CVSO Office Updates
Ashley Laganiere has submitted her resignation as Olmsted County senior county veteran services officer (CVSO). Her last day was April 23, 2023. Ashley wanted to pass along these parting thoughts:
“April 23 marked the last day of my nearly 15 years in veteran services. The last 6 years were spent as a County Veteran Service Officer in Olmsted County. It has been an honor to serve all our veterans. While the change is bittersweet, I am excited to have more time to spend with family, as well as continuing work with veterans and other members of our community at EmPower CTC. On to new adventures!”
Ashley was a tremendous leader who contributed significantly to delivering quality services to our veteran community. In addition to her important local impact, Ashley served in leadership positions on committees that planned and executed a variety of professional development and training opportunities for county veteran service officers at the state and national level. Ashley was a solid member of our team with a passion for veterans and their families and will be missed!
We recognize that our mission to serve the veteran community must go on. In the days and weeks ahead, we will be working to fill this important position and create a transition plan that mitigates the impact to services provided to veterans and their families. If you are interested in serving veterans in this role, please watch the Olmsted County jobs page for this opening: www.olmstedcounty.gov/jobs.
 Ashley Laganiere
Veteran Services Office Snapshot
March 2023:
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 83
- VA Healthcare: 18
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation : 4
- Burial: 18
- Survivor’s Pension: 0
- CHAMPVA: 1
- Records Request: 4
- Special Monthly Pension: 3
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned, emails returned, etc.): 546
Veterans in office: 96
Outreach visits: 2
Total phone calls: 390
Average number of calls per day: 13
Average call length: 2 minutes and 32 seconds
Karen's Korner
There’s an APP for that
Try the initial version of the official VA: Health and Benefits app from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to manage existing VA claims and appointments and message with your VA health care providers.
You can also access common VA letters and update your VA.gov profile information.
INITIAL RELEASE FEATURES:
Biometric sign-in: Take advantage of your phone’s built-in security features like fingerprint and face recognition to securely access the app.
Claims and appeals: View claim status and submit additional evidence using your phone’s camera or by uploading documents.
Appointments: View or cancel your VA medical appointments and easily add existing appointments to your phone’s calendar.
Secure messaging: Send and receive messages from your VA health providers.
Letters: Download common VA letters and documents, such as
* Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter
* Proof of Service Card
* Commissary Letter
* And more
Profile: View and update your VA.gov profile, including your contact information and direct deposit information for disability compensation and pension benefits.
Facility locator: Find VA facilities nearest to you.
Veterans Crisis Line: Get quick access to the VA Crisis Line.
Click HERE for more information
To watch a video regarding this app: VA Prescription Refills | VA Medications | theSITREP
Veterans Career Fair
On May 3, all Veterans, current service members, their spouses, and Gold Star families are invited to this year's 17th annual career fair event!
Are you looking for a higher salary and a great career? We strongly encourage participation in this career fair by employers currently offering full-time jobs paying family-sustaining wages with benefits. Work for an employer that recognizes and appreciates your military service and the value you bring to the team!
The Veterans Career Fair features:
- Nearly 100 Veteran-friendly employers on-site
- Complimentary LinkedIn photography station available for job seekers
- Have your resume reviewed and brush up on your interviewing skills with a mock interview
- Service providers offering assistance for Veterans and their families
- There is no cost for job seekers to attend and registration is not required
- Job seeker attendees are eligible to register for one of 50 Minnesota DNR gift cards ($100 value)
- Gift cards can be used to purchase MN DNR park fees, camping, or gifts
More information and a list of participating employers are available here.
May 3, 2023 | 2-6 p.m. In-person event at the Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive | Brooklyn Center, MN
Ask VA (AVA)
Did you know you can email VA directly with questions and inquiries?
Ask VA—or AVA—is an online service that all Veterans and members of the Veteran community can use to submit questions, concerns, and recommendations to VA.
VA updated previous systems to make it easier and faster for you to get the answers you need. When you submit a question through Ask VA, VA routes it directly to the appropriate benefit office so you can get an accurate, timely answer.
Contact VA online through Ask VA
Do I need to be signed in to VA.gov to use Ask VA?
No. But for some types of questions, you’ll need to be signed in with an account that has verified your identity.
If you want to ask a question about GI Bill benefits, you’ll need to sign in with one of these accounts that has verified your identity:
- A verified gov account
- A verified me account
- A Premium DS Logon account (used for eBenefits and milConnect),
- A Premium My HealtheVet account
If you want to ask a question about any other VA benefits, you don’t need to sign in, but you won’t have access to all the features this new service offers.
What features are available in Ask VA if I’m signed in?
If you sign in to VA.gov with a verified Login.gov account, verified ID.me account, Premium DS Logon account, or Premium My HealtheVet account, you can access these features:
- VA fills in some of your information automatically each time you ask a new question.
- You can track the questions you submit to VA.
- You can add more information to a question you already submitted—or ask a follow-up question.
How do I get a verified account to access all the features in Ask VA?
You can create a verified Login.gov or ID.me account. Or you can get a Premium DS Logon or My HealtheVet account. Find out how to get one of these types of accounts:
When you’re signed in with one of these verified accounts, you’ll have access to all the features in Ask VA.
PACT Act Claims
As of April 26, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced Veterans and their survivors have filed more than 500,000 claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since President Biden signed it into law August 10, 2022. To date, VA has awarded more than $1 billion in earned benefits to Veterans and survivors who filed PACT Act-related claims.
Heroes to Hives Online Beekeeping Course
If you are a US Veteran and interested in comprehensive beekeeping instruction through an online self-paced course, then consider registering for the Michigan Food and Farming Service FREE Heroes to Hives course. The University of Minnesota Bee Squad is partnering with Heroes to Hives to offer local beekeeping support for Minnesota Veterans.
Please check out the Heroes to Hives site for more information!
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Learn Beekeeping!
The University of Minnesota offers free beekeeping education for MN veterans. Bee Veterans fosters community through hands-on beekeeping training, while promoting the recreational & professional benefits inherent inworking with honeybees.
These workshops, led by veteran instructors Ben Ziegler USAF and Josh Munoz USMC, will be held in-person from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- Sunday, May 21, 2023
- Sunday, June 11, 2023
- Sunday, July 16, 2023
- Sunday, September 10, 2023
Pre-registration is required
Women Veterans 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 healthy 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 - May 2, June 6, July 11th (due to 4th of July holiday),
August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5
Time: 6 - 8 pm
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:
May 18, 2023
July 20, 2023
September 21, 2023
November 16, 2023
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards on a daily basis.
Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.
PTSD Support Group
Olmsted County Veteran Services is offering a support group for veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), 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 (Traumatic Brain Injury), combat stress or any other mental health condition, we're here to help you get through it. The group is facilitated by Jennifer Shumaker, veteran and Olmsted County Veterans Service Officer.
Where: VFW Post 1215
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: May 25, June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28,
October 26, November 30 and December 28
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
For more information, please contact: jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov
State Soldiers Assistance Program
(SSAP) Providing benefits for Minnesota Veterans for 100 years!!
The State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) has provided a variety of benefits for Minnesota Veterans and their families for the past 100 years.
Talk to your County Veterans Service Officer today to learn more about these benefits and others that you may be eligible for!
Dental: Provides $1,500 in annual dental assistance and $6,500 in lifetime assistance for extractions and dentures to Veterans, spouses, and dependents.
Optical: Provides $600 in annual optical assistance to Veterans, spouses, and dependents for exams, prescription eye-wear and contact lenses.
Disaster Relief Grants: Provides financial assistance, upon activation by the Governor, for individuals impacted by a natural disaster.
Veteran Relief Grants: Provides broad financial assistance to a Veteran or surviving spouse.
Subsistence: Provides a form of short-term disability to Veterans and surviving spouses who cannot work at their normal occupation for at least 30 days or to surviving spouses within a year of the passing of the Veteran. Assistance includes rent/mortgage, utilities, health care premiums, and cash assistance.
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education: Provides a tuition waiver and an annual $750 stipend to surviving spouses or dependents of certain veterans at any University or College within the M-State or University of Minnesota systems. Benefits are available until a Bachelor’s degree is attained, regardless of age.
Housing/Voucher Deposit Assistance Program (VDAP): Covers the security deposit for any Veteran or surviving spouse who is moving into subsidized housing and in receipt of a housing choice voucher.
More details online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Benefits
Guiding Partners to Solutions
New outreach program connects social workers with residents in need in various community locations
Olmsted County, in partnership with Family Service Rochester, is pleased to bring its Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) program to residents in need at various community locations.
GPS is a team of social workers that serves county residents struggling to connect with resources or services they may need. GPS works to reduce barriers and connect individuals and families with housing, cash, food, and insurance assistance and provides help in applying for these benefits.
Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) social workers will be available at the following locations:
- Tuesdays, 8 – 10 am
Riverside Central Elementary School
506 - 5th Avenue SE, Rochester NOTE: This is only open to families
with children at Riverside Central. This is NOT open to the public.
- Tuesdays, 3 – 5 pm
The Hylands apartment community
2800 Charles Ct. NW, Rochester
- Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1 pm
The Salvation Army Social Services Center
115 - 1st Avenue NE, Rochester
- Thursdays, 1:30 – 5 pm
Rochester Public Library
101 - 2nd Street SE, Rochester
Saturday Meal Programs
Christ United Methodist Church
400 – 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN
Saturday Noon Meal Program
* 11 am: coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks
* Noon: Hot meal served
Please enter the church via the west door on 5th Avenue and join us in the lower level of the church in Wesley Hall
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Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry
2703 - 9th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN
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. Please bring two totes or baskets. Drive thru distribution. 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, May 13, 2023
DAYS AND HOURS: 2nd Saturday of the Month. Registration begins at 9 am. Food bundles available 9 -10:30 am
Jobs at the MN Department of Veterans Affairs
Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. MDVA proudly offers competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.
To see full job posting and apply:
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type:
External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field.
Click on the posting.
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant
account to apply.
The Modern K9
Veteran owned business in Rochester looking for part-time employee
The Modern K9 is looking for an entry level part time employee (25 to 30 hours a week). They are looking to hire someone to assist with training daycare dogs, client pick up and drop off, and other day to day tasks such as supervising dogs during playtime, facility upkeep, and social media. No dog training experience is required. If you are willing to learn, can work well in a team environment, and enjoy interacting with others this is the job for you!
Flexible shift options are available. If interested please reach out to Morgan at info@themodernk9.com
JOBS
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."
2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355
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