CVSO Office Updates
This past month was a busy one! I want to give a friendly reminder as I’ve been hearing feedback from many lately: “No one ever answers the phones”, “I called but no one answered", “I left you three messages and haven’t heard anything back”, “I can’t get in touch with my VSO”. Veterans, family members, community partners, please know that we are an office of four, answering the calls of approximately 7,800 veterans and their families. You all have access to our direct phone numbers/mailboxes. I can assure you that we get each and every message you send us, and we also do return every single call that comes through our phone lines, as long as you leave a message. You’ll have to remember that if we are not answering our phone on the first ring, it’s because we are busy working with veterans who are sitting in the office with us and/or working on issues for others. It is our office practice to be returning all calls by the end of the business day on Friday. I kindly ask that if there are concerns with a phone call not being answered by the end of the week, share that information with me directly so we can address the concern accordingly. Thank you!
Guy and I attended the Annual Fall Conference for MN Association of County Veteran Services Officers up at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN. We learned from some of the best! I also had the pleasure of partnering with MDVA and the VFW for a Benefits Seminar held a few weekends ago. It was a great opportunity to share resources and information with our veteran community!
 Tiffany & former OCVS Nate Pike Chelse Ehni (Honor Bound Veterans &
Edward Jones), Tiffany Canfield, OCVS
& Jen Shumaker (MDVA)
 Information Booths Jennifer educating veterans
VA Burial and Memorial Products
This guide explains how to apply for:
- Burial in a VA national cemetery
- A government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion for burial in a private cemetery
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- A burial flag for a loved one
This is a step-by-step guide provided by the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Many of the steps are published in a way that allows the veteran to do this work on their own, HOWEVER, it is our pleasure to assist you in going through any and all of these steps/processes to make life a bit easier on you. Please note that even though this guide explains how you can file things on your own, this is the work our team does daily to help our veterans get connected to the benefits they’ve earned through their service.
How to Apply for VA Burial and Memorial Products
1. Preparation
- Decide whether burial will be in a VA national cemetery, a state or tribal veterans’ cemetery, or a private cemetery. Decide which memorial products you want.
- Collect and submit the following with your application:
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Discharge document(s) (DD214 Member-4 or equivalent)
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Orders, if activated by Executive Federal Order from the National Guard or Reserves
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Pre-need determination approval letter, if previously completed
2. Application
Apply for burial in a VA national cemetery:
- Fax discharge document(s) to 866-900-6417
- Email scanned discharge document(s) to Scheduling@va.gov
- Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117
Apply for a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion for placement in a private cemetery:
- Submit VA Form 40-1330 (Headstone or Marker)
- Submit VA Form 40-1330M (Medallion)
Apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate:
Apply for a burial flag:
Forms are available at: www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits
3. Decision
For more information or to check claim status, call:
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National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. EST, Sat 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. EST)
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Applicant Assistance Unit (headstones, markers, medallions): 800-697-6947 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST)
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Presidential Memorial Certificates: 202-632-7300 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EST)
Additional Information
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State and Tribal Veterans’ Cemeteries: These cemeteries may have different eligibility requirements. Contact them directly for details.
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Presidential Memorial Certificate: A paper certificate signed by the President, honoring the memory of the deceased veteran.
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Submitting Headstone, Marker, Medallion, and Presidential Memorial Certificate Forms:
- Submit online at access.va.gov
- Fax: 800-455-7143
- Mail: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547
- Contact your County Veterans Service Office
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Burial Flags: Visit your nearest VA Regional Office or U.S. Post Office. Funeral directors may also obtain one on the veteran's behalf. *In Olmsted County, you should contact your funeral home or the Olmsted County Veterans Service Office and NOT the Post Office*
Am I eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery or a memorial product?
Veterans, Service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible if one of the following applies:
- The Veteran did not receive a dishonorable discharge
- A Service member died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a Veteran (even if the Veteran died first)
- The unmarried adult dependent child of a Veteran (must be medically disabled before the age of 18)
- In some cases, National Guard or Reserve members
Note: Spouses and dependents are not eligible to receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate or burial flag, and they are not eligible for a headstone, marker, or medallion if buried in a private cemetery.
Can I plan ahead for my burial in a VA national cemetery?
Yes. Families can plan ahead by applying for pre-need eligibility determination using VA Form 40-10007. This confirms eligibility in advance and provides peace of mind. Veterans, spouses, retirees, National Guard, and Reserve members are encouraged to apply. Pre-need eligibility is not required, but it is helpful.
What will a funeral director do?
A funeral director will:
- Gather and provide required documents to VA
- Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office
- Request a burial flag
- Request Military Funeral Honors from the Department of Defense
- Act as a liaison between the family and VA
Are military funeral honors provided at a VA national cemetery?
Yes. They must be requested in advance. The Department of Defense provides honors at VA national cemeteries. Funeral directors usually request them. Veterans Service Organizations may also help coordinate.
For Burial in a Private Cemetery:
Can a government headstone or marker be provided if a private headstone or marker is already on the grave?
Yes. If a Veteran died on or after November 1, 1990, and is buried in a private cemetery, VA may furnish a government-furnished headstone or marker even if there is already a privately purchased one.
Other Questions You May Have:
What does burial in a VA national cemetery include?
Eligible Veterans, Service members, or family members receive certain burial benefits at no cost, including:
- A gravesite in any VA national cemetery with space available
- Opening and closing of the grave
- A grave liner
- A government-furnished headstone or marker (no application needed)
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate (no application needed)
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
What if I don’t have the discharge document(s)?
It is best to provide discharge document(s) to avoid delays and ensure accurate records. However, if you do not have them, VA will help obtain the information needed to determine eligibility.
Where is my nearest VA national cemetery, or state and tribal veterans’ cemeteries?
Find a location here: www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery
Do I have to pay for a headstone, marker, or medallion?
No. VA provides these at no cost. However, private cemeteries may charge for setting or installation. Contact the cemetery for details.
Forms and more information: www.cem.va.gov
Make it a great month!! Call us with any questions, comments or concerns. Write us a 5 Star Yelp Review! We are grateful for you!!
  Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
August 2025
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 218
- VA Healthcare: 25
- DIC: 1
- Burial: 25
- Survivor’s Pension: 4
- CHAMPVA: 1
- Records Request: 3
- Special Monthly Pension: 3
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 382
Veterans in office: 87
Outreach visits: 0
Total phone calls: 254
Average number of calls per day: 8
Average call length: 3 minutes and 05 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
October Mantra:
I am PROUD! I take deep pleasure in my own achievements.
Happy October Sisters!
Dear Diary, Balance is bullshit.
I had a revelation this past month. As I've spent months and months of my life, years actually, trying to find out how to 'balance' my roles as a full-time mother and a full-time leader and a full-time keeper of my home, mind, and body. The revelation is, that balance is BS.
Each week I wake up excited for a new week to focus on my goals and the things I didn't get to the week prior, but by the end of the week I'm feeling burned out and like I didn't really accomplish anything because I was so focused on the 'to-do' list that stared me in the face each day. I tell you what, if there's one thing about me, it's that Monday Tiffany is NOT Friday Tiffany, and I can't believe it's taken me nearly 37 years of my life to figure this out.
I've been a human being DOING for far too long...and quite frankly if I could time travel back to the Tiffany I was 10 years ago and tell her I'd be here in life, Tiffany from 10 years ago would be shocked and in disbelief about how all the hard work has paid off. In deep reflection, I realize that I've been the ONLY one holding myself to such a high standard, and while I believe that high standards are important and quality work is worth it, I do realize I need to tone it back, like 10 notches. But that's not me, I'm all or nothing, cannonball vs. dip a toe in, black or white. This concept of finding harmony in the chaotic swirl of life is really tricky.
In a professional sense, the work we do is important, no matter what role we are in. The reality of the situation is that someone else will come behind us and pick up where we left off when we leave. Unpopular Opinion: if it's not working for you, if it's hindering you from spending time with family and enjoying your life, it's not worth it. Doing a job for 'financial gain' isn't a good enough reason to keep doing something that isn't working anymore. We live in a world with ChatGPT and financial advisors. There's always another way to make the numbers crunch.
So WHY THE HECK NOT make time for the things that bring your soul to life, fill your days with meaningful connections and experiences, drop the unrealistic expectations and be a human BEING. Taylor Swift once said that your energy is like currency and not everyone is entitled to it. I felt that deeply, and want to add to this statement...YOU are entitled to your energy. Quit passing it out FOR FREE to people and obligations who haven't earned it from you.
I'm giving myself permission (and you) not to finish the book if it doesn't bring you joy (this came from a dear friend and mentor… I cringe REAL hard when I think about not finishing a book I started, even if it's awful). Schedule more time to do the things that YOU want to do. Love yourself, and this life, fully.
I ended up with pneumonia last week and it took me out for a full 6 days. I've never had pneumonia before, so when I got the x-rays back and a diagnosis and meds, I was thinking I'd wake up in the morning feeling good to go. That was NOT what happened. I felt SO FRUSTRATED because I wanted to 'do' so many things but simply couldn't. The universe has a funny way of talking to me, and I listened this time. This week (the week of 9/29-10/3) I'm taking time to enjoy my favorite things. I'm doing things that make me smile. I'm implementing processes at home that make life feel less chaotic, and I'm embracing the 'busy' by finding joy in the process.
When I pull away from the "to-do" lists and focus on the "got done" lists, I realize that I really did do so much more than I thought. Isn't it funny how tunnel vision works?? I've been making "got done" lists for home and it's amazing how much it can shift the perspective.
Read books you love, go for walks/hikes, drink tea, stretch, listen to really good music, go buy apples from an orchard. Be. This October I’m focusing on putting my phone down, getting off social media and reading more books (if that's possible). Let's get intentional about our time/currency.
Love you sistas!!
-Tiffany
“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
Karen's Korner
Is there something you want to learn more about? If you have questions, more than likely, other veterans have the same questions.
We are always looking for new articles for this newsletter. If you have something you would like to know, or tell others about, please send me an email karen.applen@olmstedcounty.gov and I will do my best to assist you.
Flu Shots
Stay healthy this cold and flu season!
Flu vaccines are available at any scheduled appointment or at flu vaccine events.
The VA Outpatient Clinic in Rochester will be providing flu shots on Thursday, October 2nd, 9th and 23rd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
The VA Medical Center in Minneapolis is offering flu and COVID vaccines in the 1st floor auditorium on Tuesday, October 7th and 14th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Free Dental Clinic for Veterans
Bringing Smiles to Veterans
When: October 21st, October 28th or November 4th
Where: Rochester Community and Technical College
Heintz Center
1926 College View Road
Rochester, MN 55904
For All Active, Reserve, Retired Military, and for all those who served in the military, we would like to say “thank you for your service” by providing you with free dental and wellness services. Free dental care kits made by the 3rd District Auxiliary Juniors are also provided. (appointments are limited so call now to schedule.
This Interprofessional Clinic will provide several services for veterans. 3rd District of the American Legion, will be teaming with the RCTC Dental Hygiene Students and Bridges Health, PC (a nonprofit organization) to provide free dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatment. Also, included will be graduate nursing students and social work students from Bridges Health, PC working together to offer veterans resources for housing, food, preventative care, etc. if needed. Call 507-280-3169 and make your appointment for one of the 3 dates. If you need assistance with transportation, please let 3rd Dist. Commander Amy Larson know, 612-306-4438.
14th Annual DAV & Olmsted County Deer Hunts
The lottery for the deer hunt is now closed, but they are still looking for volunteers. If you'd like to volunteer, please register on the website:
Olmsted County Veterans Deer Hunt
Veterans who registered for the hunt will be notified by SE MN DAV Chapter 28 if they have been selected or not.
Tactical Taco Tuesday October 7, 2025
Strap on your plate carriers and grab your wallets—it’s time for another Honor Bound Veterans Taco Tuesday!
Location: Tap House West End – 2365 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN
Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Time: 1130–1300 hours
Cost: BYOT (Buy Your Own Tacos). Don’t worry, unlike a government shutdown, tacos will still be fully operational.
What You’re In For:
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Marines: Our crayon-chewing cousins will once again prove they can eat anything that comes in colors. Rumor has it one of them asked if hard-shell tacos come in “crayon blue.”
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Navy: They’ll show up eventually—after plotting their course using a sextant and arguing over who gets shore leave. Expect them to ask where the galley is.
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Air Force: They may demand chair force seating in the “business class” section. Don’t worry—we’ll save them a recliner next to the salsa bar.
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Army: Let’s be honest—we’ll still complain about the line being too long, even though we are the line.
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Space Force: They’re busy filing a requisition to see if tacos can be deployed in low Earth orbit. Elon’s already tweeting about it.
OPSEC Reminder
- Do NOT leak taco intel on social media. This isn’t “Love Is Blind,” and no one needs spoilers on your third plate of carne asada.
- Do NOT geotag the Tap House unless you want a convoy of Coasties rolling up, asking if the river counts as open water.
- RSVP. If your name’s not on the manifest, you’ll be treated like a TikTok influencer trying to get into the VFW—denied at the door.
Orders
RSVP by replying with “Reporting for Taco Duty!” so we know how many tortillas to lock and load.
Then forward this to your battle buddy—because tacos taste better with someone who knows what it’s like to stand in a CIF line longer than the Taco Bell drive-thru at 2 AM.
Visit Honor Bound Veterans Website
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Bryan Ehni Commandant of Carnitas, Keeper of the Salsa, Enemy of Empty Plates
Veteran Non-Profit Organization
(507)269-5401
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DD214-1's for Departing Reservists
The military's reserve components now issue departing reservists a new standard service record that summarizes their periods of active and inactive service as well as their "points" earned toward retirement: Form DD214-1, the Certificate of Uniformed Service, Reserve Component Addendum.
Unlike active-duty members who may receive only a single DD Form 214 to verify aspects of a single active-duty commitment, reservists may amass a multitude of DD214's during their careers, up to one for each time they enter
and then leave active service, including full-time National Guard duty or mobilization for an emergency or other contingency operation.
A Defense Department memo, published in 2022, gave the military services a deadline of this year to implement the new form. The services did so one by one, beginning in 2024 and culminating with the Coast Guard's implementation this July.
The implementation of the DD214-1 is in recognition that a veteran's service record "plays a critical role in the allocation of veterans benefits, reemployment rights, and unemployment insurance," according to the DoD memo. The Navy characterized the new form as better for documenting "total service"
in its implementation guidance. The Air Reserve Personnel Center said in its guidance that it expects the "comprehensive record" to "make it easier for members to access the benefits and entitlements they deserve at separation
or retirement."
Related: DD214: What You Need to Know
Reservists will still receive conventional DD214s according to their services' preexisting guidelines, but once they leave their component -- by separating or by changing services or certain reserve statuses -- they'll also receive the DD214-1 as an addendum. In fact, a reservist will only ever receive the new form as an accompanying addendum, along with a conventional DD214 under the current rules.
Here's what to know about the new form:
Who Issues Reserve DD214-1s?
The military services' respective reserve components issue DD214-1s. Here's the guidance each service provided at the time of the form's implementation:
Who Receives a Reserve DD214-1?
The intent behind the DD214-1 is to provide a final summary of a reservist's active and reserve service. The following members will receive a DD214-1:
- Reservists who separate or are released from their reserve component
- Reservists transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve or the inactive National Guard
- Reservists transferred to the Standby Reserve or Retired Reserve
- Recalled retirees reverting to retired status
- Certain service-specific circumstances
Who Doesn't Receive a Reserve DD214-1?
The new form accompanies qualifying separations and changes in status
taking place after the date that the services implemented the DD214-1
program. Services don't issue them retroactively. It is also used if a veteran needs their original DD214 corrected. Just because a member receives a DD214 doesn't mean they'll also receive a DD214-1 at that time. The services don't have to supply a DD214-1 to the following:
- Reservists receiving a DD214 for ending a period of active service, if they're not separating from their component
- Veterans who already received a DD214, unless that form needs a correction
- National Guard members who transfer states
- Reservists whose service terminates by death
How Is the DD214-1 Different?
With the new DD214-1, reserve veterans will possess a single record of all
their active and reserve service. Not only that, but their reserve component will also provide the information to the Defense Manpower Data Center, which will then distribute it to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor and
state or territory of the individual's choice.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, for example, administers the Post-9/11 GI Bill, for which the combined length of reserve veterans' active service determines how much of their college costs the education benefit will cover.
Read Next: Post-9/11 GI Bill for Guard and Reserve
The DD214-1 might also include a reservist's activations for which their service never issued a conventional DD214, such as a short mobilization for an emergency. The services don't technically have to issue DD214s for
contingency operations that are 30 days or shorter.
According to the White House's instructions, the new DD214-1 must "ensure
all periods of active service served, regardless of duration, are reported along with their corresponding character of service and [Separation Program Designator] codes." It must include a "clear, concise summary of each discrete period of active service and Reserve Component service as applicable" and "relevant data regarding the member's service and the circumstances of termination."
Do Members Need to Do Anything Special to Receive a DD214-1?
The military services must provide a separating reservist's DD214 and accompanying DD214-1 "upon separation or the date authorized travel commences," according to DoD instructions. Follow your service's instructions for separation.
Be the One: A Wellness Mission
A Wellness Mission for Service Members, Veterans and their Families
Tragically, Minnesota loses 100 Veterans a year to suicide. Community support and connection can make a difference and save Veteran lives! Learn how you can help.
Recognizing Minnesota’s 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day, this event brings communities together to honor Veterans we have lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. Our goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we strive toward zero Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.
This annual program always includes both inspiration and education. Participants will benefit from the sharing of impactful stories and experiences from speakers who have family or personal experience with Veteran suicide or mental health struggles, as well as learning about resources for support and messages of encouragement from Veteran organizations, community leaders and elected officials. The connections and camaraderie during the social hour are equally impactful for many.
Event Information:
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Red Baron Arena, Marshall, MN
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9 - 10 a.m. - Vendor Fair, Networking and Refreshments
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10 - 11 a.m. - Program
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11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Vendor Fair and Networking
For more information, contact SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us.
MDVA Health & Disability-Related Programs
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is responsible for administering and highlighting a number of health and disability-related programs for Minnesota Veterans and their families. These include benefits and services in the areas of disability claims, outreach, dental, optical, special needs, homelessness prevention, and health information on issues like depleted uranium and hepatitis c.
Please contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for personal assistance and more information on these programs. Find your CVSO at www.macvso.org or by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) MDVA's one-stop customer service line for all Minnesota Veterans and their families.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group
Dates: September 22 - November 10, 2025
The location will be provided after completion of an intake interview.
Who: This group is for women 16 years old and older who have been sexually abused as a child or sexually assaulted as an adult.
Why: Victimization can lead to silence, isolation, fear, grief, and shame. A space to experience community is needed to promote healing and personal growth.
How: We will create a safe and supportive environment to discuss feelings and experiences as well as shared problem solving and resource recommendations. Information will be provided to help understand the impact of sexual violence.
Contact: If you are interested in participating or learning more about this group, please contact Cindy Cox at (507) 328-7207 or cynthia.cox@olmstedcounty.gov. The required intake interview can then be scheduled.
Organization: Dodge and Olmsted Victim Services
Empowering Women Together
"Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide." - Morgan Harper Nichols
Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors
Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors is a wonderful organization that offers veterans and their guests guided hunting and fishing trips. With tremendous support from experienced guides, veterans who attend these events create fantastic memories.
Cast & Blast
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Dates: October 17 - 19, 2025
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Nominations: Online from April 28, 2025, to July 20, 2025
Veteran's Supper
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Location: Wood Lake Community Center
88 2nd Avenue West
Wood Lake, MN 56297
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Date: November 8, 2025
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Note: Veterans eat free
New Mexico Elk Hunt
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Dates: November 17 - 21, 2025
Muzzle Loader Deer Hunt
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Location: Appleton, MN
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Dates: December 3 - 7, 2025
Nominations for the Cast & Blast event in October are currently open on our website. Visit www.warriorsandwalleyes.org and look under the sign-up drop-down menu. We will draw names in early August to send out invitations. For more information email us at teamvet@warriorsandwalleyes.org.
We have a few extra spots for those interested in fishing both days, but we can only take 10 veterans hunting each day. The first 20 drawn will be invited for both hunting and fishing. If you are interested in fishing both days, please indicate this at the bottom of your nomination form. We will draw additional names to fill these spots from the remaining nominations.
Rolling Hills Transit
SEMCAC is proud to announce a NEW service, honoring all those who serve. SEMCAC recently added a new bus to their fleet and would like to offer FREE rides to mobility challenged disabled veterans.
The bus will be operating out of Stewartville but will be covering their five county service area.
We asked Bill Spitzer, SEMCAC’s Director of Transportation, a few questions about their program and here are his replies:
- How long will Rolling Hills be offering free transportation? There is no end date planned.
- How do veterans schedule a ride? Call the dispatch center (507) 634-4340
- Where will you transport veterans to (examples: medical appointments, C&P exams, the grocery store, etc…)? Any of those
- What do you need in order to prove veteran status? A VA/government issued ID (such as a Veterans Health Identification Card, military ID card, driver’s license denoting veteran status or DD214)
- When you say ‘disabled’, do you mean physically or mentally as well? This service would be for ‘mobility challenged’ veterans. At this time we do not have the capacity to offer to all veterans.
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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