Subscribe!
RI Veterans: Did you know? Veterans Home charges, Veterans Court…16-2-23 – John A. Cianci
We start off with a question from one of our readers.
Q: – Is it true the Veterans at the Rhode Island Veterans Home will no longer have to pay for cable and internet? Marie, Bristol RI?
A: – Marie, as a wife of a veteran residing at the home, the answer is yes, but it could be a few months out according to RINewsToday sources.
If you know any veteran who needs financial assistance to cover existing charges, have the veteran contact ITAM Rhode Island Veterans Home Relief Fund, email [email protected], or office phone (401) 677-9838.
UPDATE ON RI VETERANS HOME CABLE/INTERNET CHARGES
Just this week RINewsToday inquired about the status of the change in charges to the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services (RIVETS).
In response to RINewsToday – once the program starts, veterans at the home will no longer be charged. A spokesperson for RIVETS wrote, “Vendors were once again in the Rhode Island Veterans Home on Friday, 2/10/23, meeting with Veterans Home facilities and technology staff to review infrastructure needs. There is no date yet set to “turn off” individual cable services and “turn on” facility-provided service, though we anticipate this happening in the near-future.”
Additionally, RIVETS told RINewsToday, “I3 and Cox Cable are currently providing service at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. No contract has yet been entered, so we cannot provide the name of the vendor at this time.
Sadly, as the veterans at the home await relief, their cable and internet bills have increased since Kasim Yarn, Director for RI Veterans Affairs announced on WPRO’s Tara Granahan show on January 12, 2023. Relief for our veterans was on the way.
The increase to the veterans’ monthly bills was confirmed by RINewsToday during a visit to the veterans home last week. Several of the veterans provided copies of January and February bills from cable providers, which showed the increase since Yarn’s announcement of free basic cable and internet were in the works.
Unlike other nursing homes contacted in Rhode Island (Elmhurst, Crystal Lake, Silver Creek, Dawn Hill, etc.) who do not charge for cable and internet, the Rhode Island Veterans Home has been charging veterans for cable/internet since Yarn took over as the director.
In conclusion, veterans entrusted to the State of Rhode Island for care living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home are still being charged for cable/internet, unlike other residents who reside at nursing homes within miles of the RI Veterans Home, and other nursing homes located in RI.
___
Did you know the Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center (PVAMC), Chalkstone Ave, Providence RI offers FREE tax preparation for veterans? The program started on February 5th and goes until April 15, 2023. The services are available on Tuesday, 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
___
Did you know the State of Rhode Island has a court system exclusively for veterans who encounter trouble with the law?
Rhode Island Veterans Treatment Court
Since 2011 the State of Rhode Island opened its Veterans Court doors for referrals in the District Court. The court is for veterans diagnosed with trauma related disorders, into a court program which integrates support and treatment plans with the judicial process. It is intended to divert the offenders away from incarceration while providing appropriate rehabilitative alternatives.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s website, the Veterans Court provides individuals who have served in the military and are involved in the criminal justice system with needed treatment and services under judicial supervision.
All participants must have some sort of clinical need. Individual programs can vary in length from 9-18 months, depending on the participant’s clinical needs and their progress through the program.
Veterans Court benefits from roughly 20 mentors, all of whom donate their time to forge relationships with participants and help them in whatever ways they can, including fielding late-night crisis phone calls, driving to and from appointments, or even just offering a friendly ear. Mentors attend court session with participants and put on a monthly graduation ceremony as participants successfully complete the program.
Several years after the opening in 2011, Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia Chief Judge, Rhode Island District Court testified before the Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate. Judge LaFazia told the subcommittee, “ This pilot program, while relatively new, has been tremendously successful, “ LaFazia said, “The needs of our returning military are growing. As we anticipate future drawdowns, the number of returning personnel who will require these services will undoubtedly grow substantially. The expansion of this program will allow us to fully address the various needs of these individuals and will allow us to include all individuals who enter the judicial system because of a service-related injury.
“No soldier left behind” is a code which Americans have always been proud to live by. As Americans, we do not desert our soldiers on the battlefield – shouldn’t this also be true on the home front?” LaFazia told the sub-committee. The court does not mean that an individual will not be held accountable for their actions simply because of military status or even medical diagnosis alone.
The mission of the Veterans Court is a problem-solving court, the mission of the Veterans Treatment Calendar is to successfully rehabilitate participants, on a case-by-case basis, by providing the tools and skills necessary to address veterans’ unique challenges to reintegrate successfully into society and to maintain a productive and law-abiding lifestyle within the community.
Goals of the Veterans Treatment Calendar:
- Reduce criminal recidivism.
- Recognize and treat unseen/invisible injuries resulting from combat or other trauma/service-related conditions.
- Facilitate productive reintegration into community.
- Increase compliance with court ordered conditions.
- Successfully address behavioral health issues.
- Promote accountability.
- Balance needs and expectations of maintaining a safe society with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
If you know a veteran who encounters issues with the law, refer the veteran to contact:
VETERANS TREATMENT COURT
Noel Judicial Complex
222 Quaker Lane
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-0107
(401) 458-5106 telephone
[email protected]
According to VA statistics, 1 in 5 veterans returning from military service will exhibit some symptoms of mental illness. We owe our returning soldiers more than words thanking them for their service. When they come home injured or affected in a way that has altered who they are, what they do from injuries that causes or fuels behavior that puts them into our criminal justice system, our nation has a duty to fix them. Let’s remember that these are men and women who volunteered; they were not drafted, but they volunteered for this service. They put on a uniform, and they followed the American flag into combat in order to fight for and protect the fundamental rights and privileges which we as Americans enjoy every single day.
The State of Rhode Island should be proud of our state elected officials for continuing the Veteran Court after federal funds ended years ago. Moreover, the mentor volunteers and all members of the judicial system dedication and commitment for our veterans must also be acknowledged.
From this veteran – THANK YOU for being there for one of our brothers or sisters.
___
Events
LETTERS FROM HOME announces Providence as the official Rhode Island stop of their 50-state tour, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 7pm – Letters From Home. The McVinney Auditorium in Providence is going to be the host for the official Rhode Island stop of the tour, which will take place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 7pm. For questions or assistance with purchasing please call 401-278-4589 Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
Letters From Home was founded in 2010, featuring music from the soundtracks of WWII, Vietnam, and beyond. This vaudevillian-style singing & tap dancing duo has honored our veterans, active military heroes and their families, by uniting the nation through music.
The show’s idea came from Pat Dearth, a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. Since its inception, Letters From Home has performed over 900 shows across the country. A documentary on the group produced by “Our State” Television (David Hardy) won an Emmy award in 2015. In 2019, Erinn and Dan traveled to Normandy, France to perform during the 75th Anniversary of D-Day festivals where they sang the National Anthem on June 6th at sunset on Omaha Beach.
Letters From Home returned to Europe in May 2022 to perform for WWII Veterans touring in The Netherlands and Belgium. The task of a nationwide tour has always been a dream of Letters From Home’s founder, Erinn Dearth, and during the pandemic it became more of a calling than ever. “The show is high-energy and should make everyone smile,” said Dearth, “but it’s also a message of hope in a country that is a bit divided at the moment.” Dearth hopes that those who come to see the show will walk away with a song in their hearts and a new perspective on patriotism.
Dan Beckmann, the other half of the pair, is also an accomplished professional photographer. He will be documenting the tour in a photo blog in addition to directing a documentary of the 50-States tour. One of the tours sponsors is Footsteps Researchers, a global team of military researchers that help their clients retrace the footsteps of those who served in WWII. The founder of Footsteps Researchers, Myra Miller will serve as Tour Manager and is very excited, “to meet veterans across the country and thank them for their service. We want to pack the venues with young and old alike to share the energetic and fun performances of Letters From Home!”
All 50 venues across the United States have been secured for the tour and tickets are now available. To view the tour route or to purchase tickets visit
www.LettersFromHomeSingers.com.
___
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.
___
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.
___
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)
___
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.