RI Veterans: Did you know? (Veterans Home, Op. Holiday Cheer…) 06-10-22 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Department Veterans Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans (ITAM)

Update on RI Veterans Home COVID situation:

Veterans & Families Told Not To Worry With Covid 19 Policy Not To Use Designated Covid 19 Wing
At least 3 veterans have tested positive at the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol RI. 
Concerning to the veterans, family and staff is the administration decision not to relocate the Covid-19 positive veterans to the designated Covid-19 wing,  which has been used in the past for veterans who have tested Covid-19 positive.
“It’s alarming you don’t use every resource available to protect our most vulnerable veterans living at the veterans home, ” said John Cianci, Italian American war Veterans of US, Department Commander.” Why wouldn’t you use a wing set aside and used in the past for Covid-19 positive veterans living at the home.
“The veterans who are Covid 19 negative are required to stay in their room with the door closed. Meals are provided to them,however, they must eat in their room.” said Cianci.The Office of Rhode Island Services responded to questions of the veterans, families, and staff  concerns of Covid 19 positive and Covid-19 negative veterans not being separated. Although the Covid-19 positive residents ar in their room and only separated by a door from leaving, no other restraints and or alarms stop the Covid-19 positive from leaving their room, and entering into a Covid-19 negative room, which has happened in the past.
” Because of the unique layout of the Rhode Island Veterans Home, in addition to the sophisticated ventilation units – including MERV-15 air filtration units with continuous fresh air circulation – we are able to allow residents to safely quarantine in their own private rooms which include private bathrooms. These state-of-the-art amenities are not present in many other long term care facilities and other state Veterans homes. We are currently asking that the remining residents of the single cottage where COVID is present to stay in their area until we can confirm they are covid-free. At no time has any resident been locked in their room. Should a resident not be able to safely quarantine in their own room, such as in the case of residents living with dementia, the quarantine unit will be activated.” wrote Meghan Connelly, Strategic Planning, Policy, and Communications Administrator, Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services to RINEWSTODAY.com.

In my opinion, another example of the State of Rhode Island risking the lives of our veterans at the home by not using all resources available to protect the most vulnerable.
Let us pray for those veterans who have tested positive and all the veterans and staff at the Rhode Island Veterans Home.

___

Operation Holiday Cheer Donation Drive for Service Members  

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos today kicked off the 20^th Annual Operation Holiday Cheer Donation Drive, joined by the three former Lieutenant Governors who led Rhode Island Operation Holiday Cheer—Governor Dan McKee and former Lieutenant Governors Charles Fogarty and Elizabeth Roberts—as well as by federal, state, and local leaders from across Rhode Island. 

Operation Holiday Cheer is conducted by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and made possible by the partnership and hard work of the RI Blue Star Moms, the RI National Guard, Operation Stand Down RI, the United States Postal Service, and the American Red Cross of RI, all of whom were present to announce the start of the 20^th season.

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos said, “I urge every Rhode Islander to get involved by donating goods or their time so that we can make this twentieth anniversary even more special for our troops. I’m grateful to have the honor of carrying on this holiday tradition, and to work with the dedicated community partners and family members who have kept it running for 20 years.”

Governor Dan McKee added, “Rhode Island – this is your call to action – we need donations and volunteers to make this year’s Operation Holiday Cheer the best one yet.”

Operation Holiday Cheer was started in 2002 by former Lieutenant Governor Fogarty and has been held annually since. The program supports service members stationed away from home during the holidays by sending them care packages filled with Rhode Island goods. 

“When my office organized the first Operation Holiday Cheer in 2002, we didn’t know that it would become an annual tradition,” said Charles Fogarty, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island from 1999 to 2007. “I’m grateful for their efforts over the last two decades, and I am excited to see OHC grow to new heights in the years to come.”

Boxes will be packed at the US Army National Guard Armory in Warwick on October 29^th and 30^th.  The RI Blue Star Moms need specific items to fill the boxes for our active military personnel. A complete list of items requested, as well as quantities needed, can be found here and below: https://ltgov.ri.gov/ohc.

“The outpouring of support that our children receive as part of Operation Holiday Cheer is a crucial help during what is often a difficult time,” said Mary Grace Marceau, President Blue Star Moms. I cannot express deeply enough what a difference it makes to know that businesses, nonprofits, and everyday people are willing to give back to our loved ones, friends and sons and daughters, who are away during the holidays, serving our nation. I am already looking forward to packing boxes alongside other volunteers!”

The program relies on the generosity of individuals and corporate and community sponsors who provide in-kind or financial contributions, as well as volunteers who will help pack the boxes. Corporate sponsors and individuals wishing to donate goods, money, or time can visit https://ltgov.ri.gov/ohc. 

This year’s corporate donors include Adler, Pollock, & Sheehan, American Legion, Amica Mutual Insurance, Atlantic Paper & Supply, Blood Centers of America, Dave’s Marketplace, Del’s Lemonade, Duffy & Shanley, Dunkin’, Girl Scouts of Southern NE, Finlay Extracts & Ingredients, Massey & Associates, Operation: Made, Pilgrim Title Insurance Co., Saddlebags for Soldiers, Safety Flag Co. of America, The Home Depot, Thomas Engineering, Two Sisters Catering, and VFW Rhode Island. Operations support is provided by Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association and Local 57 Operating Engineers.

To ensure every service member stationed away from home gets a box, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor asks Rhode Islanders to share the names and addresses of friends or family members who are currently deployed. Please send them to Grace Sneesby in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at 401-222-2371 or [email protected].

___

Did you know a law was passed effective October 1, 2022 expanding health care for veterans to include veterans who could have been previously denied?

VETTIP – If you don’t have a hard copy letter denying you VA Healthcare, apply. If a VA representative advises that you are not eligible for healthcare, this information could be erroneous. Ask for a denial correspondence from the representative, which should tell you the reason you are not eligible for VA health care. More than likely, the VA will not issue a denial letter for VA health care. Instead, you will get a letter advising what group you are in, which could be group 8 and due to income qualifications.

___

We start off with a question from one of our readers.

Last year I was told I am no longer eligible for VA health care because of my income, however, I am told a new law was passed and I must be eligible again. – Steve, Harrisville RI

Steve, you are correct. A new law, the PACT Ac,t expanded eligibility of VA health care for veterans who were not eligible previously and or were denied.

The PACT Act became law on October 1, 2022. The law allows for 1 year for veterans who previously had not applied and or were denied VA health care to apply for benefits.

The VA does factor in income when determining VA health care benefits. Moreover, increase in income could change to category. 

VETTIP – If you believe you are eligible for VA Health care, apply by completing  VA  10-10EX,  https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez/.

More on the VA Priority groups from the VA website:

What are VA priority groups and how do they affect me?

When you apply for VA health care, we’ll assign you to 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need care right away can get signed up quickly. It also helps to make sure we can provide high quality care to all Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program.

Your priority group may affect:

• How soon we sign you up for health care benefits, and
• How much (if anything) you’ll have to pay toward the cost of your care
  What factors will VA use to assign me to a priority group?

We’ll base your priority group on:

• Your military service history, and
• Your disability rating, and
• Your income level, and
• Whether or not you qualify for Medicaid, and
• Other benefits you may be receiving (like VA pension benefits)

We assign Veterans with service-connected disabilities the highest priority. We assign the lowest priority to Veterans who earn a higher income and who don’t have any service-connected disabilities qualifying them for disability compensation (monthly payments).

If you qualify for more than one priority group, we’ll assign you to the highest one.

Priority group 1

We may assign you to priority group 1 if any of these descriptions are true:

• You have a service-connected disability that we’ve rated as 50% or more disabling, or
• You have a service-connected disability that we’ve concluded makes you unable to work (also called unemployable), or
• You received the Medal of Honor (MOH)

Priority group 2

We may assign you to priority group 2 if you have a service-connected disability that we’ve rated as 30% or 40% disabling.

Priority group 3

We may assign you to priority group 3 if any of these descriptions are true:

• You’re a former prisoner of war (POW), or
• You received the Purple Heart medal, or 
• You were discharged for a disability that was caused by—or got worse because of—your active-duty service, or
• You have a service-connected disability that we’ve rated as 10% or 20% disabling, or
• You were awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation”

Priority group 4

We may assign you to priority group 4 if either of these descriptions is true:

• You’re receiving VA aid and attendance or housebound benefits, or
• You have received a VA determination of being catastrophically disabled

Priority group 5

We may assign you to priority group 5 if any of these descriptions are true:

• You don’t have a service-connected disability, or you have a non-compensable service-connected disability that we’ve rated as 0% disabling, and you have an annual income level that’s below our adjusted income limits (based on your resident zip code), or
• You’re receiving VA pension benefits, or
• You’re eligible for Medicaid programs

Priority group 6

We may assign you to priority group 6 if any of these descriptions are true:

• You have a compensable service-connected disability that we’ve rated as 0% disabling, or
• You were exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or
• You participated in Project 112/SHAD, or
• You served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or
• You served in the Persian Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and November 11, 1998, or
• You served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987

We may also assign you to priority group 6 if you meet all of these requirements:

• You’re currently or newly enrolled in VA health care, and
• You served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and
• You were discharged less than 5 years ago 

Note: As a returning combat Veteran, you’re eligible for these enhanced benefits for 5 years after discharge. At the end of this enhanced enrollment period, we’ll assign you to the highest priority group you qualify for at that time.

Priority group 7

We may assign you to priority group 7 if both of these descriptions are true for you:

• Your gross household income is below the geographically adjusted income limits (GMT) for where you live, and
• You agree to pay copays
  Review current copay rates

Priority group 8

We may assign you to priority group 8 if both of these descriptions are true for you:

• Your gross household income is above VA income limits and geographically adjusted income limits for where you live, and
• You agree to pay copays
  Review current copay rates

If you’re assigned to priority group 8, your eligibility for VA health care benefits will depend on which subpriority group we place you in.

In addition, the newly passed PACT Act has now expanded VA’s Agent Orange presumptive policy to include those who served outside of Vietnam.

If your spouse served in one of these newly added locations, and has since passed away due to a condition related to their exposure, you may now be eligible for benefits.

Health Care Eligibility Under PACT Act

More Veterans are eligible for VA health care

You might have recently learned that the PACT Act could impact your care and benefits. But did you know it also expands health care eligibility for many Veterans? The PACT Act began one of the largest expansions of VA benefits in history.

If a Veteran you know hasn’t enrolled in VA health care before, here are some details you can share to help them get the care they’ve earned and deserve:

Vietnam Era Veterans

Vietnam Era Veterans who served in these locations and time periods are eligible to apply for enrollment now:

• Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975
• Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base between January 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976
• Laos between December 1, 1965, and September 30, 1969
• Certain provinces in Cambodia between April 16, 1969, and April 30, 1969
• Guam or American Samoa (or their territorial waters) between January 9, 1962, and July 30, 1980
• Johnston Atoll (or a ship that called there) between January 1, 1972, and September 30, 1977

Gulf War Era Veterans

Beginning October 1, 2022, Gulf War Era Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after the Persian Gulf War may be eligible to enroll in VA health care. This also includes Veterans who, in connection with service during such period, received the following awards or recognitions:

• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Service Specific Expeditionary Medal
• Combat Era Specific Expeditionary Medal
• Campaign Specific Expeditionary Medal
• Any other combat theater award established by Federal statute or Executive Order

Post-9/11 Veterans

Post-9/11 Veterans discharged before October 1, 2013, can enroll in VA health care during a special 1-year enrollment period between October 1, 2022, and October 1, 2023. To be eligible, one of the following must be true:

*They served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or

*They served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998.

What to know about VA health care

Enrollment is free, and health care may be free too.

VA health care for any illness or injury that is determined as “service connected,” or related to your military service, is free. The PACT Act added more than 20 presumptive conditions 

Tell your friends to apply for VA health care in 1 of 4 ways:

Online

By calling the toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387

By mailing VA Form 10-10EZ to: Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329

In person at their nearest VA Medical Center or Clinic  

___

Rhode Island Veterans Home resident celebrates 100th Birthday 

The Italian American War Veterans of the US and Perella’s Ristornant, Warren RI hosted Navy veteran Kenneth Roberts on Saturday October 2, 2022. 

A police escort from the Rhode Island Veterans Home, in Bristol to Perella,’s in Warren was provided by the Bristol PD. Despite the rainy weather, Ken was greeted by approximate 20-25 family members and friends holding American flags.

“I drove the lead vehicle behind the police escort,” said Wendy Cianci, Italian American War Veterans of US/Auxiliary.” First time able to run lead lights with a police car in front of me and behind me.”

Ken was served a lobster on a vintage stainless steel tray he was familiar with from duty on ships in the Navy.

“Ken ate the whole lobster, asking for and being proving the lobster pick to ensure no meat was left on the lobster.” said one of the veterans in attendance.

*

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!

***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 eligibity 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 07/31/2028

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; Bald Hill Road, Warwick; and Park Ave, Cranston.

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.