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MDVA

Friday Digest: August 30, 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

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 are recorded live from Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair. We learn about a Service Dog program with Project Delta, meet with Folds of Honor Minnesota, discuss Career Opportunities at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and hear how Executives Mentoring Soldiers is helping Soldiers transition into the civilian workforce.

 

More information >>

MDVA at the Great Minnesota Get-Together

Come visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) at the State Fair! Our booth is located in the Education Building near the entrance and staffed all day every day during the fair. Spin the wheel and win a prize while you learn more about the Veteran benefits you have earned!

 

Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Duluth Sidewalk Project

Duluth Veterans Cemetery

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Duluth began a sidewalk renovation project at the Columbarium Monday, Aug. 26. The project is expected to be completed the week of Sept. 9. This project goal is to repair noticeable cracks in the concrete sidewalks encircling the Columbarium, ensuring the area remains visually appealing and safe for the families we serve.

Throughout this period, the existing sidewalks will be dismantled and reconstructed, and the Columbarium structures will be shielded with a protective barrier to avoid any damage. During this time period, visitors will notice construction activity within the Columbarium boundaries. The company tasked with this work is aware of the site's sanctity and will proceed with their tasks respectfully and honorably. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause to those paying respects to a loved one and are grateful for your patience during this essential maintenance.

 

Preston Veterans Home Career Fair, Sept. 11

Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston invites you to learn more about finding purpose in State service by attending our Career Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 2-6 p.m.

Meet our leaders to get details about full-time and part-time openings, generous State of Minnesota benefits, competitive wages, our welcoming workplace and more!

 

More information >>

Fergus Falls Veterans Home Career Fair, Sept. 18

Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls invites you to join us at our Career Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from noon until 5 p.m.

Meet our leaders and learn more about full-time and part-time open positions, generous State of Minnesota benefits, competitive wages and more!

 

More information >>

Native American Veteran Stand Down, Sept. 20

Stand Down Flyer

There will be a Native American Veteran Stand Down Sept. 20 at the Oshkiimaajitahdah Wellness & Event Center in Redby, MN.

The Stand Down will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 5 p.m.

 

More information >>

Armed Forces Tribute and POW/MIA Recognition Day - Brainerd, Sept. 20

Armed Forces Tribute

There will be an Armed Forces Tribute and POW/MIA Recognition Day at the Crow Wing County Historic Courthouse in Brainerd, MN.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. and is open to the public with numerous services on site.

 

More information >>

Suicide Prevention Training - Glencoe, Sept. 24

The 2024 annual Continuing Education for Professionals Conference, "Awareness 2B CONTINUED Into Action," is focused on suicide prevention and mental health. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Glencoe City Center in Glencoe.

This conference is designed for Healthcare Providers, Nurses, Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Educators, Law Enforcement Officers, Clergy, and anyone with a vested interest in mental health and suicide prevention.

 

More information >>

 

6th Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day in Duluth, Oct. 5

Event flyer

The 6th Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, at The Depot in Duluth, MN.

We can all make a difference. A time to come together in remembrance of Minnesota Veterans lost to suicide. We honor them by raising awareness and helping to save lives.

The purpose of our annual event is to bring communities together to honor Veterans we have lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. Our goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we strive toward zero Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.

 

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 >>

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.

 

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.


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