RI Veterans Voice: 02.07.26 – TSA Info, LZ Bronco schedule, Resources, Discounts – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, RINewsToday Veterans writer

FREE TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans

A benefit of the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act

Qualifying disabled veterans can enroll in TSA PreCheck for free under the VETS Safe Travel Act.

TSA is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act which provides free TSA PreCheck® enrollment to veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. TSA PreCheck allows travelers to experience smarter, faster airport security in dedicated lanes when they travel.

Eligibility for free TSA PreCheck enrollment under the VETS Safe Travel Act is limited to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who have a service‑connected disability of permanent blindness or require the use of a VA‑issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb.

How it works

For veterans with a VA-issued eligibility letter, the enrollment fee waiver is available for a new TSA PreCheck enrollment or if you need to renew your membership.

To participate:

1. Obtain your VA eligibility letter:VA identifies eligible veterans and uploads the eligibility letter to your VA.govaccount.

• Sign into your VA.gov account.
• Go to the Benefit letters and documents section
• Select TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter
• Select Download TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver (PDF)

2. Enroll in TSA PreCheck through IDEMIA*:Complete the application and attend an in-person visit to take fingerprints and a photo. Once approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days and can begin using TSA PreCheck. Please note, some applications can take up to 60 days.

To enroll or renew in-person:

1. Before going to enrollment location, email your VA eligibility letter to IDEMIA’s customer supportto receive an offer code. Be sure to include “VETS Safe” in the email subject line.
2. Bring your TSA PreCheck required documentationand offer code to your in-person appointment.

To renew online:

Before renewing online, email your Known Traveler Number and VA eligibility letter to IDEMIA’s customer support to receive an offer code to use during checkout. Be sure to include “VETS Safe” in the email subject line.

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LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center

July 2026, 250^th Celebration Schedule

Throughout the month of July, LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Harrisville RI will be offering veterans FREE apple pie, ice cream, and hotdogs on select Sundays.

The location offers plenty of outdoor and indoor sitting. The facility currently is not open to the public on a daily basis, however, the resource center will be open every Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m throughout the month of July and August for veterans and first responders who would like to stop by and learn more information on their benefits, or need assistance with VA, federal, state and or local benefits.

The veterans organization is seeking sponsors for remaining Sundays in the months of July and August. Sponsors are also encouraged to be “ice cream scoopers” and “dessert servers” during the Sunday their organization or family sponsored.

Gold sponsorship. Suggested $250 for a Sunday. If interested in doing a sponsorship or donation to support the Sunday events at LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center 250th Celebration thanking our veterans and first responders, go to the website, https://italianamericanwarveteran.org/

In the remarks note the Sunday event date you would like to sponsor.

Sponsors are encouraged to volunteer during the Sunday their organization or family is sponsoring. Enjoy serving a hotdog, or doughboy, or ice cream to a veteran THANKING HIM OR HER FOR THEIR SERVICE.

If sponsor can put together a team of volunteers, contact ITAM volunteer coordinator, (401) 677-9838 or via email, [email protected]. Additionally, checks can be made out to ITAM, 18 Winchester Ave , North Smithfield RI.

All donations of any amount are welcomed, please note in the remarks section on website or check, SUNDAY THANKING OUR VETERANS. Donations are tax deductible.

Sunday Schedule for July 2026

Sunday , July 5, 2026,  FREE Apple Pie Topped With Ice Cream for Desert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary. The event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US, Department of Rhode Island and Front-Line Ministry for Freedom https://www.facebook.com/frontlineministryforfreedom/?locale=nb_NO  from 12:00 to 6:00PM. All veteran’s minor children and grandchildren are also FREE, if accompanied by the veteran.

Sunday, July 12, 2026 FREE Apple Pie Topped With Ice Cream for Desert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary.The event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US, Department of Rhode Island and (OPEN SPONSORSHIP)  from 12:00 to 6:00PM. All veteran’s minor children and grandchildren are also FREE, if accompanied by the veteran.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 FREE Apple Pie Topped With Ice Cream for Desert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary. The event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US, Department of Rhode Island and ( OPEN SPONSORSHIP)   from 12:00 to 6:00PM. All veteran’s minor children and grandchildren are also FREE, if accompanied by the veteran.

Sunday, July 26, 2026 FREE Apple Pie Topped With Ice Cream for Desert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary. The event is sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US, Department of Rhode Island and (OPEN SPONSORSHIP)   from 12:00 to 6:00PM. All veteran’s minor children and grandchildren are also FREE, if accompanied by the veteran.

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LOCAL VETERAN EVENTS

July 5, Monday, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. ROMA, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence RI. Coffee/Espresso, Pastries, and calzones social hosted by the Italian American War veterans of US. Any question, contact John (401) 677-9838 , or email [email protected] . Opened to all veterans and their guests.

July 14, 2026 4:30 to 6:30 – Toast ‘n Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick FREE Meatball Grinder dinner for all Veterans and 1 guest, followed by Ice Cream sundaes; featuring Warwick Ice Cream Autocrat Coffee Syrup ice cream.

July 20, 2026, 4:00pm – 8:00 p.m –  Car and Truck Show, LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Harrisville RI.  LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center FIRST truck and car show. Continuing celebrating America’s 250^th birthday, the Italian American War Veterans of US will provide FREE hotdogs and ice cream to all Veterans, First Responders, and all truck and car entries.

Prizes will be given out for :

(1) oldest vehicle at LZ Bronco between 5:00 and 5:00 pm

(2) lowest RI number license (number only). Registration must be current. Does not have to be on an antique or classic car or truck.

(3) oldest veteran with an antique car or truck

(4) youngest veteran with a car or truck plate on

(5) Veteran with MOST grandkids or great grandkids attending the event.

All veteran grandkids or grandkids with veteran will receive a FREE DOUGHBOY.  All Veterans attending will receive a FREE doughboy or hotdog.

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Volunteer Opportunities Serving Veterans:

Serve and socialize with Rhode Island veterans by volunteering. See below for opportunities:

VETTIP: Volunteers are provided verification of community hours, which can be used for required government programs requiring community service hours.

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program (https://italianamericanwarveteran.org)     – Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with the refreshments we provide.   Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

Monthly Schedule for long-term care and assisted living facilities needing volunteers:

Saturdays:

1st Saturday: South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, 2115 S County Trail, West Greenwich, RI

3rd Saturday, Friendly Home, 303 Rhodes Ave, Woonsocket, RI

Mondays:

2nd Monday – Greenwood Nursing and Rehab, 1139 Main Ave, Warwick, RI

4th Monday– Chapel Hill Senior Living, 10 Old Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI  Tuesdays

1st Tuesday Village House Nursing and Rehab, 70 Harrison Ave, Newport, RI

2nd Tuesday– St. Antonie Residence, 10 Rhodes Ave, North Smithfield, RI

3^rd Tuesday, Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 80 Morgan Ave Johnston, RI

4^th Tuesday – 1st Friday-Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA

Wednesdays

1st   Wednesday– Eastgate Nursing and Rehab, 198 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI

2nd Wednesday -West Shore Health Center109 West Shore Road, Warwick   RI

Fridays

1st Friday-Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity.

As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

What We’re Looking For:

Active driver’s license & vehicle insurance

Clean driving record

Ability to pass a background check

COVID-19 vaccination

Details: © Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available) – Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

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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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Free Help for Homeless Veterans

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness-and their family members, friends, and supporters-can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans.

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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:

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 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″ ³ ¨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

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: 401-6676200, Email: [email protected]

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VETERAN 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)

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– 1stâ€and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

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Discounts for Veterans

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.

Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 Youâ€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 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 â€ ¯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 Youâ€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 to Michaels Rewards. 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.

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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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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]; the business 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 (401) 677-9VET (9838)

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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.

John’s column, RI Veterans Voice appears in RINewsToday every Thursday:  https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/