CVSO Office Updates
HAPPY JUNE TO OLMSTED’S FINEST!!
Wow! What a whirlwind of a month we’ve had in our office. Guy and Dustin have been working diligently to get trained up and are now starting to work with veterans by answering questions, making referrals, and tackling claims. We couldn’t be luckier to have such motivated and dedicated individuals here working on veteran related issues.
Some very exciting things are happening these days and here’s a glimpse of what you can expect in the coming months from us.
* A new scheduling system for office appointments. Please click below to
schedule an appointment with your preferred service officer or the first
available. If you are not seeing a time slot that fits your needs or
schedule, please contact our office and we’ll make sure to figure out
something that does.
* We now have a new general mailbox for inquires as well. If you have
general questions or do not know who to reach out to, please send us a
message at: OCVS@olmstedcounty.gov
* We will be open and taking office appointments Monday through Friday,
8a - 5p, including over the lunch hour.
* This fall, be on the lookout for walk-in hours!! We are very excited to
implement our walk-in schedule for folks who have concerns that can be
handled within 15-20 minutes. Once we have a day and time set, I will
update you all immediately.
* You will now have the option to meet with the first available service officer
or make the choice in who you’d like to work with. Our service officers
will be handing out their business cards with their direct phone numbers
and email addresses for easy access when you have questions, comments
and concerns.
As always, I’m so grateful I GET to do this work with you all. Thank you for your service to our country and I look forward to meeting you as needs come up! Olmsted County Veteran Services is just a phone call away!
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
April 2024
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 41
- VA Healthcare: 5
- DIC: 0
- Burial: 18
- Survivor’s Pension: 0
- CHAMPVA: 0
- Records Request: 3
- Special Monthly Pension: 1
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned, emails returned, etc.): 523
Veterans in office: 87
Outreach visits: 3
Total phone calls: 421
Average number of calls per day: 14
Average call length: 2 minutes and 33 seconds
Oronoco Lions Club Fundraiser
In the next issue of the Lion Clubs newsletter, there will be a brief about the club's collection of used glasses for needy people.
The Lions Club, which usually meets at the VFW Post, will be having a fundraiser on June 8th from 3p to 6p. They will be hosting a BBQ at the Oronoco Park.
Please come out and support this fine civic organization if you can.
For more information, contact Les Leamons, Adjutant and Chaplain of VFW
Post 9647. (336) 339-9841
VFW Golf Tournament
Camp Ripley Job and Resource Fair
 
Veterans in Crisis: The History of PTSD
Virtual New Patient Orientation
Expansion of Healthcare Eligibility
VA has announced that they are expanding healthcare eligibility to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11/2001. Originally, the PACT Act called for a phased in approach, but at the direction of President Biden, VA has instead opened this expanded eligibility to VA Healthcare effective March 5, 2024.
Eligible veterans are encouraged to enroll in VA healthcare; you can do so online at https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction,
by phone at 877-222-8387, by visiting a local VA medical facility or by
contacting your local county Veteran Service Officer.
For more information please review VA’s official statement here.
Vietnam War Commemoration
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to Host Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War with Events on June 13 - 15
ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to announce it is hosting the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.
Over the three days, attendees can see historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and watch screenings of Vietnam War documentaries, view the American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall and walk through a Resource Fair which will provide valuable resources and information for Minnesota Vietnam Veterans and their families. On Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans.
The event will highlight the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, recognize the crucial contributions and deep sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War, and provide an opportunity for healing, thanking and honoring Minnesota Vietnam Veterans, in whatever branch or capacity they served.
We are humbled to honor our Minnesota Vietnam-era Veterans and allies of the United States through this special event. This group of Veterans made great sacrifices fighting a very difficult war and did not receive a warm welcome when they returned,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “We hope this event will provide gratitude and healing for our Veterans, our allies and their families, and provide them the opportunity connect with other Vietnam Veterans and learn about valuable resources available to them.”
More information will be provided soon (see next article) regarding event details, transportation and other logistics. This event is open to the public.
For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50.
Free Bus Transportation to Commemoration
Free Bus Transportation for Veterans to Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event
MDVA partnerships will allow Vietnam Veterans to take part in the three-day event at the Mall of America, June 13-15, by providing free charter bus transportation in select locations
St. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
(MDVA) and the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V), with
assistance from the Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of Minnesota (DAV
MN), are proud to announce they are partnering with organizations and
groups across the state to bring Veterans to the Vietnam War 50th
Anniversary Commemoration Event at the Mall of America June 13-15.
“We want to ensure as many Vietnam Veterans and family members as possible can attend this important event,” said Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner. “Through these partnerships, MDVA and V4V, with the assistance of DAV MN, are covering 100% of the cost of a charter bus or large van from communities across the state. We are encouraging many buses to come to Mall of America for all the festivities, on one or on all three days, particularly the official Commemoration Program on Friday, June 14.”
Veterans wishing to ride a bus to the event can visit:
Minnesota Veteran.org/Vietnam50 for a full list of available buses and cities.
For organizations wishing to provide a bus to Veterans for the event, please contact Trent Dirks at DAV MN at Trent@davmn.org to discuss details or visit Minnesota Veteran.org/Vietnam50 to download the information.
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Details
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What:
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is hosting a three-day event to commemorate of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War
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Who:
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Vietnam Veterans and their families, allies of the United States during the Vietnam War and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans.
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When:
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Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15, 2024
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Where:
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Mall of America®, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 Events happening in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda, North Atrium and Second Floor Event Space
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B-52 Bomber Down
Help Wanted: Locate Missing USAF B-52 and Aircrew
Shortly before midnight on 28 February 1968, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber and her eight-man aircrew disappeared from both radar and radio contact during a routine low-altitude training mission offshore Matagorda Island, Texas. Nine days later, and after an extensive air and sea search could find no evidence of the missing aircraft or aircrew, senior Air Force officials called declared both "downed in an unknown location" and officially closed the book on what is now a 56-year-old cold case.
Five members of the aircrew were Vietnam veterans and all eight were married with children (one had seven). Today, 32 of their surviving relatives are still patiently waiting for that phone call with the news "we've found them."
Based on the accident-related evidence collected from the public domain and protected military records, our small team of like-minded US military veterans have pinpointed the most-probable crash site. Using that information, we plan to conduct the first-ever underwater search for the missing bomber using the latest in underwater-detection technologies. Our objective is simple: Accomplish what the US Air Force was unable to do back in 1968 by locating the aircraft and bringing all eight airmen home to their loved ones.
Because a search 20 miles off the Texas coast will be expensive, we are in the process of forming the following Minnesota-based nonprofit as the foundation for our fund-raising efforts:
We are looking for a Minnesota military veteran to join us on our board of directors. This volunteer will be responsible for ensuring the transparency of our financial ins (charitable donations) and outs (fund-raising expenses) and will be a voting member of the board. She/he need not have a professional background in finance and will not have any responsibilities for tax preparation. Additionally, we will cease our fund-raising efforts and disband the nonprofit when we reach our financial goal or at the three-year point, whichever occurs first. If you're interested in joining us in our humanitarian effort to locate these missing US military veterans, the first step in being able to bring them home, we'd be very interested in meeting with you.
 Cliff Sjolund Jr., Colonel, US Air Force (retired)
507.272.0772 (mobile)
cliff.sjolund@gmail.com
Guided Forest Bathing Walks
FREE Lifetime Passes
Veterans, Gold Star Families get free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, other public lands
On Veterans Day 2022, the National Park Service unveiled a lifetime pass providing free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. The Interagency Military Lifetime Pass waives entrance fees for the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites for current military service members and their dependents, Veterans and Gold Star Families.
Veterans and their families have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle—from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more.
The Military Pass has been expanded to include a pass that does not expire for Veterans and Gold Star Family members. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 authorized a free lifetime pass to national parks and other federal recreational lands for eligible Veterans and Gold Star Families. In recent years, they were able to receive annual passes.
Are you eligible?
For purposes of this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserve, and is able to present one of the following forms of valid (unexpired) identification:
* Department of Defense Identification Card
* Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
* Veteran ID Card
* Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or
identification card
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.
The America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency Pass) Program
The Interagency Pass Program includes a free annual pass for active-duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Current Military service members must show a valid (unexpired) Department of Defense ID. Dependents of current service members must show a valid (unexpired) DD Form 1173 AD or DEC.
Other free or discounted passes, including some lifetime passes, are available for persons with permanent disabilities, fourth grade students, volunteers and senior citizens age 62 years or older.
How to get your Interagency Pass
Interagency Passes can be obtained in person while visiting a participating site. Visit Places to Get Interagency Passes for a searchable list and be sure to contact the site before you go, to make sure they are open and have passes in stock. In addition, Military passes, as well as those for seniors and persons with permanent disabilities, are available online through the USGS Online Store with an additional processing fee. Existing passes remain valid. You do not need to obtain a new pass if you already have a Lifetime Senior or Access Pass.
For more information about eligibility and passes, visit Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
The participating agencies also offer several fee-free days for everyone throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration. Examples of fee-free days include the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day and the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act.
Fee-free days and fee policies vary among the agencies, so it’s best to check the agency website or contact the site you plan to visit in advance of your trip.
North Star Promise Scholarship Program
Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at eligible institutions as a "last-dollar" program by covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied.
By making college accessible and affordable, NSP is intended to have a positive impact on multiple fronts:
- Help stabilize enrollment at Minnesota public institutions of higher education;
- Serve as an economic driver for Minnesota by educating qualified workers who are much needed to fill vacancies in the state's labor force;
- Create a viable higher education path for Minnesota residents who may have previously thought education was not a possibility for them.
We estimate this program will impact 15,000-20,000 students in the first academic year.
North Star Promise Scholarship Program (state.mn.us)
Motor Vehicle Fees
Exemptions for Veterans who are rated at 100% disabled
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
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
Affordable Connectivity Program
Changes are coming to your internet bill.
What’s happening? Congress has yet to pass legislation to continue funding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Without additional funding from Congress, the FCC has to end the program. You will see changes to your internet bill starting in May 2024. Your internet company will let you know when the ACP discount on your monthly bill will end.
The Administration’s pending supplemental appropriations request calls on Congress to pass legislation that would provide funding for the ACP so tens of millions of households can continue to access this essential program. The ACP enables households to participate in school, access job opportunities and telemedicine, connect with loved ones, and more.
What does this mean for me? After the ACP ends, you will no longer get the monthly internet discount or save on a device.
What do I do now? Please review any written notices from your internet company carefully. Contact your internet company if you have questions about how the end of the ACP will affect your monthly bill and to ask about the options available to you.
Can I still save on internet service even after the ACP ends? Yes, you may still qualify for the Lifeline Program to save on internet service. Lifeline is another federal program that makes phone and internet service more affordable.
If you qualify for Lifeline, you can get a monthly benefit of:
- Up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services
- Up to $34.25 off the cost of phone, internet or bundled services if you live on Tribal Lands
Learn more at LifelineSupport.org.
ACP Support Center Universal Service Administrative Co.
Have Questions? Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov, email us at ACPQuestions@usac.org, or call us at (877) 384-2575. The support center is open 7 days a week, from 9:00am to 9:00pm ET.
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
1864 First Minnesota
Preston, Minnesota 55965
Phone: 1-507-808-8910
Online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes
Character of Service Less Than Honorable??
VA expands access to care and benefits for some former service members who did not receive an honorable or general discharge
On April 25, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs posted a final rule amending its regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial.
When former service members with other than honorable discharges and bad conduct discharges (adjudged at special court-martial) apply for VA benefits and services, we carefully review their records to determine if we can provide them the requested care and benefits. This process helps ensure that VA can provide services to deserving former service members – including certain individuals who faced discrimination, survived sexual assault or harassment, struggled with their mental or physical health, or faced other challenges while serving in the military.
VA’s new regulation will expand access to care and benefits for certain former service members by:
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Eliminating the regulatory bar for “homosexual acts involving aggravating circumstances or other factors affecting the performance of duty” as a bar to benefits. While VA had already taken steps to ensure full and fair access to benefits for former service members discharged based on homosexual conduct, gender identity, or HIV status, this move further solidifies VA’s commitment to reducing disparity for these groups in the adjudication process.
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Creating a “compelling circumstances exception” for certain former service members: For certain former service members discharged for “willful and persistent misconduct” or an “offense involving moral turpitude,” VA will now consider and determine if a compelling circumstances exception will permit VA to nonetheless provide care and services. Under this exception, VA will consider the former service member’s length and character of service, mental and cognitive impairment, physical health, combat-related hardship, whether the person was the survivor of sexual abuse/assault or discrimination, and more. This new exception creates a new path for VA to provide benefits and services to deserving former service members.
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Opening the door for previously denied service members to reapply: Because of these changes, former service members previously found ineligible for VA services may now be eligible for benefits and are encouraged to re-apply.
VA encourages former service members with other than honorable discharges and bad conduct discharges (adjudged at special court-martial) to apply for VA care and benefits today. Over the past 10 years, VA’s eligibility determination rate for these former service members has been 75% – meaning that VA provided care or benefits to 75% of them (57,000+ former service members).
“We encourage former service members with other than honorable discharges to apply for VA care and benefits today,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Although VA cannot change your discharge status, we want to provide you with any health care or benefits we can – and we will work with you every step of the way to do exactly that.”
“Too often, former service members believe that they cannot come to VA due to their discharge status – but the truth is that many former service members who were not discharged honorably can get health care or benefits from VA,” said Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs. “When you apply – as with all VA benefits – we will do everything in our power to get to yes.”
VA has conducted extensive outreach to service members with other than honorable and bad conduct discharges adjudged at special court-martial in recent years, increasing the number who applied for VA care or benefits from approximately 1,700 in 2012 to more than 10,000 in 2023.
The VA character of discharge determination does not change the Armed Forces’ characterization of service and has no effect on the former Service member’s military discharge status. VA’s determination is for VA benefits and services eligibility purposes only.
Any discharge characterized as “honorable” or “general – under honorable conditions” satisfies the character of discharge requirement for basic eligibility for most VA benefits. Former service members who did not receive those discharges are not automatically disqualified from receiving VA care or benefits. However, barring a ruling of insanity, VA does not provide benefits to service members who are discharged with a “dishonorable discharge;” service members who were discharged for desertion, mutiny, going AWOL for 180 continuous days, or espionage; or service members discharged by sentence of a general court martial, discharged in lieu of trial, discharged as a “resignation by an officer for the good of the service,” or discharged as a conscientious objector. VA does apply a compelling circumstances exception for AWOL when appropriate.
Learn more about former service members applying for benefits and character of discharge.
WWII Veterans Eligibility Expansion
**This is an updated press release**
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all World War II Veterans
are now eligible for no-cost VA inpatient and outpatient health care.
Under this expansion, all WWII Veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941,
and Dec. 31, 1946, are now eligible for VA health care, regardless of their
length of service or financial status. These Veterans will not have to pay inpatient or outpatient 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, low- or 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.
While World War II Veterans will no longer have to pay inpatient or outpatient copays, they may still have to pay modest medication or urgent care or long-term care copayments in some cases, depending on their eligibility and service connection.
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.
Nursing home care is free (no copays) for nearly all World War II Veterans who are eligible for nursing home services at VA, including (1) anyone in need of such care for a service-connected disability, (2) anyone in need of such care who also has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more. However, contrary to the language of the release, not all World War II Veterans are eligible for nursing home care under this new law.
Additionally, as stated in the release, all World War II Veterans are eligible for VA health care and will not have to pay inpatient or outpatient copays. However, these Veterans may still have to pay modest copayments for medication or urgent care or long-term care in some cases, depending on their eligibility and service connection.
We at VA apologize for this mistake and any confusion that it may have caused. We are continuing to reach out directly to these Veterans to inform them of the expansion of care available to them, and we urge any WWII Veteran to enroll in VA health care today.
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.
Camp Bliss Events
Veterans & Family Getaway
August 23 - 25, 2024 Register by July 19, 2024
Female Veterans Getaway
September 6 - 8, 2024 Register by August 2, 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 - 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:
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
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.
Where: VFW Post 1215 (back room)
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: 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: jennifersm77@hotmail.com
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.
- 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, June 8, 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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