CVSO Office Updates
Welcome to February Olmsted County’s Finest!
As I was pondering what to share with you all this month, I started looking at stats for our office. Each month we provide office statistics. I decided to look back at the statistics from December 2022 and compare them with the statistics from December 2023 (data is a few months behind). Here’s the line up:
As you can see, there is an increase in the service we’ve been providing across the board.
Thank you for trusting us to help you navigate your benefits, for calling us with questions, and allowing us to be a part of your journey.
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Karen's Korner
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 may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 / by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Veterans Benefits Display
Effective January 1, 2024, all Minnesota employers with more than 50 full-time employees will be required to display a new poster about Veterans benefits. The poster is available at no cost. It can be downloaded and printed from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s workplace and notices poster web page or employers can order the poster online and have the poster sent via the U.S. mail along with other mandatory or informational workplace posters.
This new poster is intended to educate Veterans and their families about the benefits available to them from MDVA and was developed as a result of new legislation passed during the 2023 session.
Motor Vehicle Fees
Motor Vehicle Fee Exemptions for Veterans rated at 100% s/c
Effective May 22, 2023, 100% service connected disabled veterans receive the following fee exemptions:
* Most registration fees for a total of two vehicles with registration starting on or
after January 1, 2024. The two vehicles may be in either Passenger,
Motorcycle, Recreational or Non-Commercial 1-ton class. Personalized plate
messages, special plate annual contributions and impound plate and
reinstatement fees still apply.
Effective January 1, 2024, 100% service connected disabled veterans receive
the following fee exemptions:
* Most title fees on any vehicle purchased on or after January 1, 2024
* Most title fees on any vehicle transaction done on or after January 1, 2024,
provided the veteran is listed as a title owner or lienholder. Examples of
transactions include, but are not limited to: Duplicate Title, Title Transfer,
Repossession and Add Title transactions to surrender an OS title.
* All fees for any type of drivers license or ID card, including Standard, Real ID
and EDL.
* Salvage inspection and fast track fees still apply
Effective June 30, 2024, 100% service connected disabled veterans receive
the following fee exemptions:
* Motor Vehicle Sales Tax on any vehicle purchased on or after July 1, 2024
The following documents can be used:
* Annual VA Benefits Letter
* Annual VA Benefits Letter with Total Disability for Individual Unemployability
* VA Decision Letter
* Department of Defense Issued Military ID Card
DAV of Minnesota Benefits Protection
This message was sent to us by Trent C. Dilks, Legislative Director of the MN Disabled American Veterans:
Greetings all, I have updated the Congressional Tracker for the first time in 2024. Again this is your opportunity to see how our Senators and your Congressional Representative are performing in Congress for our disabled veterans. There is no opinion in this tracker. I take the Congressional records, search for sponsors and cosponsors of DAV supported legislation and put them down here for you to see. That's it, just the facts. If you go to the full scorecard, you can see specific pieces of legislation to learn more, you can click on the elected official's name to send them a message, or you can look up all 327 pieces of legislation the DAV currently supports. You can see the full scorecard here: https://davmn.org/congressional-scorecard/
Here are the updates by lawmaker:
* Sen. Klobuchar added S. 3282 to her portfolio as the primary sponsor
of the VA Accountability Act
* Sen. Smith was added as a Cosponsor for S. 1954: Improving Whole Health
for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act
* Rep. Finstad had no change
* Rep. Craig added as cosponsor to H.R. 1139 Guard VA Benefits Act and
Rep. Dean Phillips was added as a Cosponsor for H.R. 2414 CHAMPVA
Children's Care Protection Act of 2023
* Rep. Betty McCollum no change
* Rep. Ilhan Omar was added as a Cosponsor for H.R. 4157: Not Just a
Number Act
* Rep. Tom Emmer no change
* Rep. Michelle Fischbach no change Rep.
* Pete Stauber no change
FREE Captioned Phones
FREE captioned phones for those with hearing loss. If you have a difficult time hearing and/or understanding people on the phone this is for you. Adjustable volume and tone control to make hearing easier. Large screen with adjustable font, text size, and colors to make seeing the captions easier.
April Currier
OEI Installer
Outreach, Education, & Installations
Supporting CapTel Captioned Telephone
Rochester, MN
507-577-3616
April.Currier@oeius.org
Veterans Day on the Hill 2024
DAV Transportation
*A friendly reminder from our DAV Transportation Department*
DAV Transportation is a COURTESY SERVICE to help veterans get to VA and Community Care appointments ONLY. Unfortunately, there is not the capacity to assist with transport to C&P Exams.
If you are in need of transportation to a C&P exam, please reach out to Tiffany Canfield (507-328-6358)- she will discuss other options with you.
Seats are very limited so please call Kati to schedule your ride AS SOON AS you are made aware of your appointment date.
Kati sends out the drivers schedule for the week every Monday, so it is very important you get in touch with her at least five business days before your appointment.
Lastly, please be kind! We know your appointment is important and we are doing our best to assist. Due to the volume of folks needing rides, we are unable to accommodate day of, day before, or any last minute changes.
Preston Veterans Home
The mission of the Minnesota Veterans Homes is “serving those who have served” by providing quality health care in an environment of trust, dignity and sharing.
Admission Requirements: All Residents must require skilled nursing care. Eligible Residents come from two categories:
- Veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and are a current resident of Minnesota.
- Spouses of eligible Veterans. Spouses must be at least 55 years old and meet residency requirements.
**Veterans or Veteran spouses must meet Minn. Stat. 197.447.
Residents contribute to the cost of their care according to their means. Additional information is available from our Veterans Benefits Coordinator.
Minnesota Veterans Home - Preston
905 Windmill Road* (subject to change upon completion of new entrance road)
Preston, Minnesota 55965
Phone: 1-833-886-0564
Online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes
Calling All WWII Veterans
If you know of any living WWII veterans who could use a little love and appreciation for their service, please contact Commander Jim Anderson, Disabled American Veterans SE MN Chapter 28. Due to confidentiality, our office cannot release any names or personal information, so we’re counting on our readers to reach out to Jim. You can email him at davsemn28@gmail.com
or give him a call at 507-251-2187.
WWII Veterans Eligibility Expansion
All WWII Veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care and nursing home services.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all World War II Veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care, medical services, and nursing home care.
All WWII Veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are eligible under this expansion, regardless of their length of service or financial status. These Veterans will not have to pay copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums.
VA is reaching out by phone and mail to encourage WWII Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA care to apply today. Veterans who enroll may also keep their private providers, Medicare, and most other insurance to meet their health care needs.
“These members of Greatest Generation answered the call to serve when our nation – and the world – needed them most. Now, it’s our job to serve them in every way that we can,” said VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “We are proud to provide world-class, no-cost health care to these heroes at VA, and we encourage all of them to enroll today.”
All WWII Veterans are encouraged to enroll in VA health care – the best, most-affordable health care in America for Veterans. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings.
Veterans who were not approved for VA health care in the past due to income limits should apply again; income levels no longer apply due to this expansion. VA cannot automatically enroll these Veterans in health care; WWII Veterans must apply for VA health care if they are not currently enrolled.
This expansion is made possible through the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 (Cleland-Dole Act), signed in December 2022. To apply for VA health care, visit VA’s health care enrollment website, call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic.
Camp Bliss Events
Female Veterans Getaway
March 1 - 3, 2024 Register by February 2, 2024
Veterans & Spouses R&R Getaway
April 12 - 14, 2024 Register by March 8, 2024
Camp Lejeune News
VA covers cost of Parkinson’s care for family members of Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune
WASHINGTON — The VA announced that family members of Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from Aug. 1, 1953 to Dec. 31, 1987 are now eligible for reimbursement of health care costs associated with Parkinson’s disease under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.
These family members are also eligible for health care reimbursement for esophageal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, renal toxicity, miscarriage, hepatic steatosis, female infertility, myelodysplastic syndromes, scleroderma, neurobehavioral effects, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“Veterans and their families deserve no-cost health care for the conditions they developed due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune,” said VA’s Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “We’re proud to add Parkinson's to the list of conditions that are covered for Veteran family members, and we implore anyone who may be living with this disease — or any of the other conditions covered by VA’s Camp Lejeune Family Member Program – to apply for assistance today.”
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune are also eligible for no-cost Parkinson’s health care and other VA benefits. Recent studies have also shown that the risk of Parkinson’s disease is 70% higher for Veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Thanks to the PACT Act, the biggest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in generations, Veterans and their families can also now file lawsuits for harm caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
To apply for health care reimbursement under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, visit the CLFMP program website. To apply for Veteran benefits related to Camp Lejeune, visit VA.gov/CampLejeune.
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 eyewear 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
Medical Equipment Available
Are you in need of medical equipment, such as a wheelchair (both manual and electric), walker, electric hospital bed, crutches, etc? Do you have medical equipment that you want to donate to other people in need?
The Kasson American Legion has medical equipment for use by anyone in the area (veterans, cancer patients, accident victims). The equipment is free to use and all they ask is that you return it when you are done so someone else can use it.
For more information, please call Dick Denny at (507) 259-2081. Equipment pick up and drop off is by appointment only.
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 - February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7,
June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1,
November 5 and December 3
Time: 6 - 8 pm
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA Health Identification Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:
March 21, 2024
May 16, 2024
July 18, 2024
September 19, 2024
November 21, 2024
You MUST be enrolled and eligible for care in order to receive a Veteran's
Health Identification Card!!
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.
There are different types, and different ways to obtain Veteran ID Cards. Click HERE for more information.
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: February 29, March 28, April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25,
August 29, September 26, October 24 (due to Halloween),
November 21 (due to Thanksgiving) and December 19 (due to
Christmas)
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
For more information, please email: jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov
or call 507-328-6355
Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country.
The 2022 Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries.
Application Process
Due to the large volume of applications, users may experience some issues with the application portal. Thank you for your patience.
MDVA began processing payments the week of July 25, 2022. Applicants can expect their mailed check approximately 12 weeks after approval.
The application opened July 7, 2022, and will run until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted.
Visit the application portal, 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.
- 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.
Please see the MDVA website for Frequently Asked Questions.
**UPDATE**
Governor Walz Signs Veterans and Military Affairs Bill into Law
On May 15, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law a comprehensive veterans and military affairs bill that will move the state closer to its goal of becoming the fourth state to end veteran homelessness, expand service bonuses for veterans, fund Veteran’s Homes, and invest in the readiness of the Minnesota National Guard.
Service and Retention Bonuses
The bill includes an additional $15 million for service bonuses for post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families and $3 million for reenlistment bonuses for members of the Minnesota National Guard. The bill also expands eligibility for the 9/11 bonuses to include veterans who currently live in Minnesota but were not Minnesota residents when they entered service.
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, February 10, 2024
DAYS AND HOURS: 2nd Saturday of the Month. Registration begins at 9 am. Food bundles available 9 -10:30 am
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.
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.
JOBS
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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