With summertime finally underway, many Minnesotans are enjoying the warmer temperatures and outdoor activities longed for during our extended winter season.

And while summer certainly brings the fun of picnics, beaches and water sports, it also informally begins with one of several holidays that commemorate the military service of Veterans and the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifices.

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Each June we honor the contribution and sacrifices of women who served in the military. June 12 is Women Veterans Recognition Day and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. This act allowed women to serve as permanent members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

To celebrate the women Veterans working at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), we reached out to several employees about the significance of Women Veterans Recognition Day and how they continue to support women Veterans.

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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.

The Military Women’s Memorial Register is a one-of-a-kind interactive database that records and preserves the names, service information, photographs and memorable experiences of each registered servicewoman. The Register records and preserves the history of the powerful women who have defended this country—both past and present. There are stories from the Revolutionary War to today, with stories from every zip code in the country.

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Suicide attempts. Drug addiction. Legal issues. Job protection. Getting help.

These topics and more are shared in a new series of interviews with Veterans who want to help other Veterans by telling their stories. Stories of challenges. Stories of struggles. Stories of overcoming adversity. Stories of success.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) produced these 90-second interviews in partnership with Ampers, a radio network representing 17 outstate and diverse community radio stations. The spots will air on the Ampers network throughout the summer.

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In the April edition of Minnesota Veteran, we introduced our Brand Ambassador (BA) program representatives with a focus on one of our newest Homes markets, Bemidji. This month, we introduce our Montevideo Veterans Home Brand Ambassadors.

Through our current employee recruitment campaigns, BAs share with their local community—and potential staff—the purpose they feel serving those who served and talk about what makes Minnesota Veterans Homes workplaces of choice.

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Kris Weidert goes above and beyond for Veterans – according to just about anyone who knows her. In particular, she was recently honored by her union, AFSCME Local 2225 (Council 5), with the Never Quit Service Award!

Kris is a Therapy Human Services Technician (HST) at Minnesota Veterans Homes-Luverne.

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Appreciating the world around us and striving to be good stewards of our resources is a year-round activity. This spring, however, Veterans Homes’ Residents and employees throughout the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) focused on Earth Week in April to bring improving our environment front and center.

Earth Day was April 22 and MDVA celebrated with activities, challenges and educational opportunities!

Here is a snapshot of what we learned and how we took action to support our planet at Minnesota Veterans Homes locations around the state.

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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was proud to host Minnesota Veterans Homes Week from May 11-17. This annual event honors our dedicated staff who care for Veteran Residents and their families as well as one another.

In 2025, our theme was Legacy of Service and our eight Veterans Homes—in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay—hosted a week of celebratory activities to create a joyful environment focused on saying “thank you” to team members who work 24/7/365 to serve those who have served our nation.

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Dr. Sean Ercan-Fang, MD, joined the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Division as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) last month.

Dr. Sean Ercan-Fang most recently practiced at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System serving as a Staff Physician in the Extended Care and Rehabilitation Department. At the Minneapolis VA, he has also held positions of Medical Director for the Community Living, Extended Care and Rehabilitation Department; Geriatrics Services Chief for the VA Contract Nursing Home, Home Based Primary Care and Adult Day Home Care programs; and Physician Liaison for the State Nursing Homes Programs, Home and Community Care Department.

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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.