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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.
Coming up this week we learn about the Support Our Troops License Plates program from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, discuss Veterans Mental Health with a clinical psychologist from the Primary Behavioral Health Clinic, Inc. and get an update from the MN Patriot Guard.
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Starting Monday, December 5, MDVA will be airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on Twin Cities FOX 9 TV to encourage gun owners to lock their weapons with a gun lock to help prevent Veteran suicide. The 30-second ads will run through January 1.
According to the?U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life.
To reduce these preventable tragedies, MDVA is offering free gun locks. To request a gun lock, please email?[email protected]?with your name and address. This information will not be shared; requests are confidential.
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Reducing access to medications and firearms can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies.
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to die by suicide.
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A brief remembrance event will be at the Central Flagpole at the entrance to Fort Snelling National Cemetery and start promptly at 8:30 a.m.
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The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum will host a virtual discussion for a statewide audience, via Zoom, at 7 p.m. Register here (required) for this free, online offering.
The National Anthem will be performed by Jessica Lewellen and invocation will be provided by Chaplain Keith Beckwith.
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While our Cemeteries welcome loved ones, friends, Veterans and community members throughout the year, the December holiday season brings a significant increase in visitors to our sites.
The State Veterans Cemeteries will be laying holiday wreaths on all headstones. Public events - which are returning following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic - are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17. They begin at 11 a.m. with a brief ceremony and will be followed by attendees placing individual wreaths on gravesites.
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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.
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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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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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This holiday season could be even more merry and bright for some Minnesota Veterans!
Minnesota Veterans who served sometime between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021 may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 17,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses totaling $18.5 million in recognition of their service.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $25 million in bonuses. As of late November, $18.5 million has been awarded. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone. And may enjoy some extra cash this holiday season!
To apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus.
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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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