Friday Digest: June 10

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Friday Digest: June 10, 2016

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This Week:


MACV - Upcoming Events

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans will be hosting the following events:


Salute to Women Veterans - Twin Cities, June 18

Free to all Minnesota Women who have served or are currently serving in the US Armed Forces, from all branches and eras!

Join us for a day of networking, workshops, benefits and resources!

  • Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Claim Representatives on site to assist and advise on filing VA claims
  • Area County Veteran Services Officers (CVSOs) on site
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs St. Paul Regional Office Women Veterans Coordinators on site, as well as Women Veteran Program Manager from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center Women Veterans Clinic
  • Holistic health practitioners on site to pamper you all day!
  • Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided

More Information >>


Minneapolis VA Medical Center to Host Veterans Town Hall, June 20

Veterans and stakeholders are invited to attend an open forum with leaders of the medical center, VBA Regional Office and Fort Snelling National Cemetery on June 20, 5-7 p.m., in the auditorium of the Minneapolis VA. The first hour will be devoted to health care; the second hour will focus on benefits and cemetery issues.

1 Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417


Military Appreciation Night at CHS Field, presented by USAA, July 5

The St. Paul Saints will be having Military Appreciation Night, presented by USAA, when they play the Joplin Blasters July 5 at CHS Field.

More Information >>


Monthly Native American Veterans Coffee & Treats Get Together, July 8

There is a monthly meeting for Native American Veterans from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

July 8
August 5

More Information >>


10th Annual Veterans Career Fair in Brooklyn Center, July 13

Veterans Career Fair Flyer

If you are a Veteran and looking for a job or are interested in exploring new careers or educational opportunities, come to the largest Veterans career fair in Minnesota with hundreds of Minnesota's best employers with current job openings.

Wednesday, July 13
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Earle Brown Heritage Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive
Brooklyn Center, MN

This no-cost event for job seekers brings together:

  • Employers, who can provide company information, speak with you about current job openings and interview you for open positions on site.
  • Service providers who can assist with your employment-related needs, as well as provide information and referrals to non-work related services for veterans.
  • Resource area staffed by HR professionals to assist with resume critique and job search advice.

All former and current members of the U.S. military are welcome.

If you need accommodations to participate in this event, please submit them by Friday, July 1.

If you have any questions, contact Christine Pribbernow at 651-259-7169 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

More Information >>


VA Announces Community Care Call Center to Help Veterans with Choice Program Billing Issues

Veterans can now work directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing.  A Community Care Call Center has been set up for Veterans experiencing adverse credit reporting or debt collection resulting from inappropriately billed Choice Program claims. Veterans experiencing these problems can call 1-877-881-7618 for assistance and press 1 at the prompt.


Combat Veterans Get Telephonic Health Care Application Option

Accelerates Enrollment of Combat Veterans; All Veterans to Get Option on July 5, 2016

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it has amended its enrollment regulations to allow Veterans to complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. The change is effective immediately for Combat Veterans and will be effective July 5, 2016, for all Veterans.

This phased implementation accelerates VA’s effort to enroll all Combat Veterans with pending applications as part of its ongoing Veterans Enrollment Rework Project. The VA is working to complete the review and rework of all pending health enrollment records for living and deceased Veterans this summer. Veterans can view the amended regulation on the Federal Register website.

“This improvement to our Veterans’ experience is one we can implement now, and it’s the right thing to do for Veterans,” said VA Deputy Secretary Sloan D. Gibson, “Enrolling all 31,000 Combat Veterans with pending applications is the top priority in our effort to fix our enrollment system. Our analysis of our current application process convinced me we could enroll Veterans more quickly using this method, particularly Combat Veterans and those who are transitioning from active duty to Veteran status,” Gibson said.

By adding this telephone application option to VA’s regulations, VA will now offer three ways to enroll.  This change provides Veterans an even more convenient way to apply for enrollment, in addition to the paper VA Form 10-10 EZ and online enrollment application process. With publication in the Federal Register today, Combat Veterans may now apply by phone. All other Veterans may apply by phone starting on July 5, 2016.

When Veterans choose to enroll, VA offers an enhancement to their enrollment experience through “Welcome to VA” (W2VA).  Veterans enrolled since July 1, 2015 have received a personal introduction to VA health care services, programs and resources to help them become more familiar with VA’s services. In addition, VA sends each new enrollee an introductory letter and personalized handbook in the mail. W2VA enhances communication by reaching out to newly enrolled Veterans through personal phone calls upon enrollment, providing assistance with health care inquiries and assisting with their initial appointment at their preferred VA healthcare facility.

For more information, Veterans can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-8440.


Learn, Work, Earn: A Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Project

Minnesota Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (MnAMP) colleges can offer Veterans:

Training for jobs in Machining, Mechatronics, and Welding

Start with a manufacturing core curriculum, which leads to career pathways and industry recognized credentials

Credit for Prior Learning

Earn college credits for military experience. Use the MnSCU VETS system to instantly identify credits.

Dual-Training & Apprenticeship Opportunities

  • Build on prior military service and work experience
  • Gain year-round employment while going to college
  • Master skills and earn wages with a company during training

Find your MnAMP college here

MnAMP Flyer