Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: May 30, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* Decoration Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, May 30 [ #link_6 ]
* St. Peter American Legion Riders #37 Ride for a Reason, June 7 [ #link_5 ]
* Veterans Painting Classes at St. Thomas, June 9 - 14 [ #link_2 ]
* Ramsey County Veteran Claims Clinic, June 12 [ #link_3 ]
* Women Veterans Recognition Day at Historic Fort Snelling, June 12 [ #link_8 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, June 25 [ #link_16 ]
* National Veterans Wheelchair Games: Volunteers Needed [ #link_11 ]
* You May Be Eligible for Additional USDVA Educational Benefits! [ #link_4 ]
* Beware: Claim Predators Want to Prey on Your Benefits [ #link_13 ]
* The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits [ #link_9 ]
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline [ #link_12 ]
* Submit Your Veteran-Related Event [ #link_7 ]

Work at MDVA

If you are interested in speaking to a member of our Human Resources team regarding employment opportunities with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, fill out our Job Interest Form [ [link removed] ] to be contacted about available opportunities.

Bemidji

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline May 30)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, intermittent [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline June 6)

Fergus Falls

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline May 30)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline May 30)

Hastings

* Nutritional Services Supervisor [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 4)
* Cook, temporary [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 5)

Minneapolis

* Assistant Commissioner [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 11)
* Licensed Practical Nurse [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 30)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline June 30)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline June 6)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline June 6)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 12)

Montevideo

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline June 2)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 3)

Preston

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline June 3)
* Housekeeper, part-time [ [link removed] ] (multiple openings, application deadline May 30)

Silver Bay

* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 13)

St. Paul

* Veterans SOAR Representative [ [link removed] ] (application deadline June 20)

Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend

Minnesota MIlitary Radio

For over 15 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota’s heroes. Retired Command Sergeant Major, Veteran and volunteer host Doug Wortham shares these stories which are carried on 67 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota, and broadcasted nationally on the Wreaths Across America Radio Network, in an effort to preserve the stories of our Veterans and keep listeners up to date on things happening at MDVA and in our Veteran Community here in Minnesota.

Coming up this week, we’ll discuss the Month of the Military Spouse, highlight the Minnesota National Guard's [ [link removed] ] Soldier & Family Readiness Group, and get an update from our Senior Enlisted Leader.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Decoration Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, May 30

Monument

The team from Camp 56 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW); Saint Paul Squadron of Civil Air Patrol; West Saint Paul American Legion; Father Vakoc Assembly, Knights of Columbus; and Hawkeye Valley Region of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS) invites you to their Decoration Day Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in St. Paul.

*When:* 6 p.m., Friday, May 30
*Who:* Color Guards and firing detail from the SUVCW, Civil Air Patrol; the American Legion; the Knights of Columbus; and SAMS
*What:* Conduct a ceremony consisting of a prayer, a rifle salute, and a laying of a wreath
*Where:* Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Summit Park, 185 Summit Ave., St. Paul.
*Why:* To honor all Minnesota Veterans of the US armed forces on the traditional date that was later renamed as Memorial Day

This ceremony is open to Veterans, those with an interest in U.S. military history, and the public. This team of volunteers consider the Decoration Day ceremony an honor and a fitting tribute to our servicemembers whose service helped preserve the liberties Americans enjoy as a nation today.



St. Peter American Legion Riders #37 Ride for a Reason, June 7

Ride for a Reason

The St. Peter American Legion Riders will be hosting their Ride for a Reason on Saturday, June 7.

The event begins and ends at the St. Peter American Legion, with registration starting at 11 a.m.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Veterans Painting Classes at St. Thomas, June 9 - 14

Join for a free and relaxing outdoor painting class at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights.

Veterans (and their caregivers) are invited to register one of the class dates at no cost, with the mission to support Veterans connections to nature and one another in a unique outdoor experience.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Ramsey County Veteran Claims Clinic, June 12

The Minneapolis VA Medical Center staff will be at the Rondo Community Library June 12 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to help you enroll and set up your My HealtheVet login. VA claims processors will be on-site to provide services. Your County Veteran Service Officer will also be there!

Please bring a copy of your DD214 and any recent claim correspondence you may have. This event is especially for Veterans in Ramsey County. Walk-ins are welcome or reserve your claims clinic appointment here [ [link removed] ].

Rondo Community Library
461 Dale St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55103 

Women Veterans Recognition Day at Historic Fort Snelling, June 12

Women Veterans Recognition

There will be a Women Veterans Recognition Day event at Fort Snelling on Thursday, June 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

This day is celebrated to honor the contribution and sacrifices of women who have served in the military. June 12 is the anniversary of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. This act allowed women to serve as permanent members of the armed forces.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Mental Health First Aid Training, June 25

Mental Health First Aid

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is committed to investing in both our Veterans and the communities where they live and serve. A healthy community is a suicide-safe community.

One way MDVA contributes to the wellbeing of our state and Veteran communities is by offering free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course certification each month. MDVA also offers this training to our employees.

Trainings are held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


* June 25
* July 23

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



National Veterans Wheelchair Games: Volunteers Needed

Wheelchair Games

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest adaptive sports and rehabilitation event designed exclusively for U.S. military Veterans with disabilities. They are currently looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming games.

Support Veteran athletes, make connections and be part of something unforgettable here in Minneapolis, July 17–22, 2025. For questions, email: [email protected].

 

Register to volunteer >> [ [link removed] ]



You May Be Eligible for Additional USDVA Educational Benefits!

On April 16, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that Veterans who served at least two periods of service - one that qualifies for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and another that qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) - may be able to receive additional GI Bill benefits.

*Am I eligible for additional benefits? If so, what should I do?*

If you have previously applied to use VA education benefits, you may be eligible for additional benefits, if:


* You completed more than one eligible period of service, and
* You waived all or part of your MGIB benefits so you could use PGIB benefits.

If you have questions, please reach out to an MDVA Veterans Education Regional Coordinator.

 

Find your Regional Coordinator >> [ [link removed] ]

Beware: Claim Predators Want to Prey on Your Benefits

Many Veterans seek support and help with filing VA benefits claims for the payments they deserve. Be cautious of "claim predators" - unaccredited companies or individuals targeting Veterans' benefits for profit.
How to identify claim predators:


* Charging High Fees: Predatory companies charge absurd fees or require you to pay a portion of your VA benefits. Never pay anyone a fee to file an initial claim for benefits.
* Making Dishonest Promises: Don't trust anyone who claims they can help accelerate the claims process and obtain a 100% disability benefits evaluation. Remember, only VA has the authority to determine disability ratings.
* Requiring Binding Contracts: No one should ever charge a fee to file an initial claim for VA benefits. Never sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized individual/company a percentage of your benefit payment in exchange for help with your VA claim.

 

Learn more about VA accredited representatives >> [ [link removed] ]

The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions the VA presumes are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

 

PACT [ [link removed] ]

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line's number—988 then Press 1—helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.

Veterans can use this option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 [ tel:1-800-273-8255 ]—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat [ [link removed] ].

 



Submit Your Veteran-Related Event

If you know of a Veteran-related community event happening in your area you would like to submit to be included in our Friday Digest, please email all event information to [email protected] for consideration.



________________________________________________________________________

 Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Logo [ [link removed] ]

STAY CONNECTED:

Visit us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] linkedin [ [link removed] ] Visit us on YouTube [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Flickr [ [link removed] ] Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ]

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]  |  Contact MDVA <[email protected]>

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs · Veterans Service Building, 2nd Floor · 20 West 12th Street · Saint Paul, MN 55155-2006 · 651-296-2562 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]