Minnesota Veteran - September

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Desk of the Commissioner - September

Commissioner Herke new

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

During September each year, we amplify this important message. According to VA Secretary Robert Wilke, Suicide among Veterans is the “most important task” for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In Minnesota, we also have recognized this issue, in light of more than 100 Minnesota Veterans dying by suicide annually from 2014 - 2018.

Suicide prevention has affected me personally as well. I am grateful to share two success stories.

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MDVA announces New Global War on Terrorism Taskforce

gwot taskforce

America’s longest war – the Global War on Terrorism – started with the attacks on American soil on September 11, 2001. In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) has formed a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day.

MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke underscored the urgency of this undertaking. “Memories fade with time. Veterans and their families will benefit from this opportunity to share their stories, some dating back nearly two decades, with future generations,” Herke said.

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NEW: COVID-19 Distance Learning Support Grant

MDVA is now offering a COVID-19 K-12 Distance Learning Support Grant in the amount of $3,000 to help mitigate the negative financial impact a family experiences by implementing their school district’s distance learning or hybrid learning plans by providing a one-time grant.

Applicants for the COVID-19 K-12 Distance Learning Support Grant must demonstrate a negative financial impact on or after August 1, 2020. A closing date for the K-12 Distance Learning Support Grant will depend on the availability of funding, but not later than June 30, 2021.

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September is Suicide Prevention Month

hotline

Suicide is preventable.

Suicide has claimed more than 100 Minnesota Veteran lives per year during the past five years. Suicide is a national public health problem that disproportionately affects those who serve in our nation’s armed forces. For Veterans, the suicide rate is 1.5 times higher and the female Veteran suicide rate is 2.2 times higher than the general population. 

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is collaborating with others to identify the root causes of Veteran suicide and create an innovative, cooperative way to reverse this trend. We are working toward zero Veteran deaths by suicide in Minnesota.

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New Electric Landscaping Equipment Helps Maintain Air Quality on MDVA Grounds

sustainability sept.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has furthered its transition away from fossil fuels by replacing gasoline-fueled landscape equipment with electric versions to maintain more than 500 acres associated with its three Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries and five Minnesota Veterans Homes.

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Hastings DOMS Resident Success Story

Paul Jedlicka didn’t always consider himself a success. But he’s learned that it’s OK to ask for help when you need it. It could save your life.

After serving in the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist for two years in the 1980s, he was medically discharged after an accident crushed his left elbow. He had planned to make the military a career, and now he was out, with no plan and no job.

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MDVA COVID-19 Updates

Mask Up MN

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.

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