RI Veterans: Did you know? (CHAMPVA, events, discounts…), 2-2-23 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Did you know the Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center (PVAMC), on Chalkstone Avenue in Providence offers FREE tax preparation for veterans starting February 5 to April 15, 2023? – The services are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. This free service is for veterans enrolled in PVAMC. The service is by appointment only, 401-273-7100, Ext. 2025.   

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Update on Veteran’s spouse waiting for medical card from CHAMPVA

A few days after last week’s article, Wendy received her CHAMPVA package which was a few months earlier than she was told when she inquired on the status of paperwork she submitted in early August. For sure, the earlier date was a result of Wendy following RINewsToday’s recommendation, which was to contact her congressional representative Veteran liaison.  

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Caregiver Assistance Program expanded to include all service era Veterans 

Did you know on October 1, 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expanded the eligibility of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCFAC) to veterans of all service eras. Previously the program was limited to veterans who served during specific periods.   

Expanding eligibility for the PCAFC. Establishing new benefits for designated Primary Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans. Making other changes affecting program eligibility and VA’s evaluation of PCAFC applications. Who will potentially qualify: Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury (now includes serious illness) in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001, or on or before May 7, 1975. 

Too many veterans and caregivers are unaware of the PCFAC program. Moreover, many were previously told their Veteran was not eligible. However, with the law change in October 2022, the Veteran eligibility was expanded. RINewsToday recommends to all Veterans and caregivers to apply for the program in writing. Let the VA review and process the application. Once reviewed, the VA will give you a written approval or denial.

VETTIP – To be eligible for PCFAC the first requirement is the Veteran must be enrolled in VA health care. The layman explanation of a service era Veteran is an honorably discharged Veteran who served more than 90 days of active duty during a war. For example, Jim was stationed at Fort Drum from 65-67. He never served in Vietnam, however, he is considered eligible as a service era Veteran because he was on active duty more than 90 days during the Vietnam War.  

Who can be a caregiver?   

The veteran’s spouse could be a “paid caregiver” for his or her wife or husband.

According to the VA, a caregiver must be at least 18 years old. And at least one of these must be true for you: You’re a spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member of the Veteran – or – you live full time with the Veteran, or you’re willing to live full time with the Veteran if we designate you as a family caregiver.   

How much is the monthly stipend? 

Estimated $1850 to $2950 per month in the Providence, Rhode Island locality pay depending on the amount of hours approved by the VA. 

Primary Family Caregivers will receive a monthly stipend for each month’s participation as a Primary Family Caregiver.   

Is the stipend taxable?   

No, the monthly stipend payment made to a Primary Family Caregiver is considered a non-taxable benefit, similar to a Veterans disability payments. Please refer to the Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-163.   

What are other benefits an approved VA caregiver gets? 

• Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)—if you don’t already qualify for care or services under another health care plan. 
• Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the veteran for appointments. 
• At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short-term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.
• Commissary and base shopping privileges.

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VETTIP – The Italian American War Veterans of the US(ITAM) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) has assisted 3 Veterans to apply, and were approved for a caregiver; the caregivers approved were the Veteran’s spouse, and 2 of the 3 were previously denied. If any Veteran or caregiver needs assisting in applying for the program, contact the ITAM Veteran Service Officer who provides FREE assistance. ITAM VSO can be reached at (401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected] 

Who qualifies:   

A Veteran or service member may be eligible for a Family Caregiver if all of the following requirements are met:   

1. The individual is either: A Veteran – or a member of the Armed Forces undergoing a medical discharge from the Armed Forces.   

2. The individual has a serious injury (including serious illness) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service.   

For purposes of PCAFC, serious injury means any service-connected disability that:   

1. Is rated at 70 percent or more by VA; or   

2. Is combined with any other service-connected disability or disabilities, and a combined rating of 70 percent or more is assigned by VA.   

3. The individual is in need of in-person personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:   
     
4. An inability to perform an activity of daily living  
5. A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, or  
6. A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the Veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.   

7. It is in the best interest of the individual to participate in the program.   

8. Personal care services that would be provided by the Family Caregiver will not be simultaneously and regularly provided by or through another individual or entity.   

9. The individual receives care at home or will do so if VA designates a Family Caregiver.

10. The individual receives ongoing care from a Primary Care Team or will do so if VA designates a Family Caregiver.   

Am I eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers?   

You may be eligible if you and the Veteran you’re caring for meet all of these requirements.    

Eligibility requirements for the family caregiver

You must be at least 18 years old. And at least one of these must be true for you:

You’re a spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member of the Veteran, or   

You live full time with the Veteran, or you’re willing to live full time with the Veteran if we designate you as a family caregiver  

What are personal care services?  
These are services the eligible Veteran needs from another person. They include care or assistance to support the Veteran’s   

• Health and well-being   
• Everyday personal needs (like feeding, bathing, and dressing)   
• Safety, protection, or instruction in their daily living environment   

How many caregivers can the eligible Veteran appoint?   

The Veteran can appoint:   

• 1 Primary Family Caregiver (the main caregiver), and   
• Up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers (people who serve as backup support to the primary caregiver when needed)

How do I apply for this program?   

You and the Veteran will need to apply together and participate in an application process to determine if you’re eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You’ll both need to sign and date the application and answer all questions for your role.   

You can apply online now:  https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/apply-for-caregiver-assistance-form-10-10cg/introduction 

By mail : Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG).   Download VA Form 10-10CG (PDF)   

Mail the form and any supporting documents to:  

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647   

In person   

Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local Providence VA Medical Center Caregiver Support Coordinator.  

Rhode Island 

Rhode Island	Caregiver Support Teams
Providence VA Medical Center830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence, RI 02908	401-273-7100 ext. 1328

VETTIP – Be sure to save copies of all submitted documents. If you do not receive acknowledgment of the VA receiving the application within 60 days, call and inquire on the status. Get the run around from the VA, contact your local congressional delegation Veteran liaison and ask then to do a congressional inquiry on the status of your application.

• Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET   

Please don’t send medical records along with your application. They will follow up after they receive your application. If you need help with completing the application or if you’d like to check the status of your application, call 855-488-8440, option 3, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.    

What if the Veteran I’m caring for doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria for this program?   

Family caregivers of Veterans who aren’t eligible for this program may still be able to get support and resources. The VA Caregiver Support Program consists of 2 programs: this Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and another program called the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). To learn more, you can:   

• Read about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services   
• Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET   
• Discuss your options with your local Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC)
  Go to the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator directory   

What if the Veteran isn’t enrolled in VA health care yet?   

If the Veteran isn’t yet enrolled in VA health care, or is on active duty and undergoing a medical discharge, they’ll first need to apply for VA health care benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).   

Download VA Form 10-10EZ (PDF)   

Find out how the Veteran can apply for VA health care   

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Events   

February 6, 2023, Federal Hill Coffee House, 9 am-11 am, ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave, Providence RI. The event is open to all veterans and their guests. The Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of RI and Auxiliary invite all veterans and their guests as ROMA provides Italian pastries, Italian toast, calzones, and refreshments throughout the gathering. POC is John A Cianci, email [email protected] or phone, (401)-677-9838.   

February 5, 2023, CHAPEL OF FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL SERVICE. On 5 February 2023 when we will conduct a Four Chaplains Memorial Service. This   

service will be dedicated to these courageous, unselfish men. Service will start at 1100. The location is at 1081 Main Street , Cornerstone of Faith Methodist Church. (Parking is available behind the Church, across the street and also behind the former Police station building). As you may know, Four Army Chaplains gave up their life preservers to soldiers as their troopship the Dorchester, which had been torpedoed by a German submarine, was sinking. A candle will be lit, a short biography read, and a wreath placed for each Chaplain as part of this ceremony.   

This true story of bravery in the Second World War has led to the Creation of the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation which keeps the memory and sacrifice of these four remarkable men of God alive. There will be a special offering; proceeds going to the Chapel of Four Chaplains Foundation to aid in continuing their work to educate the public of this great, heroic, historical event. This is an ecumenical service, all are welcome. We hope you will be able to join us. Light refreshments will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by Thursday 2 February 2023 to ensure ample food will be available. Jane Deptula, Dept. of RI Marine Corps League Chaplain (825-6685) or (email [email protected])   

February 11, 2023, Veteran Empowerment Day – The event is being held by the VFW. The Veterans of Foreign Wars appreciates your interest in attending the Empowerment Day at the Wyndham Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown RI. 02842 on 02/11/23. To get the most out of this day, we would like for anyone who is interested in attending, to please fill out some basic information about anyone attending the event. We would like this event to empower you and your family to be educated in benefits and resources you and your family may qualify for. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have youth activities for children ages 5 and older.   

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Rhode Island, have created a safe space for learning and networking. The day will be as follows:   

·      0715-0830   

·      Free Breakfast   

·      Registration   

·      Veteran Organizations and Service Providers, exhibitors and resources.   

·      The ballroom will be available for a meet and greet with Organizations, Service Providers, exhibitors and resource tables.   

·       0830-0835   

·      Four Chaplains Ceremony   

·      Ceremony to remember Four Chaplains Day, usually celebrated on Feb 3rd, every year, in recognition of four Army Chaplains who acted in the spirit of heroic sacrifice and humanitarianism, on board a sinking ship in WWII.   

·      0835-0845   

·      Introduction to the Commander-in-Chief, Tim Borland, being present to speak to our attendees and kick off the empowerment day.   

·      0845-0900   

·      Introduction to classroom staff and sponsors   

·      Attendees will be able to meet all classroom staff of the day.   

·      0900-0915   

·      Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.   

·      0915-1000   

·      Session 1: A – D   

·      1000-1015   

·      Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.   

·      1015-1100   

·      Sessions 2: The next set of top 4 classes that were chosen by the attendees registered. E-H   

·      1100-1115   

·      Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.   

·      1115-1200   

·      Sessions 3: A – D   

·      1200-1230   

·      Transition of classes and visit Service Providers.   

·      1230-1430   

·      Student scholarship luncheon*   

·      Patriot’s Pen / Voice of Democracy   

·      All attendees for the day’s events are invited to our following events where we will be honoring the State of Rhode Island winners of the two scholarship programs that the Veterans of Foreign Wars provide to grades 6th – 8th and 9th – 12th. The winner of Voice of Democracy scholarship will have a paid trip to the national rewards banquette located in Washington D.C. where they will be able to bring one parent paid for by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The winners at the national level will be awarded $35,000 by the Voice of Democracy Scholarship (grades 6th-12th) and $8,000 by the Patriot’s Pen (grades 6th-8th).   

Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 7pm. Letters From Home. The McVinney Auditorium in Providence is going to be the host for the official Rhode Island stop of the 50-states tour. Letters From Home was founded in 2010, featuring music from the soundtracks of WWII, Vietnam, and beyond. This vaudevillian-style singing & tap dancing duo has honored our veterans, active military heroes and their families, by uniting the nation through music. The show’s idea came from Pat Dearth, a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. Since its inception, Letters From Home has performed over 900 shows across the country. A documentary on the group produced by “Our State” Television (David Hardy) won an Emmy award in 2015. In 2019, Erinn and Dan traveled to Normandy, France to perform during the 75th Anniversary of D-Day festivals where they sang the National Anthem on June 6th at sunset on Omaha Beach. Letters From Home returned to Europe in May 2022 to perform for WWII Veterans touring in The Netherlands and Belgium. The task of a nationwide tour has always been a dream of Letters From Home’s founder, Erinn Dearth, and during the pandemic it became more of a calling than ever. “The show is high-energy and should make everyone smile,” said Dearth, “but it’s also a message of hope in a country that is a bit divided at the moment.” Dearth hopes that those who come to see the show will walk away with a song in their hearts and a new perspective on patriotism. Dan Beckmann, the other half of the pair, is also an accomplished professional photographer. He will be documenting the tour in a photo blog in addition to directing a documentary of the 50-States tour. One of the tours sponsors is Footsteps Researchers, a global team of military researchers that help their clients retrace the footsteps of those who served in WWII.

The founder of Footsteps Researchers, Myra Miller will serve as Tour Manager and is very excited, “to meet veterans across the country and thank them for their service. We want to pack the venues with young and old alike to share the energetic and fun performances of Letters From Home!”  All 50 venues across the United States have been secured for the tour and tickets are now available.

To view the tour route or to purchase tickets in the state nearest you, visit   

www.LettersFromHomeSingers.com. For more information on Letters From Home, to set up interviews, or for high resolution photographs, please contact Erinn Dearth at [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   

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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, ID.me.   

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.   

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 15% 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 listed below:   

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 or create a Michaels Rewards account.   

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, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, 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.