Guest Column by Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay

Holidays to remember

With summertime finally underway, many Minnesotans are enjoying the warmer temperatures and outdoor activities longed for during our extended winter season.

And while summer certainly brings the fun of picnics, beaches and water sports, it also informally begins with one of several holidays that commemorate the military service of Veterans and the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifices.

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In late May, Eric Meittunen joined the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare.

Meittunen will lead MDVA’s Healthcare Division with responsibility for five current and three new Veterans Homes, Adult Day Center and Veteran Suicide Prevention initiative. He will partner with the Healthcare Division Senior Leadership Team to engage our stakeholders, establish strategic plans, and execute operational excellence objectives that achieve the highest quality, safest care for our Residents.

“As I meet the leaders and staff at the Minnesota Veterans Homes, I am impressed by their passion for caring for our Veterans. That is a theme here: we are honored to serve those who served," Meittunen said.

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Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls opened its doors to the community in 1998; 25 years later, it continues to offer award-winning care in a respectful, engaging environment serving Veterans and their families.

On June 24, following its annual summer Stars & Stripes parade, the Fergus Falls Veterans Home will host a 25th anniversary event located on its campus at 1821 North Park Street. The formal program begins immediately after the parade (around 10:45 a.m.). Elected officials, local dignitaries, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) leaders, past employees and volunteers, and families of former Residents have been invited. Guests will enjoy live music, a brief presentation, historical displays and a cupcake and soda bar.

Jonathan Stone, Home Administrator, shares he is proud to be leading the Home during this milestone moment in its history. “I have a strong passion to care for the elderly,” Stone said. “Caring for Veterans who need skilled nursing attention adds an extra level of honor.”

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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), along with a variety of other state agencies and community partners, participated in the spring 2023 EV (Electrical Vehicle) Showcase hosted by the Office of Enterprise Sustainability at the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Nearly 200 event attendees had the opportunity to see “the latest and greatest EVs available in MN,” including pickup trucks, buses, eBikes and electric groundskeeping equipment.

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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes June as Pride Month to commemorate the struggle for civil rights and celebrate the impact of LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world.

As shared by Gov. Walz in his 2023 Proclamation of Pride Month, this year marks the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising against police brutality toward the LGBTQIA+ communities and the tenth anniversary of Minnesota legalizing same-sex marriage by legislative vote. He stated that this is a time to recommit ourselves to creating a state where LGBTQIA+ community members are safe and thriving.

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The 2023 Legislative Session came to a close on May 22 after months of work at the State Capitol. For Veterans, the biggest highlight was the House and the Senate reaffirming their commitment to keep Veterans out of political games by passing a second consecutive Veterans Omnibus Bill that included the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) budget and more.

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Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19; it commemorates the date that the final group of enslaved people in the United States, more than 250,000 individuals in Texas, was declared free – two months after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

For many, Juneteenth is like a second Independence Day. Across the country, it includes activities ranging from parades and prayer services to political rallies and social gatherings with family and friends. This holiday, focused on liberty and equality, reflects the freedoms that our military has consistently fought for and the type of inclusive community the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs supports.

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Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below.

We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To see full job posting and apply:
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type: External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field. Click on the posting.
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant account to apply.