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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: Sept. 5, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month [ #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 ]
* Suicide Prevention Training: Question, Persuade, Refer, Sept. 25 [ #link_3 ]
* ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight, Sept. 27 [ #link_21 ]
* Be the One: Attend the 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day, Oct. 4 [ #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

* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 17)

Hastings

* Clinical Program Therapist [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 15)

Minneapolis

* Reimbursement Specialist [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 10)
* Housekeeper, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 8)
* Registered Nurse - Senior, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 11)

Montevideo

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Sept. 15)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 10)

Preston

* Housekeeper, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 9)

Silver Bay

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 26)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 11)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 11)

St. Paul

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



September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Learn the warning signs: Hope begins with awareness

We all have mental health and it’s as essential to a person’s life as physical health. Mental health [ [link removed] ] includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and shapes how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.  

It can be hard to tell if someone is thinking about suicide. However, there are some signs you can look for that may help you recognize if a person may be thinking about suicide. Warning signs can come up in conversations or through action and behavior changes. Most people who die by suicide have one or more warning signs. Think of warning signs as an invitation to help. 

What they might talk about:


* Wanting to die
* Feeling hopeless or helpless
* Having no purpose or reason to live
* Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
* Being a burden to others
* Suicide

What they might do, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:


* Looking for a way to end their life
* Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
* Changes in sleep like sleeping too little or too much
* Giving away possessions
* Withdrawing from activities

What behavior changes they may show:


* Extreme mood swings
* Uncontrolled anger or talking about seeking revenge
* Anxiety or agitation
* Reckless behavior

How can you help someone who is struggling?


* Learn more about mental health and wellbeing.
* Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness  [ [link removed] ]
* MDH Mental Health Promotion [ [link removed] ]: Public health core values and beliefs about and descriptions of mental health and wellbeing.

* Learn how to talk about mental health and suicide and identify and support individuals who are struggling or having suicidal experiences. 
* Suicide Prevention Trainings [ [link removed] ] 
* National Alliance on Mental Illness MN All Currently Scheduled Classes [ [link removed] ]  
* Seize the Awkward [ [link removed] ] 
* Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [ [link removed]): ]


* Be conscious of language when talking about mental health and suicide. 
* Safe Messaging around Mental Health and Suicide [ [link removed] ] 

* Learn about and promote resources available in Minnesota.
* 211 United Way (211unitedway.org) [ [link removed] ]
* 988 Lifeline (988lifeline.org) [ [link removed] ]
* MN DHS Mobile Crisis Mental Health Services  [ [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] ]

Suicide Prevention Training: Question, Persuade, Refer, Sept. 25

QPR suicide prevention training, also known as gatekeeper training, teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

qpr training

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

Be the One: Attend the 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day, Oct. 4

Increasing the focus on Veteran mental health and wellness can help to reduce the risk of suicide. And we all have a role to play and can “be the one.”  

The 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall, MN.

We can all make a difference. This event is a time to come together in remembrance of Minnesota Veterans lost to suicide. We honor them by raising awareness and helping to save lives.

The purpose of our annual event is to bring communities together to honor Veterans we have lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. Our goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities to encourage Veteran mental health and wellness as we strive to reduce Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.

This annual program always includes sharing of impactful stories and experiences from speakers who have family or personal experience with Veteran suicide or mental health struggles, as well as highlighting mental health and wellness resources for support, and messages of encouragement from Veteran organizations, community leaders and elected officials. The connections and camaraderie during the social hour are equally impactful for many.

 

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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