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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: February 21, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, Feb. 26 [ #link_11 ]
* My Health eVet Credentialing Event, March 10 [ #link_5 ]
* Bemidji Veterans Home CNA Career Fair, March 18 [ #link_8 ]
* You may be Eligible for Additional USDVA Educational Benefits! [ #link_4 ]
* Anoka County Veteran Resource Fair and Claims Clinic, March 27 [ #link_6 ]
* RED Shirt Friday at MSU Moorhead [ #link_3 ]
* 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 Feb. 24)
* Homemaker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 25)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 25)
* Veterans Care Specialist, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 4)

Fergus Falls

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Feb. 28)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Feb. 28)
* Veterans Home Administrator [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 5)

Little Falls

* Seasonal Groundskeeper [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 4)

Minneapolis

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Feb. 27)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 27)
* Chief Medical Officer [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 5)
* Pharmacy Technician [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 26)
* Power Plant Chief Engineer [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 3)
* Physical Plant Director [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 24)

Montevideo

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Feb. 28)

Preston

* Director of Nursing [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 25)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Feb. 28)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Feb. 28)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 21)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 25)
* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 21)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 28)

Silver Bay

* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 21)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Feb. 28)
* Registered Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 21)
* Resident Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Feb. 27)

St. Paul

* Auditor Senior [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Feb. 25)

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’re meeting with the legislative director at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs [ [link removed] ], discussing Veteran legislation with a Minnesota House Representative and Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division, and get an update from the Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System [ [link removed] ].

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Mental Health First Aid Training, Feb. 26

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] ]



My Health eVet Credentialing Event, March 10

The Minneapolis VA will be assisting Veterans with creating an ID.me or LOGIN.gov sign-in credential on March 10, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in the main Flag Atrium, Virtual Health Resource Center.

Veterans will need to bring a valid photo ID—Driver’s License or Passport is preferred. It is recommended to bring another form of ID, i.e., VA Health Card, DD214, etc. in case it is needed.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Bemidji Veterans Home CNA Career Fair, March 18

The Minnesota Veterans Home - Bemidji will be hosting a Certified Nursing Assistant/Human Services Technician Career Fair March 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. Stop by and learn what it’s like to work at the Bemidji Veterans Home. Onsite interviews will be available. Remember to bring an up-to-date resume. Nursing leadership and HR staff will be available to answer questions.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

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] ]

Anoka County Veteran Resource Fair and Claims Clinic, March 27

VA claims processers will be on-site to provide services. Minneapolis VA Health Care System will help you enroll, understand your eligibility, provide Toxic Exposure Screenings and information on the Women's Clinic, Whole Health and more. Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and your Anoka County Veteran Service Officer will also be there! Please bring a copy of your DD214.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

RED Shirt Friday at MSU Moorhead

RED

RED Friday is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those deployed and the importance of community. Wearing red every Friday, students, faculty, and staff at MSU Moorhead are not only showing Dragon pride but also sending a message of appreciation and support to military personnel and their families.

In the Dragon community, there are around 200 military-connected students, around 55% are Veterans and current Service Members. Many Veterans have been deployed to a range of locations. Of the Dragons currently serving, there is at least one student that is or will be deployed.

The MSUM Bookstore has collaborated closely with their Veteran Success Team and Operation Hat Trick in recent months. They are thrilled to share that RED shirts are now in stock.

 

More information >> [ [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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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 [ [link removed] ]