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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: August 29, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* The First American Shots in WWII and the Final Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay, Sept. 2 [ #link_8 ]
* Hopkins VFW Post 425 National Day of Service Fall Follow-Up – Buckthorn Bust, Sept. 6 [ #link_15 ]
* Bands for the Brave - Stillwater, Sept. 6 [ #link_17 ]
* MACV Stand Down - Fargo/Moorhead, Sept. 11 [ #link_11 ]
* Freedom Fest - Hastings, Sept. 13 [ #link_18 ]
* Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Sept. 16 [ #link_2 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, Sept. 18 [ #link_16 ]
* Be the One: Suicide Prevention Training, Sept. 22 [ #link_20 ]
* ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight, Sept. 27 [ #link_21 ]
* 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 Sept. 2)
* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 2)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 2)

Fergus Falls

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

Hastings

* Delivery Van Driver/Groundskeeper [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 4)

Luverne

* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 29)

Minneapolis

* Driver [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 29)
* General Maintenance Worker [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 2)
* General Maintenance Worker - Lead [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 2)

Montevideo

* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 3)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Sept. 2)

Preston

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Aug. 29)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 2)
* Health Information Specialist [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 29)
* Housekeeper, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 9)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Aug. 29)

Silver Bay

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 26)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 4)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 4)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 3)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 4)

St. Paul

* Director of Memorial Affairs [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 8)
* Deputy General Council [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 15)

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] ]



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] ]



Hopkins VFW Post 425 National Day of Service Fall Follow-Up – Buckthorn Bust, Sept. 6

Join Veterans from Hopkins VFW Post 425 in their Fall Follow-Up of last May’s National Day of Service. They'll be cleaning up new growth and expanding the Buckthorn Bust area 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.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Bands for the Brave - 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 Stand Down - 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 enrollment.

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] ]



Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Sept. 16

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.

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Mental Health First Aid Training, Sept. 18

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.


* Sept.18

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Be the One: Suicide Prevention Training, Sept. 22

As part of The American Legion Be the One mission to end Veteran suicide, the American Legion has joined forces with Columbia University to develop free, 90-minute online training for those who want to learn more about interacting and responding with Veterans who may be in crisis.

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight, Sept. 27

Join Every Third Sunday (ETS) at Viking Lakes on Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. for the ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight — an event dedicated to raising awareness around Veteran suicide and supporting those who’ve served.

The 2.3-mile route around the lakes serves as a symbolic reminder of the 23 Veterans lost to suicide every day. But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about hope. It’s about community. It’s about showing up for the Veterans who need us.

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

ETS Walk Flyer

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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