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MDVA

Friday Digest: March 31, 2023

This week:

Work at MDVA

Bemidji

Fergus Falls

Hastings

Minneapolis

Preston

Redwood Falls

Silver Bay

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

For over 12 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota?s heroes. Vietnam Veteran and volunteer host Tom Lyons shares these stories which are carried on 65 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota in an effort to preserve the stories of our Veterans and keep listeners up to date on things happening at MDVA and in our Veteran Community here in Minnesota.

Coming up this week we meet the former Undersecretary of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, learn about the Month of the Military Child events with representatives from the MN National Guard Youth Programs and Mall of America and get an update from our Senior Enlisted Advisor.

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More information >>

Month of the Military Child

In April, Minnesotans across the state celebrate the "Month of the Military Child." It is estimated that more than 23,000 children in Minnesota have at least one parent or guardian currently serving on military duty. In recognition of their sacrifice, we take the time to celebrate children of Service Members and Veterans during this month.

This celebration was created by former Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger in 1986 to highlight the important role that military-connected youth play.

Governor Tim Walz will send children of military members and Veterans a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice.

More information >>

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Month of the Military Child

Military Appreciation Night at the Twin Cities Auto Show, April 4

Event Flyer

Join the Twin Cities Auto Show for a day of community and support at the ?Heroes Hub.? Meet and connect with non-profits and local service providers dedicated to serving current and former military members and their families. Discover resources and learn about the programs and services available to help you navigate the unique challenges of military life. All heroes and their families are welcome!

Free admission on April 4 to all active military and Veterans (a $17 value). A $7 discount onsite to all family & friends with military member or Veteran.

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More information >>

Military Reflections in Saint Peter, April 12

Military Reflections flyer

The Saint Peter Community Center will be hosting "Military Reflections" - a series of military and Veteran focused events and programs through the spring of 2023.

This program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

All programs will be held at the Saint Peter Community Center.

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More information >>

Veterans Career Fair, May 3

Veterans Career Fair

All Veterans, current service members, their spouses, and Gold Star families are invited to this year's 17th annual career fair event!

Are you looking for a higher salary and a great career? We strongly encourage participation in this career fair by employers currently offering full-time jobs paying family-sustaining wages with benefits. Work for an employer that recognizes and appreciates your military service and the value you bring to the team!

The Veterans Career Fair features:

  • Nearly 100 Veteran-friendly employers on-site
  • Complimentary LinkedIn photography station available for job seekers
  • Have your resume reviewed and brush up on your interviewing skills with a mock interview
  • Service providers offering assistance for Veterans and their families
  • There is no cost for job seekers to attend and registration is not required
  • Job seeker attendees are eligible to register for one of 50 Minnesota DNR gift cards ($100 value)

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More information>>

The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions the VA assumes (or ?presumes?) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps provide generations of Veterans?and their survivors?with the care and benefits they?ve earned and deserve.

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PACT

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More information >>

DEED Veterans Employment Questionnaire

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has updated their questionnaire on Veteran Employment. Please take a moment to answer the questionnaire so they can better understand how to?to best serve Veterans in finding a rewarding career.

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Questionnaire >>

988 - VeteransCrisisLine.net

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line's new number?988 then Press 1?helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.

Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As part of the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number no later than July 16, 2022.

Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number?1-800-273-8255 and Press 1?by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus

Service Bonus Flyer

Minnesota Veterans who served sometime between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021 may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 17,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses totaling $18.5 million in recognition of their service.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $25 million in bonuses. As of late November, $18.5 million has been awarded. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone.

To apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus.

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More information >>

Submit Your Veteran-Related Event

If you know of a Veteran-related community event happening in your area you would like to submit to be included in our Friday Digest, please email all event information to [email protected] for consideration.


This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs ? Veterans Service Building, 2nd Floor ? 20 West 12th Street?? Saint Paul, MN 55155-2006 ? 651-296-2562 GovDelivery logo