Friday Digest: July 17

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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: July 17, 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

Silver Bay

St. Paul

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in This Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

Tune in to Minnesota Military Radio this week to learn how Medica, as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, supports Veterans, service members and military families. Then hear from Believet Canine Service Partners about how they train and provide service dogs to disabled Veterans and their families at no cost, helping them gain greater independence and improve their quality of life. 

For over 16 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 >>

Submit Your Veteran-Related Event

Would you like to promote a Veteran-related community event happening in your area? Please submit details and we will consider it for a future issue of Friday Digest. Email all event information to mdva.communications@state.mn.us.

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Dodge County Fair - CVSO Booth, July 15 - 19

Veterans and their families are encouraged to check out the County Veterans Service Office booth at the Dodge County Fair July 15 - 19.

Learn more about Veterans Benefits including the Minnesota State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP). SSAP offers financial support for dental and optical care, disaster relief, subsistence, housing deposits, mental health counseling and more.

 

More information >>

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2nd Annual Minnesota Military Family Day, July 18

MN Military Family Day

McGough, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, is partnering with the Australia New Zealand American Association to host its 2nd Annual Minnesota Military Family Day at the TCO Stadium at Viking Lakes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 18.

The free event welcomes all military-connected Minnesota families. It features outdoor games and activities, and the first 300 guests to arrive will receive a complimentary picnic-style lunch. Additional food options will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Guests can also participate in giveaways, including a grand prize drawing for an autographed Minnesota Wild jersey. Free parking will be available in multiple designated on-site lots at Viking Lakes.

 

More information >>

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Yellow Ribbon Day at Grant County Fair, July 18

Saturday, July 18 is Yellow Ribbon Day at the Grant County Fair. In addition to a full day of festivities, look for your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) booth. They will be staffed by knowledgeable experts who can get Veterans and their families connected to benefits they have earned.

 

More information >>

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23V Recon XXI-Iron Range Applications now being Accepted

23v-recon

Veterans are invited to take the next step in their wellness journey. 23V Recon is built for Veterans and first responders who are ready to take control of their mental health, rebuild connection and move forward with purpose.

 

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MPLS VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, July 20

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 >>

Montevideo Veterans Home Program at the Meeker County Fair, July 30

Meeker County Fair Flyer

You’re invited to the Montevideo Veterans Home informational program on Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m. at the Meeker County Fair Band Shell.

This day is dedicated to honoring Veterans. Enjoy Fair festivities and learn about Veterans Home admissions eligibility requirements, registration and application process, housing and care options, recreational activities and amenities, available resources and benefits for Veterans and their families and volunteer opportunities.

 

More information >>

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Lincoln County Fair, July 30 - Aug. 2

Lincoln County Fair

It’s summer in Minnesota and that means County Fairs are underway! While enjoying the full lineup at the Lincoln County Fair, stop by and visit with your local County Veterans Service Office booth. It will be staffed by knowledgeable experts who can get Veterans and their families connected to benefits they have earned. 

 

More information >>

Montevideo Veterans Home at the Chippewa County Fair, July 31

Chippewa County Fair Flyer

Veterans are invited to attend the Chippewa County Fair free of charge on Friday, July 31.

The Montevideo Veterans Home and its community partners welcome all Veterans to enjoy a complimentary lunch, live music, bingo games, giveaways, malts and an informational program beginning at 11 a.m. Learn about a variety of Veteran-related issues such as earned benefits, Veterans Home admissions, VA healthcare and state and county resources.

 

More information >>

Brown County Fair - Free Grandstand Tickets for Veterans, Aug. 12 - 16

The Brown County Veterans Service Office (CVSO), in partnership with the Brown County Free Fair, will distribute 600 free tickets for Grandstand events at this year’s fair. Veterans may receive one ticket per Grandstand event. The CVSO will also provide assessments to identify any potential benefits available to Veterans and request that Veterans update their information in the CVSO database.

Brown County Fair events include a Tractor Pull on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m., a Demo Derby on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., a concert on Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. and a second Demo Derby on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.

 

More information >>

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Help Shape Legal Services for Older Minnesotans

The Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) wants to hear from you. Your experiences and ideas can help improve access to free and low-cost legal services for older Minnesotans, including Veterans.

Who should participate?

  • Older adults: Minnesotans age 60 or older.
  • Caregivers: Family members, friends or neighbors helping an older adult.

Your experiences will help design programs that keep older adults independent, secure, and connected. Share thoughts on key issues such as housing, healthcare, finances and personal safety. Your feedback is 100% anonymous. The survey does not ask for your name or track personal data and all responses are private.

Please complete the survey by Aug. 31.

 

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.