Friday Digest: May 11

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Friday Digest: May 11, 2018

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This Week:


Memorial Day Events

American flag folded on a headstone

In remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting event submissions for our list of Memorial Day events taking place across the state.

 

View our list of events >>

Submit an event >>


MACV Events

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


Air Force Fly-Over for Lt. Niemann Memorial, May 12

The United States Air Force has agreed to conduct a fly-over as an aerial salute to Lt. Robert Niemann of New Ulm, MN. 1st Lt. Niemann in his F-86 fighter aircraft was shot down over North Korea on April 12, 1953. He remains reported as Missing in Action. A day of memorial tributes is planned for May 12, 2018. There will be a ceremony in the Soldiers Rest section of the New Ulm City Cemetery beginning at 9 a.m., with a special exhibit to follow at the Brown County Museum at 1 p.m.

A fly-over, sometimes called a “missing man formation,” is a memorial in memory of a fallen pilot. Two aircraft fly in formation with the flight leader at the point and his wingman on his right. As the formation flies over the ceremony low enough to be clearly seen, one of the aircraft abruptly pulls up out of the formation while the other continues in level flight until both aircraft are out of sight. The aircraft performing the pull-up is honoring the person who is missing, and it represents their departure.

This salute will be performed by two F-16 fighter aircraft from the 148th Fighter Wing, 179th Fighter Squadron, Duluth, MN. The fly-over is scheduled for 10 a.m. The direction of flight, and altitude will be determined that day.

For more information contact Greg Peterson, Brown County Veterans Service Officer, at (507) 233-6636 or greg.peterson@co.brown.mn.us.


VA Clinics to Hold Open House Events, May 15 & 16

On May 15, the Hibbing VA Clinic, located at 990 West 41st Street Suite 5, Hibbing, MN 55746,will host an event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with refreshments.

On May 16, the Ely VA Clinic, located at 720 Miners Drive East, Ely, MN 55731, will host an event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with refreshments.

Veterans and the public are invited to stop by.

Contact for more information: Ralph Heussner, Public Affairs Officer, (612) 467-3012 or ralph.heussner@va.gov.


Work at MDVA

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is looking for individuals across the state interested in joining a team that is committed to helping serve Minnesota Veterans and their families. Whether you are a Veteran, family member, or an individual who wants to show your support for our nation’s heroes, we are confident you will find a career path that is diverse, team-oriented and focused on making a real difference. Some of our current job openings:

Fergus Falls

      Luverne

            Minneapolis

            Silver Bay


                Armed Forces Day - Free Tours for Veterans of Historic Fort Snelling, May 19

                Special opportunity for Veterans’ groups! Bring your group to Historic Fort Snelling for a free 45-minute, step-on bus tour highlighting many of the important military events that took place there.

                The tour will be followed by refreshments and conversation about the upcoming revitalization of this important historic site in 2020.

                More Information >>


                Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs, May 19

                Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs

                Looking for momentum to start or build your small business? All Women Veterans (and spouses of Veterans) are invited to join this free 1-day workshop jam-packed with the resources you need to grow your business. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions and help you take that next step.

                 

                More Information >>


                St. Paul Saints - Military Appreciations Night, May 23

                The St. Paul Saints will be having a Military Appreciation Night Wednesday, May 23, at 7:05 p.m. presented by USAA.

                This offer is good for up to six complimentary tickets!

                 

                More Information >>

                St. Paul Saints Military Appreciation Night

                Marine Corps Painting Dedication and Unveiling at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, May 26

                On Saturday, May 26th at 2:30 p.m., the public dedication and unveiling of the Marine Corps painting, the fourth of five 8 X 10 ft. paintings comprising the Veterans Historic Art Monument, installed at the Committal Hall at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. This painting joins three previously completed ones, Army (2011), Navy (2014) and Coast Guard (2016); each depicts the history of, and contributions by our nation’s military men and women. All are painted by Minnesota artist Charles Gilbert Kapsner.

                More Information >>


                Aspen Dental Day of Service, June 9

                Participating Aspen Dental practices will be providing Veterans with free dental care during their 2018 Day of Service, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 9.

                 

                More Information >>

                Aspen Dental Flyer

                Veterans Job Fair, June 27

                Veterans Job Fair

                There will be a Veterans Job Fair at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center June 27.

                 

                More Information >>


                The Wall That Heals, Volunteers Groups Needed

                Twin Cities PBS – TPT and Minnesota Remembers Vietnam are hosting The Wall That Heals Thursday, June 21 through Sunday, June 24 on the grounds of the State Capitol.

                This brand-new version of the Wall is a traveling, 3/4–scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Since its original dedication in 1996, The Wall has been displayed in nearly 600 communities throughout the nation. We are excited to bring our own community together one last time to remember, honor, understand, and heal.

                The Wall is free and open to the public and will be open 24 hours a day, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 21 and ending in the mid-afternoon on Sunday, June 24. In addition to the Wall itself, there will be programming throughout the weekend. (For a list of scheduled events, visit MNVietnam.org/wall.)

                Volunteers Needed!

                TPT wants to offer your Veterans group the chance to be a part of this amazing event! As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to experience The Wall while giving back and serving the community. Duties may include but are not limited to: greeting and welcoming guests, assisting visitors in locating names on the Wall, helping complete rubbings of engraved names, giving directions, answering questions, and providing informational material to visitors.

                In order to qualify as a group, you must be able to register a minimum of 6 people, at least 15 years in age, for at least one of the same shift. You can fill out a group application here. (Please note: this link is for group sign ups only; individual signups will be available at a later date and sent out via the Minnesota Remembers Vietnam e-news.)

                Shifts 

                Shifts are available in 4-hour blocks. Your group is welcome sign up for multiple blocks. T-shirts will be provided for you, as well as a private volunteer area with water, snacks, and a dedicated space to reflect. There is not a designated volunteer parking lot, but there are several lots and parking areas nearby. The Capitol grounds are also easily accessible by Metro Transit. 

                Training

                Training will take place on Wednesday, June 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and will last approximately 2 hours. Please make every reasonable effort to attend as it will not only make your volunteering experience much more enjoyable, but there are also forms and waivers that MUST be filled out prior to your volunteering.  

                Accessibility  

                If you have mobility/accessibility concerns (or any other questions) about volunteering, please contact Samantha Grangaard, Volunteer Coordinator, at sgrangaard@tpt.org.


                12th Annual Veterans Career Fair, July 18

                Veterans Career Fair Banner

                The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will host the 12th Annual Veterans Career Fair. 

                Employers who have full-time jobs with benefits available are strongly encourage participate. Please respect the Veterans military experience and training, and future contributions to your workforce by offering meaningful, family-sustaining wages. Due to the high demand for exhibit space, we are limiting registrations to W2 employers only and will be unable to accommodate staffing agencies or schools.

                Exhibitor Information & Registration >>


                Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V) Awarded Three Grants Totaling $42,000 to Assist Minnesota Veterans

                At the April 2018 Minnesota V4V Trust fund monthly meeting, the following grants were approved by the eight-member Board of Directors:

                A grant awarded to VINE Faith in Action for $25,000

                This grant award will be used to make possible the many services they perform daily for Veterans and their families through a multitude of services within their facility as well as providing transportation to other functions for Veterans and/or their survivors throughout the year. For further information on VINE Faith in Action, go to: https://vinevolunteers.com/

                The Department of MN VFW Auxiliary was awarded $7000 for their Hospital Programs

                The grant monies will be used in the nine facilities that the VFW Auxiliary serves through their Hospital program. At the start of this budget year there is approximately 1,589 resident Veterans’ patients in the nine facilities of which this grant will be serving to enhance their quality of life by providing opportunities not otherwise given to them. The Auxiliary puts together gift packages that are given out to these Veterans.

                Middle River Veterans Outdoors Inc. was awarded $10,000 for Outdoor Programs

                The grant will assist in their ongoing programs (hunting and fishing) that this organization organizes and handles. They are now serving approximately 158 Veterans and some youth many of which are related to the Veterans. The purpose of this grant is to help for food, refreshments, ammo, bait, lodging and boat hiring during the events including also insurance and miscellaneous expenses throughout the year.

                 

                The Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans (V4V) Trust Fund is a 501c(19) non-profit organization established as the result of the 2006 sale of Lake Minnetonka Big Island Disabled Veterans Camp. The non-profit organization has eight board members, two Veterans each who are appointed by the DAV, VFW, MOPH, and American Legion. The board oversees the funds from the sale of the island to the City of Orono and has a grant application process on their website. Grants are made to organizations serving MN Veterans in a way that conforms to the criteria the V4V has documented online at their website: mnv4v.org

                To learn more about the history of the Big Island Veterans Camp see: https://www.facebook.com/ELMHS/posts/10154256075799387:0