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Minnesota Veteran Banner [ www.minnesotaveteran.org ]


Desk of the Commissioner - April

Commissioner Lindsay

*Investing in our Infrastructure*

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is entrusted to maintain nearly six dozen buildings totaling more than 1.4 million square feet, spread over eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries. These campuses range in age from just a few months to more than 130 years old and include myriad buildings.

The facilities at the Minneapolis and Hastings Veterans Homes in particular include some historic properties that are beyond their useful lives. Maintaining and updating these buildings is an ongoing effort with more than 100 projects currently identified on our asset preservation inventory.

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





MDVA Partners with National Group to Defend Veterans Legal Rights

legal services

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is working with the National Veterans Legal Services Program [ [link removed] ] (NVLSP) to create unparalleled free access to legal representation for Minnesota Veterans and their families in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).

“The partnership between the MDVA and NVLSP is a great milestone for the state and for Minnesota Veterans,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “Minnesota Veterans will now have access to an outstanding national legal team who will defend their rights at the highest legal levels.”

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





Joel Johnson, Veteran Resident: A Life Spent Being Thankful

Joel Johnson

Joel Johnson, age 92, has been a Resident of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls since 2021. Interestingly, it was his wife, ShirleyAnn, who first lived there.

Joel recalls, “It was my main joy to visit my wife here two to three times a week for 8 ½ years and I became best friends with the employees. I was even around when they built the new addition, The Village, for memory care Residents. During that period, I said that this was where I was going to live when my time came to have special care…and here I am. It's perhaps the best home in the United States as far as I'm concerned with so many good activities and wonderful staff. I'm very happy and thankful that I'm here. And people still remember my wife, which is extra special.”

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





Earth Day 2024

Earth Day

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, a globally recognized day to support environmental protection. As Minnesota’s climate continues to change and we see warmer temperatures, shorter winters and more frequent and extreme precipitation events, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) remains committed to sustainability and conserving resources.

Throughout April, MDVA has been celebrating Earth Day with events and activities agency-wide to help Residents, team members and our community be more mindful of how we protect our planet.

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]





MDVA Employee Attends Ship Naming Ceremony in Washington, D.C. in Honor of White Earth Veteran

ship naming ceremony

A Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) employee recently had the opportunity to attend a ship naming ceremony in Washington, D.C. to represent the Bois Forte Tribal Council of Minnesota. Ernest Steel, MDVA Bois Forte Tribal Veterans Service Officer joined Governor Tim Walz, Secretary of the U.S. Navy Carlos Del Toro, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Nation Chairman Michael Fairbanks and friends and family of Master Chief James D. Fairbanks (who the ship was named in honor of).

Steel’s main mission was to bring the Bois Forte flag to the event and said, "it was a great honor to bring our flag and witness the naming of the ship in honor of late White Earth Nation Member and Veteran James Fairbanks.”

Read More >> [ [link removed] ]

"*Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Navy."





Veterans Day on the Hill Rally, April 17

Vets day on 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.

More Information >> [ [link removed] ]





April is Month of the Military Child

Month of Military Child

In April, Minnesotans across the state celebrate "Month of the Military Child.” In recognition of our military children, Governor Tim Walz would like to send a letter of gratitude to honor them. Veterans and Service Members can sign up for a letter to recognize the sacrifice and celebrate their children! Letters can be requested by visiting MinnesotaVeteran.org/Militarychild [ [link removed] ].

 





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

More Information >> [ [link removed] ]





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

Vietnam 50th

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is honored to host a Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemoration event. 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 event 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-era 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

*What:* The event will provide a one-stop shop with resources and information tables from many Veteran service organizations, and an opportunity to visit the American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall, see Vietnam War-era displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, view documentaries about the Vietnam War, attend a program honoring our Veterans and allies, and enjoy a complimentary brunch after the program.

*When:* Thursday, June 13 - Saturday, June 15, 2024 with a special program on Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m.

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

Ongoing updates and more details will be posted in the weeks ahead on our website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50 [ [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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