The great Minnesota get-together is almost here, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will be there.

Our state is home to more than 286,000 Veterans and thousands more family members. The Minnesota State Fair provides an opportunity to connect with many of you.

Through your military service, Minnesota Veterans have earned many federal and state benefits. Sometimes, the only benefit used by a Veteran is their right to be interred at a Veterans Cemetery. MDVA strives to inform and educate all Minnesota Veterans and their families about the many programs and services at their disposal.

The State Fair is paying special recognition to members of the military and Veterans on Tuesday, August 26, State Fair Military Appreciation Day

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The theme for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day is “Future Face of the Force.” This is an opportunity to honor both those who are serving/have served and their families.

The Minnesota National Guard is seeking to highlight and honor Minnesota military families who represent the strength and continuity of service across generations. Military Appreciation Day is an opportunity to educate fairgoers about Minnesota’s military community and honor those who serve – and have served – in the U.S. Armed Forces.

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Mid-August in Minnesota means planning for the State Fair, squeezing the last weeks of summer fun out of your favorite lake, and thinking about what you and your family need for back-to-school season. However, Minnesota Veterans know they’ve got their own checklist for taking advantage of the educational opportunities they’ve earned because of their service.

Jim Miller, Director of Veterans Education and Occupational Resources at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shares three things Veterans should be thinking about if they’re heading back to school.

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Building Strong Communities (BSC) offers Veterans a career path into the construction industry. Each year, BSC delivers a free comprehensive 12-week program from February to May immersing participants in experiences designed to prepare them for entry into the construction industry and registered apprenticeships. More than 160 participants have already been placed in 21 trades.

This program welcomes participants from all backgrounds, including those seeking a career change. Participants undergo rigorous training through a multi-craft curriculum that covers safety, trade introductions, hands-on skills, mentorship, job coaching, construction tours and contractor interviews. Additionally, BSC provides each participant with work boots, protective equipment and starter tools to support their transition into the workforce. Ongoing program support is provided to assist with job placement efforts.

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Each year we honor Aug. 15 as Victory Over Japan Day, or V-J Day. The unconditional surrender of Imperial Japan in 1945 meant the effective end to World War II. Why are Minnesotans particularly connected to the end of the War of the Pacific? Because - quite literally - Minnesotans fired the very first shots of America’s involvement in WWII.

The USS Ward was a Navy destroyer with a crew who were primarily made up of Naval reservists from the St. Paul area. The ship was on patrol in Pearl Harbor on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. Crew members observed a periscope and - using their Number Three Gun - fired the shot that hit and sank the submarine. They had the first confirmed kill of a Japanese submarine - and consequently the very first shots fired of the war. Hours later, Japanese aircraft infamously began their secret attack that devastated the American Pacific Fleet and in turn quickly brought the full force of the United States into the war.

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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.