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.
The State of Minnesota jobs site is currently undergoing maintenance, with postings unavailable through Monday, Aug. 31. Job postings will resume in next week's Friday Digest.
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.
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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.
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 promise an additional $185 monthly payment, free dental coverage and other programs.
Please be aware that this program does not exist.
Informational video >>
You can also learn more about the many scams targeting Veterans from the AARP's Veterans Fraud Center.
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 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.
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The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum celebrates the opening of its new 40,000-square-foot facility on a 32-acre campus near Camp Ripley with three days of programming. The event also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- Friday, Sept. 11: A day of 9/11 remembrance, featuring firsthand-account theater programming, an evening screening of the documentary RESOLUTE: Minnesota Stories from the Post-9/11 Homefront, and the museum joining the national Tribute in Light by illuminating in blue.
- Saturday, Sept. 12: The official Grand Opening Community Celebration: a ribbon cutting and Parade of Flags, military vehicle displays, Veteran-led talks at aircraft, tanks, and a submarine exhibit, a Veterans Recognition ceremony, live music from Mason Dixon Line, a keynote from retired Gen. Paul M. Nakasone (former head of U.S. Cyber Command/NSA) and narrated historic warbird flyovers.
- Sunday, Sept. 13: Programming honoring Minnesota's Global War on Terrorism Veterans, including two presentations by Rod Rodriguez of the National GWOT Memorial Foundation, plus a hot air balloon flight, family activities and continued vehicle and aircraft displays.
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Joint Retiree Appreciation Day (JRAD) provides valuable updates, services and resources typically including:
- Benefits and Policy Updates – Information on changes to military retiree benefits, healthcare (TRICARE, VA services) and survivor benefits.
- Vendor and Resource Fair – Representatives from organizations that offer support, discounts or services to retirees.
- Social and Networking Opportunities – A chance to reconnect with fellow Veterans and retirees.
Although the JRAD is hosted by the Navy Retired Activities Office (RAO), it is open to military Veterans, retirees and their families from all branches of service.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), Colonel Colvill Camp 56 will be dedicating a record 170-plus new footstone markers for Civil War soldiers who have been in unmarked graves for decades. The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 at the Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN in the GAR section by the cannon. Minnesota Historical Society Director and CEO Kent Whitworth will be the keynote speaker.
The Lakewood Cemetery has the largest number of Civil War Veterans buried in Minnesota, with about 2,500. With the footstones recently ordered from and received through the VA, SUVCW will have dedicated approximately 450 of the estimated 900 needed.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be providing S.A.V.E training for faith communities.
It will be virtual and offered at two different times on the same day, Sept. 29. One session is 12:30 - 2 p.m., the other is 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Training is free and open to anyone wanting to learn about ways to help prevent suicide.
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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.
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