CVSO Office Updates
Lucky us, it’s already MARCH!
This month’s topic is: How to Get Started with VA Services for Aging Veterans! Read below to see what benefits aging Veterans and their families may be eligible for.
Benefits & Services for Aging Veterans and Their Families
As Veterans age, they may find certain VA benefits and services particularly helpful. Programs like Aid and Attendance, Housebound Allowance, and Veterans Pension provide financial support and assistance for those who qualify.
Veterans Pension
Veterans Pension is available to Veterans who served during a period of war and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Are permanently and totally disabled
- Are age 65 or older
- Have an annual income below statutory limits
Pension Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility
Aid and Attendance
Veterans who need extra assistance may qualify for Aid and Attendance, which provides a higher monthly pension. You may be eligible if you meet one or more of these conditions:
- Require help with daily activities such as bathing, eating, or dressing
- Are bedridden due to a disability
- Reside in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Have significantly limited eyesight (5/200 vision or worse, or a field of vision of 5 degrees or less)
Housebound Allowance
This benefit offers an increased monthly pension for Veterans who are substantially confined to their home due to a permanent disability.
Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
These benefits can make a significant difference in the lives of aging Veterans and their families. Be sure to check your eligibility and take advantage of the support available!
Accessing VA Services Online
If traveling to a VA facility is difficult, you can still access care through VA’s Telehealth Program. This service allows you to connect with a provider, nurse, social worker, or health care team from:
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A mobile device
- A computer at home
- A local VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)
How to Get Started: Ask your VA health care provider about Telehealth services and eligibility requirements for VA health care.
Burial Benefits & Memorial Services
VA offers burial benefits and memorial services to honor those who have served. These benefits include:
- A gravesite in any of 155 national cemeteries
- A government headstone or marker
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
All of these are provided at no cost to the family.
For More Information:
Planning Your Legacy: VA Survivors and Burial Benefits Kit
https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp
VA health care available to aging Veterans
Geriatrics is health care for Veterans facing the challenges of aging, disability and chronic diseases. Extended care, also known as Long-Term Services and Support, or long-term care, is a broad spectrum of residential and communitybased programs for Veterans of all ages who need the daily support and assistance of another individual. Veterans of any age may receive Geriatric and Extended Care services at home, VA Medical Centers and clinics, and in the community:
- Geriatrics programs in hospitals and clinics including geriatric research
- Home-Based Services, including skilled home care, Home-Based Primary Care and Home Health Aide
- Community Based Services, including adult day health care and caregiver respite
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing home care provided in VA, Community and State Veterans Home facilities
- Dementia care in all care settings
- Hospice and palliative care in the home, hospital or nursing facility
What will I need to apply?
- DD214 or other official separation paperwork
- Copies of any evidence, such as reports from an attending physician validating the need for Aid and Attendance or Housebound type care
- Complete VA Form 21-2680, Examination For Housebound Status or Permanent Need For Regular Aid and Attendance. You can find the form here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-2680
- VA can assist you in obtaining records needed to apply for benefits
What is the Fiduciary program?
The fiduciary program provides oversight of VA's most vulnerable beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are unable to manage their VA benefits on their own. This may be due to injury, disease, advanced age, or youth. VA appoints fiduciaries who manage VA benefits for these beneficiaries. VA also conducts oversight of VA-appointed fiduciaries to ensure VA beneficiaries' needs are met.
Individuals interested in serving as a fiduciary can find more information at Fiduciary Home
Other Questions You May Have:
Who is a caregiver?
A caregiver is a person who cares for a Veteran who needs assistance with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing and eating. This may be a spouse, adult child, relative or close friend.
Are there VA resources for caregivers of Veterans?
Yes, you and your caregiver may be eligible for benefits and programs, such as:
- Caregiver education and training
- Mental health services and counseling related to the Veteran's treatment
- Respite care
Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers may also be eligible for:
- A monthly stipend
- Certain travel expenses
- Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
For More Information:
- Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274
- Visit us online at www.caregiver.va.gov
- Find your local Caregiver Support Program Team in-person at a VA Medical Center
  Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
January 2025
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 147
- VA Healthcare: 20
- DIC: 2
- Burial: 10
- Survivor’s Pension: 2
- CHAMPVA: 0
- Records Request: 2
- Special Monthly Pension: 2
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 522
Veterans in office: 105
Outreach visits: 2
Total phone calls: 307
Average number of calls per day: 10
Average call length: 3 minutes and 14 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
March Mantra:
I am GRATEFUL: I appreciate all that I have and all I’ve created.
Happy March ladies! As we emerge from the winter freeze, we’ve got exciting news on the horizon. Please see details below regarding the SE MN Women Veterans Gala! I’m looking forward to this event and to seeing you all there!
Join Us for A Women Veterans Gala
Join us for a FREE event to celebrate, laugh, learn, and enjoy the company of other women veterans in Southeast Minnesota!
Event Details:
When: Friday, May 2, 2025
Where: Rochester Golf and Country Club
3100 Country Club Road SW, Rochester, MN
Schedule:
- 3-5 PM Resource Booths
- 5-6 PM Appetizers, Music, Mingling
- 6 PM Dinner
- 7 PM Guest Speaker: Kelley Adelman, M.Div, CT,
American Legion Department of MN Chaplain
What to Expect:
- Semi-Formal Gala Attire
- Connection
- Live Music
- Swag Bags
- No Fundraising or Solicitation
Accessibility & Contact Information:
If you require an escort or caregiver, please contact: Jennifer Shumaker at 507-701-6307 or email jennifer.shumaker@state.mn.us
Hosted by DAV Chapter 28 and AUX Unit 28
-Tiffany
“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
MN Wild Hockey Tickets
Limited Tickets! MN Wild Hockey – March 29
Calling All Military & Families – Let’s Catch the MN Wild vs New Jersey Devils
Get ready for an unforgettable night of hockey and camaraderie! DAV Chapter 28 in Rochester is inviting all active military, veterans, and their families to join them in cheering on the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, March 29 at 5:00 PM.
Game Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Game Time: 5:00 PM
Bus Departure: 3:00 PM from the Rochester VA Clinic
3551 Commercial Drive SW, Rochester, MN
Tickets: Just $50 each (First come, first serve!)
Perks Include: Complimentary roundtrip bus transportation, funded by the Disabled American Veterans, to the Xcel Energy Center. A fun-filled evening of hockey, community, and great memories
Register for tickets here: Sign Up Now
OR Contact: davsemn28@gmail.com
Veterans Day on the Hill 2025
When: April 9th, 2025
Event Details:
*Presented by DAV of MN
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Free Veterans and Supporters Lunch
Location: One block from the Capitol at 600 Cedar Street, St. Paul
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Doors Open: 10:00 AM (Coffee Provided)
- Lunch Provided
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Presentation: 12:00 PM
Veterans March to the Rally
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Time: 1:00 PM
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Route: Short walk from the Armory to the State Veterans Service Building (20 West 12th St., St. Paul)
Rally in the Rotunda:
*Presented by CTF (Commanders Task Force) and MACVSO (MN Association of County Veteran Service Officers)
Topics Include:
- Passing a clean Veterans Omnibus Bill
- Increasing the amount of the Property Tax Value Exclusion
- Reduced-cost Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Meet Your Lawmaker!
A minibus will run from the Armory to the Centennial and Senate Office Buildings between 10:00 - 11:30 AM.
* Make your appointments to see your lawmakers!
No membership in any organization is required. ALL supporters are welcome!!
For questions, contact: trent@davmn.org
Unlock the Power of VA Home Loans
Are you a veteran or service member curious about VA financing? Want to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and process? Join us for an exclusive VA Home Loan Information Session, presented by Prosperity Home Mortgage!
Discover how this valuable program can help you achieve homeownership with ease. Learn about the key advantages, eligibility requirements, and why a VA loan could be the perfect fit for you.
Date: Wednesday, May 14th
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Veteran Services Main Office
Spots are limited - Reserve yours today! Contact Karen Applen at 507-328-6355 to secure your place.
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your home-buying journey with expert insights!
VA Online Accounts
Are You Ready for VA’s Sign-In Changes?
Don’t delay. Create your sign-in account today.
By now you may have heard that VA is making changes to their online sign-in process. They are moving to 2 modern, secure sign-in account options, Login.gov and ID.me.
If you don’t have a Login.gov or ID.me account yet, don’t delay. These
changes are happening soon. They are removing the My HealtheVet sign-in option after March 4, 2025, and the DS Logon option after September 30, 2025.
Get step-by-step instructions for how to create an account on VA.gov
If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account but haven’t yet used it,
start now so you’re ready.
Note: Don’t worry. My HealtheVet isn't going away. You’ll still be able to use
your My HealtheVet health portal—you’ll just need to sign in to it with an
identity-verified Login.gov or ID.me account. And you can get your new
account anytime. You’ll still have access to all the same information and services you use today.
How can I get help creating an account?
If you’ve tried to create your sign-in account and you’re having trouble, there
are resources to help you.
Get support for common issues for Login.gov and ID.me accounts for VA
You can also get direct help with creating your sign-in account or verifying your identity by creating a ticket on the account provider’s help center. Their help desk staff will then contact you to help you resolve the issue.
Go to the Login.gov help center
Go to the ID.me help center
Why do I need to verify my identity?
Identity verification is a one-time process that helps to make sure that the person creating your account is really you—and not someone pretending to
be you. During this process, the account provider (Login.gov or ID.me) will
ask you to provide certain personal information and identification (ID).
Learn about how to verify your identity on VA.gov
Continue to manage your VA health care with My HealtheVet
Once you setup a Login.gov or ID.me account, you’ll be able to use it to sign
in to My HealtheVet. You’ll also be able to use it to sign in to any other VA website or mobile app. With your modern sign-in account, you can continue to manage your VA benefits and health care, while keeping your information and benefits secure.
TRICARE Online Patient Portal
On April 1, 2025 the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. As part of the transition, the DOD is decommissioning the TOL Patient Portal.
If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the TOL Patient Portal before April 1st.
“All military hospitals and clinics have transitioned to MHS GENESIS. We encourage you to take these important steps to save your personal health records before the TOL Patient Portal decommissions,” said Rear Adm. Tracy Farrill, Principal Deputy, Assistant Director for Health Care Administration, and Military Health System EHR Functional Champion at the Defense Health Agency. “Your medical history is a valuable resource for managing your health, and saving your records now ensures you have access if you need it.”
What will happen to my records?
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Provider access: Your provider will continue to have access to your complete health records.
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Personal access: You can use the steps below to download your legacy records for personal use before April 1. You can also request a physical copy from your military hospital or clinic’s records management office. To do this, you’ll need to complete a request form, in person, and then return at a later designated time to pick up the records. Beginning April 1, if you want your legacy health records, you’ll have to follow this process.
What should I do now?
To keep copies of your legacy health records, follow these instructions:
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Visit www.TRICAREOnline.com.
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Log in: Sign in using your DS Logon, CAC, or DFAS myPay credentials.
If you don’t have a DS Logon, you’ll need to create one by clicking “Need An Account.”
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Access: On the TOL homepage, click the blue “Health Record” button to view your personal health data.
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Find data: Select “Download My Data.” You’ll see several data categories.
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Customize: Choose the person, data types, date range, and format for
the records you want to download.
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Download: You can choose to download your records in portable document format (.pdf) or as a (.xml) continuity of care document. The CCD format allows you to share your data with family, caregivers, providers, and healthcare systems, or to document data in your preferred personal health record.
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Save: After downloading, you can either open the file or save it securely for future use. You can also print your records and store them in a safe place.
Important details
- Your records won’t transfer to MHS GENESIS once TOL decommissions.
- Your TOL health records only reflect periods of time when your military hospital or clinic was using TOL. Note: If you moved from one duty
station to another, and one military hospital or clinic used TOL and the other used MHS GENESIS, your records in MHS GENESIS may have gaps. You’ll find these “gap” records in the TOL Patient Portal. Be sure
to download them.
- You can only download your records from the past 30 years, from the
date you log in to TOL.
- Protect your health information. When you download or print your
personal health information, it becomes your responsibility to keep it
safe. Use secure options. Avoid saving personal data on unsecure
devices or platforms.
It’s also important to know that if you’re planning to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, this decommissioning won’t affect your ability
to do so. Providers will still have access to your complete health records.
Can I see my children’s health records?
Yes. You can view all available health data for your children under the age
of 12. For children aged 12 to 17, you may view COVID-19, coronavirus,
and flu test results, as well as allergies, vitals, and immunization data.
Due to state privacy laws, there are limits to what health data you can view online for your children aged 12 to 17. You can request printed results from
your child’s clinic or provider.
Don’t wait—take action
Remember: The TOL Patient Portal will only be available until April 1. Take the time now to download and store your health records to ensure you can easily access them if needed.
To get started or learn more, visit the TOL Patient Portal.
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates,
news, and more.
Honor Bound Veterans Group
Honor Bound Veterans (HBV) is a non-profit focused on building a community
of local veterans through events and opportunities to engage veterans with the intention of eliminating the isolation that is pervasive after leaving military service. While other service organizations focus on doing pushups to combat veteran suicide, we at HBV would rather engage veterans in the brotherhood that they've once enjoyed. Throughout the year, HBV offers monthly lunches to get local veterans together over tacos and create new friendships and connections. Beyond the monthly lunches, we offer opportunities to join veteran sporting teams and engage in what every infantryman misses most from their military service... Ruck Marching!
A common theme we've heard from GWOT veterans is the desire for a non-membership organization with no annual dues or commitments. HBV is a non-membership organization and the only requirement to participate is that you are a veteran. Our Mission is to combat veteran isolation and suicide by creating a robust community of US military veterans through events and activities and arranging human services to those in need.
Honor Bound Veterans was founded in March 2024 by Bryan Ehni, Chelse Ehni, and Josh Gerber. Bryan and Josh are both military veterans having served in the Army and Marine Corps respectively. All co-founders have a passion for helping vets. More importantly, HBV has a solid base of volunteers who
continue to drive our mission forward. Roderic Haworth is the Director of Outreach and Matthew Guenther is the Director of Marketing. Both men contribute tremendously to the organization by bringing their passion for
helping veterans and perspective on how HBV can have the greatest impact
in our community.
If you are interested in connecting with Honor Bound Veterans, to attend
events, donate or volunteer please send an email to honorboundveteransmn@gmail.com.
Honor Bound - Taco Tuesday
Come together with other Veterans to share lunch and camaraderie! Each person pays for their own lunch.
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Where: Tap House West End
2365 Commerce Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901
"Waters Off" Community Event
Attention Veterans: Free Plumbing Repairs Available Through "Waters Off" Community Event
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 6 is hosting their annual "Waters Off" event March 15th from 8am - 12pm, a community outreach initiative designed to assist those in need with minor plumbing repairs. This year, they’re extending their offer to partner with veteran organizations to support local veterans who could benefit from these services.
On Saturday morning, a team of 10-12 skilled plumbing service technicians will visit homes in the community to provide free plumbing repairs. Local 6 will cover all costs, ensuring there is absolutely no expense for the veterans receiving these services.
Examples of Repairs Provided Include:
- Fixing faucet issues
- Addressing garbage disposal problems
- Unclogging slow or blocked drains
- Resolving toilet issues
- Repairing leaking or dripping valves
- Replacing relief valves on water heaters
- Evaluating and addressing other minor plumbing concerns
If an issue cannot be resolved on-site, the technicians will offer guidance and point you in the right direction for further assistance.
This is a fantastic opportunity to address plumbing issues at no cost. If you or a veteran you know, or a veteran's widow, could benefit from this service, please contact Karen Applen for more information or to be added to the service list. Please, no trailers or rental properties. Must be able to prove veteran status.
CONTACT: Karen Applen - Olmsted County Veteran Services 507-328-6355
St. Paul Vet's Center
Who We Are
Vet Centers help veterans and their families build meaningful connections and tools for success in military and civilian life.
Our Services
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Counseling: Vet Centers provide individual, group, couples and family counseling to talk through problems, brainstorm solutions, discuss what resources are available, and work with you to create effective and
practical plans for your personal growth.
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Referrals: Vet Centers provide medical, benefit, employment and other VA and community referral services to help you and your family navigate time-consuming tasks, like applying for VA benefits or finding a job.
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Community Engagement: Vet Centers help you connect with your community by working with local partners and using their resources to advocate for your needs. Ultimately, this allows them to create a greater support system for you and your family.
**92% of those who use Vet Centers say their quality-of-life benefits from their services.
Core Benefits
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Welcoming Environment: The Vet Center community treats you like family. They work hard to ensure that you feel respected, safe, relaxed
and comfortable.
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Community of Support: Whether you come in for one-on-one
counseling or to participate in a group session, Vet Centers allow you to form social connections, try new things, and build a support system with people who understand you and want to help you succeed.
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Practical and Therapeutic Services: At the Vet Center, one size does not fit all. From talk therapy to recreational activities, they work with you
to identify your individual goals and find the right plan that meets them.
Who We Serve
Services are provided to veterans and service members who served in combat operations, hostile areas, stateside deployments, or experienced military service-related trauma. They also provide support for families to assist in the growth and goals of the veteran or service member. Eligibility varies based on military experience, including National Guard, Reserves, and Coast Guard. The goal is to qualify individuals rather than turn them away. If someone does not meet eligibility requirements, the Vet Center will help find other community resources that may be more suitable for that individual.
Our Priorities
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Safe and Confidential: Vet Center records cannot be accessed by other VA or DoD offices, military units, or other community networks and providers without your permission or unless required to avert a life-threatening situation. You can be as open as you want - there's
absolutely no judgement.
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Guided by professionals who get it: The Vet Centers highly trained counselors and team members are dedicated to seeing you through the challenges that come with managing life during and after the military.
Most of them have also served, so they understand common veteran and military experiences.
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No Cost. No Strings Attached: Services are available to you at no cost, regardless of character of discharge, and without the need to enroll in VA health care or have a service-connected disability. Appointments are available to fit your schedule.
Contact Information:
Vet Center Call Center (available 24/7) 877-927-8387
Find a Vet Center: www.va.gov/find locations
Can't make it to a Vet Center? Services are also offered through Mobile Vet Centers, virtual appointments, and other community locations that might be more convenient.
Turkey Hunt
Are you a veteran from southeast MN who loves to hunt turkey?
The Deer Creek Longspurs Chapter of the NWTF will be hosting a mentored veteran turkey hunt from May 1-4, 2025. The hunt will be based out of Racine, MN. If you would like an application form for the hunt, please contact Matt at 507-951-5614 or Will at 507-421-4424. We will select 8 lucky hunters for this year!
More information can be found on our Facebook page as well: NWTF – Deercreek Longspurs
MN Assistance Council for Veterans
The mission of MN Assistance Council for Veterans, commonly known as MACV, is to end veteran homelessness in Minnesota.
MACV serves Minnesota veterans, and their families, who are either homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. All Veterans are welcome, wherever you are on your path, and they uphold the worth and dignity of all those who are involved with MACV.
The goal is to help you live as independently as you can by providing the services that you’ve earned. They offer services across Minnesota which include housing help, employment services, and legal assistance through their Vetlaw program. They also connect Veterans to other networks of local partner organizations who also help Veterans.
Housing Services:
MACV offers transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for homeless Veterans across Minnesota. Their Veteran housing program is designed to provide Veterans with holistic, housing-related assistance.
Employment Services:
MACV's Veteran employment and training services help Veterans prepare for their employment search, including resume building and job skill development, and connecting Veterans with full-time, living-wage jobs.
Legal Services:
MACV's Vetlaw program offers free Veteran legal aid and resources for all Minnesota Veterans. Legal services include representation, community legal clinics, referrals, and phone services regarding Minnesota law.
MACV works in locations throughout Minnesota serving Veterans in need.
Outside of housing and office locations, case managers are stationed across Minnesota to provide local assistance for wherever you are located.
Southern Minnesota MACV: Mankato, MN
- Intake Line: 507-345-8258
- Fax: 612-200-9156
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues
If you served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you may qualify for VA disability and health care benefits.
Presumptive Conditions for VA Disability Compensation
To be eligible, you must have a diagnosis of at least one of the following conditions:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Health Care Benefits
If you meet the service requirements, you may enroll in VA health care. If you have one of the following 15 covered health conditions, you will not have to pay a copay for treatment related to that condition.
Covered Health Conditions
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Family Member Eligibility
To be eligible for health care benefits, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must be or have been a family member (birth/adopted child, married spouse, or legal dependent) of a Veteran who served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River.
- You must have lived at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- You must apply for and be approved for benefits under current law.
Note: If you were "in utero" during this period, it means your mother was pregnant with you while living at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River.
Covered Conditions for Family Members
If eligible,
VA may cover or reimburse care for the conditions mentioned above under Covered Health Conditions.
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
A letter from Patrick J. Kelly, FACHE, Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System
"Thank you for serving, and welcome to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System! We are pleased that you have chosen us for your care. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of Veterans like you by providing the excellent medical care you’ve earned.
As a newly enrolled veteran, we invite you to attend a ‘Red Carpet Welcome’ orientation. This orientation is offered on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Rochester VA Clinic. There is no need for an appointment; just come to the clinic and ask to be escorted to Room 102 at 1300. (Please look for the signs or ask how to find us at the front desk.)
NOTE: Red Carpet dates are now listed on the NEW Olmsted County Veteran Services website calendar.
The purpose of the orientation is to provide you with information regarding your VA health care benefits and health care services offered. We also will provide information to assist you in navigating the VA, both the building and the system.
We hope you will attend a ‘Red Carpet Welcome’ orientation during your first visit to the Rochester VA Clinic. If you can’t make it during your first visit, please feel free to come during one of your future visits.
You’ve given your best in your service to our nation. Now, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System is here to serve you."
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.
Veterans & Spouses R&R Getaway – April 11-13, 2025
- Register by March 7th
Socialization & Wellness for All with Disabilities - April 25-27, 2025
- Register by March 28th
Female Veterans Getaway – May 2-4, 2025
- Register by April 4th
Veterans Turkey Hunt Getaway – May 16-18, 2025
- Register by April 11th
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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