 The State of Minnesota Veterans Day program returned to in-person festivities this year. If you missed our program, a recorded version is now available online.
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Bemidji
Fergus Falls
Hastings
Minneapolis
Montevideo
Silver Bay
St. Paul
For over 10 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota?s heroes. Vietnam Veteran and volunteer host Tom Lyons shares these stories which are carried on 65 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota 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.
On this weekend?s show we?ll hear from the Minnesota National Guard?s newest Chaplain (Rabbi) Ricky Kamil, we?ll also hear from Valerie Klitzke ? MDVA?s Human Resources Director about hiring and working for MDVA. Lastly we?ll hear from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers.
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Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan this week announced cabinet vacancies and reappointments for their second term. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor thanked the entire Walz-Flanagan cabinet for their dedication and contribution to the lives of Minnesotans over the past four years.
Larry Herke has been reappointed as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
?I am so proud of all we have accomplished in the last four years to serve Minnesota?s 300,000 Veterans and their families,? Commissioner Herke said. ?From expanding the State Veterans Homes and State Veterans Cemeteries to decreasing Veteran homelessness and striving to prevent Veteran suicide, we have made a difference in the lives of those who have served.?
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South Central Beyond the Yellow Ribbon will be hosting a Chilifest to support local Veterans, servicemembers, and families at the Morson Ario Strand VFW Post 950 - Mankato.
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This year, November 19 (the Saturday before Thanksgiving every year) is designated by Congress as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day ? a day for those affected by suicide to come together for healing and support. Suicide leaves behind a tragic wake of grief and confusion, and because of the stigma around mental illness and suicide, it can be difficult for people to reach out for support or seek help to cope with their loss.? On this day we collectively acknowledge and honor survivors of suicide. It is through Suicide Postvention, that we provide hope for those struggling, a sense of belonging in the isolation of grief and a step toward recovery after significant and tragic loss. Suicide Postvention ? providing ongoing support for individuals and communities impacted by suicide, is prevention ? it reduces risk and promotes healing.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is hosting multiple events throughout MN (and nationally) in honor of Survivors. For details of events in Albert Lea, Red Wing, Rochester and St. Cloud, go to: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day | AFSP click on ?Find an event? and search for ?MN.?
CentraCare is also hosting an in person Supporting Survivors of Suicide event on Nov. 19. Information about the event and how to register is on their blog post: Supporting Survivors of Suicide (centracare.com).
Supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide, is part of prevention.
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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has updated their questionnaire on Veteran Employment. Please take a moment to answer the questionnaire so they can better understand how to?to best serve Veterans in finding a rewarding career.
Questionnaire >>
Our three new Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston have started accepting Resident applications.
We?ve worked to make the application process as easy as possible. Following are answers to the questions we?ve heard the most during our community visits.
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Common questions >>
The Veterans Crisis Line's new number?988 then Press 1?helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.
Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As part of the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number no later than July 16, 2022.
Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number?1-800-273-8255 and Press 1?by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America?s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country.
The 2022 Legislature passed and Governor Walz signed the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries.
The application period began on July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted by then.
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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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