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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: January 17, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* MDVA Annual Report Available [ #link_8 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* Minnesota Veterans Homes Video Tours [ #link_5 ]
* New Veterans Memorials and Commemorations RFP and Grant Opportunity [ #link_6 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, Jan. 22 [ #link_11 ]
* Veterans Resource Fair in Albert Lea, Jan. 23 [ #link_3 ]
* You may be Eligible for Additional USDVA Educational Benefits! [ #link_4 ]
* Beware: Claim Predators Want to Prey on Your Benefits [ #link_13 ]
* Preventing Veteran Suicide: Free Gun Locks Available [ #link_2 ]
* The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits [ #link_9 ]
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline [ #link_12 ]
* Submit Your Veteran-Related Event [ #link_7 ]

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 [ [link removed] ] to be contacted about available opportunities.

Bemidji

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 21)
* Exercise Aide, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 21)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 27)
* Resident Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 24)

Minneapolis

* Assistant Administrator [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 27)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Jan. 30)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 30)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 30)
* Plant Maintenance Engineer [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 14)

Montevideo

* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 17)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 27)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 28)

Preston

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Jan. 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 17)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 21)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 22)

Rosemount

* Regional Coordinator [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 24)

Silver Bay

* Registered Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 24)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant. part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Jan. 21)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Jan. 24)

MDVA Annual Report Available

MDVA Annual Report

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) is now available on our website.

“Serving more Veterans across Minnesota” is the theme of this year’s Annual Report which highlights our priorities and accomplishments from the last year. MDVA experienced unprecedented growth in the last year with the opening of one new State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls and three new State Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston. This expansion will allow the agency to serve hundreds more Veterans and their families in the coming years.

If you would like to request a printed copy, please email [email protected].

 

MDVA Annual Report >> [ [link removed] ]



Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

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.

Coming up this week, we'll introduce you to some Outstanding Airmen of the Year Candidates from the 133rd Airlift Wing [ [link removed] ], gain insights into the Simultaneous Membership Program from a University of Minnesota Twin Cities [ [link removed] ] alumnus, and receive the latest updates from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers [ [link removed] ].

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Minnesota Veterans Homes Video Tours

Video Tours

Video tours have been created for all eight of the Minnesota Veterans Homes and the Adult Day Center located on the campus of the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

The videos include both interior and exterior scenes to provide a complete tour of the Homes’ campuses, inside and out! The virtual video tours should be helpful to those unable to visit MDVA facilities in person, to get to know the buildings and grounds.

 

View tours >> [ [link removed] ]



New Veterans Memorials and Commemorations RFP and Grant Opportunity

The Minnesota Department of Administration requests proposals for Veterans memorials and commemorations to be awarded for groups celebrating, recognizing, and honoring the sacrifices of those who served in the military, including memorials, commemorations, facilities, and park features.

A total of $102,375 in Fiscal Year 2025 is dedicated for this competitive grant program. Grant applications are due 4:30 p.m. Central Time on Jan. 24, 2025.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Mental Health First Aid Training, Jan. 22

MHFA Training

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is committed to investing in both our Veterans and the communities where they live and serve. A healthy community is a suicide-safe community.

One way MDVA contributes to the wellbeing of our state and Veteran communities is by offering free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course certification each month. MDVA also offers this training to our employees.

Much like physical first aid, the MHFA course allows a layperson to help someone through a mental health crisis until professional help arrives. Mental Health First Aid is taught much like typical first aid or CPR in a course and is about eight hours long.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Veterans Resource Fair in Albert Lea, Jan. 23

There will be a Veterans Resource Fair/PACT Act Claims Clinic in Albert Lea For Veterans in Freeborn, Faribault and Mower Counties at the Albert Lea Armory on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.

What you can do at the clinic:


* Ask about existing VA claims
* Start a VA new claim
* Enroll in VA health care
* Visit with VA subject matter experts
* And more

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Albert Lea Flyer

You may be Eligible for Additional USDVA Educational Benefits!

On April 16, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that Veterans who served at least two periods of service - one that qualifies for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and another that qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) - may be able to receive additional GI Bill benefits.

*Am I eligible for additional benefits? If so, what should I do?*

If you have previously applied to use VA education benefits, you may be eligible for additional benefits, if:


* You completed more than one eligible period of service, and
* You waived all or part of your MGIB benefits so you could use PGIB benefits.

If you have questions, please reach out to an MDVA Veterans Education Regional Coordinator.

 

Find your Regional Coordinator >> [ [link removed] ]

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 >> [ [link removed] ]

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 [ [link removed] ].

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 [ [link removed] ]

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

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 [ tel:1-800-273-8255 ]—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat [ [link removed] ].

 



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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