Kingstown Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 11, 10am – starts on Holly Street, turns onto Main Street, and concludes on High Street at the Saugatucket Park Veterans Monument where a ceremony will be conducted at approximately 11 a.m. Veterans and/or family members are encouraged to march; meet behind Old Mountain Lanes, 765 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield, at 9:30 a.m. Inclement weather: ceremony will move to South Kingstown High School at 11 a.m. Visit www.southkingstownri.com or contact the Neighborhood Guild after 9 a.m. at 401-789-9301 for all scheduling updates on the day of the parade.
Veterans Day Ceremony – Nov. 11, 10-11am – Pawtucket City Hall Amphitheater -Pawtucket Mayor Grebien and Pawtucket Veterans Council will host a ceremony to honor veterans. Tolman HS Jr. ROTC will present the Color Guard with Brandon Camara performing Taps. A collation will be held after the event at the Mayor Walter G. Gatchell VRW Post 306.
Cranston Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 11, 11:30am – beginning at Legion Bowl on Park Ave. Ending at Rolfe Square Memorial. See RINewsToday story – click HERE. Ceremony at cannon memorial at Rolfe and Park will follow immediately. Call Paul McAuley at 401-780-3177 to confirm your spot in the parade and request a ride if needed. – NOTE: 222 Free Turkeys before/after Cranston Veterans Day Parade – go to Park Place Cafe, 848 Park Ave, Cranston. Turkeys will be offered until supply runs out. Show up, ask for a turkey, no questions asked – Semper Fi, Justyn Charon, Veteran Outreach Program Specialist
East Greenwich Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 11, 10am to noon – Main street, East Greenwich – Kentish Guards and Varnum Continentals, police and fire honor guards, marching bands, and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will participate and the float of the re-designed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will be included.
Westerly – Nov. 11, 9:30am – Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day parade, music, guest speaker
Miantonomi Park Tower, Newport, Nov. 11, 11am to 1pm – open to the public in observance of Veterans Day. People can climb the tower this one time a year.
Art Installation, The Poppy Field, inside Fort Adams, Nov. 11, 5 to 8pm – Free, family event. Fiber artist, Eileen Travis, inspired by Flanders Field in Belgium, where the only plant to flourish after World War I was the poppy. Travis explains: “Poppies have long been a symbol of Remembrance and Hope since World War I. Revitalizing the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope felt an appropriate and timely tribute to the intense and far reaching impact of this last year.” Event includes performance by The Larry Brown Swinglane Orchestra set against the lit fort walls after sundown, with fire pits along Parade Field with snacks and smores available for purchase.
Providence College, Nov. 11, discounted ticket offer to Veterans in the Friar Family
Nov. 11, 7pm – Alumni Hall, Women’s Basketball vs. Stonehill – canned food drive night – bring a perishable food item and receive voucher for a game later in the season.
Nov. 11, 7pm – Schneider Arena – Men’s Hockey vs. UConn
Nov. 12, 8pm, AMP – Men’s Basketball vs. Northeastern
Swansea Veterans Day Ceremony – Nov. 11, 10am – Veterans Memorial Green on Gardners Neck Road. Director of Veterans Services Kevin Serpa invites community members to attend Swansea’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony. If inclement weather, ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post #303, 73 Ocean Grove Avenue. Ceremony will include wreath placing and Color Guard demonstrations, and presentations. Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein will read the winning essay from Case Junior High School’s essay contest, “What Veterans’ Day Means to Me”.
Cumberland – Nov. 11, 11am – Cumberland Monastery, honoring ceremony, refreshments after at the American Legion Post #14, 695 Broad St.
East Providence – Nov. 11, 11am – Veterans Memorial Park ceremony – Squantum Woods
Newport – Nov. 11, 11am – Newport Municipal Building, 222 Main St – ceremony will include speakers, posting of colors, local JROTC and gun salute at the 11th hour. A meal follows at VFW, 141 Central St.
RI Veterans Day Ceremony – Nov. 11, 2pm – RI Veterans Home, Bristol – Participating: Gov. Dan McKee, Director Kasim J. Yarn, Sen. Jack Reed, Congressman James Langevin, Congressman David Cicilline, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly), and Edward J. McQuade, Providence Veterans Benefits Administration
Brown University event – Nov. 11, noon – Brown Quad – Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Gil Cisneros will speak at event featuring ROTC commissioning ceremonies for students from participating branches of the military and remarks from student-veterans.
Bristol – Nov. 11, 11am – Veterans Memorial Garden, adjacent to the Burnside Memorial Building at 400 Hope St – ceremony and collation.
Central Falls – Nov. 11, 10am – Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, 416 Hunt St.
Woonsocket – Nov. 11, 11am – United Veterans Armed Forces Park. Veterans organizations, city and state officials, the Woonsocket Police & Fire, Woonsocket High School Band.
Free Veterans Luncheon – Nov. 13, 1pm on – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge #2285, social hour 1pm, luncheon 2pm. Veterans are free/guests $15.00. John A. Cianci to receive Veteran of the Year Award. Keynote speaker Kasim Yarn. Music by 88th Army Band. Point of contact: Elks Lodge (after 4pm) 401-397-3700.
Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame – Nov. 19 – at Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Cranston. Ten individuals who flew during various wars for the military will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Full story this week.
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OTHER
(Check these out – some discounts are all the time, others only for Veterans Day)
Info on other Discounted Meals from the VA – https://news.va.gov/109711/veterans-day-discounts-free-meals/
2022 Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts:
7-Eleven — Veterans get a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on November 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.
Applebee’s — Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.
Badger’s Pub Veteran Day Appreciation on November 11, 2022. Free pasta meal prepared and served by the Italian American War veterans of the US, from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Badger is located 530 Broadway , Pawtucket RI.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, current and former military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.
Burger King, Atwood Avenue, Johnston – Nov. 11, Offering veterans FREE combo meal for active duty members and veterans
Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille — Veterans with a valid military ID get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
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Chili’s — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.
Chuck E. Cheese — On November 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal 1-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service. Not available for delivery.
Cracker Barrel — Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.
Denny’s — On November 11, Denny’s offers a complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 5am to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214.
Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
Hooters — Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage on November 11. Dine-in only.
IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Krispy Kreme — Veterans get a free coffee and doughnut on November 11 at participating locations.
Little Caesars — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. In-store only.
through any third party. Lucille’s is also giving veterans and active-duty military a $10 Thank You for Your Service Bonus Cards.
Macaroni Grill — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti with military ID on November 11.
Mission BBQ — Veterans get a free sandwich on November 11.
Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub — Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch from a select menu with the purchase of another entrée on November 11 from 11am to 5pm. Dine-in only.
O’Charley’s – Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal when you dine in on November 11 at participating locations.
Outback Steakhouse — Veterans, active-duty service members and spouses get a free Bloomin’ Onion with any Coca-Cola beverage for dine-in on November 11.
Red Lobster — Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in and To Go orders placed in-restaurant between 11:00am and 4:00pm local time.
Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double when dining in on November 11. This classic burger also comes with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries.
Smokey Bones — Active-duty military and veterans get a free meal from a select menu on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only.
Starbucks — As with previous years, Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on November 11. As a new addition in 2022, Starbucks is expanding this offer to include a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.
TCBY — Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free on November 11 at participating locations.
Texas Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military receive a meal voucher on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out and can be used until May 30, 2023. There will be a specific menu to select from.
TGI Fridays — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free lunch on November 11 from 11am to 2pm from a select menu at participating locations. Dine-in only.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill — Veteran and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11 with proper ID at participating locations.
Wendy’s — Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30am.
White Castle — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Combo Meal or Breakfast Combo Meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service — On November 11, MILITARY STAR cardholders will receive various deals, including 15% off food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants and complimentary brewed coffee at Express stores and participating restaurants.
Papa Gino’s — Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off pizzas on November 11 at participating locations. Valid for Dine-in or Carry Out orders. Valid on whole pizzas only. Not valid online.
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Specials/Discounts
Ocean State Job Lot – “Buy, Give, Get” program to support veterans in need is a coat exchange program that runs through Dec. 28. Any customer who purchases a $40 winter coat from any of the discount retailer’s locations and gives it back to the store as a donation to a veteran in need will receive a $40 gift card free to use for a future purchase.
Newport Car Museum, Nov. 11, 10am to 5pm – $10 Tickets for veterans & active military –discount at door with valid ID; free parking.
Free Haircuts for Veterans – Nov. 11, 9am to 5pm – Amy’s Men’s Barbershop,1086 Willet Ave., Riverside. Susan Pereira Buckley writes, 'I have been cutting hair for 26 years, and I will be giving free haircuts to all who served… I feel this is a very important day and deserves recognition…my husband, his father and son all served in the Army.' No appointments will be taken. First come, first serve, but Susan promises to stay as late as necessary to make sure everyone gets a haircut. Her number is 401-527-1730.
AARP — AARP salutes you for your service to our country with a special membership offer. Join for only $9 per year with a 5-year term and save up to 43% off. Or join for 1 year for just $12 and save 25% off the standard annual rate.
Academy Sports + Outdoors — Active-duty service members and veterans get 10% off the entire purchase online or in-store from October 23 through November 13.
Adidas — Veterans and active-duty military get 40% off sitewide until November 12.
Alpine Rings — Active duty, guard/reserve, veterans, and their families receive 30% off on November 11. Service must be verified.
Alpine Swiss — Active-duty military, veterans, Reserve/National Guard Members and their dependents get an extra 15% off Men’s and Women’s Collections through November 11.
American Giant — Active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard, veterans, and military family members get 30% off online November 7 through 11.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service — On November 11, MILITARY STAR cardholders will receive various deals, including double rewards points, 10 cents off every gallon of gas at Exchange fuel locations, 15% off food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants and $10 off a purchase of $25 or more at Exchange mall vendors. Plus, Exchange stores will be handing out free challenge coins to veterans on November 11.
Bargain Hunt — Active-duty military and veterans receive a 15% discount off their entire purchase from November 11 through 13 on qualifying in-store purchases. Valid proof of military service is required at the time of purchase.
Bear Mattress — Veterans and current military members receive 40% off sitewide after online verification on November 11.
Branded Bills — Veterans, active-duty military and their dependents get 25% off online November 11 through 13.
Brides Across America — Brides Across America holds a wedding gown giveaway for military in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form. There is a $75 tax-deductible donation required when registering for the event. Attend the event and select one of the designated gowns on display. Visit the Brides Across America website for more details.
Delta Sonic Car Wash — All November long, veterans and active-duty military personnel save $25 on all oil changes with military ID. On November 11, veterans and military personnel receive a free Super Kiss Plus wash, with two additional washes within two weeks.
Dollar General — Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their immediate family members save 20% November 10 through 13 on qualifying, in-store purchases.
Goodyear Auto Service — Active-duty military and veterans get free Car Care Checks, plus an additional 10% off tires and services. Eligible guests who present a valid ID can schedule car care check appointments between November 10 and 14 and redeem service through November 17.
Grace for Vets — Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11.
Great Clips – On November 11, veterans and active service members can go into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit. In addition, non-military customers who get a haircut on Veterans Day will also have the opportunity to pay it forward. They can receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran that can be redeemed for a free haircut from November 12 through December 9.
Grey Sail – On November 11, noon to 8pm, Grey Sail Brewing, 63 Canal St., Westerly – Grey Sail’s 11th Anniversary Party – In honor of Veterans Day, active and retired members of the military will receive a free beer and subsequent discount. Proceeds from the event will support Work Vessels for Veterans, a veteran-operated organization that assists returning vets in beginning their civilian careers or educational pursuits.
Hertz — All veterans receive 20% off the base rental rate. Book from November 7 through 11 and pick up November 11 through January 31, 2023.
HYLETE — HYLETE will be offering two Veterans Day promotions from November 11 through November 13. For an extra 10% off service league pricing shoppers can use code “VET10”, or for $20 off a $100 purchase shoppers can use the code “VET20”. Only one code may be applied per order.
JB’s Gourmet Spice Blends — Get a 15% discount on your entire order during the week of Veterans Day (November 6 through 13) with code Veteran.
Just Tires — Active-duty military and veterans get free Car Care Checks, plus an additional 10% off tires and services. Eligible guests who present a valid ID can schedule car care check appointments between November 10 and 14 and redeem service through November 17.
Kohl’s — Veterans, active and former military personnel, and their immediate families get 30% off in-store purchases from November 11 through 13.
Lovesac — Active and retired service members and their registered dependents get 25% off online after verification. Apply for your discount code by October 30, then redeem your code by November 13.
Magnolia Wash Holdings — On Veterans Day, November 11, participating locations will offer free car washes to all veterans. Whistle Express, Camel Premium Express and The Wave Carwash are operated by Magnolia Wash Holdings.
Office Depot and OfficeMax — Veterans, active-duty military personnel, Reservists and their dependents get 25% off qualifying regular and sale-priced purchase November 11 through 13. This offer is valid in-store only and requires this coupon.
Paramount+ — In honor of Veterans Day, Paramount+ is offering new subscribers 30 days free using the promo code BRAVO. In addition, the platform is also launching “Home of the Brave,” a specially curated carousel on the homepage featuring titles that celebrate the men and women in our armed forces, including the original Top Gun, SEAL Team, Saving Private Ryan, NCIS, Forrest Gump, and more.
Publix — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a 10% discount on groceries on November 11.
QALO — Veterans and active-duty military get a free U.S. Military Ring with online verification from November 1 through 11.
Rack Room Shoes — Military personnel and their dependents get a 20% discount off their entire purchase in store on November 11.
ScrubaDub — Veterans and current military service personnel can enjoy a free car wash at any of their tunnel locations on November 11 with a valid ID.
Sheetz — On November 11, Sheetz offers veterans and active-duty military personnel a free half ham and cheese or meatball sub and a regular size fountain drink. Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active-duty military.
Sleep Number — Active-duty military and veterans receive 20% off most Sleep Number 360® smart beds, all bases, and most bedding purchases. This offer is valid November 1 through 14.
Southeastern Grocers — Veterans and active-duty military get an 11% discount with valid documentation on November 11.
Sport Clips — On November 11, participating locations will provide free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members with valid proof of service.
Staples — Active-duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families get a 25% discount November 6 through 12.
Target — Target is offering a 10% military discount from October 30 through November 12 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. The discount can be used on two separate transactions and applies to all in-basket items, online and in-store.
TOPS — Veterans and active military personnel receive an 11% discount off of a total order on November 11.
Tractor Supply Company — Active-duty military, veterans and their dependents get a 15% discount on November 11.
Vitamin Shoppe — From November 10 to 13, veterans receive a 25% discount on their entire purchase at any in-store location of The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements.
Walgreens — On November 11 through 14, veterans, active-duty military and their families receive 20% off regular price eligible store items at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.
Waterdrop — Active-duty military, veterans and their dependents get a 20% discount coupon on all products from November 4 to 30.
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Special event – VETERAN STORIES at URI Providence Campus Urban Arts & Culture Program
TODAY: Nov. 10 at 9:00am – opening
Nov. 17, 5 – 9pm – Gallery Reception
Nov. 18 – 6pm – VETERANS: Sharing Our Truth – story sharing time
Nov. 1 – Dec. 1 – VETERAN STORIES
Regular Gallery Hours: Monday – Thursday 9-9, Friday 9-5 – More dates through December 1, 2022
University of Rhode Island Providence Campus, 1st and 2nd floor Lobby Gallery 80 Washington Street, Providence, RI
The exhibit with the accompanying story sharing time is about Veterans and their families. It includes individual artists in all styles and subjects and explores the work of programs that help deal with deployment, and returning and rebuilding personal lives. The exhibition will include art in all media and personal writings documenting personal experiences, expressing feelings, and that which brings joy and peace. The exhibit will feature the work of Center for Dynamic Learning documented by Justin Case, with work by: Jillian Barber, Steve Beckwith, Paul Bouchard, Richard Boudreau, Cynthia DiDonato, Robert Easton, Roland C. Gauvin, Beth Johnson, Kristin LaFlamme, Dan Lake, Steve Lippincott, Angelo Marinosci, Jr, Thomas Marino, Jason Melino, Thomas Morrissey, Deirdre Salvas, Anthony N. Shipp, Jeffrey Stenbom, Michael Stricklin, Michelle Thomas, Ehren Tool, Edward Vebell.
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Barrington – will honor town members who died in service to their country – with banners on lampposts throughout city main street that will stay up through December.
Cranston – Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m. – 9th annual 2022 Park View Veterans Day 5K run/walk and 1 mile kids run at Roger Williams Park. Benefit of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island.
Warwick – Nov. 11 & 12 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free lunch for veterans at Operation Made, 1060 Toll Gate Rd. – music, drinks, raffles, free samples, sponsored by Operation Made and United Healthcare.
Operation Stand Down needs our help to fill their pantry – and make it a Happy Thanksgiving for our Veterans:
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RESOURCES & ongoing groups
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! Be aware that holiday schedules may change some of the “regularly scheduled” and check ahead.
***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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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.