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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.
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 To commemorate Memorial Day, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will host special ceremonies at each of our four State Veterans Cemeteries in Duluth, Little Falls, Preston and Redwood Falls on Sunday, May 26. Music will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the official ceremonies at respective locations starting at 2 p.m.
Join Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) in celebrating Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 12-18. This annual event honors our dedicated staff who care for Veteran Residents and their families as well as each other. We?re proud to recognize their ongoing efforts to ensure the high quality of Residential life we provide, and a workplace of choice for all.
During this week, employees will enjoy a variety of special activities designed to add joy to their daily schedule, including contests, dress-up days, gratitude walls, themed meals and treats and giveaways.
You?re invited to follow MDVA on Facebook to see what is happening on our campuses, or send a note to our Homes acknowledging their contributions to their communities across the state.
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During the month of May, the Winthrop City Library is honoring area Veterans. On Monday, May 13, the Library will host Bill Strusinski, for its Visiting Author Talk. Bill is the author of ?Care Under Fire,? the recently published award-winning memoir that describes his experiences as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and the life lessons that served his civilian life after the war. This Visiting Author Talk will be on Monday, May 13 from 5 -7 p.m. with the author presenting at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.
The National Indie Excellence Awards has recognized ?Care Under Fire? as the Best Military Non-Fiction Book of the Year for 2021. The Book also received the 2020 Veterans Voices Award from the Minnesota Humanities Center. Bill humbly receives these awards and claims that they belong to all that served.
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The fourth annual Hibbing-Chisolm Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Veteran Information & Resource fair will take place May 16 at the Hibbing Community College Commons Area.
The event will include a Benefits Seminar, followed by the opportunity to file and adjust claims.
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 Please join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and community members for the dedication ceremony of the Minnesota State Veterans Homes - Montevideo on May 31.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a social hour, refreshments and tours of the facility, followed by an official program starting at 11 a.m.
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The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is appointed by the County Board of Commissioners and reports to the County Administrator. The VSO is responsible for the administration, planning, coordination and management of the overall operations, programs, activities and services to Veterans. Provides direct assistance to Veterans and their dependents by providing counseling with respect to benefits available, and ensures eligible parties receive benefits for which entitlement exists, at County, State and Federal levels. Supervises division staff. This position will be located on-site at the Government Center in Elk River, MN.
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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 at the Mall of America.
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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Many Veterans seek support and help with filing VA benefits claims for the payments they deserve. Be cautious of "claim predators" - unaccredited companies or individuals targeting Veterans' benefits for profit.
How to identify claim predators:
- Charging High Fees: Predatory companies charge absurd fees or require you to pay a portion of your VA benefits. Never pay anyone a fee to file an initial claim for benefits.
- Making Dishonest Promises: Don't trust anyone who claims they can help accelerate the claims process and obtain a 100% disability benefits evaluation. Remember, only VA has the authority to determine disability ratings.
- Requiring Binding Contracts: No one should ever charge a fee to file an initial claim for VA benefits. Never sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized individual/company a percentage of your benefit payment in exchange for help with your VA claim.
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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 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. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024 or until funding is exhausted.
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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