Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

MDVA

Friday Digest: Sept. 22, 2023

This week:

Work at MDVA

Bemidji

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Ogema

Silver Bay

St. Paul

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 discuss Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, meet with a Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award Recipient and get an update from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Learn more about the MDVA's Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day.

?

More information >>

Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day, Oct. 7

Event Flyer

Join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day.

This event brings communities together to honor Veterans we have lost to suicide, allow their lives to help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors.

Our goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we
strive toward zero Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.

?

More information >>

Next PACT Act Deadline: Sept. 30 Special Enrollment Period

Between now and Sept. 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care ? without first applying for VA benefits. Veterans can apply online or in person at their local VA facility until 11:59 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, 2023.

  • Are you a Veteran who deployed to a combat zone but never signed up for VA health care??If you left active duty between 9/11/01 and 10/1/13, you should apply?today.?
  • There?s a special enrollment period right now that gives you a chance to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
  • VA is the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans ? and this is your chance to sign up.
  • Even if you don?t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. And once you?re in, you have access for life.?
  • Don?t miss this opportunity ? the deadline is Sept. 30.?Get the care you deserve today at VA.gov/PACT.?

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 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.

?

PACT

?

More information >>

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Veterans Crisis Line

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

Veterans can use this 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

Post 9/11 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 $39.8 million in bonuses. As of late August, $20.9 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.


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