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RI Veterans Voice: 07.08.26. VA Education Benefit Low Use, Job Fair, Events, Benefits – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, RINewsToday Veterans writer
Rhode Island Holds the #9 Worst VA Education Benefit Record in the Nation
Rhode Island has the ninth-highest VA education benefit NON-participation rate in the country at 97.30%, leaving 59,139 of its 60,777 veterans without any education benefit.
Rhode Island is the sixth Northeast state to appear in the top 10 of those not-participating, underscoring the region’s consistent pattern of non-participation rates above 97%.
Findings are drawn from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS), covering 2019–2023
Both of Rhode Island’s Bordering States Outperform It by Up to 0.61 Percentage Points
Connecticut and Massachusetts both post lower non-participation rates than Rhode Island. Massachusetts, the best performer among Rhode Island’s neighbors, sits at 96.70%, a 0.61-percentage-point gap that represents a proportionally higher share of veterans receiving earned education benefits across the state line.
The 10 States With the Highest Share of Veterans Not Receiving Education Benefits
| Rank | State | Avg. Annual Veteran Population (2019-2023) | Avg. Annual Education Beneficiaries (2019-2023) | Avg. Annual Veterans Not Receiving Benefits (2019-2023) | % of Veterans Not Receiving Education Benefits |
| 1 | Michigan | 553,728 | 10,698 | 543,030 | 98.07% |
| 2 | New Jersey | 329,274 | 7,933 | 321,341 | 97.59% |
| 3 | Ohio | 722,845 | 17,896 | 704,949 | 97.52% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 760,236 | 19,071 | 741,165 | 97.49% |
| 5 | Maine | 110,217 | 2,802 | 107,415 | 97.46% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 46,725 | 1,190 | 45,535 | 97.45% |
| 7 | Montana | 88,489 | 2,277 | 86,212 | 97.43% |
| 8 | Delaware | 70,162 | 1,889 | 68,273 | 97.31% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 60,777 | 1,638 | 59,139 | 97.30% |
| 10 | Nevada | 220,174 | 5,991 | 214,183 | 97.28% |
Full report and methodology: Google Doc
The data analysis was done by Vettory connects veterans across all 50 states with free grants to help cover rent, housing, bills, education, medical expenses, and more. Trusted by government and educational institutions nationwide, the platform makes it easy for low-income veterans facing financial hardship to find and apply for the support they deserve.
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, but its spirit of service runs deeper than its geography would suggest. For generations, Rhode Islanders have answered the call to duty at rates that reflect a profound commitment to the nation they call home. The GI Bill was designed to honour that commitment with a direct and meaningful promise: a fully funded path to education for every veteran who returns from service. Yet in Rhode Island, that promise is going largely unclaimed, as earned education benefits sit untouched year after year and the gap between what veterans are owed and what they receive quietly widens. This study brings that gap into sharp focus and makes the case for why it demands immediate attention.
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Veteran Receives the Never Quit Service Award – Works for RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Maybe it’s her exceptional organizational skills.
Maybe it’s her personal history of military service.
Maybe it’s her empathy for those grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the Armed Forces.
For Courtney Steadman, all three attributes make her an excellent employee of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery and the latest recipient of AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award.
“I’m a customer service specialist, but it’s so much more than that. It’s an opportunity to honor the veterans who served our country and support their loved ones when they are going through a really difficult time,” said Steadman, a member of AFSCME Local 904 (Council 94). “I just love what I do.”
In a little over a year as a state employee, Steadman has developed a following among funeral directors in Rhode Island who ask for her by name when they call to make arrangements for a veteran, said Jenn Brear, the cemetery’s business management officer who nominated Steadman for the Never Quit honor.
“Courtney always puts her best foot forward and always takes the time, no matter what, to make sure veterans understand all their rights and she always goes the extra mile to help,” Brear said.
The 280-acre cemetery in Exeter is a busy place with a small staff. The workers field 1,000 phone calls a month from veterans and their families, answer questions from hundreds of walk-ins and host up to nine services a day during peak months.
“I love working with the elderly population. Sometimes they come in in tears and confusion, and they’re so appreciative of the time I take with them,” Steadman said. “Just showing compassion and being a calming presence for them, helping them navigate what they are looking to do, applying for benefits, getting the required documents — I walk them through it all.”
Steadman left a 25-year career in health care to tend to her dying mother and then returned to the job market with a desire to serve her community.
Photo Credit: Courtney Steadman
The Rhode Island Veteran Cemetery was the perfect fit, in part because Steadman herself joined the U.S. Army right out of high school but was honorably discharged for medical reasons after just more than a year.
“I didn’t get to fulfill that, but now I get to help serve in a different way,” she said. “It is rewarding for me that I can help support other veterans because I didn’t get to serve my full term when I was 18, and I feel like this kind of came full circle for me. This is where I was supposed to be.”
Steadman, who has two relatives buried at the cemetery, also went the extra mile by completing the rigorous training needed to be certified in the use of the official government process for ordering headstones for a national cemetery.
In a small state like Rhode Island and because cemetery benefits were recently expanded to certain members of the National Guard and Reserves, most people in Steadman’s community have a personal connection to the cemetery, and there is a steady stream of visitors every day.
“The trust families place in us is something I don’t take for granted, and it motivates me to go above and beyond every day,” Steadman said.
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VA NEWS
VA benefits claims backlog drops below 70K for first time since 2020
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA disability compensation and pension benefit claims fell below 70,000 for the first time since February 2020, during the first Trump Administration.
Hitting this milestone means the department has now cut the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits by over 74% since Jan. 20, 2025, after it increased 24% under the Biden Administration.
A VA claim for compensation or pension is considered backlogged once it has been pending in the claims inventory for more than 125 days. In 2013, 70% of claims were older than 125 days — the most ever — compared to just 11.6% today.
VA has also reduced the average time it takes to process a claim to a record low. Today, claims take an average of 77.7 days to process – the fastest ever. Since the second Trump Administration took office, VA has decided more than one million claims in less than 30 days.
“This is what putting Veterans first looks like,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We are incredibly proud of these historic numbers, which mean faster decisions, better service and more benefits for the men and women who have worn the uniform.”
This milestone is one of many landmark VA achievements during the second Trump Administration, including:
- Opening 38 new VA healthcare facilities, expanding health care access for Veterans around the country.
- Processing more than 3 million disability compensation and pension claims in FY 2025, an all-time high that shattered the previous record set in FY 2024.
- Offering Veterans more than 3 million appointments outside of normal operating hours, which gives Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
- Permanently housing 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in FY 2025, the highest total in seven years.
VA encourages all Veterans to visit Choose.VA.gov to learn more and apply for the care and benefits they have earned.
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VA and Steak ‘n Shake team to advance Veteran business ownership and promote VA benefits
Agreement will waive franchise fees for Veterans who become Steak ‘n Shake owner-operators through the company’s Franchise Partner Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Steak ‘n Shake today announced an agreement to promote VA benefits and services and make it easier for Veterans to become owner-operators of Steak ‘n Shake franchises. As part of the public-private partnership, VA and Steak ‘n Shake have signed a memorandum of understanding under which:
Steak ‘n Shake will waive its $10,000 fee under its Franchise Partner Program for Veterans seeking to run their own Steak ‘n Shake franchise. Steak ‘n Shake restaurants across the nation will promote awareness of VA healthcare and benefits through in-restaurant signage and on its website. Steak ‘n Shake will prioritize the hiring of Veterans and VA beneficiaries, including family members, caregivers and survivors, for leadership positions across the company.
“VA is all about helping those who have worn the uniform achieve the American Dream,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “This agreement with Steak ‘n Shake will make it easier for Veterans and their families to do just that.”
“I’m grateful to Secretary Collins and the Department of Veterans Affairs for their support of this initiative. Veterans are among the finest leaders in our country, and this partnership is about translating our respect for them into real economic opportunity — both behind the counter and at the ownership level,” said Michael Boes, Chief MAHA Officer of Steak ‘n Shake.
The MOU builds on VA’s landmark efforts during the second Trump Administration to improve the department and make it easier for Veterans to get the VA care and benefits they’ve earned. Recent improvements include:
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LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center
July, 2026, 250th 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 12, 2026 FREE Apple Pie Topped With Ice Cream for Desert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250th 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.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 , 8:00 – 10: 00 a. m .FREE Breakfast for Veteran and Guest. All veterans are welcome, join LZ Bronco for first FREE Breakfast
Sunday, July 19, 2026 FREE Apple Pie Topped With Ice Cream for Desert for Veterans in Celebration of America’s 250th 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 250th 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 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 15, Wednesday, Job Fair, North Kingstown Free Library, 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
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 250th 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
3rd Tuesday, Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 80 Morgan Ave Johnston, RI
4th 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 †¯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/