RI Veterans: Did you know? 28.03.23 (Vietnam War Veterans, benefits, events)- John A. Cianci

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

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Over 6 million Vietnam Era Veterans served during the Vietnam War. March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day commemorating the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.

On March 29, in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil It is also the date President Nixon chose for the first Vietnam Veterans Day in 1974. In 2012, our Nation launched a 13-year long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War to ensure that every veteran, family, caregiver, and survivor impacted by the difficult years in Vietnam feels our Nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law by former President Donald Trump, in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Act also includes the day among those days on which the U.S. flag should especially be displayed National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday observed annually on March 29. The day honors all United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. This national commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and launched by the President to thank and honor our Nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Vietnam War – 50th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony. In 2007, the 110th Congress incorporated language in House of Representatives (H.R.) 4986 authorizing the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. By Presidential proclamation, The U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025. In part, the 2022 presidential proclamation, signed by President Joe Biden, stated, “In 2012, our nation launched a 13-year long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War to ensure that every veteran, family, caregiver, and survivor impacted by the difficult years in Vietnam feels our nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice. Every service member of the Vietnam generation should know that their sacrifices mattered and that their service made a difference.

The names etched in The Wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial remind us of our loved ones who gave their all and never came home. To the families, caregivers, and survivors of the more than 58,000 service members whose names are memorialized in the black granite, we pledge to never forget the eternal sacrifice of your loved ones and what you have sacrificed for the nation.” Most states celebrate “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30 of each year. Though there is some debate, March 29 is generally viewed as a more appropriate date.

The State of Rhode Island in 2011 adopted a resolution Recognizing March 30th as Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Day. Every service member of the Vietnam generation should know that their sacrifices mattered and that their service made a difference. The names etched in The Wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial remind us of our loved ones who gave their all and never came home. To the families, caregivers, and survivors of the more than 58,000 service members whose names are memorialized in the black granite, we pledge to never forget the eternal sacrifice of your loved ones and what you have sacrificed for the nation. Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. From a Desert Storm Veteran, “Welcome Home Brothers and Sister”. Thank you for keeping a promise among all the brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam—keeping the promise, NEVER to let veterans return home to what Vietnam Veterans had to face. From the estimate 650,000 Desert Storm Veteran brothers and sisters, “Welcome Home” Since Friday is Good Friday, many of the local and national “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” events will be happening on March 28 and March 30.

Here are a few, “Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Day” events:
Foxborough , MA March 28, Thursday, 10:30 A.M. Gillette Stadium. In honor of Vietnam. In honor of National Vietnam Veterans Day Observance , the Kraft family, along with the New England Patriots Foundation, and Cross Insurance will welcome invited Vietnam Veterans to Gillette Stadium for a special pinning ceremony at 11 a.m ET. The lapel pins to the Vietnam veterans who confirmed their attendance as a method of recognizing, thanking and honoring them for their service during the Vietnam War. The Patriots have joined those efforts the last several years, hosting pinning ceremonies on National Vietnam Veterans Day Veterans Day. The event is in the Cross Insurance Pavilion at Gillette Stadium. It is recommended putting the Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center in your GPS. The pavilion entrance is just behind the healthcare building. You will be parking in lot 22A. This can be accessed from Route 1 using the P6 or P8 entrances (a parking map is attached for your reference). Please do not park in any lots that are marked for the healthcare building. Golf carts will be shuttling the veterans and guest from parking lot 22A to Cross Pavilion. Once you enter the pavilion, you will check in with your guest. Veterans will be sitting in alphabetical order, so please sit in the seat with your name on it. All the veterans will sit together at the front of the room and guests will sit behind (this is only for the ceremony program, veterans can sit with their guest for lunch).

The Italian American War Veterans of US, Department of Rhode is providing limousine service for local Vietnam Veterans who have signed up thru their organization. The Patriots have joined those efforts the last several years, hosting pinning ceremonies on National Vietnam Veterans Day Veterans Day.

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A Tale of 2 Rhode Island Vietnam Veterans:

Hank Suffoletto and James Agostino Attending Ceremony At Gillette Stadium. Providence native James D’ Agostino, right, stands by a mortar tube with Hank Suffoletto of Woonsocket. In Vietnam, they served together in the weapons platoon E Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 11th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. Photo By Frank Lennon. James D’ Agostino and Hank Suffoletto were 2 Rhode Islanders drafted in June 1967. Although they were both on the train together from RI to Ft. Jackson where we both “in-processed”, they had not met. Suffoletto and D’ Agostino never met while at Fort Jackson. From Fort Jackson, Suffoletto stayed at Forth Jackson for basic training. Suffoletto took Basic Training (BT) at Ft. Jackson, SC D’ Agostino was transferred to Fort Gordon, GA. to attend basic training. From basic training both were transferred to Fort Polk. LA for Advanced – Infantry Training in September 1967. During roll call, Suffoletto heard D’Agostino sound off with his name and hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. D’Agostino also heard Suffoletto sound off with his name and hometown , Woonsocket RI.

Suffoletto and D’Agostino met for the first time shortly thereafter the roll call when both realized they were not the only Rhode Islander in the class training at Fort Polk. After graduation from AIT in late November 1967, both were assigned to E Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division at Schofield Barracks, HI. While stationed in HI, both discovered E, 4th/21st existed only “on paper”, along with approximately 900 other soldiers then spent the next four and a half months training extensively to form-up this last infantry battalion of the 11th LIB, which itself, was then in the process of deploying to Vietnam. E Company consisted of the “Heavy Weapons Platoon” (4.2″ Heavy Mortars) and “Recon Platoon.” Both were assigned to the Heavy Weapons Platoon, Suffoletto where was the Fire Direction Chief (FDC) during his one-year tour and D’ Agostino was his Assistant FDC during the one-year tour as well. Both earned our Sergeants’ stripes and Combat Infantry Badges (CIB) during their year they refer to as “in Hell.” They earned their CIB encountering the enemy numerous times and defending direct attacks on the our Landing Zones (LZ).

After completing their tour in Vietnam, both flew home to Rhode Island on the same flight. Returning to civilian life, D’ Agostino and Suffoletto moved on to putting their lives together: getting married, settled, having children, getting employed, etc. Many years later, they were “reconnected”. After reconnecting, the bond between them is as strong as if we were brothers. After all, we are “Vietnam Brothers.” Suffoletto guest at the Gillette Stadium will be his grandson, Jacob, who continued by joining the U.S. Army, and just a few days ago, returned from Advanced Individual Training.

Vietnam Veteran combat veteran hank Suffoletto next to His grandson after Private Jacob Suffoletto completed basic training. SGT Hank Suffoletto in 1967

Picture of SGT Suffoletto after returning from Vietnam and stationed at Ft. Lewis.

SGT Suffoletto after returning from Vietnam and stationed at Ft. Lewis

Two young Rhode Islanders, D’Agostino and Suffoletto who were drafted at the same time, traveled on the same train (not knowing each other), separated not knowing each other to attend basic training at different duty stations, and faith would have it, assigned to the same duty station to attend Advance Individual Training (AIT). During a roll call when soldiers are required to sound off with their name and home state, both heard someone sound off with “Rhode Island”. Their Rhode Island connection brought together their first meeting. After AIT, both would be assigned to same unit and deployed to Vietnam at the same time. After a year “in hell” both flew home together from Vietnam to their home state, Rhode Island. Disconnected for many years after returning from Vietnam, however, their brotherhood brought their lives back together.

I am proud to call them my brothers and blessed to have them connected with me as we continue our service; serving our brothers and sisters. Welcome Home, Brothers!!!!!!!!!

Providence RI, Thursday, March 28; 10:30 a.m. National Vietnam Veterans day Observance at the State House ( House Chamber). Hosted by Rhode Island State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America. Join veterans, lawmakers and guests for light refreshments in the House of Representatives lounge immediately following the ceremony.

April 24, 2024, WWII Coast Guard Veteran Louie Dolce Sr,, Bristol RI will be 100 years old. Dolce served on the USS Falgout.

Unknown to many, who associate members of the Coast Guard defending the shores of the United States. Not the case when WWII Louie Dolce served in the Coast Guard in the forties. WWII Veteran Dolce was on the USS Falgout on 20 April 1944, in the Mediterranean, when the convoy came under heavy attack by German aircraft. Before the concentrated antiaircraft fire of Falgout and the other escorts could drive them off, they blew up an ammunition ship, sank a destroyer, and damaged several of the merchantmen.

With the other escorts picking up survivors or escorting the damaged ships into the nearest port, Algiers, Falgout screened the convoy on to its original destination, Bizerte. The homeward bound passage of this same voyage was also a difficult one; on 3 May, one of the escorts was torpedoed and had to put into Algiers for repairs. Two of the other escorts sank the submarine which had crippled their sister, but on 5 May, another of the escort was torpedoed, and sank. Falgout and the remaining escorts brought the convoy safely home, not a merchantman lost. On her third convoy voyage, while Gibraltar-bound in the Mediterranean, Falgout took prisoner from the sea four downed German aviators.

All WWII veterans, veterans living at the Rhode island Veterans Home, staff at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and their guest are invited to Louie’s 100 year at birthday breakfast (8:00 – 9:30 at Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave and 100 birthday dinner party at 5:00PM, also at Perellas. RSVP NLT than 22 April 2024, (401) 677-9838 or email (401) 677-9838. More details to follow on celebration of Louie turning 100.

April 24-27 , Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Yosemite AD-19 to hold reunion in RI. This World War II-built destroyer tender spent much of its naval career based in Melville and Newport, so for the many veterans who served on it a return to Rhode Island is appropriate. The USS Yosemite Association invites all local vets or families to attend. Reunion HQ is the Crowne Plaza hotel in Warwick. The job of a destroyer tender was to service destroyers in, or near, battle areas and keep them fit for duty. Launched in 1942, Yosemite saw action in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946 the ship was assigned to Newport, where it served as the flagship for the Commander, Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet until 1962. During the Cuban missile crisis, Yosemite deployed to Kingston, Jamaica, where it tended the ships engaged in that operation. For six more years Yosemite was assigned to Newport, until its homeport was changed to Mayport, Florida. Yosemite was decommissioned in 1994, and nine years later was sunk as a target in a naval exercise. For further information, call Tina Briones Smith, USS Yosemite Association secretary, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at (734) 308-0402 or by email, [email protected]. Alana Cerrone O’Hare of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is the local contact for the reunion. She can be reached at (401) 486-3582.
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Question from one of our readers

I was involved in an auto accident over 2 years ago and notified the VA by phone , 844-724-7842 Over 2 yerras later, I am getting getting over $15,000 in hospital bills that remain unpaid. When I called, I did receive a confirmation number, but can’t find it. What can I do to get the confirmation number?

John, N. Smithfield RI Call the VA emergency Notification number again, and an operator will be able to search the data base by your name, social security , and date of incident (if you have it). A reminder to veterans, if you seek emergency care to prevent death, disability, or permanent health effects. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for injuries and symptoms like head injury, severe chest pains, seizures or loss of awareness, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, or moderate to severe burns. You do not need to get VA prior approval for emergency care, however, you must notify the VA within 72 hours.

1. Phone: 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842) VETTIP If you miss the 72 hour notification, still call the number to report the incident. Even if its after a month or two and you receive a bill that you thought the VA should be responsible to pay. Ensure to get a confirmation call number from the operator. More information on the 72 hour VA notice:

VETTIP: The call center will give you a confirmation number as long as you jave the veteran’s name. better to have minimum information available to call in as soon as possible, than not calling in. Emergency care during and after a suicidal crisis Starting January 17, 2023, VA will pay for, provide or reimburse emergency care for certain Veterans and individuals – including ambulance transportation costs – and follow-on inpatient or residential care related to the event for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work.

From VA.gov Emergency Medical Care–Information for Providers

During a medical emergency, Veterans should immediately seek care at the nearest medical facility. A medical emergency is an injury, illness or symptom so severe that without immediate treatment, an individual believes his or her life or health is in danger. If a Veteran believes his or her life or health is in danger or is experiencing a suicidal crisis, they are encouraged to call 911 or report to the nearest emergency department right away.

Veterans do not need to check with VA before calling for an ambulance or going to an emergency department. During a medical emergency, VA encourages all Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay. It is, however, important for you to promptly notify VA within 72 hours of a Veteran presenting to the your emergency room.

Emergency care during and after a suicidal crisis

Starting back on January 17, 2023, VA will now pay for, provide or reimburse emergency care for certain Veterans and individuals – including ambulance transportation costs – and follow-on inpatient or residential care related to the event for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work.

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Woman of the Year

The Providence VA Regional Office is currently looking for Woman Veteran of the Year nominations. Nominate your favorite female Veteran by March 29th.

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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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EVENTS

April 1, 2024 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, 9-11:00 a.m , ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave, Providence RI , 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].

April 5 Veterans Eat FREE, 1st Friday of every month at Badger’s Pub, 530 Broadway Pawtucket RI. Complimentary meal includes any one item off regular menu.

April 13, 2024, Meat Pie Dinner 12 PM – 4 PM , VFW Post 5392, Shove Street, Tiverton, RI

April 27, 2024, Saturday, VFW Post #5392, 134 Shove Street , Tiverton RI Clam Boil with Chowder and Clam Cakes. DJ Entertainment from 5pm-7pm. $35 donation, Doors open at 4:00PM. Eat in or take out. Tickets available at the VFW. NOTE: This event SELLS OUT, buy tickets early.

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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Benefits Section

State of Rhode Island Benefits for Veterans Receiving 100% VA Disability Free Rhode Island Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License for Disabled Veterans: Wartime Veterans with serious disabilities may be exempt from Rhode Island vehicle registration and driver’s license fees. Who is eligible Free Rhode Island Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License for Disabled Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must have received an honorable discharge for service in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period and meet one of the following requirements:

• Lost or lost the use, one or both of their arms, hands, feet, or legs
• Received a grant from the VA for a specially adapted vehicle
• Received a VA combined, service-connected disability rating of 100%
• Rated “individually unemployable” due to a service-connected disability Free Rhode Island Disabled Veteran License Plate: The Rhode Island Disabled Veteran License plate is available to Veterans who have a 100% disability rating from the VA. These plates may be used on private or commercial vehicles weighing 6,300 lbs. or less. There is no initial or renewal fees for this license plate. Only one set of plates is authorized. Plates may be transferred to the unremarried Surviving Spouse. Veterans are required to provide a copy of their discharge papers (DD214 or other official proof of military service) and must request official documentation from the Providence VA Regional Benefits Office indicating they have a 100% disability rating before they apply. Providence VA Regional Benefits Office 380 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: 800-827-1000

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Golf – Hunting – Fishing

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:

·       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 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:

· Active-Duty Service members – Military ID

· Veterans – DD214

· Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter

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 – HERE.

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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.