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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: June 6, 2025

This week:

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 to be contacted about available opportunities.

Bemidji

Fergus Falls

Hastings

Minneapolis

Montevideo

Preston

Silver Bay

St. Paul

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 explore Chronic Pain Care with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, discuss the Minnesota American Legion Foundation's Fund 85, and get an update from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

 

More information >>

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 >>

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 >>

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.

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 >>

Honoring Women Veterans - White Bear Lake, June 14

Hosted by VFW Post 1782 and Auxilirary of White Bear Lake, this event honoring women Veterans will take place in the Boatworks Commons Community Room in White Bear Lake starting at 10 a.m.

 

More information >>

Honoring Women Veterans

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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

 

More information >>

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—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

 

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.


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