Friday Digest: Sept. 8

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MDVA

Friday Digest: Sept. 8, 2023

This week:

Work at MDVA

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Ogema

Silver Bay

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

For over 12 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota’s heroes. Vietnam Veteran and volunteer host Tom Lyons shares these stories which are carried on 65 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota in an effort to preserve the stories of our Veterans and keep listeners up to date on things happening at MDVA and in our Veteran Community here in Minnesota.

Coming up this week is our discussion recorded during Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair with the director of the Army National Guard and Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. Also hear our conversation with the Commander of the The Red Bull Band - 34th Infantry Division.

 

More information >>

Military Appreciation Day at the Farm, Sept. 9

Military Appreciation Day at the Farm

Sutton Ridge Farm in Jordan, Minnesota is excited to announce the fourth annual Military Appreciation Day at the Farm.

This event runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and features:

  • Flag raising ceremony
  • Service flag presentation ceremony
  • Farm animals, sheep shearing, cow milking, corn shelling
  • Boot camp for kids - featuring a 25 foot jousting ring
  • Music, hay rides & free concessions
  • Veteran resource groups/organizations
  • Local vendors
  • Catered lunch
  • Parachute jump by U.S. Navy SEALs

 

More information & registration >>

MN Twins Armed Forces Appreciation Day, Sept. 10

Twins Flyer

In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Veterans leaving Vietnam, the Minnesota National Guard is seeking 50 Vietnam Veterans to participate in an on-field recognition event during the Minnesota Twins Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.

Each Vietnam Veteran will receive two complimentary tickets for the Twins game. Additional tickets are at the participant's expense.

 

More information >>

Silver Bay Career Fair, Sept. 14

Stop at the Silver Bay Veterans Home career fair on Thursday, September 14 to learn why it’s so great to work for the State!

Visit us between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hiring managers and HR specialists will be onsite at the Veterans Home to answer your questions about employment opportunities, explain our generous State of Minnesota benefits and accept applications.

 

More information >>

Silver Bay Career Fair

Minnesota Heroes Day at the State Capitol, Sept. 16

Medal of Honor Memorial

Tour the magnificently restored Capitol Building and honor Minnesota's military Veterans, public safety officers and citizens who over the history of our State sacrificed their very lives while saving others and securing and preserving our freedoms and way of life.

Tours of the Capitol building run on the hour for 45 minutes with the last tour starting at 2 p.m. Tours will begin from both the Medal of Honor Memorial at the south side of the Capitol mall, and in the Capitol Rotunda.

 

More information >>

Job Fair and Yellow Ribbon Ribfest, Sept. 16

Over 30 companies that are currently hiring will be on hand Saturday, Sept. 16, for a Job Fair in Arden Hills from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Following the Job Fair will be the Yellow Ribbon Ribfest from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. This event will be featuring live music, a rib tasting competition and more.

 

More information >>

RIbfest Schedule

Next PACT Act Deadline: Sept. 30 Special Enrollment Period

Between now and Sept. 30, 2023, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between September 11, 2001 and October 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care – without first applying for VA benefits. Veterans can apply online or in person at their local VA facility until 11:59 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, 2023.

  • Are you a Veteran who deployed to a combat zone but never signed up for VA health care? If you left active duty between 9/11/01 and 10/1/13, you should apply today. 
  • There’s a special enrollment period right now that gives you a chance to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
  • VA is the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans – and this is your chance to sign up.
  • Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. And once you’re in, you have access for life. 
  • Don’t miss this opportunity — the deadline is Sept. 30. Get the care you deserve today at VA.gov/PACT

Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day, Oct. 7

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day Flyer

Join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day.

This event brings communities together to honor Veterans we have lost to suicide, allow their lives to help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors.

Our goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we
strive toward zero Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.

 

More information >>

The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions the VA assumes (or “presumes”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

 

PACT

 

More information >>

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line's number—988 then Press 1—helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.

Veterans can use this option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus

Minnesota Veterans who served sometime between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021 may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 17,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses totaling $18.5 million in recognition of their service.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $39.8 million in bonuses. As of late August, $20.9 million
has been awarded. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone.

To apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus.


More information >>

Post 9/11 Service Bonus Flyer

Submit Your Veteran-Related Event

If you know of a Veteran-related community event happening in your area you would like to submit to be included in our Friday Digest, please email all event information to mdva.communications@state.mn.us for consideration.