Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Minnesota Veteran - August

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Desk of the Commissioner - August

20 Years After 9/11

We probably all remember where we were when we heard about it. Like earlier generations remember where they were when learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy or the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.

20th Anniversary of 9/11 - Special Minnesota Event

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, and the Minnesota Military Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 this September with an event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. The official “9/11 Day of Remembrance” is scheduled in-person for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. In addition to memorializing the events of that day and honoring those impacted, this event is focused on bringing the community together through a message of hope, unity and resilience.

Event Details >>

Message from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban.

You are not alone.

Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services.

Veterans Crisis Line: If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Veterans Restorative Justice Act Provides Options

After more than two years of effort from a huge group of Veterans, advocates, stakeholders, legislators and their staff, the Veterans Restorative Justice Act has become law.

“This is a win for our State’s Veterans,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke at an August 10 press conference and ceremonial bill signing event. “The success of this effort demonstrates the positive outcome of the three branches of government working together to support Minnesota Veterans.”

Groundbreaking Ceremonies Highlight New Veterans Homes in three Minnesota Communities

Breaking ground. When farmers talk about breaking ground, they focus on creating plans for growth, moving soil, planting seeds, establishing an optimal environment and reaping the benefits of their commitment and hard work. You could say the same is true for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as it breaks ground on three new Veterans Homes located throughout the state of Minnesota.

New farm-to-table Initiative at Hastings Domiciliary Program Supplies Fresh Produce for Veteran Meals

HomeGrown, a new farm-to-table initiative at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Domiciliary Program at the Hastings Veterans Home, is bringing fresh produce grown on site by its Residents and staff to its own kitchen for healthy, quality meals. HomeGrown is also connecting Residents with food to bring increased meaningfulness of quality meals to their health and well-being.