Friday Digest: April 3

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

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: April 3, 2026

This week:

Work at MDVA

If you are interested in speaking to a member of our Human Resources team regarding employment opportunities with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, fill out our Job Interest Form to be contacted about available opportunities.

Below are a few of our current job openings across the state. For a complete listing of all our open positions, please visit our website's Current Jobs page.

Bemidji

Hastings

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Preston

Silver Bay

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

For over 15 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota’s heroes. Retired Command Sergeant Major, Veteran and volunteer host Doug Wortham shares these stories which are carried on 72 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota, and broadcasted nationally on the Wreaths Across America Radio Network, 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.

 

More information >>

April is Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military Child

In April, Minnesotans across the state celebrate the "Month of the Military Child." It is estimated that over 15,000 children in Minnesota have been affected by a parent's deployment. In recognition of their sacrifice, we take the time to celebrate children of service members and Veterans during this month.

Governor Tim Walz will send children of military members and Veterans a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice. Registration to receive a letter is now open through the end of April.

 

More information >>

 

McLeod County Veteran Services 2nd Annual Women Veterans Event, April 18

Women Veterans Event Flyer

Join McLeod County Veteran Services for a day dedicated to connection and empowerment. This event features an engaging, hands-on activity and a delicious meal, creating the perfect setting to relax and build community.

 

More information >>

MPLS VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, April 21

Food insecurity knows no boundaries – impacting all walks of life, including those who have served our nation. There’s a new effort to make sure our heroes have food to eat.

The Minnesota Veterans Food Pantry serves as a key fundraising platform of the Minneapolis VA’s pop-up food pantry, which occurs every third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Those in need will receive a food box that includes shelf stable items (boxed meals/canned items), frozen items (meat/fish), and fresh items (fruits/vegetables).

Staff members are also on site to connect Veterans with other resources available through the VA.

 

More information >>

Support for Veterans Who Have PTSD

The U.S. Veterans Administration’s (VA) National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) aims to support and educate those who experience trauma or PTSD-related symptoms. Tools and resources can help you on your wellness journey.

It can be challenging to support a friend or loved one with PTSD. It can strain relationships and create challenges at home. If you have a loved one with PTSD, there are resources to support you as well.

The first step in supporting someone with PTSD is understanding what it is. We invite you to learn the basics of PTSD. Once you understand the basics, you can begin to advocate for your loved one.

 

More information >>

Veterans Day on the Hill Rally, April 23

Veterans Day on the Hill Rally Flyer

Veterans Day on the Hill is Minnesota’s largest annual Veterans advocacy event, hosted by the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (MNCTF), a united coalition of eight leading Veterans service organizations.

Each spring, hundreds gather in St. Paul to:

  • Rally in the Capitol Rotunda
  • March together to demonstrate our collective strength
  • Meet directly with state legislators and lawmakers
  • Advocate for critical issues affecting Minnesota’s Veterans and military families

Your participation matters—whether you’re a Veteran, family member, supporter or community ally. This nonpartisan event holds lawmakers accountable and drives real policy change for those who served.

 

More information >>

Women Veterans Benefit Seminar in St. Cloud, April 25

Women Veterans Event Flyer

Women Veterans are invited to attend this open house to learn more about the benefits and resources they’ve earned through their service. Join for an informal and supportive gathering where you can connect with fellow women Veterans, ask questions and learn about programs available to support you.

This event will feature a presentation by Rachel Moehn, Women Veteran Program Manager at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center, who will share helpful information about services, benefits and resources designed specifically for women Veterans.

 

More information >>

Grand Opening of New Fergus Falls VA Clinic, April 29

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting the grand opening of the Fergus Falls VA Outpatient Clinic.

Attend a brief ceremony, meet the staff, ask questions and take a tour of the new clinic that’s three times larger than before.

 

More information >>

VA Clinic Opening Event Flyer

Medal of Honor Repatriated Soldier's Funeral, May 2

Bianchi

Captain Willibald “Bill” Bianchi, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota was awarded the Medal of Honor in an Army Hospital on the island Bataan, Philippine Island for his bravery and valor above and beyond the call of duty for actions against the Empire of Japan on Feb. 3, 1942.

Utilizing the science of DNA, Bianchi’s remains were identified in August of 2025 and will be returned to his hometown for a proper and formal U.S. Army funeral and burial in a special cemetery owned exclusively by Brown County for Veterans and their spouses. A new and special local museum tribute to Bianchi will also open to the public on May 2.

 

More information >>

Help Shape the Next State Suicide Prevention Plan

The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in collaboration with the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Taskforce, is inviting Minnesotans to join a small group conversation (often called a focus group) to help shape the next Minnesota State Suicide Prevention Plan.

Your voice matters. What you share will help guide the priorities and strategies of MDH, partner state agencies and the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Taskforce. It will shape how we work together and where we focus our efforts to support mental health and suicide prevention in Minnesota.

 

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 can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

 

20th Annual Veterans Career Fair, May 20

Veterans Career Fair Flyer

U.S. Military Veterans, current service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, military spouses and Gold Star families are all invited to attend the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

More than 100 local employers will be on hand to meet with job seekers who can learn more about opportunities at a variety of organizations.

 

More information >>

Mental Health First Aid Training, May 20

MHFA Flyer

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

This class will be held virtually and requires two hours of self-paced pre-coursework before attending the six-hour instructor-led, virtual portion of the class.

 

More information >>

Submit Your Veteran-Related Event

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