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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For over 13 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota’s heroes. Retired Command Sergeant Major, Veteran and volunteer host Doug Wortham 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.
This week was recorded live from the Minnesota State Fair. On this week's show, we host a round-table with the Adjutant General and Assistant Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard as well as the National Director of the Army National Guard. In our other segments we meet with and celebrate the Military Spouses of these Generals.
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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.
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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!
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Saturday, Sept. 14 is the annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins honor Veterans and active service members from all branches of the military. The celebration includes special pregame festivities and more than 1,000 donated tickets.
Activities consist of a fly over with WWII-era planes, a memorial tribute to service members from Twins Territory, and the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund presenting checks to Purple Heart recipients. Armed Forces members are also invited to take part in the starting lineup with current Twins players and stand on the field in solidarity during the National Anthem.
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Veterans Fest will take place at United Heroes League for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities as they honor Military Families & Veterans! This outdoor event is a great opportunity to show your support for those who have served our country. All proceeds will be donated to Every Third Saturday (ETS) and United Heroes League (UHL), nonprofit organizations providing support for Veterans and their military families.
Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more!
Be a part of this amazing opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Because of the 'Thank a Veteran Program' - Veterans receive free general admission when showing a form of VA ID at the gate and obtaining a ticket online. If you’d like to thank a Veteran and purchase their event tickets, the option to do so is included through online ticketing as well!
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Calling all Women Veterans and Servicewomen, you and your family are invited to meet the Women Veterans Initiative (WVI) Board Members and to join in a celebration of Sisterhood and connection. Any branch, any era, deployment or not, you are invited!
Join Sept. 14 from noon until 4 p.m. at the Jensen Lake Shelter in Lebanon Hills Regional Park (1350 Carriage Hills Drive), in Eagan.
Registration is not required but it will help plan for food and beverages.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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The American Legion Department of Minnesota will host their first Color Ruck event dedicated to supporting suicide prevention efforts. Over the past year, their focus has centered on conducting training sessions within each of the districts. Now, they are expanding their efforts on a grander scale with the Color Ruck event.
This event aims to unite families and communities, highlighting the profound impact of familial and community support in combating suicide and promoting mental wellness. It serves as a platform to showcase the strength that comes from coming together as a collective force, supporting one another through challenges, and fostering a sense of unity and resilience within our communities.
The Color Ruck event represents a significant step forward in their ongoing commitment to raising awareness, providing resources, and creating a supportive network for individuals and families affected by suicide.
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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.
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
This class will be held virtually and requires 2 hours of self-paced pre-coursework before attending the 6 hour instructor led, virtual portion of the class.
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The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), Colonel Colvill Camp 56 will be dedicating over 50 new footstones for Civil War soldiers who have been in unmarked graves for decades. The public is welcome to join in honoring these Veterans who served our country during the Civil War.
The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN in the GAR section by the statue and cannon.
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Start the conversation with ourselves
We all have mental health and it’s as essential to a person’s life as physical health. Mental Health (https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health) includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act, and shapes how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
It can be hard for individuals, families, organizations and communities to talk about mental health. Not talking about mental health and suicide can increase the risk of people who are struggling and potentially decrease the likelihood that someone will seek help when they need it the most.
Too often, public messaging conveys negative narratives about mental health and suicide. These negative narratives stigmatize mental health and suicide, which can contribute to feelings of uncertainty, shame and self-loathing that prevent someone from seeking help or put them at greater risk for harm. Instead, a narrative of hope and resilience can influence how people think, feel and act and lets us know that there is hope, there is help and suicide is preventable.
What we say to ourselves and others can encourage hope, celebrate life and help ourselves and others understand that help is available, suicide is preventable and mental illnesses are treatable.
Ideas for action to start the conversation with yourself about your mental health:
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Know that you are never alone! Do you have crisis numbers available or a plan if you do feel like you get into a state of emotional crisis? Call the Veteran Crisis Line at 988 and press 1.
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Identify what you do and don’t have control over.
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Manage your own life and take responsibility for your actions.
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Seek help and support from family, friends or health care professionals during times of need.
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.
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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.
Learn more about VA accredited representatives >>
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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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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