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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: August 15, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* VREC Shindig - St. Cloud, Aug. 16 [ #link_15 ]
* Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Aug. 19 [ #link_2 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, Aug. 19 [ #link_16 ]
* Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 26 [ #link_3 ]
* The First American Shots in WWII and the Final Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay, Sept. 2 [ #link_8 ]
* Federal VA Office of Suicide Prevention - Casting Military Veterans for Paid Photography Project [ #link_14 ]
* Bands for the Brace - Stillwater, Sept. 6 [ #link_17 ]
* MACV Standown - Fargo/Moorhead, Sept. 11 [ #link_11 ]
* Freedom Fest - Hastings, Sept. 13 [ #link_18 ]
* Disaster Relief Grant Available to Beltrami County Veterans [ #link_6 ]
* Military Women's Memorial - Strive for 500 [ #link_5 ]
* 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

* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 18)
* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 18)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 27)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Aug. 27)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 27)
* Homemaker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 27)
* Registered Nurse - Unit Manager [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 27)

Fergus Falls

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 29)

Luverne

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Aug. 15)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 29)

Minneapolis

* Safety & Health Officer 2 [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 22)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 20)
* Labor Relations & Compliance Consultant [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 15)
* Registered Nurse - Senior, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 20)

Montevideo

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 27)
* Activities Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 27)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 22)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 27)

Preston

* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 18)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Aug. 18)

Silver Bay

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 29)

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

For over 15 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 67 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota, and broadcasted nationally on the Wreaths Across America Radio Network, 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.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



VREC Shindig - St. Cloud, Aug. 16

VREC Flyer

Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center (VREC) will host its 4th Annual Shindig Aug. 16. It is a community-driven event designed to honor and celebrate the artistic expressions of Veterans.

By creating an inclusive and engaging space, this event aims to bridge the gap between Veterans and the local community, fostering a deeper understanding, awareness, and appreciation of their experiences through art.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Aug. 19

Food insecurity knows no boundaries – impacting all walks of life, including those who have served our Nation. There’s a new effort to make sure our heroes have food to eat.

The Minnesota Veterans Food Pantry serves as a key fundraising platform of the Minneapolis VA’s pop-up food pantry, which occurs every third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m - 2 p.m.

Those in need will receive a food box that includes shelf stable items (boxed meals/canned items), frozen items (meat/fish), and fresh items (fruits/vegetables).

Staff members are also on site to connect Veterans with other resources available through the VA.


* Aug. 19
* Sept. 16

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Mental Health First Aid Training, Aug. 19

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 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


* Aug. 19
* Sept.18

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 26

Event Flyer

Discounted admission prices at the entrance gates for active military, their spouses and kids; retired military and their spouses; and military Veterans and their spouses ($15). Deals on merchandise and food for all fair guests. All-day discounts offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games.

Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair is looking to honor the generational service of Military Families. They are looking for families with at least one currently serving member, and one or more Veterans within the family who are interested in joining for a special event. Families will receive complimentary entry tickets for their participation.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



The First American Shots in WWII and the Final Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay, Sept. 2

VJ Day

On the 80th anniversary of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, Minnesotans are invited to a powerful dual commemoration honoring both the beginning and the end of American involvement in World War II.

At 11 a.m., the historic USS Ward gun—fired by St. Paul-based Naval Reservists in the first American engagement of WWII—will be ceremonially removed from its longtime home outside the Veterans Service Building. The artifact will be professionally restored and relocated to its new permanent home at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley.

Immediately following, at 11:45 a.m., the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum will host a V-J Day Commemoration Ceremony recognizing the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. The USS Saint Paul, named for Minnesota’s capital city, was present in Tokyo Bay during those surrender ceremonies—bringing this full-circle story back home.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Federal VA Office of Suicide Prevention - Casting Military Veterans for Paid Photography Project

Photo Recruitment Flyer

Those chosen to participate will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. Attendance is required to receive compensation.

All photoshoot locations will be local to Minneapolis, MN.

Shoot dates will be Saturday Oct. 4, Sunday Oct. 5, and Monday Oct. 6 in the morning, early, and mid afternoon.

Sessions will be 3 hours long. We will follow up with more details if you appear to meet requirements.

To be considered, fill out the provided survey by Monday, Aug. 25

For any questions, please email Melissa Meerdter at [email protected].

All photoshoots will be coordinated with VA Office of Suicide Prevention.

 

Fill out the survey here >> [ [link removed] ]

 



Bands for the Brace - Stillwater, Sept. 6

Bands for the Brave flyer

Bands for the Brave is a movement to honor and support our nation’s heroes. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Canteen One, which covers all event expenses—100% of the funds raised go directly to 1st HOOAH MN to support Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



MACV Standown - Fargo/Moorhead, Sept. 11

Veterans are invited to the Community Veteran Stand Down event in downtown Fargo. This event will focus on providing education about the PACT Act, healthcare for homeless Veterans, and VA enrolment.

The Stand Down will begin at 10 a.m., and will feature live music, and a free meal from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with the event closing at 2 p.m.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

 

Stand Down flyer

Freedom Fest - Hastings, Sept. 13

Freedom Fest

The first-ever concert at United Heroes League’s brand-new outdoor venue — a one-of-a-kind space that transforms from an ice rink in winter to a concert venue in summer!

Join for an unforgettable night of live music, food, fun, and community — all to support military families.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Disaster Relief Grant Available to Beltrami County Veterans

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.

To begin the grant application process, Veterans should contact the Beltrami County Veterans Service Officer Shane Gustafson at [email protected] or 218-333-4178 or Assistant Beltrami County Veterans Service Officer Luke Wilkowski at [email protected] or 218-333-4177. 

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Military Women's Memorial - Strive for 500

Womens Veteran Memorial

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] ]



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 can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line 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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