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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: March 21, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* April is Month of the Military Child [ #link_8 ]
* Anoka County Veteran Resource Fair and Claims Clinic, March 27 [ #link_6 ]
* Speaking of Service: Her Voice - Moorhead, March 27 [ #link_17 ]
* Forest Lake Vietnam Veterans Day Program, March 30 [ #link_11 ]
* Moorhead Veterans Services Fair, April 2 [ #link_15 ]
* Veterans Day on the Hill Rally, April 9 [ #link_3 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, April 16 [ #link_16 ]
* St. Cloud VA Medication Take Back Day, April 29 [ #link_5 ]
* USS Indianapolis Podcast [ #link_18 ]
* You may be Eligible for Additional USDVA Educational Benefits! [ #link_4 ]
* Beware: Claim Predators Want to Prey on Your Benefits [ #link_13 ]
* 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 April 4)

Fergus Falls

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline May 30)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline May 30)

Minneapolis

* Licensed Practical Nurse [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 31)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 31)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline March 31)

Montevideo

* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 25)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline March 24)

Preston

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline March 28)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline March 26)
* Exercise Aide, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline April 4)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline April 4)
* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline April 4)

Silver Bay

* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 21)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 26)
* Registered Nurse [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 26)
* Registered Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline March 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline April 9)
* Resident Assistant [ [link removed] ] (application deadline April 4)
* Resident Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline March 26)
* Housekeeper, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline April 7)

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, our program shines a light on MN Air National Guard Recruiting [ [link removed] ], offering an inside look at their recruiting team and the keys to effective recruiting. We’ll also bring you the latest updates from the MN Patriot Guard [ [link removed] ].

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



April is Month of the Military Child

MOTMC

In April, Minnesotans across the state celebrate the "Month of the Military Child." It is estimated that over 15,000 children in Minnesota have been affected by a parent's deployment. In recognition of their sacrifice, we take the time to celebrate children of service members and Veterans during this month.

Governor Tim Walz will send children of military members and Veterans a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice. Registration to receive a letter will open April 1.*
*

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Anoka County Veteran Resource Fair and Claims Clinic, March 27

VA claims processors 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] ]

Speaking of Service: Her Voice - Moorhead, March 27

Hear the stories of four women connected to military service as they discuss their struggles and successes. Get ready to be inspired by their resilience and determination!

This event will be held at the Minnesota State University - Mankato in the Christianson Alumni Center, Barry Auditorium at 1 p.m.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Her Voice flyer

Forest Lake Vietnam Veterans Day Program, March 30

American Legion Post 255 in Forest Lake will be holding a Vietnam Veterans Day program. The program will begin at 1 p.m.

This year's program will feature award-winning singer and actress Ann Margret as a special guest speaker, and master of ceremonies retired journalist and WCCO-TV news anchor Don Shelby.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Event Flyer

Moorhead Veterans Services Fair, April 2

Join MSU Moorhead’s Veteran Success Team in collaboration with the Dragon Student Veterans Club at the Veterans Services Fair on April 2, 2025, in the CMU Ballroom from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The fair will feature a large variety of on and off campus services for military-connected students and their families from the Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo community.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Veteran Services Fair

Veterans Day on the Hill Rally, April 9

Veterans Day on the Hill flyer

The 2025 Veterans Day on the Hill rally will take place Wednesday, April 9. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Minnesota will be hosting coffee and lunch before the rally at the Cedar Street Armory starting at 10 a.m.

Lunch will be provided before the presentation begins at noon.

Following lunch, the Veterans March will gather at 1 p.m. outside the Veterans Service Building (20 W. 12th Street) and march to the Capitol Rotunda.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Mental Health First Aid Training, April 16

Mental Health First Aid

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.

Trainings are held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


* April 16
* May 7

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



St. Cloud VA Medication Take Back Day, April 29

The public is welcome to safely and securely dispose of unused and expired medications at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 2 p.m.

Enter Building 1 by the flagpoles for access to the drop box location.

Medication Take Back Day

USS Indianapolis Podcast

Logos

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.

Here’s how you can listen to “The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Atomic Bomb: The Price Paid for Liberty."


* Visit Buzzsprout.com [ [link removed] ]
* Visit RonDuffyArt.com [ [link removed] ]

Duffy is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a creative individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Ron Duffy, producer of the USS Indy podcast, would greatly appreciate your filling out a brief survey about your experience listening to the program.  The link to the survey is: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]. When finished, just hit “submit.”



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] ]

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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