Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Minnesota Veteran - October

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Desk of the Commissioner - October

As I prepare my column for this month’s newsletter, I am reminded of a comment from a former out-of-state colleague who commented that a number of his staff here in Minnesota would work all hours during the legislative session, yet when summer came around they would literally seem to disappear. Then, as the fall weather arrived they would miraculously reappear. On the topic of weather, a trivia point related to Minnesota’s weather was an interesting study that concluded that those who lived in cold-weather climates year-round lived longer. It was due to the cold weather keeping our bodies physically active due to shivering.

New Housing Opens for Homeless Veterans

The new, 100-apartment complex reserved for homeless Veterans opened its doors Wednesday, September 20 after almost a decade of planning the $14.3 million project. Veterans East is located near the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

The homes were named Richard A. Brustad Homes, in honor of Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) Founder Brustad, who made this affordable housing possible. CHDC developed the project with funding from UnitedHealth Group, who invested $5.2 million and Minnesota Housing, who contributed $7.7 million in deferred loans.

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick

THE VIETNAM WAR is a ten-part, 18-hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick which debuted on PBS September 17. The series will re-air on Tuesdays starting October 10. The Vietnam War on Twin Cities PBS is a cornerstone of multifaceted programming and events that examines our nation and region’s relationship with Vietnam.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs would like to thank Minnesota's Vietnam Veterans for their service to our state and nation, and help you take the first steps in connecting you with the benefits you have earned. For more information click here.

Save the Date - State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event

The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Ceremony will take place Saturday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights.

More information >>

Veterans Day Event Submissions

In recognition of Veterans Day on Saturday Nov. 11, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is compiling a list of Veterans Day events around the state. Community organizers statewide are encouraged to submit event information to MDVA by Oct. 31 to be included on our website, social media, and distributed to media throughout Minnesota.

Submit your community event online >>

Minneapolis Veterans Home Partners with St. Catherine University

Last month the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced a new partnership between the Minneapolis Veterans Home (MVH) and St. Catherine University. Students from the University’s Henrietta Schmoll School of Health began work in the Home’s 24-hour skilled nursing facility to gain hands-on experience and awareness of Veteran’s healthcare issues, while learning more about future employment at MVH and caring for Minnesota Veterans.