Holidays to Remember
With summertime underway, many Minnesotans are enjoying the warmer temperatures and outdoor activities longed for during our extended winter season.
And while summer certainly brings the fun of picnics, beaches and water sports, it also informally begins with one of several holidays that commemorate the miliary service of Veterans and the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifices.
Memorial Day saw many Minnesotans pause to remember and honor both those who died in service to our country or who passed years after their military service. The four Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries each hosted impactful programs on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and hundreds of families and friends attended to pay their respects.
Read More >>
|
 |
 |
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth has earned national recognition for setting the gold standard in honoring Veterans and their families, becoming the first Veterans cemetery in the country to achieve perfect scores on all inspectable standards in consecutive National Cemetery Administration reviews. The prestigious Operational Excellence Award highlights the Cemetery team’s exceptional commitment to compassionate service, meticulous care and preserving the legacy of those who served.
Read more >>
Alcohol abuse. Depression. Survivor’s guilt. Homelessness. Suicidal thoughts. Feeling useless.
Chase Arden experienced all of this and still did not realize he had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Twelve years of serving as a cavalry scout with the 82nd Airborne in the U.S. Army included two deployments to Afghanistan. While there, he lost close friends and notes “the only reason I am here today is because I traded seats.” He was traveling with three others who were all killed when their vehicle hit an IED (improvised explosive device). Had Chase sat in the seat he was originally assigned to, he would have lost his life. Instead, he survived, but a difficult road lay ahead.
Read more >>
|
|
June 12 is observed as Women Veterans Day in the United States to honor the contributions of women in the Armed Forces who have defended our nation throughout history. Meet three extraordinary women Veterans from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) whose stories of service and leadership were featured last year.
Read More >>
|
|
Stephen Scott is a Midwestern kind of guy. Born in Springfield, Missouri, his family (including his parents, five sisters and one brother), moved to Kansas when he was only six months old. After completing his military service and earning a college degree, his career took him back to Missouri, then Wisconsin and Minnesota, where he met and later married his wife. Following his marriage, Stephen’s work transferred him to North Dakota and South Dakota, then back to Minnesota, allowing him to settle down and build a life. Today, he’s an engaged Resident at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis, finding camaraderie and sharing stories with fellow Veterans.
Read More >>
|
|
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invests in the wellbeing of Veterans and their families through the latest round of Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grants. We’ve awarded a combined $250,000 to three Minnesota organizations dedicated to outdoor recreation, whole-person wellness and emergency financial assistance. Funded through the purchase of SOT specialty license plates, the competitive grant program helps expand critical services and support systems for Veterans across the state.
Read More >>
|
|
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was pleased to celebrate Minnesota Veterans Homes Week in May, which focused on thanking more than 1,600 dedicated employees for delivering care that rises and shines every day. This award-winning care, provided by teams who show up 24/7/365 with compassion, purpose and a commitment to serving those who served, creates warm, welcoming environments for our Residents and their loved ones as well as for one another.
Read More >>
|
|
For years, hundreds of Minnesota Veterans have known how dedicated, knowledgeable and helpful Jason Wehry is. Now, the MDVA Education Coordinator is getting the recognition he deserves – after St. Cloud State University presented him with their “Prestigious Partner Award.”
For Veterans pursuing higher education in central Minnesota, one familiar face has become a trusted guide through the complicated world of education benefits. Meet Jason Wehry, Central Regional Coordinator, Veterans Education, at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
Read More >>
|
|
Supporting Veterans and strengthening the communities they call home remains the central mission of the American Legion.
During a recent broadcast of Minnesota Military Radio, featured guests National Commander Dan Wiley and Minnesota Department Commander Linda Dvorak, shared how the American Legion’s mission continues to guide their work — from helping Veterans access earned benefits to addressing critical challenges like mental health and financial hardship.
Read More >>
|
|
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. Sign-up to receive our monthly jobs bulletin.
We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.
To learn more and to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers and click Current Jobs.
|
|
