RI Veterans: Did you know? 09.04.26 (Post-911 GI Bill, VA Benefits, Local Events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veterans writer

Eligible Veteran and Dependent Options Using Post-911 GI Bill in Rhode Island

Did you know that eligible Post-911 GI Bill veterans and dependents attending URI, CCRI, RIC, or the Rhode Island School of Design would not only have their tuition paid but also receive a monthly housing tax-free stipend of $2931?

Did you know that eligible veterans and dependents for the Post-911 GI Bill attending Roger William University or Roger Williams Law School would not only have their tuition paid but also receive a monthly housing tax free stipend of $ 2,790?

Did you know that eligible veterans and dependents for Post-911 GI Bill attending the Rhode Island Deputy Sheriffs Training Academy, Rhode Island State Police Academy, Rhode Island State Fire Training Academy, Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy, and or NAVSTA Newport Rhode Island Fire Department Academy, while attending and several months after graduation, receive a monthly housing tax. Free stipend of $2931?

Did you know that the Rhode Island Laborers District Council and Paul Mitchell The School, New England Tractor Training Academy have a VA-approved on-the-job training program for an eligible veteran or dependent under the Post-911 GI Bill, which provides a tax-free $2,931 housing stipend?

VETTIP Using the VA GI Comparison tool, a veteran or dependent can search to see if an education facility is an approved facility eligible for use of VA Post-911 GI Bill by a veteran or dependent.

Dependent Use of Parents’ Post 911 Education Bill

Questions from one of our readers:

My 17-year-old daughter and I have not spoken or seen her Dad since a bitter divorce 4 years ago. Her dad always told her she while still on active duty he transferred his Post 911 Education bill for college. How does she verify her eligibility?  Susan, N. Smithfield

The parent of your daughter would have had to transfer all or part of their Post-911 GI Education bill.

According to the VA website, a dependent can verify Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility without speaking with the parent by signing in to their own VA.gov account using ID.me or Login.gov to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

The dependent must already be enrolled in DEERS and have had benefits transferred via milConnect by the veteran. 

Steps to Verify Eligibility Independently:

• Apply Online:File VA Form 22-1990e through VA.gov.
• Create Your Account:If the dependent does not have an account, they can create a Login.gov or ID.me account to access records.
• Obtain a COE:The VA will send a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) directly to the dependent via mail, confirming their entitlement.

VETTIP What is COE: A Post-9/11 GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirms your VA education benefits, showing your benefit percentage, months of entitlement, and expiration date. Apply online via VA.gov Form 22-1990 to receive it by mail in about 30 days. You can download a Statement of Benefits immediately online if you applied on or after August 20, 2022.

• Call the VA:Contact the VA Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 for assistance in checking status, as suggested by a user on Facebook. 

Other questions you may have about verifying your enrollment for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

• Contact us through Ask VA.
• Call us at 888-442-4551 (TTY: 711). …
• Reply Start to the original text message we sent you asking if you want to verify your enrollment by text.

Important Considerations:

• DEERS Requirement:The dependent must already be in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
• No Parental Access:The dependent cannot use the parent’s milConnect account, but they can see their own status once the transfer has been officially approved.
• School Certification:Schools can also help verify if they have received the COE.
• Legal Action:In extreme cases of lack of information, a legally authorized representative might be needed

What benefits can a dependents get?

A dependent may be able to get money to pay for these expenses:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Books and supplies
• Fees for national standardized tests
• Fees for licensing and certifications

Key Details for MHA at URI

• Rate Calculation:The MHA is based on the DoD’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents.
• Location:The payment rate is determined by the zip code of the campus, not the student’s residence. The main URI campus is in Kingston, RI (02881).
• Active Duty Status:If the veteran is still on active duty, the dependent (spouse) cannot receive the MHA.
• Full-Time Requirement:You must be enrolled at more than half-time to qualify for MHA.
• Online Courses:If taking only online courses, the MHA is paid at half the national average.
• Percentage of Benefit:The amount is prorated based on the percentage of eligibility (usually 100% for veterans with at least 36 months of active duty). 

To get an exact monthly amount based on the current academic year, you should use the official VA GI Bill Comparison Tool. 

When can a dependent use the transferred benefits?

Children

A dependent child can start to use these benefits only after you’ve finished at least 10 years of service. They can use these benefits while you’re on active duty or after you’ve separated from service.

The child must meet these requirements to use the benefits:

• They have a high school diploma (or a certificate that’s equivalent) or they’re at least 18 years old
• They’re younger than 26 years old

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CCRI Earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools® Designation

CCRI announced today that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools Designation, recognized as a Silver School.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and s

At CCRI, the Veteran Services Office is essential in supporting student veterans, providing help with the admissions process, navigating benefit applications, and connecting them with academic advising and counseling. To further build a supportive environment, the college hosts a Student Veterans Organization (SVO). Founded in 2010 as a branch of the Student Veterans of America, the SVO brings students together through social gatherings and fundraising efforts that promote charitable giving and active campus engagement.

The Silver designation reflects CCRI’s strong dedication to helping military-connected students smoothly transition into civilian life while preparing them for sought-after careers. The institution continues to prioritize the growth and adaptation of its resources to better serve the needs of its veteran and military student body.

“Supporting our veterans and active military students means ensuring they have clear pathways from service to education and into strong, family-sustaining careers,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “We are proud to provide the programs and community to ensure they feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed every step of the way.”

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”

CCRI will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

About Military Friendly®
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at http://www.militaryfriendly.com/.

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Environmental Health Registry Evaluation for Veterans

VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service.

The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service.

VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans.

The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.

You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries:

• Agent Orange Registry
• Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
• Burn Pits Exposure
• Gulf War Registry(includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn)
• Ionizing Radiation Registry
• Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program
• Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center
• Duty assignment  at Otis Air Force Base( Camp Edwards, MA)
• Duty assignment at Fort McClellan
• Duty assignment DMZ Korea
• Duty assignment included working on runways
• Duty assignment Quonset/Davisville RI
• Served on a Navy ship and exposed to asbestos ( click, see if your ship is listed)
• Duty assignment as a mechanic and other occupational hazards(CARC Paint, Fuels, Degreaser)

On the VA website , a veteran can locate the point of contact by the state in which the veteran is enrolled in the VA Health Care system and request a FREE assessment.

Rhode Island

Providence VA Medical Center  830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence, RI 02908

Sherry Refino (401) 273-7100 ext. 15862 [email protected]

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More information on Military Exposures & Your Health – Fall/Winter – Issue 17

Military Environmental Exposure Assessments

A Military Environmental Exposure Assessment (MEEA) is a clinical evaluation for Veterans concerned about military environmental exposures. If you’re enrolled in VA health care and have had toxic exposure screening, you are eligible for a MEEA.

How It Works:

Expert Evaluation: A specially trained VA clinician will review your exposure history and address any concerns.

Documentation: Your exposure history will be recorded in your electronic health record.

Follow-Up: You’ll receive medical guidance and follow-up recommendations via email or letter.

Scheduling a MEEA:

Contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator or the VET-HOME program.

No referral is needed, though your VA care team may recommend one.

Choose between in-person (may have limited times and copay) or telehealth (free and widely available).

Evaluation Pathways for Military Environmental Exposures

VA provides multiple ways to evaluate and address your military environmental exposures:

Toxic Exposure Screening (TES):

Available every 5 years for Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Takes about 5-10 minutes with a health care provider.

Starts a conversation about your exposures and connects you to appropriate resources.

Military Environmental Exposure Assessment (MEEA):

In-depth clinical evaluation to follow up on concerns identified during a TES.

Conducted by VA clinicians with specialized training.

Choose between in-person or telehealth appointments.

Environmental Health Registry Evaluation:

Free, voluntary medical assessments for Veterans exposed to environmental hazards during service.

Available to Veterans with specific service dates and locations.

Includes specific registries such as the Gulf War Registry and Ionizing Radiation Registry.

Helps VA understand and care for similar Veterans as a group.

Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P):

Assesses disabilities and determines eligibility for disability compensation.

Evaluates whether claimed medical conditions are connected to military service.

Conducted by VA medical professionals or private contractors.

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Research Findings: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Illness, and Early Menopause

In a study of Gulf War Era women Veterans, VA researchers found that 1990-1991 Gulf War Era women Veterans with PTSD or Gulf War Illness (GWI) were more likely to experience early menopause. The Gulf War Era Cohort Study, which followed nearly 700 women from the 1990-1991 Gulf War in 1995 and again in 2012, observed a higher prevalence of early menopause among those meeting criteria for PTSD or GWI in 1995 compared to those without.

Key Findings:

PTSD in 1995: Prevalence of early menopause was 25.3%, compared to 12.3% without PTSD.

GWI in 1995: Prevalence of early menopause was 19.2%, compared to 12.3% without GWI.

Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to health risks like premature mortality, poor bone health, and cardiovascular disease. If you are a 1990-1991 Gulf War Era woman Veteran who has experienced early menopause, discuss potential health impacts with your provider.

For more information, visit: PubMed Study. 

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EVENTS

Sunday, April 12, 5 to 7 p.m.; Ring of Honor Ceremony for R.I. National Guard, sponsored by the R.I. Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars (MOFW); Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown. Dress is informal: polos or camouflage uniforms are fine. Buffet dinner and ceremony honoring select members of the National Guard. Tickets are $55 per person, and the public is invited. Tables of eight cost $400. To buy tickets, go to rimofw.org/events . Email questions to MOFW Commander Ron Barnes at [email protected].

Saturday, April 25, 5 to 11 p.m., R.I. National Guard’s Salute to Spring Military Ball, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston.  Cocktails from 5 to 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7, followed by dancing. Formal attire for civilians (suit and tie, cocktail dress or gown); military should wear semiformal dress uniform or mess dress. Dinner is a family-style meal. Tickets cost $65 (plus a $6.09 service fee) per person. Online ticket sales only (no refunds). No in-person or “will call” ticket sales. Buy tickets at tinyurl.com/msfdn2nh.

Saturday, May 16, 6:30 to 10 p.m.; Pasta Dinner and Show to benefit Honor Flight, hosted by R.I. Blue Star Moms, American Legion Post 43, 662 West Shore Road, Warwick. Join Blue Star Moms for a night of food, fun and entertainment to benefit future Rhode Island Fire Chief Honor Flights out of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Tickets are $25 per person; tables of eight cost $200. For details or to buy tickets, contact [email protected], or call Betty Leach at (401) 426-9792.  If your schedule only allows for attendance during the cocktail hour, you do not need to purchase tickets. For additional information, please email [email protected].

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Information on the National Desert Shield and Storm Memorial

The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is a new national monument to be built at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 14, 2022.

Although we have been constructing the various elements of the memorial off-site for several years, on-site construction has begun.  The dedication will be October 24, 2026.

National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act – Authorizes the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor those who, as members of the Armed Forces, served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.

Construction of the Memorial is led by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, a 501(c)3 organization in Washington, D.C. The association is led by a Board of Directors comprised of veterans who served during Operation Desert Storm. More information on monument go to https://www.ndswm.org/ and https://www.mynbc5.com/article/desert-storm-memorial-emily-bedard-rob-eccleston/69295603

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