Minnesota Veteran - May

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Minnesota Veteran Banner

Desk of the Commissioner - May

Commissioner Herke new

As we approach Memorial Day, it is a fitting time to focus on Minnesota’s State Veterans Cemeteries and the important role they play in providing our Veterans with a dignified burial with the highest of quality. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is honored to serve our Veterans and their families at this important time.

Our three State Veterans Cemeteries are located in Duluth, Little Falls and Preston. A fourth State Veterans Cemetery is currently under construction in Redwood Falls and should open by Veterans Day, November 11, 2022. We appreciate the allocation of ongoing operational funding for this project recently provided by the Minnesota Legislature that will allow the cemetery to open on schedule.

Read More >>

Mental Health – It’s OK to talk about it

mental health

Many of us, Veterans and families included, are committed to maintaining our physical health by living a healthy lifestyle including working out at the gym and exercising regularly, eating good foods, and getting enough sleep. But what about our mental health?

Caring for your mental health is equally important, and the Minnesota Department of Health has provided some good reminders. The theme is connection and the importance of relationships with others.

Read More >>

Memorial Day Programs at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries, Sunday, May 29

Memorial Day

This year, in-person Memorial Day programs will resume at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries on Sunday, May 29.

Duluth >>

Little Falls >>

Preston >>

 

Gold Star Families Recognized for Their Loss and Sacrifice

Gold Star Families

“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan”- Abraham Lincoln.

The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs wants to show compassion for the families who gave the ultimate sacrifice. As Memorial Day 2022 approaches, a majority of Minnesotans will enjoy time with family and friends during the long holiday weekend. Let’s take a moment of silence for the parents and children who will be organizing visits at our National and State Veteran Cemeteries.

Read More >>

Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly recognizes May as Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans Heritage Month as proclaimed by Governor Walz to honor the irreplaceable roles they have played in our past and celebrate the valuable contributions of generations who have left an indelible mark on the state’s economy, as well as our culture.

In Minnesota, there are approximately 2,500 Asian Veterans. Did you know that Minnesota is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States? This includes men who fought in the Special Guerrilla Units that supported American troops in the Secret War in Laos as well as families greatly impacted by the Secret War.

Read More >>

2022 Veterans Day on the Hill: Powerful Voices, Bi-Partisan Support and Solutions

birdseye

For the past several years, Veterans Day on the Hill has provided Veterans – as well as their families, friends and community supporters – the opportunity to show their strength and unity on a number of critical issues. To work toward positive change for Veterans’ funding priorities while educating new Veterans advocates and champions along the way. To connect with legislators about the often-complicated legislative process where an idea becomes a bill, and a bill becomes a law. And to influence voting decisions that deliver on the benefits for which Veterans and their loved ones have served and sacrificed.

This year’s effort proved historically successful, with the first Veterans Omnibus Bill signed into law by Governor Walz on May 10. But this success did not come without effort.

Read More >>

Support Our Troops License Plates Help Minnesota Veterans

Meet SOT Grant Recipient: Middle River Veterans Outdoors 

Middle River Veteran Outdoor

Did you know when you buy the “Support Our Troops” (SOT) License Plate, you are helping Minnesota Veterans and their families?

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) distributes funds raised by the sale of SOT license plates to numerous organizations that support Minnesota Veterans and their families. Learn more about the SOT grant program on our website.

The Middle River Veterans Outdoors organization was awarded a $20,000 SOT/competitive grant to purchase a “tracked-wheelchair” to enable differently-abled Veterans (and/or their family members) to access fishing, hunting and other outdoor experiences.

Read More >>

MDVA is Hiring

mdva is hiring

Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below.

We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To see full job posting and apply:
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type: External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field. Click on the posting.
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant account to apply.