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Desk of the Commissioner - March

Commissioner Lindsay

*Recognizing Minnesota’s Vietnam Veterans*

On March 29, the nation will recognize Vietnam Veterans Day to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 [ [link removed] ] designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam Veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity because March 29, 1973, was the day that the United States Military Assistance Command-Vietnam was disestablished and also the day that the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

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Outreach to Homeless Veterans Gains Federal Recognition

poe soar

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded its prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay accepted the award from Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough for “Innovation in Eliminating Veteran Homelessness” on behalf of the SOAR team. MDVA has won five Pillars of Excellence Awards in recent years.

“The SOAR program has established itself to be one of the most important homelessness prevention strategies in Minnesota’s drive to be the fourth state in the nation to effectively eliminate Veteran homelessness,” says Lindsay. “I’m proud that this team’s dedication and focus on building relationships is being recognized by the VA.”

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji Admits First Residents

Bemidji 1st Resident

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji welcomed its first Resident, Jim Larson.

Larson, 89, signed up for the Air Force when he was 19 years old and served for more than two decades, retiring in 1974. Resort owner, dancer, karaoke singer and world-traveler, Larson has some strong feelings about setting down roots at the Bemidji Veterans Home. “No one likes to leave their own home,” Larson said. “But there are times when you have to move forward. I feel like I’m one of the luckiest people alive. I’ve visited a lot of people in nursing homes. This place is more like home. The people here treat you like family.” Larson will be able to celebrate the beginning of his ninth decade of life with his extended family at the Bemidji Veterans Home when he turns 90 in May.

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]

View Photos >> [ [link removed] ]





Honoring Women Who Advocate for Diversity

WHM

March is Women’s History Month, when we remember, honor and celebrate women representing all walks of life.

Each year the month focuses on a specific theme. According to the National Women’s History Alliance [ [link removed] ], this year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."

We asked three Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs team members to share their thoughts on working at MDVA and what it means to make a difference in the workplace and our community.

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





Six Years Running, Veterans Homes Receive Pinnacle Customer Experience Awards

Pinnacle

For the sixth year in a row, four Minnesota Veterans Homes have received Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award [ [link removed] ] in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The four skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.

Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with more than two decades of experience in post-acute healthcare. Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,700 care providers across the United States. Only those providers that are in the 85th percentile or higher receive this recognition.

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





Save the Date: Minnesota Remembers 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War June 13-15

Vietnam 50th

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is honored to host a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Our vision for this event is that Minnesota’s Vietnam Veterans feel honored, respected and appreciated, and actively make use of the resources available to them to improve their quality of life​. The commemoration will:


* Provide an opportunity for healing by thanking and honoring Minnesota Vietnam-era Veterans wherever they served​.
* Highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War​.
* Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by allies of the United States during the Vietnam War, especially those who have made Minnesota their home​.

*Who:* Vietnam Veterans and their families, allies of the United States during the Vietnam War (especially those who have made Minnesota their home) and all Minnesotans to thank our Veterans

*When:* Thursday, June 13 - Saturday, June 15, 2024

*Where:* Mall of America, North Entrance Atrium and Rotunda, Bloomington, MN

More Info >> [ [link removed] ]





MDVA 2023 Annual Report

Fy 23 Annual Report

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to share our Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023). "United by our Strength - Increasing Support, Achieving Success" was our theme.

This report highlights our priorities and accomplishments from the last year. 

View Report >> [ [link removed] ]





MDVA is Hiring

MDVA now hiring

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. Sign-up [ [link removed] ] to receive our monthly jobs bulletin.

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

To learn more and to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers [ [link removed] ] and click Current Jobs.




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