RI Veterans: Did you know? (VA prescriptions, VFW, services, events ) 09-MAR-23, John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Each week, RI Veterans: Did you know? brings the Rhode Island (and beyond) veteran useful information prompted by questions we receive. We include events, services, programs, and discounts for those who have served our country. Please send us information you may know and we’ll include it! [email protected].

Did you know… the VA provides 24/7 pickup for prescriptions at the ScriptCenter located in the main lobby at the Providence Medical Hospital on Chalkstone Avenue in Providence?

The machine is located in the main lobby; enter the Providence VA Medical facility and in the hallway, you will see this “vending machine” for prescriptions filled by the VA. Photo by John A Cianci.

Did you know prescriptions will be ready in the ScriptCenter within hours of filling, and can be picked up 24 hours a day?

Timelines are:

• 9:30am will be ready for pick up in the by 10:30am?
• Between 930am and 1pm will be ready for pickup by 2pm.
• Between 1:30pm and 430pm will be ready by 5:00pm.
• Ordered by the next day will be ready for pickup by 10:30am the next day.

Did you know Providence VA Medical has an automated refill line, 401-273-7100, ext. 13641?

More on this ScriptCenter and Pharmacy in this week’s article.

Providence VA Medical Center Pharmacy Information

If I had only known about the convenience of ScriptCenter last week, I would have not had to skip class, choosing the need of a veteran over going to class. I only stumbled upon the option of using the ScriptCenter for refilling prescriptions while awaiting the veteran’s prescription to be refilled and trying to locate the veteran who I drove to the Providence VA Medical.

The ScriptCenter is a cool machine that I witnessed veterans go to and use like getting a soda out of a vendor machine.

Moreover, you can’t miss it when entering the Providence VA Medical facility!

How to refill your prescriptions, where to pick up new prescription orders, and how to safely dispose of your medicines at a VA Providence health care facility.

Refill your prescriptions

Your VA health care benefits include prescription medicines and medical supplies prescribed by your VA health care team.

Be sure to order your refills at least 10 days before your supply runs out.

Most prescription refills are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. For medicines that need to be kept refrigerated, or certain types of medical supplies, your order may be sent through FedEx or UPS.

Request Refill Prescriptions Online

With the VA Prescription Refill and Tracking tool, you can refill your VA prescriptions, track their delivery, and create lists to organize your medicines.

Sign in to refill prescriptions

Sign in with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now. Sign in or create an account.

Phone refills (automated refill line)

401-273-7100, ext. 13641
866-363-4486

Mail refills

Mail back the refill request form that comes with your prescription to the provided address.

Note: Don’t drop off the form at the pharmacy when you pick up your new prescription as they can’t process refill requests on the same day that new prescriptions are picked up.

Pick up new prescriptions

You can pick up new prescription orders at the VA Providence health care pharmacy.

The VA center asks that you don’t try to refill prescriptions in person, so pharmacists can focus on providing care to Veterans with urgent needs and new prescriptions. Refills are only available online, by phone or mail.

Providence VA Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy
Main Building – 1A
Providence VA Medical Center map (below)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

Contact us with questions about your prescriptions:

Pharmacy support

Phone: 866-363-4486
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

Safely dispose of your medicine

Drop off your expired or unwanted medicine at a MedSafe box. Disposing of your medicines safely can help protect other people as well as the environment.

You can find the large blue MedSafe boxes at:

Providence VA Medical Center outpatient pharmacy campus, main building – 1A

 Providence Medical Center buildings and parking map (PNG)

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Rhode Island Veteran First Post-9/11 Veteran to Lead VFW Washington Office

The Iraq War veteran said he is optimist about VFW’s future. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) made a historic move by selecting a post-9/11 veteran to head the VFW’s presence on Capitol Hill.

Ryan Gallucci is now the executive director of the VFW’s Washington Office. He is the first post-9/11 veteran to hold the position.

Gallucci, a member of VFW Post 3150 in Arlington, Virginia, started as a VFW employee in June 2011. His past roles with the organization were as deputy executive director to the former executive director, Bob Wallace; National Veterans Service (NVS) director; NVS deputy director; and National Legislative Service deputy director.

Gallucci, a native of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, served in the Army Reserve from June 1999 to June 2007. He served in the Iraq War from 2003 to 2004 as a civil affairs sergeant with the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Combat Action Badge. While still serving in the Army Reserves, he used his G.I. Bill benefits to attend college, interned as a public affairs specialist at the Naval War College, and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political Science from the University of Rhode Island. He leveraged his Education and experience to become deputy communications director at the American Veterans (AMVETS) National Headquarters, before landing at the VFW Washington Office.

Gallucci said he was “honored” to be selected by VFW Adjutant General Dan West, with the support of VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland, for the position. Gallucci added that he knows he will play an important role in the organization and serve to “amplify” the voices of VFW members in Washington, D.C.

“With the historic signing of the Honoring Our PACT Act and the VFW’s legacy of professional veterans’ advocacy, the VFW has a unique opportunity to distinguish itself as the premier organization advocating for the interests of veterans, service members and military families in the years to come,” Gallucci said. “The VFW team in our nation’s capital will seize this momentum by pressing forward on veterans’ issues while continuing to cultivate our relationships with Congress, VA, the Department of Defense and the White House.”

During his time with the VFW, Gallucci was instrumental in the implementation of numerous veteran-focused initiatives. He has worked directly with Congress and federal agencies to craft and implement transition and education policies that benefited the veterans’ community, such as in-state tuition protections for veterans and the redesign of the military Transition Assistance Program. He served as advisor, and later chairman, on the Secretary of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach, providing feedback to the Department of Labor and Congress on the employment needs of veterans and the efficacy of federal employment programs for veterans. Gallucci also established the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, which offers exemplary student veterans the opportunity to learn about veterans’ advocacy hands-on in Washington.

Gallucci said he is excited about what the future holds for the VFW.

“This is no small task for the VFW, and as the first post-9/11 veteran to take up this position, I intend to carry forward this responsibility in a way that honors the 123-year legacy of our great American institution,” Gallucci said.

He and his wife, Katie, reside in Annapolis, Maryland, with their daughters, Lily and Mia.

KUDOs to our Rhode Island leading the VFW office  in Washington D.C.

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Events 

March 19, 2023, St. Joseph’s Day Dinner, 3:00-6:00 p.m., Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, RI. Dinner choices, chicken parmigiana or veal and peas or eggplant parmigiana, to include family style penne, antipasto and Italian pastry. For ITAM members, dinner is free for members and guests. Tickets are available for purchase by calling ITAM office (401)677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.  

March 25, 2023, Saturday, 9:30AM to 12:00 p.m. National Medal of Honor Day Dedication & Remembrance Ceremony, Contemporary Theatre Company, Patio 327 Main Street, Wakefield Join us as South Kingstown commemorates the service and sacrifice of the town’s three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and 5 missing in action service members from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam In inclement weather, please visit www.southkingstownri.com/sk300 for more information.

March 29, 2023, 11:30 National Vietnam Veteran Day Welcome Home Luncheon, Rhode Island Veterans Home, 400 Metacom Ave, Bristol RI sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of US. Italian luncheon and dessert FREE to all RI Veterans Home Vietnam Veteran and their guest. Families and veterans can sign up at the veteran’s home activity department. Vietnam veterans residing at the home can REQUEST A WISH MEAL they would like to have. Example, the veteran wants a stuff lobster, stuff shrimp, steak, etc. .The Italian American War Veterans of US will coordinate with Perella’s Ristorante to accommodate the Vietnam Veteran’s request. Special request please contact ITAM’s office (401) 677-9838 or via email [email protected]  

April 8, 2023 – Women’s Veterans Luncheon 12:00 p.m. at Rhode Island Veterans Home, 400 Metacom Ave., Bristol RI. Women veterans with veteran ID meal is FREE. All other $15. Reservations are a must, contact Ginny Hanson, (401) 294-2434, email [email protected] or Gretchen at (401) 862-9639, email [email protected]. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday March 22, 2023. 

April 21, 2023 – Calling All Women Warriors Virtual Conference is an opportunity to receive information on resources and benefits for Women Veterans of all eras, their spouses, or their aging parents. The event live streamed on RI Elder Info’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Presenters are Women Veterans who are experts in their field on the unique needs of the women who have served our country and the resources available to them. Speakers answer your questions in real time. Any question that can’t be answered during the event will be followed up on. This is an opportunity for the community to gather information and resources that empower their own independent aging! 

April 23, 2023 – Chopstick Auction for Department VFW Auxiliary Ways and Means Committee, Kelley Grazzero  Post #2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston RI. Auction starts 1:00 p.m., more information call Stephen Doherty, (401) 500-1255.

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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, 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 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 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.