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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: May 2, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Memorial Day Programs at State Veterans Cemeteries [ #link_17 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* May is Mental Health Month [ #link_8 ]
* Hopkins VFW Post 425 National Day of Service – Buckthorn Bust, May 3 [ #link_5 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, May 7 [ #link_16 ]
* Veterans Town Hall Meeting - Brainerd, May 13 [ #link_14 ]
* Native American Veteran Resource Fair, May 15 [ #link_3 ]
* 19th Annual Veterans Career Fair, May 21 [ #link_6 ]
* Bravo Zulu House Grand Opening, May 28 [ #link_15 ]
* Military Women's Memorial - Strive for 500 [ #link_2 ]
* National Veterans Wheelchair Games: Volunteers Needed [ #link_11 ]
* 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 May 6)

Fergus Falls

* Veterans Home Administrator [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 8)
* 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

* Assistant Finance Director [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 5)
* Licensed Practical Nurse [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 29)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline May 29)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 5)
* Cook [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 6)

Montevideo

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline May 13)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline May 12)

Preston

* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 14)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 14)
* Registered Nurse - Senior, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline May 7)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline May 7)

Memorial Day Programs at State Veterans Cemeteries

All of our State Veterans Cemeteries will be hosting Memorial Day Programs this Memorial Day weekend. All events will be held Sunday, May 25.


* Duluth [ [link removed] ]
* Little Falls [ [link removed] ]
* Preston [ [link removed] ]
* Redwood Falls [ [link removed] ]
memorial-day

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 learn about Limb Loss Awareness Month from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System [ [link removed] ], hear from M Health Fairview [ [link removed] ] on becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon [ [link removed] ] company and get and update from our Senior Enlisted Leader.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



May is Mental Health Month

Mental health is our ability to engage with our emotions, thoughts, interactions with others and the world around us. Mental health affects how we think, feel and act every day. Just like with our physical health, we can do things that make us mentally healthier and happier. When you feel mentally well, you’re more able to enjoy life and the people in it, feel better about yourself, keep up with fulfilling relationships and manage stress.

*Exploring your mental health will help you better understand what you need to support your mental wellbeing**.
*Mental health plays a big role in overall wellbeing. We all have tough days and weeks, and everyone manages their mental health every day. The best way to protect mental health is to pay attention to it even when you’re feeling ok or even good. Becoming more aware of what disrupts your mental health, will help you learn what actions, tools and resources may be useful to help you when you need it. There are many ways to take action – big and small – to improve mental health for yourself and for those around you. Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your mental well-being isn’t just self-care—it’s an investment in your future.

*Experiencing** poor mental health is not the same as having a mental health condition.
*A mental health condition, or mental illness, refers to a set of symptoms that have been identified by a health provider. People with mental health conditions experience change in emotions, thinking and/or behavior. For some, this means extreme and unexpected changes in mood, like feeling more sad or worried than usual. For others, it means not thinking clearly, pulling away from friends and activities you used to enjoy, or hearing voices that others do not. Mental illness is treatable; it is not always a permanent state of being.

*The opportunities and resources we have available in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and communities can help support our mental health and wellbeing.
*Mental health is about what we do as individuals, and how we are supported in our communities. For example, neighborhoods and organizations can provide resources that support your sense of belonging, connectedness and mental wellbeing. 

"Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. Learn more ""here" [ [link removed] ]". "

Hopkins VFW Post 425 National Day of Service – Buckthorn Bust, May 3

Join Veterans from Hopkins VFW Post 425 in their National Day of Service - Buckthorn Bust removing buckthorn in the Birch Island Woods Conservation Area.

This event is open to family, friends and neighbors! Buckthorn is an invasive species, that left to its own devices will prevent the growth of the next generation of native plants and trees in forests and woodland areas.

Where:
Birch Island Woods Conservation Area – Parking Lot
6410 Indian Chief Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55346

When: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon

The City of Eden Prairie will provide tools and supplies, but feel free to bring your own pruning saws, loppers and gloves that you may want to use. A brief review on how to identify buckthorn and instructions for cutting or pulling will be provided.

All participants must sign a Volunteer Waiver form which will be available at the event site. The event is open to ages 12+, with a parent/guardian signature on a waiver form for minors.
For more information or other ways, you can help, visit Friends of Eden Prairie Parks (FEPP): friendsofepparks.org [ [link removed] ].

Questions and RSVP to: Tommy Johnson (VFW Post 425 Representative) at: [email protected] or Jim Millin (FEPP Park Steward) at: [email protected].

RSVP is appreciated to ensure enough tools and supplies for everyone.

Mental Health First Aid Training, May 7

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.


* May 7
* June 25
* July 23

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Veterans Town Hall Meeting - Brainerd, May 13

A Veterans town hall meeting is scheduled on May 13, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Brainerd VA Clinic, located at 722 Northwest 7th St., in Brainerd.

The meeting is open to all Veterans served by the Brainerd VA Clinic and St. Cloud VA and provides Veterans the chance to hear from and have concerns addressed by St. Cloud VA officials.

Veterans can attend in-person, or virtually by joining the meeting on a computer or mobile device at [link removed]. Veterans may also call in (audio only) to listen to the meeting at 1-872-701-0185 and use access code 614 944 484#.

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 >> [ [link removed] ]



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 >> [ [link removed] ]



Bravo Zulu House Grand Opening, May 28

Bravo Zulu House

Bravo Zulu House will be a Veterans-only facility providing a nurturing, home-like setting where residents gain strength. The goal is to integrate formal therapies and counseling with dog therapy, hydroponic gardening and addressing the deep-seated wounds of war.

Join to celebrate their grand opening. This event is open to the public and is set to include special guests, a ribbon cutting ceremony and much more.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



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 >> [ [link removed] ]



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 >> [ [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] ]

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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