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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: Nov. 14, 2025

This week:

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 to be contacted about available opportunities.

Bemidji

Fergus Falls

Hastings

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Preston

Silver Bay

St. Paul

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 >>

U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Event Nov. 15

Marines 250 Flyer

In partnership with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF), the Marine Corps League Department of Minnesota will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 15 with a ceremonial cake-cutting event.

To be held at the Veterans Service Building on the State Capitol grounds, the cake-cutting ceremony upholds a proud Marine Corps tradition — a symbolic renewal of each Marine’s enduring commitment to the Corps, honored each year with reverence and pride.

 

More information >>

MPLS VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Nov. 18

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 >>

MPLS VA Veterans Career and Resource Fair, Nov. 19

Veterans and their family members are invited to explore employment and career opportunities with 20+ local employers. Veterans not yet enrolled for VA health care can apply at this time. Just bring a copy of your DD-214 to start the process.

 

More information >>

MPLS VA Career Fair flyer

MN Zoo: Honoring Those Who Serve

MN Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo extends its deepest gratitude to all who have served in the United States armed forces and the military family members who support them.

In appreciation of Veterans, current military personnel, and military families, the Minnesota Zoo is offering free admission the entire month of November to Veterans and active military personnel. Immediate family members (up to 6 people total) will receive 50% off admission. Does not include parking. Free parking will be extended on Nov 11.

* Must get tickets online with link provided below prior to arrival and provide Military ID upon entering Zoo.

* Not valid with other discounts, special offers, or group programs. Valid during regular Zoo hours, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27.

 

The Great American Smokeout, Nov. 20

Great American Smokeout

In observation of the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 20, the Federal VA reminds Veterans to “Quit Like a Pro” when trying to stop smoking. The Federal VA offers a variety of treatment options⁠—including prescription medications, nicotine replacement therapy, and tobacco use cessation counseling⁠—to Veterans who want to stop smoking.

 

More information >>

Metro State Cyber4Heroes Program

C4H Flyer

Metro State University’s Cyber4Heroes program delivers intensive, online cybersecurity training designed to prepare participants for high-demand roles within the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). Through two specialized pathways — Software/Cloud Architect and Security Architect — participants gain up to seven industry-recognized certifications and become eligible for 18 mission-critical DCWF roles. The program builds expertise across IT, cybersecurity, cloud operations, cyber defense, vulnerability assessment, and enterprise security leadership.

Training is delivered in an asynchronous online format, allowing participants to balance learning with personal and professional commitments. Participants receive mentorship, free exam vouchers, career skills workshops, and job placement assistance, ensuring they are workforce-ready at graduation. Offered at no cost to selected military personnel, transitioning first responders, and veterans, Cyber4Heroes develops a well-rounded and highly skilled cyber workforce ready to operate, defend, and lead across the DoD cyber enterprise.

 

More information >>

Legion Post 39 Collecting Winter Coats for Veterans

Post 39 Legion Riders and Squadron 39 of the Sons of the American Legion will team up to collect serviceable winter coats for Veterans. The coat drive will run from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30.

Coats can be brought to Legion Post 39 in North St. Paul. A drop-off box will be located near the stage in the Post bar. Both men’s and women’s winter coats are needed.

Once collected, the coats will be cleaned and then distributed through the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).

 

More information >>

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 >>

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 >>

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

 

More information >>

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.

 

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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