Minneapolis VA November News Letter

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On the Beat

Minneapolis VA - November 2024

two people arms around each other smiling

Dr. Mike Huska on one of his last day before retirement with Veteran Leo Svir.

Vikings Connect with Veterans

three professional football players and veteran in wheelchair

It sounded like Harrison Phillips and Jimmie Buss were long lost friends.

The Vikings captain and former U.S. Army Tank Commander met for the first time at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, starting a month of events for the NFL's Salute to Service initiative.

They traded stories and laughs, learning they're more alike than anyone might think. ...read more


Keep on trucking

woman smiling

You have cancer. It’s words that can your turn your world upside down.

Jaclyn Schlichter, a 40-year-old Army Veteran, served six years in the Minnesota Army National Guard as truck driver. Little did she know her experience in the military would equip her with the strength to fight the war on cancer. ...read more


VA Clinic helps thousands of veterans

Woman smiling

About 6,500 Veterans walk into the Twin Ports VA Clinic each year. That equals about 120 a day. One of them is Leo Svir, who served in the Army. 

Clinic Manager Chery Stage shared, “We are not here for us, we are here for the veterans.” ...read more


Rolling into gold medals

person on phone smiling

Hank Ebert joined the Navy in 1966 as a Helicopter Combat Rescue Airman. Based out of Japan and trained as a rescue combat swimmer, he spent two tours flying up and down the Vietnam coastline during the war. He served four years then shortly after returning home to Minnesota, in September 1970, his life took a dramatic turn.  “I got in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle versus car. That kind of changed my life a little bit,” said Hank. ...read more


Fleet Farm to VA Clinic

two people in doctors office

The Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic has been around for 20 years, and, five years ago, it expanded to its current location at 3551 Commercial Dr. SW.

Some veterans may think the building looks familiar because it used to be a Fleet Farm. “All the veterans are like, ‘Oh, I used to get my hammer over here or I used to get my wrench over there,’ so they just love the fact that this is now their medical center,” Clinic Manager Christina Clark said.

It offers more than 20 services including primary care, cancer care, radiology, and more. ...read more


The next generation of radiologic technologists

three people smiling

Radiologic technologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, providing the images and insights that are the cornerstone of accurate medical care.

The Minneapolis VA School of Radiologic Technology has a rich history of producing highly skilled and sought-after radiologic technologists. It is the only VA Radiologic Technology program in the country and holds a prestigious reputation within Minnesota's radiology field. ...read more


Helping Veterans stay connected

man sitting in front of wall smiing

Our Minneapolis VA Volunteer of the Month, David Mandt, is a shining example of selflessness and dedication to helping his fellow Veterans.

An Army Veteran himself, Dave has volunteered at the My HealtheVet desk for over eleven years, accumulating an impressive 937 hours of service. He is the sole volunteer on Monday afternoons and has played an instrumental role in assisting Veterans with signing up for My HealtheVet and navigating the website. ...read more


Six months smoke free and counting

man sitting and smiling

Marine Veteran Lloyd Grimmer is six months into his journey as a non-smoker and credits the Minneapolis VA smoking cessation program for helping him do it.

He had his first cigarette at the age of 13 and smoked on and off in the beginning before becoming a full-time smoker. Lloyd said at the beginning it was a matter of peer pressure with family and friends actively smoking. As he grew older, he began using cigarettes to cope with life stressors.

In June he decided to quit smoking. ...read more


West Point Glee Club perform for Veterans

group standing with flags

The Flag Atrium was full for a Veterans Day Program at the Medical Center. The program included a color guard from the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Twin Cities Squadron and a moving performance by the West Point Glee Club. ...read more

 


Upcoming Events

Veterans virtual town hall for southern area VA Community Clinics Dec. 12, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Veterans food pantry Dec. 17, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Virtual new patient orientation Jan. 8, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Visit our website for upcoming events at Events | VA Minneapolis Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Minneapolis VA Key Service Contact Numbers

Veteran Crisis Line: 988 - Available 24/7

Medical Records/Release of Information: 612-467-1992 - M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Patient Advocates: 612- 467-2106 - M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.