Bemidji
Hastings
Luverne
Minneapolis
Montevideo
Preston
Silver Bay
St. Paul
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 host our annual Chaplains Christmas Show co-hosted with a Colonel from the Minnesota National Guard, we discuss deployments with a Chaplain from the 682nd Engineer Battalion, learn about preparing for deployment with a Chaplain from the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division and finish with a special Christmas message.
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Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Brad Lindsay to serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Lindsay has been serving as temporary commissioner since September.
?As a U.S. Army Veteran with extensive experience serving Minnesota?s Veterans and their families, I?m proud to appoint Brad Lindsay to this important role," said Governor Walz. ?As a Veterans affairs leader, he has worked tirelessly to end Veteran homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and connect Minnesota?s Veterans to the services and benefits they have earned.?
?Brad Lindsay is an exceptional leader and public servant who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to those who?ve raised their hand to serve,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?It?s clear that the respect and care for Minnesota?s Veterans and their families are his top priority. I?m grateful for his continued service.?
?I have spent the last 25 years serving the Veterans of Minnesota in one capacity or another ? it has truly been my life?s work and passion,? said Brad Lindsay. ?I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported and mentored me over the years and who will undoubtedly support me in my new role. Thank you to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for their continued confidence in me to provide nation-leading programs and services for my fellow Veterans.?
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Effective January 1, 2024, all Minnesota employers with more than 50 full-time employees will be required to display a new poster about Veterans benefits. The poster is available at no cost. It can be downloaded and printed from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry?s workplace and notices poster web page or employers can order the poster online and have the poster sent via the U.S. mail along with other mandatory or informational workplace posters.
This new poster is intended to educate Veterans and their families about the benefits available to them from MDVA and was developed as a result of new legislation passed during the 2023 session.
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From the Minnesota Department of Health:
The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be a very stressful time.
Here are a few things you can do to maintain your mental health during the holiday season.
- Be kind to yourself. Put your own mental health and physical well-being first.
- Write a gratitude list and offer thanks to those that have supported you throughout this last year.
- Prioritize your time and the activities you do. Make a daily to do list.
- Be realistic in what you do. Acknowledge it is not possible to be everywhere all the time.
- Set boundaries. Family dynamics can be challenging, accept you can only control your own attitudes and behaviors.
- Practice deep breathing to calm and relax yourself or know what helps to bring yourself peace.
- Schedule time for you to prioritize your needs.
- Find support, whether it is with friends, family, a counselor or a support group, talking about how you're feeling can provide a sense of comfort and relief. If you or someone you love are experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org, someone is available to assist you 24/7, 365 days of the year.
- There are several peer-to-peer warm lines in Minnesota if you just want to talk.
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.
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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.
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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 20,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses totaling $21.4 million in recognition of their service.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $39.8 million in bonuses. 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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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.
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