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RI Veterans: Do you know? 21.09.23 (Indigenous veterans, events, resources…) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues
Photo: From https://www.honoringindigenousvets.org/
Did you know veteran Indigenous men and women make up the highest per capita of people serving in the U.S. Armed Forces since the American revolution?
Did you know Native women continue to serve at one of highest rates in the country (11.7% vs 8.4%, respectively).
Did you know “ayeuteaen” is the word for warrior in the Narragansett language?
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Indigenous Monument at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery
The Indigenous Veterans Monument unveiled on Wednesday at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, R.I. More than 100 were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The monument is the 42nd monument honoring veterans at the Rhode Island Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI.
Native people have served in every single conflict since the Revolution War and indigenous men and women make up the highest per capita of people serving in the U.S. Armed Forces since the American revolution?
Lorén Spears, Executive Director of the Tomaquag Museum, https://www.tomaquagmuseum.org , in Exeter and co-chair of the monument committee, said it is important to honor the service of the Indigenous people that helped to form this country. “Literally since the Revolutionary War, we have served in the armed forces, and I think that is an untold story that is often completely overlooked,” she said. “For us, it is really important that they be recognized and honored.”
The monument project recognizes Indigenous people from tribal nations such as the Narragansett, Wampanoag, Pequot, Nipmuc, and Osage.
The project started three years ago by Charles B. Smith Sr., a cemetery specialist at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery and co-chair of the monument committee. The historic project is the first of its kind to honor Indigenous Veterans in Rhode Island to all who served-past, present and future.
”Every nationality in the Rhode Island Veteran Cemetery has a memorial marker stone to commemorate their service that they gave their all for this country,” Smith said on the Honoring Indigenous Veterans website.“Native Americans are the only group that does not have a memorial marker stone.”
Smith, a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribal Nation, said that’s why he founded The Intertribal Monument Project. “I believe Native American veterans should be honored with a memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery because of all nationalities, they have fought in every war this country has ever been in,” Smith said. “My father fought in three wars — World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.”
Two of the elders Indigenous Veterans , Alberta Wilcox, 93 year old WWII, Narragansett Tribe, Nurse and 92, Korean War Veteran, Air Force , Korean War combat veteran cut the ribbon.
Other Indigenous Veterans participating in the event were Maija Hill, member of The Narragansett Tribe, a veteran of the US Army, and proud mother of 3. She is the daughter of a US Air Force Korean War veteran, mother to a daughter who is currently serving in the US Air Force and mother of a son, who is also a veteran of the US Army.
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Veteran Business Opportunities
Veteran Shark Tank – Now accepting applications!
Veteran business owners and potential veteran owned businesses have opportunity to win $50,000 cash prize being part of 10th Annual Veteran Shark Tank competition.
Being part of the Veteran Shark Tank as a contestant is a great way to build a network for life. If you are unsure, look at our media page and check out the Veteran Shark Tank social media profiles to learn more.
Submission deadline is October 15, 2023.
The Veteran Shark Tank was created in 2012 to promote and assist Veterans who are starting or growing their businesses. Starting out as a small regional event, it is now the premier national pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs.
The five (5) finalists pitch their business idea to a panel of “sharks” in front of a live sold out audience (over 200 people). The winner receives a $50,000 cash prize! Each of the finalists gains valuable experience to professionally grow while creating a business network to help grow and expand their businesses (potential customers, referral partners, investors, mentors, etc).
The event is held before a live audience in Philadelphia to help kick off Army/Navy Football week. This is the THE veteran pitch competition. Don’t miss out.
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Events
TODAY! September 21, 2023, Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Casino Café and Grill Private Dining Room. Veterans and non veteran supporters are welcomed at this “connecting event of Veteran”.
If you are interested in attending, please click on the link below to RSVP and other details. https://www.evite.com/event/0292ZGZ6KALIIQKU4EPOGAEFHVE7WA/
Friday, Sept. 29, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Military Police Regimental Association of RI Annual Awards Dinner. Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. This is the 20th anniversary of the deaths of Staff Sgt. Joseph Camara, Sgt. Charles Todd Caldwell and Spc. Michael Andrade while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tickets are $55 each and are available only from this website: tinyurl.com/yaw744cp. For details, call Sean Fitzpatrick at (203) 907-8985 or email rhodeislandmpra@ gmail.com.
October 2023
October 16, 2023, Monday, VFW Post, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton, RI FREE . 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, Varum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich RI , 80th 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 will 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.
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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.