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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: April 11, 2025

This week:

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 to be contacted about available opportunities.

Bemidji

Fergus Falls

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Preston

Silver Bay

St. Paul

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 explore leadership development and Army life with Minnesota National Guard soldiers, recap Veterans Day on the Hill with the legislative director from the DAV Department of Minnesota, and connect with the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

 

More information >>

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 is now open through April 30.

 

More information >>

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 >>

Many Fronts: Poetry and Memorials at the Capitol Mall, April 18

Poetry Flyer

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) invites your participation and contributions to an upcoming event: “Many Fronts: Poetry and Memorials at the Capitol Mall.” This event will provide participants an opportunity to reflect on the experiences and perspectives of service members, Veterans and civilians in how we understand the nature of military conflicts, and how the public remembers and interprets the experience of war and service through memorials, monuments and poetry.

The program will take place on the Minnesota State Capitol Mall grounds and will include an interactive writing activity. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. Facilitators will guide participants through the writing activity and there will be time for group discussion about monuments and memorials on the Minnesota State Capitol Mall.

 

More information >>

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

Native American Veteran Resource Fair, May 15

Resource Fair Flyer

There will be a Native American Veteran Resource Fair at Cedar Lakes Casino in Cass Lake May 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The resource fair will include information about housing, employment, health benefits and more. There will also be a wide variety of service providers onsite.

 

More information >>

19th Annual Veterans Career Fair, May 21

Veterans Career Fair Flyer

Veterans, current service members, military spouses and Gold Star families - you're invited to attend the 19th Annual Veterans Career Fair!

Are you looking for a higher salary and a great career? Work for an employer that recognizes and appreciates your military service and the value you bring to the team!

 

More information >>

Military Women's Memorial - Strive for 500

Story entry

Military Women’s Memorial #StriveFor500 Campaign is an effort for every state to help register at least 500 military women in their state in 2025. Each state has thousands of currently serving, Veterans and retirees in their midst and together we can ensure their stories are housed in a National Digital Repository.

There are stories from the Revolutionary War to today, with stories from every zip code in the country.

More information >>

National Veterans Wheelchair Games: Volunteers Needed

Wheelchair Games

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest adaptive sports and rehabilitation event designed exclusively for U.S. military Veterans with disabilities. They are currently looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming games.

Support Veteran athletes, make connections and be part of something unforgettable here in Minneapolis, July 17–22, 2025. For questions, email: [email protected].

 

Register to volunteer >>

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 >>

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 >>

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

 

More information >>

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—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

 

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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