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

MDVA

Friday Digest: June 21, 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

Montevideo

Minneapolis

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 are recorded live from the Mall of America for the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War with a special co-host from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. We discuss support for Vietnam Veterans with the DAV Department of Minnesota, meet with the Chief Public Engagement Officer of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, discuss Military displays with the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and a special segment with the Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

 

More information >>

Prevent 22 Task Force Fundraiser in Preston, June 22

Event Flyer

The Prevent 22 Task Force will be holding a fundraiser June 22 at the Preston Servicemen's Club, featuring a motorcycle and car ride, a bake sale, silent auction, live music and more.

The Fundraiser will begin at 9 a.m., including registration for the car and motorcycle ride that will kick off at 10 a.m.

 

More information >>

Federal VA Virtual Listening Session, June 26

This listening session seeks input from American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF), and community leaders serving this population.

The listening session will be held online using Zoom June 26, 2024, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

 

More information >>

VA Listening Session Flyer

Preston Veterans Home Dedication, June 27

Preston Dedication Ceremoy

Please join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and community members for the dedication ceremony of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston on Thursday, June 27.

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a social hour including light refreshments and self-guided tours of the facility, followed by an official program starting at 3 p.m.

 

More information >>

Fergus Falls Stars & Stripes Parade, June 29

Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls shines the light on Independence Day by hosting an annual Stars & Stripes Parade the weekend before the Fourth of July. This year, the Stars & Stripes Parade – which includes businesses and organizations as well as individual people and their pets – is scheduled for Saturday, June 29. The parade lines up and begins at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home located at 1821 North Park Street.

 

More information >>

Beware: Claim Predators Want to Prey on Your Benefits

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.

 

Learn more about VA accredited representatives >>

Bemidji Veterans Home Dedication, July 1

Bemidji Opening

Please join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and community members for the dedication ceremony of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji on Monday, July 1.

The program begins at 1 p.m. with tours of the newly opened Home and grounds to follow.

 

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.

 

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