February 2023

Article 1:    CVSO Office Updates
Article 2:    Veteran Service Office Snapshot
Article 3:    Military History with Nate
Article 4:    ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
Article 5:    Veterans in Suicidal Crisis
Article 6:    Technology-Based Eye Care at Rochester VA
Article 7:    Mayo Clinic Career Webinar
Article 8:    Pathways to Recovery
Article 9:    Heroes With Hearing Loss
Article 10:  S.A.V.E. Training 
Article 11:  Save the Date: Veterans Day on the Hill 2023
Article 12:  MN Commanders Task Force
Article 13:  SE MN Woman Veteran Appreciation Event
Article 14:  MN DAV Women Veterans Survey
Article 15:  AGVET Workshop
Article 16:  Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus Available
Article 17:  Free Speech Forum
Article 18:  Women Over 40 Discussion Group
Article 19:  Saturday Noon Meal Program
Article 20:  Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry
Article 21:  PTSD Support Group
Article 22:  Project Legacy
Article 23:  Legal Corps
Article 24:  Veterans Corps - Join Now
Article 25:  Food Service Manager is needed at The Landing
Article 26: JOBS
Article 27: Mayo Clinic Hospice Grief Support Groups
Article 28: Seasons Hospice & Ongoing Special Programs
Article 29: Local Service Organization Meetings

CVSO Office Updates

Please see the update below from our DAV SE Transportation Coordinator, Kati Carpenter. Rides to VA appointments may be booked by calling 507-703-1139.

DAV SE Transportation office hours currently are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Mon-Fri. Please leave a voicemail if I do not answer and I will get back to you within 2 business days. We are closed all weekends and Federal holidays (even if the VA is not).

DAV SE Transportation drivers contact riders usually between 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm the evening before the requested ride to give the veteran their pickup time. If it's after 7:00 pm and you feel you've been missed, please check your voicemail first before calling to reconfirm.

DAV SE Transportation CANNOT take a ride request via email. The email is not encrypted, and your information is confidential under HIPPA.

Please remember all DAV drivers are volunteers and no ride request is guaranteed. Veterans are encouraged to call prior to making appointments for specific schedule updates or changes. 

Ashley Laganiere
Senior County Veterans Service Officer

Veteran Service Office Snapshot

December 2022: 

Total claims submitted to VA:  
     Compensation: 50
     VA Healthcare: 8
     DIC: 1
     Burial: 15
     Survivor’s Pension: 0
     CHAMPVA: 2
     Records Request: 2
     Special Monthly Pension: 0

    Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned,
    emails returned, etc.):   
    Veterans in office:  66
    Outreach visits: 5
    Total phone calls: 228
    Average number of calls per day:  9
    Average call length:  2:28

Military History with Nate

Here we are in the doldrums of winter. But another month is upon us and some military history for the month of February. A great month with some interesting tidbits of obscure military history and likely too much pontification from me.

February 1, 2003 - Sixteen minutes before it was scheduled to land, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart in flight over west Texas, killing all seven crew members. The accident may have resulted from damage caused during liftoff when a piece of insulating foam from the external fuel tank broke off, piercing a hole in the shuttle's left wing that allowed hot gases to penetrate the wing upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This was the second space shuttle lost in flight. In January 1986, Challenger exploded during liftoff.

February 2, 1848 - The war between the U.S. and Mexico ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In exchange for $15 million, the U.S. acquired the areas encompassing parts or all of present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas. The treaty was ratified on March 10, 1848. Odd piece of veteran service organization history from U.S.-Mexican War, the Aztec Club was founded by U.S. military officers who fought in the war. It is now a hereditary organization including members who can trace a direct lineal connection to those originally eligible. Not dissimilar to the Daughters of the Revolution (DAR). 

February 3, 1865 - A four-hour peace conference occurred between President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens at Hampton Roads, Virginia. The meeting was unsuccessful as President Lincoln insisted there could be no armistice until the Confederates acknowledged Federal authority. The Confederates wanted an armistice first. Thus the Civil War continued. Why we cannot have nice things…Great book on the end of the Civil War is April 1865: The Month That Saved America authored by Jay Winik.

February 3, 1943 - An extraordinary act of heroism occurred in the icy waters off Greenland after the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester was hit by a German torpedo and began to sink rapidly. When it became apparent there were not enough life jackets, four U.S. Army chaplains on board removed theirs, handed them to frightened young soldiers, and chose to go down with the ship while praying. This day is observed by the American Legion.

Birthday - The first female physician in the U.S., Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) was born near Bristol, England. As a girl, her family moved to New York State. She was awarded her MD by the Medical Institute of Geneva, New York, in 1849. She then established a hospital in New York City run by an all-female staff. She was also active in training women to be nurses for service in the American Civil War.

February 4, 1861 - Apache Chief Cochise was arrested in Arizona by the U.S. Army for raiding a ranch. Cochise then escaped and declared war, beginning the period known as the Apache Wars, which lasted 25 years.

Birthday - Aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) was born in Detroit, Michigan. He made the first non-stop solo flight from New York to Paris, May 20-21, 1927. Our man Lindbergh is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his solo feat across the Atlantic.

Birthday - Union Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891) was born in Lancaster, Ohio. War is hell…and something about marching to the sea, burning Atlanta and sparing Savanah.

February 10, 1942 - The first Medal of Honor during World War II was awarded to 2nd Lt. Alexander Nininger (posthumously) for heroism during the Battle of Bataan.

Birthday - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) the 16th U.S. President was born in Hardin County, Kentucky. He led the nation through the tumultuous Civil War, freed the slaves, composed the Gettysburg Address, and established Thanksgiving. I am thinking a federal holiday is coming up in February. 

February 13, 1945 - During World War II in Europe, British and American planes began massive bombing raids on Dresden, Germany. A four-day firestorm erupted that was visible for 200 miles and engulfed the historic old city, killing an estimated 135,000 German civilians. Author Kurt Vonnegut authored The Slaughter House-Five that talks about the firebombing of Dresden.

February 15, 1898 - In Havana, the U.S. Battleship Maine was blown up while at anchor and quickly sank with 260 crew members lost. The incident inflamed public opinion in the U.S., resulting in a declaration of war against Spain on April 25, 1898, amid cries of "Remember the Maine!" I seem to recall that cry being “Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!” but my history may be off. A sidenote: the Veterans of Foreign Wars draws its origins from this war. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is the oldest of the modern veteran service organizations.

February 17, 1865 - During the American Civil War, Fort Sumter in South Carolina was returned to the Union after nearly a year and a half under Confederate control. The fort had been the scene of the first shots of the war.

February 17, 1909 - Apache Chief Geronimo (1829-1909) died while in captivity at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He had led a small group of warriors on raids throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Caught once, he escaped. The U.S. Army then sent 5,000 men to recapture him.

February 19, 1942 - Internment of Japanese Americans began after President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order requiring those living on the Pacific coast to report for relocation. Over 110,000 persons therefore shut down their businesses, sold off their property, quit school and moved inland to the relocation centers. I have previously shared my own experience of visiting Heart Mountain Internment Camp near Cody, Wyoming during my summer travels in 2022. 

February 20, 1962 - Astronaut John Glenn became the first American launched into orbit. Traveling aboard the "Friendship 7" spacecraft, Glenn reached an altitude of 162 miles (260 kilometers) and completed three orbits in a flight lasting just under five hours. Glenn was the third American in space, preceded by Alan Shepard and Virgil “Gus” Grissom who had each completed short sub-orbital flights. All of them had been preceded by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin who was the first human in space, completing one orbit on April 12, 1961 - a feat that intensified the already ongoing Space Race between the Russians and Americans. Glenn’s successful flight showed the Americans had caught up and was followed in September 1962 by President John F. Kennedy’s open call to land an American on the moon before the decade’s end. This MARINE is a legendary rock star besides being the first freeman to orbit the earth he also shot down three MiG-15 jet fighters over Korea. Once again, the United States is the largest distributor of MiG parts worldwide. Everyone is like what is a MiG? Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau, developers of the Soviet Union (dirty Russians) fighters. I should also mention John Glenn serving as a United States Senator too. I did get to listen to Senator Glenn speak at the Capitol while respectfully listening and watching in the visitor’s gallery on a trip to Washington D.C. back in the mid 1980’s.

Birthday - George Washington (1732-1799) was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He served as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and became the first U.S. President. I Definitely see a federal holiday happening with two birthdays of well-known presidents of the United States in the month of February.

February 23, 1942 - During World War II, the first attack on the U.S. mainland occurred as a Japanese submarine shelled an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, causing minor damage. Wait, what? Japanese attacked mainland U.S?

February 23, 1991 - In Desert Storm, the Allied ground offensive began after a devastating month-long air campaign targeting Iraqi troops in both Iraq and Kuwait. My war going by and me watching the war on AFN. 

Birthday - Admiral Chester Nimitz (1885-1966) was born in Fredericksburg, Texas. He commanded Allied naval, land and air forces in the South Pacific during World War II and signed the Japanese surrender document on September 2, 1945.

February 27, 1991 - In Desert Storm, the 100-hour ground war ended as Allied troops entered Kuwait just four days after launching their offensive against Saddam Hussein's Iraqi forces. I got to watch Desert Storm on AFN while stationed in West Germany err I mean Germany. Germany had unified into one country in October of 1990 during Desert Shield.

February 28, 1994 - NATO conducted its first combat action in its 45-year history as four Bosnian Serb jets were shot down by American fighters in a no-fly zone. I would NOT bet that the Serb jets were MiG’s, more like Soko J-21’s a spinoff of MiG’s manufactured in Yugoslavia.

Just a friendly reminder on Monday February 20^th, 2023, our office will be closed in observance of Presidents Day! See all you all for the Ides of March.

ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic

VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following upcoming dates. These days are by appointment only. Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment for ID cards in Rochester. You may visit the Minneapolis VA Medical Center daily for an ID card.

     * March 16, 2023
     * May 18, 2023
     * July 20, 2023
     * September 21, 2023
     * November 16, 2023

Veterans in Suicidal Crisis

Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care

Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.

This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA.

Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status, are:

• Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

VA has submitted an interim final rule to the federal register to establish this authority

under section 201 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020. The final policy, which took effect on Jan. 17, will allow VA to:

• Provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
• Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
• Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
• Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.

Starting on January 17, Veterans in suicidal crises can go to any health care facility, at VA or in the community, for free emergency health care – including transportation costs, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work.

Regardless of VA enrollment status, COMPACT-eligible individuals are:

**Former members of the armed forces who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.

**Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged or released under a condition that is other than dishonorable.

**Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

VA will now:

**Provide or pay for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergent suicide care, including transportation costs, at a VA or non-VA facility (up to 30 days of inpatient and 90 days of outpatient care, unless extended by VA).

**Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergent suicide care.

**Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.

**Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergent suicide care.

Notification

Providers should report instances of a Veteran presenting to their community emergency department to VA’s Emergency Care Centralized Notification Center using:

**VA’s Emergency Care Reporting portal:
https://EmergencyCareReporting.CommunityCare.va.gov

**Or by calling 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842)

Episodes of Veterans reporting to a community emergency department for treatment should be reported as soon as possible to establish the Veteran’s health care eligibility and begin care coordination or transfer to a VA facility. Notification as soon as possible is imperative because VA must verify the Veteran’s status if they are not already enrolled or registered with VHA.

Failure to report notification in a timely fashion may impact a Veteran’s eligibility for VA to cover the cost of emergency treatment. VA’s reporting procedures align with actions required by insurance industry standards.

VA is required to refer eligible Veterans for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergent suicide treatment.

Care Coordination and Transfer Activity

The local VAMC will engage with community providers who report notification through the centralized notification process. However, if you have an urgent or emergent need to coordinate care and/or transfer a Veteran to a VAMC, please make immediate contact with the nearest VAMC.

**Phone numbers and email addresses to coordinate care directly with a local VAMC are available at:  https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/providers/Care-Coordination_Facility-Contacts.pdf#.

Coordinating with VA prior to admitting the Veteran is key to improved care outcomes and improved patient satisfaction. VA will coordinate follow-on care or transportation to a VA facility when an inpatient bed is available.

Emergency Care Reporting Portal use

For security purposes, users will need to complete an email authentication process before being granted access to report emergency services on the portal. The Emergency Care Reporting portal enhances accuracy of information, allows for faster data processing and helps minimize vulnerabilities to Veterans’ personal protected information.

Technology-Based Eye Care at Rochester VA

Mayo Clinic Career Webinar

Life-changing careers
Mayo Clinic Career Webinar
Whether you are starting your career or planning for the future, you may wonder if you are aligned with the work you are meant to do. During this webinar, you will have the opportunity to speak with recruiters and hiring managers to learn about the types of roles we offer in nursing and other departments and how to start preparing for them.

REGISTER
     • Event date: Thursday, February 9, 2023
     • Event time: 4 p.m. MST / 5 p.m. CDT / 6 p.m. EST
     • Deadline: Register online by February 6, 2023

You will receive an email confirmation on how to join the webinar. If you have questions, email workforcedevelopment@mayo.edu.

Join the authority in medicine. Mayo Clinic is the nation’s best hospital (U.S. News & World Report, 2021- 2022), ranked #1 in more specialties than any other care provider. At Mayo Clinic, you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, mutual respect, and – most importantly – a life-changing career. www.jobs.mayoclinic.org.

Pathways to Recovery

Heroes With Hearing Loss

Learn more about the Heroes with Hearing Loss program at heroeswithhearingloss.org.

Self-certify to get a captioned telephone at heroeswithhearingloss.org/self-certify.

S.A.V.E. Training

'Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage/Expedite' is an introductory, gatekeeper training where participants learn how to act with care and compassion when encountering someone in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Join via MS Teams Thursdays in February and March:

• 2/16/23 & 3/16/23    5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Email Tammy.Monsebroten@va.gov to register

Save the Date: Veterans Day on the Hill 2023

MN Commanders' Task Force

SE MN Woman Veteran Appreciation Event

Space is limited, register today!

Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veteran-appreciation-event-tickets-513295309087

MN DAV Women Veterans Survey

On behalf of the Minnesota Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Women Veterans Committee, we were asked to help survey our women Veterans. We are attempting to better learn how we can meet the needs of Women Veterans and other dis-enfranchised members of the military who feel they may not have a place to belong.

Our main goal within the Women Veterans Committee is to advocate for their rights, in order to create a solid foundation for the Women Veterans Program for Minnesota DAV and determine where there are short falls when it comes to what women veterans are in need of. This is why we are seeking your input. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

AGVET Workshop

Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus Available

The application period will begin on July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted prior to June 30, 2024.

Once the application window is open, review and answer the initial pre-screening questions to assist in determining your eligibility.

If it is determined that you may be eligible for the bonus, you will be directed to the application portal.

• If you have previously applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business Certification, you will login with your existing username and password.
• If you have never applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business certification, you will be prompted to create an account.

If it is determined through the pre-screening questions that you may not be eligible for the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus, then you will be directed to your County Veteran Service Office for additional assistance or guidance.

FREE SPEECH FORUM

Women Over 40 Discussion Group

This group will provide an opportunity for women veterans 40 years old and over to come together for support and community while learning creative ways to choose joy, spread joy and receive joy using evidence-based approaches to support stress relief, resilience, productivity and health living.

Sessions include:

     * Discussion on relevant physical, emotional, spiritual health and wellness topics
     * SMART goal development and accountability
     * Aromatherapy education for overall wellness and application for targeted support
     * Education and preparation of aroma stick, rollerball or spray for application at
       home.

Hosted by:  Dr. Letticia N. Callies, DMin, MA, CCA
Where:         VFW Post 1215, back conference room, 2775 - 43rd Street NW
                     Rochester, MN  55901
When:          Tuesdays - Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 11 (due to
                    July 4th holiday), Aug 1, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7 & Dec 5
Time:           6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday Noon Meal Program

Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry

Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE that eats!  There is no income or residency requirement and Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget.  Each guest donates a $25 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items. Ruby’s Pantry is not government funded and is a 501 C3.  Each donation is used to cover operational costs like trucking, gas, and warehouse staff. All of the food is donated by corporate food donors making it possible to reach more families each month at locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Next Pop-Up Pantry is Saturday, February 11, 2023

2703 9th Avenue Northwest, Rochester, Minnesota 55901, United States

DAYS AND HOURS

2nd Saturday of the Month Registration begins at 9:00 AM Food bundles available 9:00-10:30 AM Hosted by: Holy Cross Lutheran Church

PTSD Support Group

Olmsted County Veteran Services is offering a support group for Veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD, or those who have signs and symptoms of PTSD, and their family members. Sometimes the most painful injuries aren’t physical. Whether it’s PTSD, TBI, combat stress, or any other mental health condition, we’re here to help you get through it. The group will be facilitated by Jennifer Shumaker, Veteran and Olmsted County Veterans Service Officer.

Where: VFW Post 1215, 2775 43rd St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
When: Thursday: Feb 23, Mar 30, Apr 27, May 25, Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 31
Sep 28, Oct 26, Nov 30 and Dec 28
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov

Project Legacy

Over the past 14 years, Project Legacy has grown tremendously. Thanks to you, our incredible community of donors and supporters, we have been able to support over 300 BIPOC individuals, ranging from support through middle school, high school and through their college experience as first-generation college students.

As you can imagine, it takes many people to sustain our high-touch work. Project Legacy is a wraparound program, and in addition to helping youth overcome financial or systemic barriers, we know it is equally as important to tend to their mental, emotional and spiritual needs. For Project Legacy, this means 1:1 mentorship, advocacy, and weekly Healing Circles that create community and connection for our young people.  

To bolster our program and enhance our ability to serve our participants, we are grateful to have received funding for two positions - an Assistant Director and Development Director through a grant from the Harper Family Foundation.  

Now, we're asking our community to help us find a perfect fit for each position. Click the link below to learn more about the positions and share with those who may be a good fit with our organization and its mission. We are a mission-oriented, LGBTQI-inclusive, welcoming and affirming program.

You can email Karen Edmonds at kedmonds@projectlegacymn.org with a resume or an inquiry. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work to grow our incredible team!

Legal Corps

Veterans Corps - Join Now

Food Service Manager is needed at The Landing

JOBS

Mayo Clinic Hospice Grief Support Groups

Seasons Hospice Ongoing & Special Programs

All grief group participants of Seasons Hospice must be registered 24 hours in advance.  To register or for more information, click on the blue button and you will be directed to their website.

Local Service Organization Meetings

For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.

"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."

Olmsted County Veteran Services

2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355