by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues
Thousands came out on Saturday for the Federal Hill Summerfest up on Federal Hill in Providence. The streets were filled with vendors – and the aroma of sausage, peppers, pasta, filled the air as patrons lined up to enjoy the festival.
A special section at Dean and Atwells Avenue had military vehicles and veteran organizations. One of the organizations, the Italian American War Veterans of the United States set up a Veteran Resource tent providing veterans information and guidance about numerous Federal and state benefits.
“We already connected with soldiers who served and didn’t know they were eligible for city or town real estate tax credits, a credit that will save the veteran an average of $300 off his or her real estate tax,” said John Cianci a Veteran Service Officer/Advocate with the Italian American War Veterans of the US.Veterans’ Booth at Federal Hill Summerfest — Open Today & Victory Day
Cianci’ s organization was also remaking dog tags for veterans. One of the visitors asked for a dog tag with former Providence Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci. Buddy was a Vietnam era Veteran serving in the U.S. Army.
The Military Truck and Car Club had several military trucks and a display of US equipment used by soldiers in Vietnam.
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The Veteran Legacy Memorial program
The Italian American War Veterans of the US introduced their newest information program, Veteran Legacy Memorial. (VLM) is a government website that provides a free tribute page for a deceased veterans. We searched the VLM website for the deceased veterans, and when we locate the veteran. we provide the family a free tribute printout,” said one of the volunteers, O1E Brent Soenkson, an active duty Navy Veteran working the veteran resource tent.
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Here is an example of a printout for the family of Joseph Arthur Joel, who died a few weeks ago – at the age of 100.
-Â The festival runs all day Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. On Monday, same time, same place!
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Read our Veterans column, RI Veterans: Did you know?” every Thursday, here at RINewsToday.com – check out our past columns, HERE.
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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.
