Friday Digest: Aug. 7

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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: August 7, 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

  • Painter (application deadline Aug. 10)

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Silver Bay

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in This Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

Join Minnesota Military Radio this week as we talk with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Voter Outreach Director Melanie Hazelip about partnering with local election officials to ensure fair and secure elections for Minnesota's nearly 4 million eligible voters. We'll also hear from Don Goble, Director of the Navy Retired Activities Office Minneapolis and Chief of Staff for the Navy-Marine Corps Retiree Council, with details on the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day, coming Sept. 12 to Treasure Island Resort in Welch.

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.

The Wall That Heals - White Bear Township, Aug. 4 - 9

Wall That Heals Flyer

The traveling Wall That Heals will be at White Bear Township Thursday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 9.

On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) unveiled a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has been displayed in more than 800 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions.

The Wall travels to communities throughout the country and allows the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist once more among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings. The traveling exhibit provides thousands of Veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of facing The Wall to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.

 

More information >>

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From the Federal VA: Scam Alert Targeting Veterans

Scam Alert

A new scam is currently targeting Veterans and their spouses. Postcards are being mailed out promoting a so-called "Veterans Saving Program," claiming that recipients may qualify for additional benefits.

These benefits include an additional $185 monthly payment and dental, among others.

Please be aware that this program does not exist.

 

Informational video >>

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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.

 

More information >>

Dakota County Fair - Hero Appreciation Day, Aug. 12

Veterans and their families are encouraged to check out the County Veterans Service Office booth at the Dakota County Fair. 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. Dakota County Veterans Service Officer Lisa Thomas will be on hand to answer your questions.

Free rodeo tickets are available for military personnel, Veterans and their immediate families and can pick-up free tickets at the Info Booth, starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12 while supplies last. Please bring military ID or proof of service.

 

More information >>

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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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Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566 Celebrates Blue Heron Days, Aug. 14 & 15

Lino Lakes Post 566 is proud to host this year's Blue Heron Days, the annual city celebration for Lino Lakes. Festivities kick off on Friday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. with a pig roast and live band.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the celebration continues with a parade starting at Centennial Middle School and winding through the neighborhood, featuring a color guard and Post 566's own float.

 

More information >>

MPLS VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Aug. 18

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 >>

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Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum Virtual Information Session, Aug. 20

Museum

The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum invites Veterans from across Minnesota to join us for a special virtual information session. This online event is designed for the statewide Veteran community to learn more about the museum's mission, its exciting new facility and the many ways Veterans can play a meaningful role in preserving and sharing Minnesota's military history.

During this one-hour session, museum leadership will provide an overview of the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, including current initiatives, upcoming programs and future goals. Participants will also learn about opportunities to become involved​.

 

More information >>

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MDVA at the Great Minnesota Get-Together

MDVA will be at the State Fair! Visit our booth in the Education Building from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the fair. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about Veteran benefits and services and support available from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations.

Additionally, Military Appreciation Day will be Tuesday, Sept. 1. This is a powerful annual celebration that honors active-duty service members, Veterans and military families with a mix of patriotic ceremonies, educational outreach and lively entertainment. 

 

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 >>

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Veteran Benefit Review - Elk River, Sept. 25

Benefit Review Flyer

There will be a Veteran Benefit Review event for Veterans and spouses from Sherburne, Benton, Wright and Anoka Counties.

Make sure you and your spouse are receiving every VA benefit you're entitled to. Representatives from a wide range of agencies will be on-site to review your case, answer questions and help with claims.

 

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.