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

MDVA

Friday Digest: March 29, 2024

This week:

Work at MDVA

If you are interested in speaking to a member of our Human Resources team regarding employment opportunities with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, fill out our Job Interest Form to be contacted about available opportunities.

Bemidji

Fergus Falls

Hastings

Luverne

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Preston

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 with Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and learn about their SOAR program to help at-risk Veterans, learn about a new Veterans Food Shelf with the DAV Department of Minnesota, and get an update from the MN Patriot Guard.

?

More information >>

April is Month of the Military Child

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.

Governor Tim Walz will send children of military members and Veterans a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice. Registration to receive a letter will open April 1.

?

Registration >>

Vietnam War Era Last Man Club of St. Peter National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29

The Vietnam War Era Last Man Club of St. Peter will present a program for Veterans and community members in observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2024, in the gymnasium of the St. Peter Community Center, beginning at 5 p.m.

?

More information >>

Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants Tour, April 7 - 11

USAF Singing Sergeants

The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants from Washington, D.C. are heading out on a 12-day community relations tour to North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. The tour honors the service of Airmen both past and present in a showcase of musical excellence. All concerts are free and open to the public though tickets are required.

They will be performing throughout the state:

  • April 7 - Bemidji
  • April 8 - Brainerd
  • April 9 - St. Michael
  • April 10 - Waconia
  • April 11 - Minneapolis

?

More information and tickets >>

Minnesota State Veterans Homes - Minneapolis Career Fair, April 25

The Minnesota State Veterans Home in Minneapolis will be hosting a Career Fair Thursday, April 25.

Meet our leaders, experience our beautiful workplace and even interview onsite for CNA and Nursing openings. Remember to bring an up-to-date resume.

?

More information >>

Career Fair Flyer

From the Federal VA: National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, Application Window Jan. 22 - May 1

The National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic (NDVGC) is a week-long adaptive golf program that is presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). This annual event promotes rehabilitation by instructing Veterans with specific life-changing disabilities in adaptive golf. In addition to adaptive golf Veterans will be introduced to other adaptive recreational sports. The application window for Veteran participants is from Jan. 22 ? May 1, 2024.

Qualifying disabilities include: Visual Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), Limb-loss or amputations, Parkinson?s, Multiple Sclerosis, and CVA with Residual. Common disabilities that do not qualify include: Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Degenerative Joint Disease, Depression, Low Back Pain, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

All disabilities are subject to review the by National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic medical director and program director.

If you have any questions related to qualifying disabilities please contact Nick Beelner at (319) 358-5963 or [email protected].

Preventing Veteran Suicide: Free Gun Locks Available

Sadly, an average of 100 Minnesota Veterans die by suicide each year. Two-thirds of these deaths are by guns.

To help prevent Veteran suicide, MDVA is partnering with the VA Healthcare System to distribute free gun locks. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life.

In an effort to reduce these preventable tragedies, MDVA is offering free gun locks. To request a gun lock, please email [email protected] with your name and address. This information will not be shared; requests are confidential.

For more information on MDVA?s suicide prevention efforts, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide.

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

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. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024 or until funding is exhausted.

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