RI Veterans: Do you know? 05.10.23 (Community Care, Columbus statue, events…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veterans writer

Editor’s Note: A packed article from writer Cianci this week – take some time to read all the information he has put together for you!

Update: Military Police Event held September 29, 2023 – 20^thanniversary of the death of 3 Rhode Island National Guard killed in action

Almost 200 attended the event at Quonset O Clock. In attendance were combat brothers and sisters who served with all 3 who were killed in action, and were in Iraq when SGT Charles Todd Caldwell, SSG Joseph Camara, and SPC Michael Andrade were killed in action 20 years ago.

All 3 had a section on a table displayed in front of the event telling some of their stories.

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One speaker, Gold Star Mother Lynn St. Germain of Marine Sgt. Brain St. Germain told the attendees, “The best way you can help repay that debt, all we ask is you help us remember them.” 

While St. Germain spoke, you could have heard a pin drop. She told the audience  she became part of an organization no one ever wants to be, Gold Star Mom.  By the end of St Germain’s speech, most of the attendees had watery eyes.

From the first platoon sergeant of SPC Michael Andrade, Master Sergeant (retired) John A Cianci, “I remember Michael’s first drill at the Warren Armory and one of the first conversations I had with him after returning from basic and military police training. I was dumbfounded, how he was going to be able to attend weekend drills; full time job, volunteer fire fighter in Bristol, and commitments he had as a family man. He assured me not to worry,” said Cianci.

More of SPC Michael “Flea” Andrade story:

The son of Alfred and Mary Lou Andrade, Michael was called “Flea” by his friends and fellow firefighters of the Bristol, RI Volunteer Fire Department Dreadnaught Company. He was an easy spirit that could be found always smiling and in good cheer. He got his nickname because he was “skinny and always jumping around.” Everyone enjoyed his jokes, his never ending energy and dedication, he was able to be counted upon both in times of crisis, as well as times of fun, such as the annual “Fireman’s Muster” water battle and other events in which he participated with his usual humor and enthusiasm. 

A native to Bristol, RI and self-professed “townie”, he lived for his friends and family and loved his country. His instinct was always to help people and to serve both the small town and the nation with pride. He was a member of the RI Army National Guard with the 115th Military Police. 

He worked for a local collision center and enjoyed karaoke nights around the area. When he left for basic training, he left a tape of songs for his fellow employees. 

Even while in Iraq he called in a song to a fellow fireman and his new bride on their wedding day. His tragic accident happened three weeks later. While transporting supplies forty miles north of Baghdad, Iraq, the Humvee he was riding in was struck by a fuel truck. Not only remembered well by friends but he was well liked among his fellow servicemen. 

“He was a very good soldier. He was always just a nice person,” said Sgt. John Cervone, assigned to the same armory as Andrade. “Everybody would say how devoted he was to his family.” In addition to his parents and three siblings, he is survived by his wife and step-son. His wake was held at the fire station where he loved to spend time. His uniform and helmet with “FLEA” emblazoned across the top was laid out on a table near his casket. 

He had worn the helmet for 10 years and responded vigilantly to calls both large and small. In November of 2003 Roger Williams University, with it’s main campus located in Bristol, established a scholarship in his honor. The small town he loved and served as well as the large country in which it sits owes “Flea” and his family a debt of gratitude not only for his death in service but even more so for what he gave to us while he was alive.

Andrade’s memory and story lives on with a Boardwalk and bench dedicated to him in Bristol RI:

Additionally, across from the fire station where Andrade was a volunteer firefighter, a monument is located:

And most important stories of Andrade are with his family, friends, Bristol fire department, and brothers and sister of arms he served with in the 169^th MP Co and 115^th MP Co. 

RIP Hero, you gave the ultimate sacrifice, AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

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Question From one of Our Readers

Q: – I have a type of cancer that VA Providence does not treat and wants me to schedule to go to West Roxbury, Virginia for treatment 2-3 times a week. However, the distance to travel to West Roxbury is quite a ride, especially since I have to take a ferry to the mainland from Prudence Island. Do I have options? – Ray, Prudence Island.

A: – Ray, I recommend you contact a VA Patient Advocate and explain. If you can get your VA provider to approve community care, you can get the treatment closer. Simply put, VA approval PRIOR to obtaining care from a community provider is a key aspect of community care for eligible veterans. 

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Questions on VA Community Care: 

The VA Community Care Contact Center: 877-881-7618, Option 1 (8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern Time)

More on community care from VA community care fact sheet and VA website:

VA Community Care Program

Did you know under the VA Mission Act of 2018, Veterans have better access and greater choice in health care either at the VA – or a community provider?

What is community care?

Veterans may be eligible for care through a provider in their local community, depending on their health care needs or circumstances, and if they meet specific eligibility criteria. Even if a Veteran is eligible for community care, they generally still have the option to receive care from a VA medical facility.

In layman’s terms, community care is private medical treatment with prior VA approval with a VA approved provider. If your choice of private medical is not approved by the VA to provide medical services, the VA will not pay unless you have prior approval. 

Who is eligible for community care?

A Veteran’s eligibility for community care depends on his/her individual health care needs or circumstances. Please note the following about eligibility for community care:

Veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider, in most circumstances.

Veterans must either be enrolled in VA health care or be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll to be eligible for community care.

Eligibility for community care will continue to be dependent upon a Veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances.

VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations.

VETTIP: – As mentioned above, seek approval from your VA provider. If denied by your VA provider, seek assistance from VA Patient Advocate detailing why you believe you should have been approved.

There are six criteria that can qualify a Veteran to receive community care. Veterans only need to meet one of these to be eligible.

1.   Veteran needs a service not available at a VA medical facility.

In this situation, a Veteran needs a specific type of care or service that VA does not provide in-house at any of its medical facilities.

For example, if you are a female Veteran and need maternity care, you would be eligible for community care because VA does not provide maternity care in any of its medical facilities.

2.  It is in the Veteran’s best medical interest.

In this situation, a Veteran may be referred to a community provider when the Veteran and the referring clinician agree that it is in the best medical interest to see a community provider.

For example, if you are a Veteran with a certain type of ovarian cancer that your VA oncologist is not experienced in treating, and you live close to a community medical facility where there is a specialist for that type of cancer, you could be eligible for community care if the clinician and patient agree that this treatment should be provided by the community medical facility.

VETTIP: – In Ray’s case (see above), he was able to justify using a community care provider due to the distance to travel to West Roxbury, Virginia from Prudence Island, Rhode Island, and as a single individual, the logistics he would have to coordinate transportation.

3.   VA cannot provide care within certain designated access stands.

In this situation, VA is unable to schedule an appointment that is within both average driving time standards and wait time standards. For average drive time to the nearest VA medical facility that can provide the service, the access standards are:

·      30-minute average drive time for primary care, mental health, and non-institutional extended care services (including adult day health care)

·      60-minute average drive time for specialty care

For appointment wait times at the nearest VA medical facility that can provide the service, the access standards are:

·      20 days for primary care, mental health care, and non-institutional extended care services, unless the Veteran agrees to a later date in consultation with their VA health care provider

·      28 days for specialty care from the date of request, unless the Veteran agrees to a later date in consultation with their VA health care provider.

For instance, if you are a Veteran and live 10 miles from the nearest VA primary care provider, but it takes you over an hour to drive there on average due to heavy traffic, you would be eligible for community care.

4.   VA Service Line Does Not Meet Certain Quality Standards

In this scenario, if VA has identified a medical service line is not meeting VA’s standards for quality based on specific conditions, Veterans can elect to receive care from a community provider under certain limitations.

For example, if VA has identified that the cardiology service line at a local VA medical facility is not providing care that meets VA’s standards for quality, the Veteran may be able to elect to receive your cardiology care in the community. However, there may be limits on when, where, and what is available under this criterion.

5.   Veteran qualifies under the “Grandfather” provision related to distance eligibility for VCP

For this element, there are a few different ways that a Veteran could be eligible for community care. Initially, there are two requirements that must be met in every case:

·      Veteran was eligible under the 40-mile criterion under the Veterans Choice Program on the day before the VA MISSION Act was enacted into law (June 6, 2018), and

·      Veteran continues to reside in a location that would qualify them under that criterion.

·      If both of these requirements have been met, a Veteran may be eligible if one of the following is also true:

·      Veteran lives in one of the five states with the lowest population density from the 2010 Census:
North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming.

6.   Veteran lives in a U.S state or territory without a full-service VA medical facility. 

In this scenario, a Veteran lives in a U.S. state or territory that does not have a full-service VA medical facility. Specifically, this applies to Veterans living in:

·       U.S. States: Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire

·       U.S. Territories: Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands

For instance, if you are a Veteran living in Guam, you would be eligible for community care because you reside in a state or territory without a full-service VA medical facility.

VETTIP: – When I was living in St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands and suffered a life changing injury (crushed heel and fractured ankle), I was flown to Puerto Rico to be treated at the VA Puerto Rico Medical facility. Unknown to me, the two doctors who did the surgery were Brown University graduates. At the time, I was only receiving 30% VA disability, however, transportation and surgery had ZERO cost to me. 

How do I find a community provider approved by the VA?

Veterans can either choose their preferred community provider or a VA staff member can help select one. The selected community provider must be part of VA’s network.

To find a community provider, please use the VA Facility Locator.

If there is a specific community provider a Veteran would like to see that is not in VA’s network, VA may be able to add them to its network. In some cases, a VA staff member will work with the Veteran to find other options when:

·       A community provider cannot be found that meets the Veterans health care needs

·       A community provider was, but is no longer part of VA’s network

·       An existing community provider is no longer available

Once a community provider is selected, an appointment can be scheduled based on the Veteran’s preferences and the community provider’s availability.

How does a Veteran schedule an appointment?

Before scheduling an appointment, it is important for the Veteran to confirm with a VA staff member that they are eligible and authorized for community care.

Once authorized to receive community care, they have several options for scheduling an appointment with a community provider, depending on the type of care they need. A Veteran may be able to:

·       Directly schedule an appointment and inform a VA staff member about the appointment

·       Use VA Online Scheduling to request an appointment for certain types of routine services

·       Have a VA staff member schedule the appointment

·       Have VA’s Third Party Administrator (TPA) schedule the appointment

VA will send the Veteran and the selected community provider a referral. VA will also send the Veteran’s medical documentation to the community provider to ensure proper care coordination between their VA care team and the community provider.

Getting Care

When a Veteran arrives for the appointment, the community provider should have the appointment, VA referral, and medical documentation on file. If a Veteran needs a follow-up appointment, the community provider should check to make sure VA has authorized additional care before scheduling the appointment.

Surgery

Prior to undergoing surgery at a community provider facility, Veterans and their family members may access information about the surgeon performing the surgery. Information required to be available includes the surgeon’s education, training, licensure, registration, and certification by the authorizing state and national entity. Additional details can be found in the following fact sheet.

What if the Veteran needs a prescription recommended by the community care provider?

If prescription medication is needed, the prescription should usually be sent to and filled by the nearest VA pharmacy. Veterans can receive short-term prescription medication for a 14-day or fewer supply that can be filled at a non-VA pharmacy. A prescription for more than a 14-day supply must be filled by VA.

How does billing work if a Veteran receives care at an approved VA community provider?

VA’s Community Care Contact Center can assist Veterans with resolving adverse credit reporting or debt collection actions resulting from authorized VA community care claims. Specially trained call center staff work one-on-one with Veterans to research and resolve collection-specific issues.

Veterans should gather any letters, notices or information regarding debt collection or adverse credit reports related to authorized use of VA community care and call the toll-free number listed below. VA staff will collect the Veteran’s information, investigate the issue and follow up with details of the final resolution, and can answer questions. Veterans will receive an adverse credit history letter that accepts or denies responsibility of the issue, as appropriate.

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Upcoming Events

October 2023

October 9, 2023 – Columbus Day event at Johnston War Memorial Park – unveiling of the relocated Christopher Columbus statue – with guest speakers and lots of entertainment for the family – food trucks, etc. The statue was installed a week ago, and now rests wrapped tightly in a blue tarp – join us at 11:30am for the big reveal and show support for the one city that stepped up to the plate to provide a refuge to the exiled Columbus statue removed from his overlook in Providence.

October 16, 2023, Monday, VFW Post, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton, RI – FREE Italian luncheon with homemade meatballs for Veterans from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. Celebrate Italian Heritage Month with lunch consisting of American Chop Suey, Sausage Sandwiches, Salad, and Italian dessert of cannoli and zeppole. Sponsored by the Italian American War veterans of the US and Building Bridges.

October 27, 2023, Friday , Dinner and Entrainment, Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich RI , 80^th Anniversary, Prime Rib or Fish dinner, tickets $60 per person.  WWII Combat Infantry Veterans are FREE.  Make checks payable to Combat Infantrymen Association, 42 Manning Street, North Providence RI 02911. All proceeds to benefit HONOR FLIGHTS OF RI, Inc.

November 2023

November 5, 2023: Veterans Inc 2023 Run4Heroes 5K Road Race, Registration begins at 8 a.m , race begins at 10:30 a.m at the start/finish line in front of Wormtown Brewery, on Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA. All participants can indulge in a post-race celebration featuring food, a complimentary beer from Wormtown Brewery, live music, exciting prizes, and more! If you can’t make it in person this year, we are offering a virtual sign-up option as well! Just run a 5k before the deadline, submit your times, and we will recognize your participation and honor the virtual winner alongside the in-person honorees.

November 6th: Monday Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House 9:00-11:00 a.m. , Roma, Atwells Ave., Providence. All veterans and their guest are invited. Sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US, Refreshment are provided, to include brick oven Italian toast, pasties, calzones, and pizza.

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Travel/Entertainment for Veterans

Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.

Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses.

No cost licenses are available if you are:

·       over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident

·       a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs

·       a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration

To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)

To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing.

The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is:
DEM Licensing Office
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3576

To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.

Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:

· Active-Duty Service members – Military ID

· Veterans – DD214

· Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter, contact your VA office

Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

https://dem.ri.gov/about-us/dem-offices/boating-registration-licenses/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%20decision.

Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.

The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:

· Licensing fees

· Camping fees

· Picnic table fees

· Specialized facility use fees

· Use of equestrian areas

· Performing art centers

· Game fields fees

· Mule shed fees

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged.

Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.

Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]

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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 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: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get – 

1.    Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account. 

2.    Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly. 

3.    Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered. 

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838) 

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, 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.