RI Veterans Voice: 03.09.26. Military records, Veterans Memorial, Local Events – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Veterans writer

Updating Military Records To Reflect Awards

Adding a Purple Heart to Official Military Records After Being Discharged

To request a retroactive award of the Purple Heart for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a former National Guard member must submit a formal application package for correction of military records.

Required Application Form

Since the veteran was in the National Guard, the application depends on whether the injury occurred while on active federal duty (Title 10) or state active duty/Title 32:

• Active Federal Duty (Title 10): Submit DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR).
• State / National Guard Records: Coordinate through the state’s Adjutant General’s Office or National Guard Human Resources Office (G1/J1) to verify state-level order history alongside the ABCMR application.

VETTIP: A purple heart is awarded

Key Documentation Requirements

The Army Human Resources Command (HRC) and ABCMR evaluate claims based on strict criteria requiring two primary components: proof of enemy action and contemporaneous medical treatment.

• Proof of Incident / Enemy Engagement:

o   Detailed personal statement describing the incident (date, location, unit, enemy weapon involved).

o   Official unit records (e.g., DA Form 1594 / Daily Staff Journal, Serious Incident Reports, Casualty Reports).

o   Eyewitness statements or sworn affidavits (preferably from superior officers, corpsmen, or fellow unit members present during the engagement).

• Proof of Medical Treatment:

o   Contemporaneous medical records (e.g., Field Medical Cards, Nursing Notes, Battalion Aid Station logs, or clinical notes from the date of injury showing treatment by medical personnel).

o   Records establishing that the injury required treatment by a medical officer at the time of occurrence.

Recommended Submission Steps

1. Work with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO): Contact an accredited VSO (such as through the VFW, American Legion, DAV, or a state Veteran Affairs office) to help compile, organize, and review the packet before submission.
2. Obtain Official Records: If any supporting unit records or original medical logs are missing, submit a request via SF-180 to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or request records through the Army Human Resources Command.
3. Submit the Packet: Send the completed DD Form 149 along with all supporting documentation to the address listed on the form for the Army Board for Correction of Military Records.

Once submitted, the board will review the documentation against military award criteria to determine eligibility for updating the DD Form 214 and issuing the Purple Heart medal.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed while serving under competent authority. Unlike most military decorations, recipients are entitled to the award automatically if they meet specific criteria, rather than relying on a commander’s recommendation.

Key Criteria for Eligibility

Qualifying Circumstances

The wound or death must occur under one of the following conditions:

• Enemy Action: In action against an enemy of the United States or an opposing foreign armed force.
• Friendly Fire: By friendly weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict with the enemy (provided it was not due to willful misconduct).
• Terrorist Attacks: As a result of an international terrorist attack or a targeted foreign terrorist attack on domestic soil.
• Peacekeeping & Foreign Service: While serving with friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict or as part of a peacekeeping force outside the U.S.
• Prisoners of War: As a result of maltreatment inflicted by captors while held as a POW.

2. Standard Medical Requirements

• Required Treatment: The wound or injury must have required treatment by a medical officer at the time of the incident (not merely an evaluation).
• Official Record: Proof of medical treatment for the injury must be documented in the service member’s official military medical records.

Qualifying vs. Non-Qualifying Injuries

• Qualifying Injuries: Bullet or shrapnel wounds, injuries from enemy mines or booby traps, chemical/biological/nuclear agent exposure released by the enemy, concussions or mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) causing loss of consciousness or duty restrictions over 48 hours, and perforated eardrums suffered in action.
• Non-Qualifying Injuries: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), battle fatigue, disease or illness, frostbite/heatstroke, accidents or vehicle crashes not caused by enemy fire, self-inflicted wounds, or injuries sustained during routine parachute jumps without enemy intervention

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State of Rhode Island New Vietnam Veteran Memorial, Providence Site Announced

The Rhode Island House Vietnam Memorial Commission, chaired by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A.Azzinaro, announced the selection of a permanent site in Providence for the long-overdue Rhode Island Vietnam War Memorial. Following the site selection, a press conference was held to formally present the plans alongside veterans and state officials.

Location Details

• Parcel & Address: State-owned land situated along the Providence River, adjacent to 146–200 Dyer Street in downtown Providence.
• Accessibility: Features direct street access, nearby public parking, and pedestrian connections leading from the 195 District Park and the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge.
• Memorial Path Integration: Positioned along the existing waterfront walking path that connects several prominent landmarks, including the Rhode Island 9/11 (IX) Memorial, the Remembrance Garden of Greater Providence, and the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial.

The House Vietnam Memorial Commission, chaired by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro, chose the memorial site.

Azzinaro said, “The site is already owned by the state and has easy street access, nearby parking and pedestrian access from the 195 District Park and the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. It is also a beautiful location overlooking the water that is an appropriate space for commemoration and reflection, located along the same walking path that connects the Rhode Island IX Memorial, the Remembrance Garden of Great Providence and the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial.”

The Vietnam Veterans of America State Council of Rhode Island (VVARI) has opened a charitable account to collect private donations to fund the memorial.  Checks payable to RIVMF can be mailed to Ernest S. Boisvert, One Capitol Hill Level G Veterans Office, Providence, RI 02908.

For more information, the VVARI can be reached by email at [email protected].

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Landing Zone Bronco (“LZ Bronco”) Veteran and First Responder Resource Center- September 2026,  250^th Celebration Schedule

1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI (401) 677-9838 – Website: landingzonebronco.org

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

The location offers plenty of outdoor and indoor sitting. Although the facility currently is not open to the public on a daily basis, however, the resource center will be opened every Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m throughout the month of September  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 veteran organization is seeking sponsors for remaining Sundays in September. Sponsors are also encouraged to be “ice cream scoopers” and “dessert servers” during the Sunday their organization or family sponsored.

Gold sponsorship . Suggested is $250 for a Sunday. If interested in doing a sponsorship or donation to support the Sunday’s event 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 hot dog, 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 welcome; please note in the remarks section on the website or check, SUNDAY THANKING OUR VETERANS. Donations are tax-deductible.

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Local Veterans Events

Monday, September 7, 2026, ROMA Federal Hill, 311 Atwells, Ave Providence, RI. All veterans and guest are encouraged to join the Italian American War Veterans of the US ;  FREE Coffee, Pastries, and calzone for Veterans and guest.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 FREE breakfast for veterans and guest, Landing Zone Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 FREE Veteran Appreciation Dinner, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  for veterans and guest, Toast and Tap, 45 Quaker Lane , West Warwick, RI . Sponsor is the Italian American War Veterans of the US, (401) 677-9838.

September 10-13, 2026 Murphy Park, 15 Keech Street, Putnam, Ct. The Wall That Heal. Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica & mobile education center.

Wednesday, September 22, 2026 . Veterans Coffee Social , Warwick Public Library, 6 – 7:30 pm.  A 250^th Anniversary event, will have a lecture on Major General Nathaneal Green. All veterans and guest are invited.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 . The state’s largest fundraiser for homeless veterans is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. The yard sign is always the majority sponsor, as last year there were 70 in total. Rucking for Roofs and the Rhode Island State Elks Association have been named the top resource for at-risk veterans from the HUD VASH.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 . The state’s largest fundraiser for homeless veterans is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. The yard sign is always the majority sponsor, as last year there were 70 in total. Rucking for Roofs and the Rhode Island State Elks Association have been named the top resource for at-risk veterans from the HUD VASH.

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Operation Stand Down Rhode Island needs help – if you can give:

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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 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/