RI Veterans: Did you know? 02.05.24 (Pvt. George J. Peters, local events, vet info) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues

Did you know the only Medal of Honor(MOH) from Rhode Island service during WWII  was awarded to Private (Pvt.) George J. Peters, Cranston, Rhode Island?

MOH PVT George J. Peters is buried at A.B.M.C. Netherlands Cemetery (MH) (6-17-8), Margraten, Holland

Did you know that Military tradition dictates that all uniformed service members salute Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank? Even the most senior military officer will participate in this tradition out of respect for the sacrifices the recipients made.

Did you know the on Veterans Day, November 11, 1979, after continuous pressure from local veterans’ groups, the West View Elementary School on Mayberry Street in Cranston was re-named the George J. Peters Elementary School in honor of Private Peters?

Did you know a Memorial Square at the intersection of Phenix and Atwood Avenues in Cranston, Rhode Island is named for Private George J. Peters?

Did you know neither the U.S Government or Peters family can explain how the original MOH awarded to Peters is displayed at the George J. Peters Elementary School in Cranston, and a second MOH for Peters is displayed at an American Legion in Las Vegas, although no government records are found to support a duplicate MOH was made and re-issued?

VETTIP: More on unsolved mystery of Peters’ duplicate MOH: Check out my colleague, Frank Lennon’s Providence Journal veteran column, here: https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/columns/2024/03/11/medal-of-honor-mystery-follows-rhode-island-soldiers-world-war-ii-bravery/72899420007/

1^st Annual Medal of Honor-All Gave Some, Some Gave All  Dinner – The Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island is honored to host the 1^st Annual Medal of Honor-All Gave Some, Some Gave All  Dinner on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m (doors open 4:30 pm) at the Rosario Club, in Providence.

This year’s event will be honoring and remembering Pvt. George J. Peters, the only Rhode Island Medal of Honor recipient for service during World War II. Pvt. Peters, who was killed in action on March 24, 1945 at age 21, was, on February 8, 1946, posthumously was awarded the nations highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor.

His citation reads:

Pvt. Peters, a platoon radio operator with Company G, made a descent into Germany near Fluren, east of the Rhine. With 10 others, he landed in a field about 75 yards from a German machinegun supported by riflemen, and was immediately pinned down by heavy, direct fire. The position of the small unit seemed hopeless with men struggling to free themselves of their parachutes in a hail of bullets that cut them off from their nearby equipment bundles, when Pvt. Peters stood up without orders and began a 1-man charge against the hostile emplacement armed only with a rifle and grenades. His single-handed assault immediately drew the enemy fire away from his comrades. He had run halfway to his objective, pitting rifle fire against that of the machinegun, when he was struck and knocked to the ground by a burst. Heroically, he regained his feet and struggled onward. Once more he was torn by bullets, and this time he was unable to rise. With gallant devotion to his self-imposed mission, he crawled directly into the fire that had mortally wounded him until close enough to hurl grenades which knocked out the machinegun, killed 2 of its operators, and drove protecting riflemen from their positions into the safety of a woods. By his intrepidity and supreme sacrifice, Pvt. Peters saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers and made it possible for them to reach their equipment, organize, and seize their first objective.

The widely used phrase “All gave some, Some gave all.” is mainly related to the United States military members wounded or killed in action. PVT. Peters gave all—the ultimate sacrifice.

His LEGACY: Pvt. Peters name and heroic actions will always be remembered as it is engraved and proudly displayed on numerous monuments and awards throughout the United  States.

Memories of Pvt. Peters in Rhode Island

Pvt. Peters Cranston hometown Memorial Square at the intersection of Phenix and Atwood Avenues.

The George J. Peters Elementary School was named in honor of Private Peters and Pvt. Peters Medal of Honor is displayed there.

Pvt Peters is inducted into the Rhode Island Hall of Fame.

Legacy of Pvt. Peters are worldwide:

Grave of George J. Peters at Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial

In 1946 a U.S. Army Transport (USAT) was re-named Pvt. George J. Peters in honor of the fallen paratrooper.

VETTIP: on USAT Pvt. George J. Peters: 30 Aug 1946,  laid up, 2 March 1949, in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Suisun Bay Benecia, CA. Sold to Coast Line Associates L.P., 10 October 1980, (PD-X-1032 dated 18 August 1980) for ($651,000.00 a two ship lot). Final Disposition, fate unknown.

Fort Bragg, NC: A building at Fort Bragg, NC bears his name, Peters Hall, Operation/Logistics. 1^st Battalion Airborne, 507^th Infantry

An Annual Award is presented bearing his name to the Airborne Instructor who demonstrates highest excellence in training of military parachutists.

Researching the life of George Peters, here is part of an article printed in the Cranston Herald in 2009, written by Bruce Saccoccio:

“George grew up in Cranston and was one of seven children born to Portuguese immigrant parents. Among his three sisters was Isabell, my wife’s late grandmother. Like so many young men from Cranston, from Rhode Island and from all parts of our country, George answered the call to serve his country in World War II.

Grandma Isabell described George as having a terrible fear of heights. Yet, when he came home on leave, Isabell noticed he wore the high boots associated with paratroopers. George explained to the family that being a paratrooper was a good thing. For jumping out of airplanes, George would earn an extra $10 a month to send home to his family.

The notion of becoming a paratrooper solely to earn more money to send home offers us a peek at George’s selflessness. In reading letters written to his family from his time in the army, George tends to speak little about himself and instead inquires about his family members, the gardens and even the chickens on the Peters’ farm. George’s selflessness was not limited to matters of home and family. George was 21  years old when he was killed in action near Fluren, Germany. As a private in the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, George served as a platoon radio operator with Company G.

The details of the day George was killed, on March 24, 1945, come from a citation signed by President Harry S. Truman. The citation noted that he died in a field about 75 yards from a German machine gun along with 10 others.

“The position of the small unit seemed hopeless with men struggling to free themselves of their parachutes in a hail of bullets that cut them off from their nearby equipment bundles, when Pvt. Peters stood up without orders and began a one-man charge against the hostile emplacement armed only with a rifle and grenades. His single-handed assault immediately drew the enemy fire away from his comrades. He had run halfway to his objective, pitting rifle fire against that of the machine gun, when he was struck and knocked to the ground by a burst,” the citation reads.

Although he got back on his feet, he was shot down once more.

“With gallant devotion to his self-imposed mission, he crawled directly into the fire that had mortally wounded him until close enough to hurl grenades which knocked out the machine gun, killed two of its operators and drove protecting riflemen from their positions into the safety of woods. By his intrepidity and supreme sacrifice, Pvt. Peters saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers and made it possible for them to reach their equipment, organize and seize their first objective.”

This presidential citation accompanied George’s posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. military. Recognition of George’s heroism did not end with his Medal of Honor. George was recognized by the military with the naming of a transport ship, a training facility and a training prize in his honor. At the state level, George was posthumously inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Here in Cranston, there is an elementary school named in his honor and a memorial square at the intersection of Phenix Avenue and Atwood Avenue bears his name, too. His sister Isabell even named her first-born child in honor of George, her daughter (and my mother-in-law) Georgia.

There’s a line from the song “8th of November” by the country duo Big & Rich, that also references John 15:13 from the Bible, “In the act of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” When I hear this song, I often think of George’s Medal of Honor citation. Just as George risked his life for an extra $10 a month for the family he loved, he also laid down his life for his fellow paratroopers. A greater measure of a hero may be hard to find.

In addition to family and friends of the late Pvt. Peters, several Rhode island World War II veterans will be in attendance, and a special guest, Jos Bex, who traveled from the Netherlands to Rhode Island to meet members of Pvt. Peters family.

Jos Bex, a Dutch WWII Battlefield Tour Guide, is  a researcher responsible for a memorial to Pvt.  Peters in the town where he was killed in the Netherlands during WWII.

Frank Lennon eloquently closes out his article in the Providence Journal  on Pvt. Peters:

“Consider this final thought: Peters’ memorial and grave in Holland is some 3,450 miles east of Cranston. His second Medal of Honor is 2,700 miles west of Cranston. I dare say there are few Rhode Island soldiers with that breadth of geographic recognition.”

We must never forget the sacrifices of Pvt. George J. Peters, who gave the ultimate sacrifice on March 24, 1945.

RIP America Hero Pvt. George J. Peters. Pvt. Peters gave it all—-

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EVENTS

May 3, 2024, West Warwick RI. The National DAV is proud to announce a DAV outreach day on Friday 3 May at 263 Washington St, West Warwick.  The event will be open to all interested veterans from 0900-1300.  NSO’s, including Mike Zibrida, will be on hand to answer questions or assist in filing benefit claims.

May 6, 2024 – Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, 9-11:00 a.m, ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave, Providence, for veterans and guest. Enjoy espresso, coffee, Italian toast and pastries, calzones and more, all complimentary of the Italian American War Veterans of US. Veteran Service Officer is available to assist and or answer questions on state, VA, or other benefits available to veterans. More information, call (401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected].

May 8, 2024 Rosario Club, Providence RI. The Italian American War Veterans of US will be hosting  1^st Annual – Medal of Honor Dinner – All Gave Some, Some Gave. The dinner will be  honoring the memory of Rhode island’s only Medal of Honor reciptent for service during World War II,  PVT George J. Peters. More information, contact, ITAM at (401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected]

May 20, 2024 – 10:30-12:30, Free Veterans Brunch/Luncheon, VFW Post 5392, 134 Shove Street , Tiverton. Free for veteran and guest. First annual May Brunch: omelet to order, scrambled eggs, SOS, bacon, sausage, and LOTS of desserts . The brunch is sponsored by U.S. Army-Vietnam Veteran Jim Clancy  and Front Line Ministry, Bristol RI.

May 24-27, Boots On The Ground for Heroes, Operation Stand Down, Fort Adams, Newport RI

June 1, Saturday, Twelve Acres , 445 Douglas Pike, Smithfield RI, 12:00 p.m. Testimonial dinner for Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary , Department President , Gina Marie Doherty.

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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 Golf,  Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: 

Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play Golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.

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:

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 an 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:

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
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/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%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:

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: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]

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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) via email at [email protected]*** 

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

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

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. 

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 You” 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 You” 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.

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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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

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.