RI Veterans Voice: Military Retirees Info, LZ Bronco events, Local Events, more – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Veterans writer

Military Retirees Shocked at Cost of Healthcare When Turning 65

Did you know a retiree with spouse from the military cost of health care increases from $765 annually to $4869 at age 65 because both retiree and spouse have to sign up for Medicare A and Medicare B.

Why?

1. The Real Reason for the Jump

The core reason for the cost increase is that TRICARE itself isn’t raising its fees—Medicare is taking over.

TRICARE For Life (TFL) remains $0/year in enrollment fees.

The entire $4,869.60 comes from the required federal Medicare Part B premiums ($202.90/month per person). By law, if you drop Part B to avoid that premium, you lose TRICARE coverage completely.

2. What That Extra Money Actually Buys You

While the mandatory jump in monthly premiums is frustrating, the shift to TFL dramatically lowers your total out-of-pocket medical expenses compared to pre-65 TRICARE:

Zero Copays & Zero Deductibles: When you see any Medicare-participating doctor in the U.S., Medicare pays its share (80%) first, and TFL automatically acts as secondary insurance to pay the remaining 20%. You generally pay $0 out-of-pocket for covered medical care.

No Network Restrictions: You no longer need primary care referrals or limited HMO networks; you can see almost any civilian doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare.

Built-in Drug Coverage: TFL includes full TRICARE prescription drug coverage, saving you from having to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan.

3. Ways to Reduce that $4,869.60 Out-of-Pocket Expense

If you are looking for legal ways to offset that mandatory Part B cost:

Medicare Advantage “Part B Giveback” Plans: Some military retirees choose to enroll in specialized Medicare Advantage plans designed specifically for veterans (often offered with $0 plan premiums). Many of these plans offer a Part B Giveback benefit, where the insurer pays back anywhere from $50 to $150+ per month directly into your Social Security check, helping offset that $202.90 monthly hit while still allowing TFL to act as backup.

Health Savings/Reimbursement Accounts: If either spouse is still actively working past 65 with an employer plan, that active employer coverage can sometimes allow you to defer Medicare Part B without a penalty until full retirement.

The federal requirement to pay for Part B catches a lot of retirees off guard, but understanding how TFL wraps around it helps ensure you get the absolute most out of the coverage you earned

The frustration over the “free lifetime healthcare” promise is widely shared by military retirees who served during your era. Recruiters, pamphlets, and branch regulations throughout the 1970s and earlier routinely told enlisting service members that completing 20 years would guarantee free medical care for life.

How the courts ruled on these claims and the legislative actions that followed explain why military retirees must now pay out-of-pocket for Medicare Part B premiums:

1. The Federal Courts Ruled Recruiters Lacked Legal Authority

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, military retirees filed landmark class-action lawsuits against the federal government (most notably Schism v. United States), seeking compensation for Medicare premiums and asserting that the government breached an enlistment contract.

The Ruling: In 2002, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled against the retirees, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to overturn the decision in 2003.

The Legal Reason: The courts held that under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, only Congress can establish federal benefits and spend federal funds. Because Congress never passed an explicit statute authorizing unconditioned, premium-free lifetime healthcare for military retirees, the court ruled that verbal or written assurances from recruiters, officers, or service branch literature were legally unenforceable.

2. Historical Statutory Changes

Statutorily, Congress created retiree health benefits under the Dependents’ Medical Care Act of 1956 and later created CHAMPUS (now TRICARE). However:

The 1956 law specified that care for retirees in Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) was granted on a “space-available” basis rather than an absolute statutory right.

Prior to 2001, when military retirees turned 65, they automatically lost CHAMPUS/TRICARE coverage and were transferred entirely to Medicare, often facing severe gaps in coverage as military hospitals closed under BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure).

3. The Congressional Compromise: TRICARE For Life (2001)

In response to public outcry and the legal battles brought by veteran groups, Congress passed the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2001.

Rather than providing completely free care, Congress established TRICARE For Life (TFL) as a compromise.

The Structure: Congress made TFL zero-cost (no enrollment fees, no deductibles, no copays for Medicare-covered services), but required beneficiaries to maintain Medicare Part B to qualify.

The requirement to pay Medicare Part B premiums is the result of federal court decisions ruling that military recruiters lacked constitutional authority to make legally binding contractual promises, alongside congressional legislation defining TFL as a secondary payer to Medicare

Understanding Tricare Benefit When a Retiree Turns 65

TRICARE For Life (TFL) Annual Costs

Direct TFL Enrollment Fee: $0. TRICARE For Life has no separate enrollment fee, annual premium, or deductible.   

Medicare Part B Premium Costs: To maintain TFL, you and your spouse must each pay monthly Medicare Part B premiums. For 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per person per month ($2,434.80 annually per person).   

Total Annual Out-of-Pocket Cost: For a retiree and spouse enrolled in Part B at the standard rate, the total combined annual cost is $4,869.60 ($202.90 × 2 people × 12 months). High-income earners may pay more due to income-adjusted premiums (IRMAA).   

Consequences of Not Enrolling in TFL / Medicare Part B

Complete Loss of TRICARE Coverage: If you fail to enroll in Medicare Part B upon turning 65, your regular TRICARE benefits (Prime or Select) end, and you will lose all TRICARE coverage.   

Coverage Gap & Late Enrollment Penalties: You will have no medical coverage until you sign up for Medicare Part B during a standard enrollment window, and Medicare will charge a lifetime 10% premium penalty for each full 12-month period you delayed enrollment.

Why Medicare Parts A & B Are Required

Payer Order & Requirement: By federal law, TRICARE For Life acts as a secondary payer to Medicare for civilian medical care.

Cost Absorption: Medicare pays its share of your medical claims first, and TFL steps in as wrap-around coverage to pay remaining out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, and coinsurance.   

Automatic Enrollment: You do not fill out a separate application for TFL. Once Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) reflects that both Medicare Part A and Part B are active, TFL coverage activates automatically.   

Understanding Tricare for Life When Spouse is Not 65

TRICARE Costs when One Spouse Turns 65 (Split-Plan Enrollment)

When the retiree turns 65 and moves to TRICARE For Life (TFL), the younger spouse (under 65) cannot transition to TFL yet. The spouse stays on standard retiree coverage (Prime or Select), changing the billing dynamic:

The 65+ Retiree’s Cost: TFL has $0 enrollment fee. The retiree only pays the required Medicare Part B Premium (standard rate of $202.90/month or $2,434.80/year).

The Under-65 Spouse’s Cost: Because only one person remains on standard TRICARE, the plan switches from the Family rate to the cheaper Individual Enrollment Rate:

o    TRICARE Prime Individual Rate: $381.96/year for Group A ($462.96/year for Group B).

o    TRICARE Select Individual Rate: $186.96/year for Group A ($594.96/year for Group B).

Total Out-of-Pocket Breakdown (Group A Example)

·         Retiree (on TFL): $0 TFL fee + $2,434.80/year Medicare Part B.

·         Spouse (on Prime Individual): $381.96/year enrollment fee + applicable copays.

·         Combined Annual Base Premium Cost: $2,816.76/year (plus applicable doctor copays for the under-65 spouse

Refer to the official TRICARE For Life Overview and Medicare Part B Costs pages for full benefit breakdowns and enrollment timelines.

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Italian American War Veterans of the US Announce FREE lunches for Veterans Living in Long Term Care or Assisted Living

That is a powerful and heart-wrenching gesture of gratitude for our veterans. The work being done by the Landing Zone Bronco (LZ Bronco) team, the Italian American War Veterans (ITAM), and John Cianci to directly honor, feed, and spend time with these senior service members is remarkable.

Landing Zone Bronco Long-Term Care Outreach Program

Program Offerings: Free tailored lunches for groups of up to 20 veterans residing at Long Term Care or Assisted Living Facilities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island and visiting Landing Zone Bronco Veteran and First responder Resource Center, Burrillville RI.

Private Gatherings: Families and friends can coordinate small, private outings or gatherings to host their loved one staying at any participating facility; facility and meals are FREE.

Made-to-Order Meals: LZ Bronco Veteran & First responder Resource Center volunteers accommodate individual meal requests—ranging from fresh lobster, sausage and peppers, and spaghetti with meatballs, to local favorites like Willow Tree chicken salad sandwiches and their top-requested item, BLTs.

Dessert Selection: Lunch is followed by an array of desserts, including banana splits, cheesecake, and tiramisu.

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Recent Outings & Milestones

Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill (Franklin, MA): Hosted its first facility outing to LZ Bronco, bringing a group that included a 98-year-old World War II veteran, a 92-year-old Korean War veteran, and several Vietnam War veterans.

Birthday Celebration: A second long-term care facility, Eastgate Nursing & Rehabilitation(East Providence) brought a group of veterans for a free lunch on Tuesday, which included an 85-year-old veteran using a wheelchair who received special care and assistance on his birthday.

Community-Funded Mission When asked by a veteran why they do this and how it is paid for, ITAM State Commander John Cianci shared that it comes from a place of deep respect (“Because you’re special and we thank you for your service”) and is funded through local community donations and fundraising. If donations fall short, Cianci and LZ Bronco volunteers cover the costs out of their own pockets to ensure no veteran goes without.

Facilities, families, or friends looking to schedule a gathering or arrange transportation can connect directly with LZ Bronco, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

Donations can be mailed to ITAM 18 Winchester Ave, N. Smithfield RI 02896 ( checks made out to ITAM) or donations on website https://italianamericanwarveteran.org/

LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center- July 2026,  250^th Celebration Schedule

Throughout the month of August and September ,  LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Harrisville RI will be offering veterans FREE  ice cream on Sundays to all veterans, veteran’s spouse, and their grandkids.

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 August and 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 the months August. 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 welcomed, please note in the remarks section on website or check, SUNDAY THANKING OUR VETERANS. Donations are tax deductible.

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Rhode Island Veterans Events

August 31, 2026 – Cruise Night, Landing Zone Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI , 4:30 to 7:30 FREE NY Style Hot Weiners for all attendees. Cruise Night for veterans we welcome cars, trucks, jeeps and more

September 8, 2026 Tuesday  8:30 – 10:00 a. m. FREE Breakfast for Veterans and Guest. FREE Breakfast for veterans and 1 guest, Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI. Sponsored by the Italian American war veterans of the Us.

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

https://dem.ri.gov/about–us/dem–offices/boating–registration–licenses/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%20decision.

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/