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MDVA

Friday Digest: April 5, 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 the Chief Wellness Officer at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System to discuss Whole Health, learn about Month of the Military Child from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and get an update from our Senior Enlisted Leader.

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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.

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Registration >>

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

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More information and tickets >>

Veterans Day on the Hill Rally, April 17

Veterans Day on the Hill

The 2024 Veterans Day on the Hill rally will take place Wednesday, April 17.

The DAV of MN will be hosting coffee and lunch before the rally at the Cedar Street Armory. The Commanders' Task Force, United Veterans Legislative Council, and Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers will be hosting the Rally in the Rotunda which starts at 1:15 p.m.

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More information >>

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.

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More information >>

Career Fair Flyer

Military Mental Health Coalition 2024 Conference in Little Falls, April 25 & 26

Event Flyer

The Military Mental Health Coalition 2024 Conference will take place April 25 & 26 at Camp Ripley. This event is two days filled with understanding mental health, stigma, and concerns within our military and their families and networking.

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More information >>

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].

18th Annual Veterans Career Fair, May 1

Veterans Career Fair

Veterans, current service members, military spouses and Gold Star families - you're invited to attend the 18th Annual Veterans Career Fair!

Are you looking for a higher salary and a great career? Work for an employer that recognizes and appreciates your military service and the value you bring to the team!

The Veterans Career Fair features:

  • 100 employers who want to meet you
  • Complimentary LinkedIn photography station available for job seekers
  • Resume review assistance
  • Mock interviews (to prepare you for real ones, soon!)
  • Service providers offering assistance for Veterans and their families

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More information >>

Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, June 13 - 15

Vietnam 50th Logo

In June, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will host a special commemoration event to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

MDVA?s 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 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

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More information >>

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.

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PACT

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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.

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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.

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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