Across generations and across the centuries, Americans have answered the call to duty, and many paid the ultimate price. No greater sacrifice could ever be asked of an individual. The service of these Veterans has impacted the life of every single citizen of this great nation. It is for that sacrifice that we salute all our fallen comrades this Memorial Day.
This year for many across the nation and this great state, Memorial Day will be a bit different, but there are still ways to honor our heroes. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors.
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Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support our health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. Please visit mn.gov/StayHomeMN to stay up-to-date in this ever-evolving situation.
The transcript of the Governor's May 13 address is available here.
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As we respond to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) remains committed to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. We are following CDC, CMS and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance. Changes in our operations continue to provide a safe environment for both the Veterans and families we serve and our employees.
For the latest updates from our Homes, Cemeteries, and more, visit our website.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness - Minnesota is putting out Zoom meetings for mindfulness, stress support, and some counseling.
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Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
You can reach the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text to 838255, or chat online 24/7/365
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Attention Veterans: If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, or if you are feeling sick or ill with other symptoms, your first step is to CALL the VA Health Care System at:
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Minneapolis: 612-467-1100
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Fargo: 701-239-3700 extension 2319
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St. Cloud: 320-252-1670, or 800-247-1739
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Sioux Falls: 605-336-3230 or 605-336-5001
The medical staff will advise you on next steps based on your symptoms. In a medical emergency, call 911.
As we face this challenging time together, we know that some of our Veterans have experienced interruptions in employment resulting in health care coverage. We want those Veterans to know, VA is here. Please contact us at VA.gov, or call us at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). If you are a Veteran in need, or know a Veteran, please share with them.
MDVA has had a tremendous response to the COVID-19 Disaster Relief and Special Needs Grants for Minnesota Veterans. We began accepting applications on Monday, April 6 and have received over 4,500 applications to date. We are striving to complete application processing as soon as possible.
Eligible applicants must be:
- A Veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran as defined by MN Statute 197.447;
- A Minnesota Resident, and;
- Negatively financial impacted by COVID-19.
It’s easy to apply:
- Veterans can apply for the Disaster Relief Grant on our website.
- To apply for the Special Needs Grant, Veterans should work with their County Veterans Service Officer.
Applications will continue to be accepted until the $6.2 million in funds are depleted. Veterans can apply through their County Veterans Service Officers or online at MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant application status
The MDVA team is working as quickly as possible to process the applications for the COVID-19 grants. Some applicants have already received their checks. We have received more than 3,500 applications to date.
As applications are uploaded into our system, we send an email to applicants to confirm that step has been completed. If we need any additional information to support your application, we will email you. Thank you for your patience while the MDVA COVID-19 team works diligently to input and process the applications.
The current estimated processing time is approximately 28 business days.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments’ to Veterans and survivors who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or IRS filings.
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The needs of Minnesota Veterans do not diminish during this time, and MDVA needs staff to serve and care for our Veterans. We have a significant need for Certified Nursing Assistants and Resident Assistants in our Veterans Homes.
Working for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a rewarding career with great State of Minnesota Benefits. If you know anyone seeking a fulfilling career supporting Minnesota Veterans and their families, please encourage them to explore opportunities with MDVA.
Interested in working at MDVA? You can sign-up here to receive employment information directly from our Human Resources department.
A full listing of positions can be found at the Minnesota Careers website. Some of our current job openings include:
Fergus Falls
Hastings
Luverne
Minneapolis
Silver Bay
The New Ulm American Legion Post 132 will be hosting a Veterans Memorial Ride on Saturday, May 23. This event will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.
The event will begin with registration from 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the Brown County Veteran’s Memorial, 14 South State St., New Ulm, MN.
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American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford is urging the public to honor the country’s fallen military heroes at dusk on Memorial Day by lighting candles of remembrance and placing them on front porches.
“As we continue to follow stay-at-home guidance during the coronavirus pandemic, we must not fail to remember the men and women who fought for our freedoms,” Oxford said. “Memorial Day observances around the country and beyond are certain to be much different this year, but we can show our respects by lighting and displaying candles to remind everyone why we must never forget the meaning of this sacred holiday.”
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Looking for work? Meet employers hiring now at this Virtual Veterans Career Fair.
This event will focus on positions currently available in the healthcare industry in the Twin Cities. Join us to find out more about what employers have to offer, ask questions during the live event, and make connections to follow up with employer representatives following the event.
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs offers counseling and other supportive services through our CORE Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CORE program is available through video conferencing and over the phone whenever possible, especially for anyone who is at high risk due to their health.
Minnesota Service CORE is a nation-leading program designed to bring essential, community-based services directly to Veterans and their families across Minnesota at no cost to them. Due to its unique structure, this program also provides resources to previously underserved areas in greater Minnesota. By partnering with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), CORE provides comprehensive assistance through the existing statewide network of resources. Services include individual and family counseling, financial counseling, debt management, addiction counseling and disability services.
Find information on the MDVA CORE program or contact your local CVSO for information on connecting to CORE services.
In support of our work on the “Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families,” the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
It’s essential for all of us to encourage caring for our mental health and wellbeing during this time when the COVID-19 pandemic may be causing increased stress and anxiety among many people, including Minnesota Veterans. Next week on social media, MDVA will be sharing our favorite ways to manage stress, tips and resources as part of the #MoreThanEverBefore national challenge established by PREVENTS (The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide).
Be sure to tune in by liking and following MDVA on Facebook and Twitter. Also join us and post a photo, include the hashtag #MNVeteran, of your favorite way to manage stress and take care of your wellbeing.
The Minnesota Humanities Center is hosting a virtual writers workshop for Veterans interested in exploring their voice and spending time with other Veterans.
This workshop is free, and open to all eras, all branches, and all writing experience levels!
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If you are a small business owner impacted by COVID-19, you are encouraged to apply to the federally funded Paycheck Protection Program for support. First come, first served. An additional $320 billion was authorized last week to aid small businesses. This bill also appropriates $60 billion more for the SBA Disaster Loan Program. Nearly 5,000 lenders are participating in the program, including many community banks and credit unions. Contact your lender to get started!
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The Federal VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA) continues to honor Veterans during these challenging times. Due to the current public health crisis, Veterans are being interred without the customary committal services and funeral honors.
While they work with families to schedule committal services once the crisis passes, they want to honor and remember these Veterans now. This new webpage page came about as a result of not being able to provide committal services due to the COVID-19 crisis. The site provides an opportunity to remember those Veterans interred during this crisis and reflects interments in Federal cemeteries starting on April 13. Each day, NCA will add the names; branch of service and location of burial for each Veteran interred in a national cemetery on the previous day.
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