Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

MDVA

Friday Digest: December 16, 2022

This week:

Work at MDVA

Bemidji

Fergus Falls

Hastings

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Preston

Redwood Falls

Silver Bay

St. Paul

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

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 weekend is the annual Commanders? Task Force Holiday Show. We?ll hear from the American Legion ? Department of Minnesota, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of Minnesota.

?

More Information >>

Wreaths at the State Veterans Cemeteries, Dec. 17

Holiday Wreaths

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.

?

More Information >>

How to Cope With Holiday Stress

Holiday Stress

?

From Health.mil >>>

Jewish War Veterans Art Exhibition, through Dec. 30

Defending Democracy flyer

A unique, artistic showcase of Jewish War Veterans' constitutional themes on democracy, fighting oppression and creating justice (tzedakah).

Explore the artwork, hear speakers from Jewish War Veterans, and view a video presentation of various Veterans sharing their stories.

Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans is the oldest active national Veterans' service organization in the USA.

Artwork will be on display through Dec. 30 at the Minnesota JCC CAPP Center in St. Paul

1375 St Paul Ave.
St Paul, MN 55116.

?

More Information >>

MDVA Promoting Free Gun Locks via PSAs

Gun Locks

MDVA has begun 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.

?

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 assumes (or ?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 >>

DEED Veterans Employment Questionnaire

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 >>

Silver Bay Job Fair, Dec. 21

Silver Bay Job Fair

Give yourself the best gift of all: a new career you love with a great employer! The Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is looking for talented, compassionate staff members who want to serve those who have served.

Stop by our job fair on Wednesday, Dec. 21 any time between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. This special event is being held at the Silver Bay Public Library, located at 9 Davis Drive.

?

More Information >>

New Homes Resident Admission Applications Now Being Accepted

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.

?

Common Questions >>

988 - VeteransCrisisLine.net

Veterans Crisis Line

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.

Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus

Holiday Service Bonus

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.

?

More Information >>

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.


This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs ? Veterans Service Building, 2nd Floor ? 20 West 12th Street?? Saint Paul, MN 55155-2006 ? 651-296-2562 GovDelivery logo