CVSO Office Updates
Happy December Olmsted County Veterans, families, and community partners!
November was a busy month for our office, filled with exciting events! We had Operation Green Light take place, the DAV Deer Hunt, Veterans Day, and some fun community events that took place.
13th Annual DAV and Chester Woods Deer Hunt Stats:
- Approximately 35 volunteers
- 31 Hunters at Chester Woods Park
- 15 Hunters at Oxbow Park
- 21 deer harvested from Chester Woods Park
- 12 does and 9 bucks
Operation Green Light:
We had about 15 photo submissions of folks who exchanged their exterior light bulbs for green bulbs in support of our community veterans. It was fun to drive
around the city from November 4th through November 11th and see all the different businesses and homes that participated in this initiative. Thank you to all who took part this year! Let’s spread the word and see if we can get more to join next year!
Jefferson Elementary 4th Grade Biology Project:
This year, 12 deer hearts, harvested from the DAV and Chester Woods Deer Hunt, were donated to the 4th graders at Jefferson Elementary School. Several volunteers came together to give the 4th graders a front row seat to heart dissection! I got to be there for the excitement and the disgust by the students.
Thank you to the hunters for helping to make a SUPER NEAT experience for the Jefferson Elementary 4th Grade Class!
Lastly, an update on our holiday hours. The county offices are closed beginning at noon on Tuesday, December 24th, then closed all day Wednesday, December 25th. The offices are also closed Wednesday, January 1st. Please know that we will be spending time with our families as well over the holiday season, so our phone calls and return emails may be a bit delayed.
Wishing you all the happiness and joy this holiday season!
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
October 2024
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 129
- VA Healthcare: 29
- DIC: 3
- Burial: 18
- Survivor’s Pension: 2
- CHAMPVA: 1
- Records Request: 1
- Special Monthly Pension: 1
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 560
Veterans in office: 140
Outreach visits: 4
Total phone calls: 287
Average number of calls per day: 9
Average call length: 2 minutes and 39 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
Let’s talk preventative care. As we close out the year, I wanted to bring some awareness to preventative health care. December is the time of year where we start thinking about goals for the next year. In the spirit of taking care of ourselves- we cannot let physical health take a back burner. I’ve included a handy check list for your consideration. Take a look and see what, if any, preventative care you’re due for. We can’t continue to rule the world, if we aren’t taking care of ourselves first. Last month we discussed physical activity and mental health. This month I’m challenging you to consider how you can make sure you’re aware of the preventative care available.
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Here’s to taking care of our whole selves so we can continue to show up for those who need us, count on us, and care about us most.
December Mantra: I am empowered - I know my worth and lead with vitality.
“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
Homestead Exclusion
We wish you all a happy beginning to the holiday season and hope that you all are doing well. Our department is asking that any veteran with a disability rating of 70% or greater, ensure that your homestead exclusion paperwork is in with property records and licensing department. If you currently receive a rating from 70%-90% you are eligible for $150,000.00 off your property tax assessment. If you are a veteran rated at 100%, you are eligible for homestead exclusion in the amount of $300,000 off your property tax assessment.
To ensure promptness, we are notifying you that the deadline to have this in is December 31, 2024 for the Olmsted County 2025 property tax assessments. Please bring in the following documents to the Olmsted County Veteran Services Office or Property Records and Licensing ASAP if you have not done so already:
* Statement of Benefits Indicating your rating of 70% or greater.
**FUN FACT**
If you own a manufactured home, and it is placed on a lot that you rent, you are STILL ELIGIBLE to get homestead status on the home itself. This will allow you to apply for the property tax exclusion benefit. Call us if you have questions.
Again, happy and safe holidays!
Olmsted County Veteran Services Team
Karen, Tiffany, Guy, & Dustin
Holiday Resources
Rochester Salvation Army – Toy and Joy Shop/Angel Tree
- 115 1st Avenue NE Rochester MN, 55906
- (507)288-3663
- Serves: Residents of Olmsted County
- Eligibility: Families with children ages birth – 16 residing in the home and meet income eligibility (Energy Assistance or free/reduced lunch)
- Intake: Register online available November 1
- Registration: November 1 – December 15, 2024
- Documents: ID for head of household with current address, ID for each child (a birth certificate, MA card, school ID, immunization card, or other), and proof of your income (pay stubs, MFIP letter, EBT card, etc.)
- Distribution: Families will select a time frame in which to come and
select their Christmas Gifts. December 18 and 19, 2024
- Provides a holiday gift for each child and a gift card to be used to
purchase a Christmas meal
Children's Christmas Party
TRICARE Open Enrollment NOW
Veterans have until December 10th to take advantage of TRICARE’s open enrollment season. The health care provider is bringing important updates to beneficiary enrollment and premium payments. Starting on Jan. 1, 2025,
TriWest Healthcare Alliance will take over as the new regional contractor for the TRICARE West Region. Payments currently made through military allotments will be automatically transferred to TriWest, but it’s crucial for affected veterans to set up their recurring monthly payments directly with TriWest before the new year. Failing to do so may result in disenrollment from their TRICARE health plan. Notably, the TRICARE West Region will now encompass 26 states, an increase of six from the previous coverage. Be sure to check your state’s status and find out more details.
Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Legal Services
Are you in need of a Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive or more?
CORSON LAW OFFICES, LLC
219 N. Main Street
Stewartville, MN 55976
(507) 533-8415
info@corsonlaw.com
Attorney Eric S. Corson has an extensive history of working with and for veterans as a part of Corson Law Offices, LLC for twenty-four years.
Some fun facts about Eric:
- He is a board member of the Veterans and Emergency Services Museum in Rochester, Minnesota.
- He is proud to say that his daughter Siri Corson recently took second place in the nation (out of approximately 30,000 entries) in the VFW “Voice of Democracy” essay contest in Washington D.C. after being the Minnesota state winner and the southeastern Minnesota winner and the Fillmore Central High School winner.
- Eric’s grandfather Manford Corson saw heavy combat action in World War II in North Africa and Sicily as part of the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion, returning home with multiple purple hearts and medals.
- Eric’s great-uncle Norman Corson was a radioman during World War II who worked on the Enola Gay and prepped it for its famous mission to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.
- Eric’s great-uncle Ernest Corson also served in the military in various locations during World War II and was involved with veteran's programs during his entire 102 years of life.
- Eric’s great-great-great grandfather Elias Palmer was a lieutenant in Washington’s Army during the American Revolution, and Eric’s mother was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution as a result.
- Eric’s uncle Brett Corson, who was also an attorney at Corson Law Offices, was a lifelong member of the Army Reserves and did two tours in Afghanistan.
- Eric’s father is a member of the local Auxiliary in Preston, MN.
- Eric has always been interested in Civil War history, and he toured many of the major Civil War battlefields with his family as a child and teenager.
- Eric has a deep respect for the military and takes the legal needs of its veterans very seriously. He looks forward to serving you!
Warning About Claim Sharks
Olmsted County Child Support Clinics
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
Red Carpet Welcome
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
Camp Bliss Events
2025 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.
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 date(s):
January 16, 2025 FULL
March 20, 2025 FULL
May 15, 2025
July 17, 2025
September 18, 2025
November 20, 2025
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.
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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