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Minnesota Veteran Banner [ www.minnesotaveteran.org ]


Desk of the Commissioner - July

Brad NEW

During the off-season of the Minnesota Legislature, State agencies continue the work of implementing the accomplishments from the last session while already planning for the 2026 session. This next session will be the second year of the two-year biennium and is traditionally the session that is focused on policy and “bonding” or capital investment. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is grateful to the Governor and the Minnesota Legislature for allocating $7.5 million for asset preservation for our Veterans Homes and Cemeteries in the 2025 Bonding bill; however, we will be seeking additional funding for more projects next year.

 

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Disaster Relief Grant Available to Beltrami County Veterans

Disaster Relief

Minnesota Veterans living in Beltrami County who were impacted by late June storms may apply for a Disaster Relief Grant through the State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).

On July 8, 2025, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 25-07 “Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and to Provide Storm Recovery Assistance in Beltrami County.” This Executive Order authorizes MDVA to provide direct financial assistance to Veterans and their families facing unexpected hardships due to natural disasters. Assistance may include help with housing, utilities and other essential needs, as determined by MDVA. 

Grant amounts will be up to $500 and are payable either directly to a vendor or contractor or a Veteran can be reimbursed for allowable expenses. Applications will be accepted until authorized funding is exhausted or by September 5, 2025, whichever occurs first. 

 

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Rolling with Purpose: Veterans Defy Limits and Break Barriers at the National Wheelchair Games

Joe DIaz practicing air rifle

More than 600 athletes from across the United States are gathering in the Twin Cities from July 17 to 22 to compete in the 44th National Veteran Wheelchair Games, the nation’s largest adaptive sports and rehabilitation event for Veterans with disabilities. This is the second time around for host state Minnesota after having first welcomed the event in 2005.

Open to U.S. Veterans living with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis or other central neurological conditions that necessitate a wheelchair for sports, the Games draw participants from every generation of conflict—from World War II to the post-9/11 era. More than 20 individual and team sports categories are supported by nearly 3,000 volunteers.

 

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DAV of MN Recognizes 100 Years of History in Time Capsule

DAV

Congratulations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Minnesota on 100 years of service and advocacy! The organization marked this milestone with an historic centennial time capsule sealing ceremony on July 1.

Held just days before Independence Day, the ceremony offered a powerful reminder of the generations of Minnesotans who’ve worn the uniform – and the enduring community that supports them. Since its chartering on July 1, 1925, DAV of Minnesota has been at the forefront of championing Veterans’ rights, providing essential services, and fostering a community of support for those who have served. The event included the sealing of a cedar-lined time capsule containing artifacts representing a century of impact, commitment, and advocacy for Minnesota’s Veterans and their families.

 

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80 Years Later: The WWII Sinking of the USS Indianapolis as Told by Survivors Comes Alive in an Audio Documentary

USS Indianapolis

On July 30, 2025, the nation will mark the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis—an event that is considered the worst sea disaster in U.S. naval history. A new audio documentary, The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Atomic Bomb: The Price Paid for Liberty, brings this harrowing chapter of World War II to life through the voices of four survivors and one historian.

Produced by Minnesota-based audio storyteller Ron Duffy, the one-hour podcast has been in development for over 20 years. Duffy began the project in 2005 after being introduced to two Minnesota men who had served aboard the Indianapolis. Duffy later interviewed two additional survivors, capturing firsthand accounts of the ship’s final mission, its catastrophic sinking, and the agonizing days that followed.

 

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Introducing our Veterans Homes ‘Brand Ambassadors,’ Part Three: Preston

Preston Brand Ambassadors

In the June edition of Minnesota Veteran, we introduced our Brand Ambassador (BA) program representatives with a focus on one of our newest Veterans Homes’ markets: Montevideo. This month, we introduce individuals from another of our newest Veterans Home locations: Preston.

As part of our current employee recruitment marketing campaign, Preston 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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Recognizing Disabilities Helps Remove Barriers

Each July the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) honors Disability Pride Month which marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on July 26, 1990. ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability and provides equal access and opportunity in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunication services.

In Minnesota, 12% of the population - nearly 668,000 people - identify as individuals with disabilities. Across the United States one in four adults - more than 70 million people - have a disability.

Historically, Veterans have been at the forefront of removing barriers for people who have disabilities. Time and again Veterans injured and wounded during wartime were essential to advancing awareness and advocacy for all who have disabilities. Veteran groups were instrumental in the passage of the ADA more than three decades ago. MDVA continues that tradition by focusing on serving those who have disabilities, whether it be physical or mental.

 

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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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