CVSO Office Updates
Happy October to my favorite Veterans!!
Let’s talk caregivers this month. As veterans, we carry the weight of many responsibilities in our lives. We go to work, we care for our families, we care for ourselves, we care for our homes, our vehicles, our yards. We take care of a lot of things. There’s been a lot of talk about Caregiver support and how to apply. The VA does offer a guide for caregivers of veterans to access support that can include education, training, mental health counseling, support, access to health care benefits, monetary stipend, and respite care. Take a look at the images below and feel free to share this information with your loved ones and friends, or anyone who you might think could benefit from Caregiver Support. As always, with any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at 507-328-6358.
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
August 2024
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 94
- VA Healthcare: 14
- DIC: 0
- Burial: 15
- Survivor’s Pension: 2
- CHAMPVA: 1
- Records Request: 1
- Special Monthly Pension: 0
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 553
Veterans in office: 130
Outreach visits: 0
Total phone calls: 329
Average number of calls per day: 10
Average call length: 3 minutes and 14 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
A new feature to our newsletter will be the Olmsted County’s Women Veteran’s Spotlight. We will feature resources, information, and events that are specific to our Women Veterans. Please reach out to Tiffany if you have any questions regarding Women’s Benefits (507-328-6358) or if you’d like to contribute to our spotlight. This will be ever evolving and growing. My hope is to have the most up to date information here for all our women readers to benefit from. In this month’s issue, I’ve included some stats on women who have served over the years, and women who are using their EARNED benefits.
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According to a report commissioned by the Disabled American Veterans Organization, titled “Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home“. More than 859,500 women have served our country spanning 7 wars and multiple decades (WOW!!)- I feel honored to be considered in this data, and so should you, my fellow sisters in arms. The report also notes that women who served our country in the military are strong and heroic, but their contributions go unrecognized. Nearly 1 million women veterans have served, and many of our contributions go unrecognized, I’m sad to say I’m not surprised.
Research done by the VA identified 1 in 5 women veterans had delayed or gone without needed care in the prior 12 months. I’m confident we can change this number to ZERO - meaning all women veterans use their benefits. I feel personally responsible for my community and the women who live here, to educate and encourage each and every one of you to get the care and benefits you’ve earned. I recently attended our Fall Conference and was inspired by our NACVSO/MACVSO Women Veterans Representative. She called on our association to come together to support women veterans and lobby for women’s rights. I think it’s so important that we stand and come together to encourage and support one another.
I look forward to spending time on women centered resources and events in the coming months and years and uniting our community of Strong Women.
I read a quote recently that said: “You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
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Chester Woods and Oxbow Deer Hunts
Registration is open and will run through Friday October 4th, 2024. We will do a lottery drawing for hunters on Monday October 7th, 2024. If you are selected to hunt in the 2024 Deer Hunt, you will be contacted by a member of the Mayo SE Chapter 28 DAV. If you have any questions about registration or other details, feel free to call Tiffany Canfield at 507-328-6358.
Or use this QR code to access site>>>>>>>>>>>
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Pheasant Hunt at Three Arrows
Veterans Pheasant Hunt at Three Arrows Hunting Preserve in LeRoy:
When: October 4, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm (5 spots left)
Where: Three Arrows Hunting Preserve
78590 125th Street
Leroy, MN 55951
Contact Information: Cole Wilcox
507-481-7822
colewilcox86@gmail.com
Civil War Dedications
POINTS OF CONTACT:
Jim Johnson, Junior Vice Commander & Researcher, SUVCW, William Colvill Camp #56 in MN: Email jimmyjr245@charter.net
SUVCW Department of WI: https://suvcw-wi.org/
William Colvill Camp #56: https://www.facebook.com/groups/462794330726/
Convoy of Historic Military Vehicles
Salvation Army Winter Coat Giveaway
Home Modification Benefits
Financial Assistance for Buying, Building or Modifying Your Home
VA offers grants to help Veterans pay for renovations that can make their homes more accessible if they’ve lost mobility.
As we age, maintaining independence in the comfort of familiar surroundings often becomes a top priority. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations offer valuable resources to veterans who face mobility challenges and require home adaptations to suit their individual needs.
VA grant programs offer more than $150 million in funding each year, but fewer than half of all eligible veterans take advantage of them.* VA officials emphasize that increased awareness of these programs could lead to greater funding allocation, directly improving the lives of veterans and their families.
Although navigating the specific eligibility criteria and application process might seem complex, understanding the benefits offered can empower veterans to access these programs. With the right information and guidance, claiming these well-deserved benefits can lead to better outcomes and an improved quality of life.
This guide is designed to help you:
- Assess how your health may affect your ability to live independently and determine which home modifications are applicable to your needs.
- Learn more about the many benefits offered from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations that help veterans, or their families, purchase or construct an adapted home or modify an existing one.
- Understand how to apply for valuable home modification grants and related programs.
- Identify how to get (no-cost) help from certified veterans representatives with specific experience and knowledge of service benefits.
Useful tips:
- Be persistent. Criteria frequently change, so eligibility for certain benefits can change.
- Gather and organize your military service information. The VA and other agencies require physical documentation to determine the specific benefits you qualify for.
- Ask questions, seek help and reapply as information and your needs evolve.
- After submitting initial applications, remain engaged to stay informed of any potential issues and avoid missing deadlines.
Learn more in the free Home Modification Benefits Guide
Olmsted County Child Support Clinics
Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouses can be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits even if the veteran's death is attributed to a presumptive condition covered under the "PACT Act" (Presumptive Conditions of War Veterans Act) and the veteran was not service-connected for that specific condition.
Under certain circumstances, the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) may
grant service connection for a presumptive condition if the veteran meets
certain criteria, such as having served in a particular area or during a specific time period associated with exposure to certain hazards or toxins. If the veteran's death is attributed to such a presumptive condition, and it is determined to be service-connected, the surviving spouse would typically be eligible for DIC benefits.
DIC benefits are available to eligible surviving spouses of veterans who died
as a result of a service-connected disability or a condition VA recognizes as presumptive and service-connected. Therefore, even if the veteran was not service-connected for the presumptive condition during their lifetime, if it is determined posthumously that the condition is service-connected and contributed to the veteran's death, the surviving spouse could qualify for DIC benefits.
New Patient Orientation (Virtual)
The Veteran Transit Program
The Landing MN (TLMN) is excited to announce our new partnership with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA). The grant awarded by MDVA afforded TLMN the purchase of a mini-van to help veterans in the community with transportation to needed services. This transportation resource allows TLMN to provide rides for U.S Military Veterans experiencing transportation difficulties.
Eligibility:
- US Military veteran
- Must have a DD 214 (if you don’t have one your local VSO can help you obtain a copy)
- Proof of MN residency
Eligible Appointment types:
- Housing
- Employment
- Treatment
- Education
- Health care
- Grocery shopping
- Visiting family at nursing home or hospital
- Funerals
- Pick up and drop off at mechanic for vehicle repairs
Rides are available Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. To schedule a ride, please call The Landing at 507-884-0423 or the Veterans Services Office at 507-328-6355. You can also request a ride via email: Stephanie.Rice@TheLandingMN.org or Tori.Watkins@TheLandingMN.org
Need Dental Work?
RCTC’s Dental Hygiene Program is looking for patients to be dental volunteers at the school. This is an opportunity for folks who don’t have dental insurance. For more information on how to get an appointment scheduled, contact:
Jasmin Willette at 507-280-3169 or 507-475-2807
Guided Forest Bathing Walks
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
DAV Transportation
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.
*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
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
2024 Camp Bliss Retreats for Veterans, Law Enforcement and People with Disabilities!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! We have been very successful with our legislative pursuits for funding of Veteran Retreats and Getaways at Camp Bliss. Exciting News!
- We will not be charging a registration fees for Veteran getaways for the next two years, we have secured funding from the MDVA. For non-qualifying Veterans there will be a fee of $100 per person to attend a getaway or retreat. If you have questions about the guidelines please call Lori at (320) 281-2016.
- We will now be allowed to get reimbursement for Spouses, children, and active-duty service members!
You may come up to two retreats per year!!!! MDVA Calendar Year September 1, 2024 – August 30, 2025. We have added many exciting retreats due to this!! A complete list of 2024 Retreats and Getaways are listed below! **Because there will not be a registration fee, you will still be required to submit the appropriate documentation, DD214 (Member 4) and Driver’s license or state ID. If a spouse is attending and has a different last name, you will be required to show proof of marriage before you are considered “registered.” Once you are, please commit fully to attending your retreat as there are limited spots for each one and if you do not show up, that is a Veteran’s spot that you have eliminated
If a Retreat/Getaway says FILLED, please email or call Lori O. to be put on a waiting list: Register@campbliss.org or call 320-281-2016
2025 Upcoming Camp Bliss Retreats.
Flyers and Registrations will be available soon.
Veterans Ice Fishing Tournament Getaway – January 22-24, 2025
Veterans Ice Fishing Tournament Getaway – January 24-26, 2025
Female Veterans Getaway – January 31 – February 2, 2025
Veterans & Spouses Ice Fishing Getaway – February 7-9, 2025
Female Veterans Getaway – March 7-9, 2025
Veterans & Spouses R&R Getaway – April 11-13, 2025
Female Veterans Getaway – May 2-4, 2025
Veterans Turkey Hunt Getaway – May 16-18, 2025
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 - 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:
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: 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
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, October 12, 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.
Servpro of Rochester Job Opportunity
As fellow veterans, we deeply appreciate the unique skills and qualities that veterans bring to the table. We recognize the immense contributions that veterans make to our society, and we would be honored to have them as part of our workforce. Whether it’s project management, construction, or customer service, we have various roles available.
We are currently seeking to fill the positions of Restoration Tech., Construction estimator, and Cleaning Supervisor. These roles would be a great fit for
veterans transitioning into civilian careers. Call 507-696-8899 for more information!
Paul Meier, Owner & US Air Force Veteran
Nate Lillestol, Construction Manager & US Army Veteran
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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