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Desk of the Commissioner - March

Recognizing Minnesota’s Vietnam Veterans

Brad NEW

On March 29, the nation will recognize Vietnam Veterans Day to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam Veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity because March 29, 1973, was the day that the United States Military Assistance Command-Vietnam was disestablished and also the day that the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

 

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Seven Years Running, Veterans Homes Receive Customer Experience Awards

Activated Insights

For the seventh year in a row, four Minnesota Veterans Homes have received the Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights (formerly known as Pinnacle Quality Insight) in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The Minnesota Veterans Homes’ four skilled facilities receiving this recognition include Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay. The three newer Homes (Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston) will be eligible to earn this recognition next year.

Qualifying for the Customer Experience Award signifies that these four Minnesota Veterans Homes have consistently ranked within the top 15% of care providers across the nation over the past 12 months. Throughout the year 2024, the Minnesota Veterans Homes engaged Residents and their families in monthly telephone interviews. These conversations included open-ended questions and ratings across various categories. The Veterans Homes use this feedback to drive continuous improvement in the care we provide.

 

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Community Generosity Continues to Benefit Fergus Falls Veterans Home

Fergus Falls Donations

Eighteenth-century theologian John Wesley said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” That certainly seems to be the deeply held sentiment of generous local donors to the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls.

Two recent donations, totaling more than $25,000, have been designated to improve Residents’ daily life experiences. These two organizations – DAV Chapter 25 and American Legion Pheasants for Veterans Fund – are helping to create an engaged environment and ensuring Residents truly feel at home at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home.

 

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Positivity Persists in Marcella Gosch’s Life

Marcella Grosch

During Women’s History Month (March), the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly honors the military achievements and experiences of American women. Here is just one story of a Minnesota woman’s service during the Vietnam War era.

After growing up in Anoka as an avid fan of outdoor activities like snowmobiling and sledding, Marcella Gosch joined the Navy in 1974 with a friend under the buddy enlistment program, which tried to keep friends together as long as possible while each met requirements and showed progress. However, Marcella and her friend didn’t get to stay together after boot camp in Orlando, FL.

 

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Honoring the Contributions of Women During Women’s History Month

Eva Mae

Each March, we take time to honor the incredible contributions women have made throughout history. Take a moment to learn more about a few of the women at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) who dedicate their lives to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families.

This article Honoring Women Who Advocate for Diversity highlights three MDVA employees:


* Kerry Allison is a Senior Veterans Claims Representative in the Veterans Service Claims East Office.
* Weyny Gottlel is a Health Information Specialist at Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis who has worked for MDVA for more than 16 years.
* Dani (Donner) McLaughlin is the Administrator at Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay. She’s been an MDVA employee for 16 years.

 

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Could Your Food Cupboard Also be Your Medicine Cabinet?

Fresh Food

“Food is Medicine” is the idea that diet can have therapeutic effects on your health. There is scientific evidence showing a nutrient-rich diet can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, mental health challenges and obesity.

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s a great opportunity to provide service members, Veterans and their families with information on food choices and sound eating and physical activity practices.

 

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“You Were on the Indianapolis?”

USS Indianapolis

Hear from survivors of one of the most infamous events of the Second World War. Minnesota artist Ron Duffy speaks to four survivors of the heavy cruiser that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine after delivering the atomic bomb the month before it was dropped at Hiroshima.

You can listen to “The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Atomic Bomb: The Price Paid for Liberty."

 

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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 [ [link removed] ] 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 [ [link removed] ] and click Current Jobs.




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