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Minnesota Veteran Banner

Desk of the Commissioner - February

2025 Legislature session fully underway

Brad NEW

After a slow start, the 2025 Minnesota Legislative session is now fully underway. As always, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is actively engaging with our elected officials to educate them on the needs of our state’s Veterans and the support that MDVA provides.

Historically, the Legislature has been very supportive of Veterans, and in 2024 passed a Veterans and Military Affairs Omnibus Bill for the third year in a row. However, because agreement on a bonding bill was not reached last year, MDVA did not receive funding for key infrastructure investments.

 

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Honoring Black History

Black History Month

We recognize February as Black History Month to celebrate the achievements, contributions and diversity of Minnesota’s Black community as well as acknowledge our history and the progress we continue to work toward today.

We asked Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) team members to talk about the significance of Black History Month in their lives.

 

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State Veterans Homes Receive $80,000 Donation from VFW Post 906 for Third Year in a Row

Hutchinson VFW Donation

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, MN. This is the third year in a row that a donation at this significant level specifically was provided to our eight State Veterans Homes located in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay; each Home will receive $10,000.

We were pleased to have leadership from both the VFW and MDVA onsite for the presentation and to be able to extend our gratitude and remarks during the VFW Midwinter Conference on Jan.10, 2025.

 

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Sharing Stories of Black American Veterans in Minnesota

Jay Lowman

During Black History Month (February), the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly honors the military achievements and experiences of Black Americans. MDVA is sharing stories of two Black American Veterans in Minnesota, who both served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era.

A Resident of the Fergus Falls Veterans Home, Jay Lowman joined the Air Force in 1974 to fulfill a desire to serve his country. This drive impacted Jay’s younger siblings that followed his lead also joining the military.

 

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Silver Bay Veterans Home holds ‘Olympics’

Silver Bay Olympics

The Silver Bay Veterans Home recently held their 2nd Annual Veterans Winter Olympics.

The festivities began with an opening ceremony complete with a torch parade, Olympic-themed refreshments, a rundown of the Home’s planned games, and a video of Minnesota native and gold medal winner Jessie Diggins for inspiration. As usual, Oliver the Golden Retriever joined the fun as the Olympics Team Mascot. He’s a gold medal winner in ball retrieving!

 

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Celebrating 2024 Successes; Continuing to Serve Military Communities in 2025

BTYR Logo

The Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) had a busy 2024 filled with events, support opportunities and achievements.

Established in 2008, BTYR provides a comprehensive community and corporate support network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations and resources to meet the needs of Minnesota’s Veterans, service members and families in all military branches.

“I really enjoy what we get to do,” said Stefanie Hurt, BTYR community outreach coordinator. “It truly is a blessing to be able to support Minnesota’s military community.”

 

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MDVA is Hiring

MDVA now hiring

Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. Sign-up to receive our monthly jobs bulletin.

We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To learn more and to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers and click Current Jobs.


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