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Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Friday Digest: Sept. 12, 2025



This week:

* Work at MDVA [ #link_1 ]
* Minnesota Military Radio - Tune in this Weekend [ #link_10 ]
* September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month [ #link_8 ]
* Freedom Fest - Hastings, Sept. 13 [ #link_18 ]
* Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Sept. 16 [ #link_2 ]
* Mental Health First Aid Training, Sept. 18 [ #link_16 ]
* Be the One: Suicide Prevention Training, Sept. 22 [ #link_20 ]
* Suicide Prevention Training: Question, Persuade, Refer, Sept. 25 [ #link_3 ]
* ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight, Sept. 27 [ #link_21 ]
* Be the One: Attend the 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day, Oct. 4 [ #link_6 ]
* Military Women's Memorial - Strive for 500 [ #link_5 ]
* 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

* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 17)
* Homemaker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 23)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 19)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 25)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 25)

Fergus Falls

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Nov. 21)
* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Nov. 21)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Oct. 3)

Hastings

* Clinical Program Therapist [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 15)

Minneapolis

* Cook, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 15)

Montevideo

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Sept. 15)
* Activities Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 23)
* Food Service Worker, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 22)

Preston

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(application deadline Sept. 19)
* Lead Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 19)
* Registered Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 19)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, intermittent [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 19)
* Director of Nursing [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 25)

Silver Bay

* Human Services Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant, part-time [ [link removed] ]
(multiple openings, application deadline Sept. 26)
* Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 18)

St. Paul

* Deputy General Counsel [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 15)
* Veterans Claims Representative [ [link removed] ] (application deadline Sept. 19)

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.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

*Reach out: Help is within reach*

It is important to find the help that is right for you when your mental health feels off. Hope and healing can come from many places and in many forms to get the support that you need. Talking about the resources available across Minnesota and in your community can help remove stigma and normalize talking about mental health and focusing on hope and healing.

People you know can be good resources to find supports in your community. Talk to your friends and family, you primary care doctor, spiritual advisor, or someone else that you can trust about what’s going on and what you are looking for. 

Sometimes it is nice to know that you are not alone in your struggle. Having peer support can be a great way to connect with others that may have similar experiences as you. This could be calling one of Minnesota’s warm lines or by attending a support group. 


* Minnesota Warmline - Mental Health Minnesota [ [link removed] ]
* Peer-to-Peer Warmlines - NAMI Minnesota [ [link removed] ]
* Peer Support Connection MN Warmline (PSC) — Wellness in the Woods | Mental Health Advocacy  [ [link removed] ]

If you are unsure about what to do and need to talk to someone, try a local or national phone line to get assistance. They have trained counselors available to speak with you or your loved one and assist. 


* Professional help can also make a big difference, but sometimes it is hard to know where to start as there are many different types of mental health professionals. 
* Ask for referrals from your friends, family, primary care physician, clergy, or other people you trust. 
* Contact 211, 988, or your local mental health center to understand what mental health resources are available in your community. 
* Another starting point is to call the number on the back of your insurance card; they can help you identify what providers are a part of your plan.

Freedom Fest - Hastings, Sept. 13

Freedom Fest

The first-ever concert at United Heroes League’s brand-new outdoor venue — a one-of-a-kind space that transforms from an ice rink in winter to a concert venue in summer!

Join for an unforgettable night of live music, food, fun, and community — all to support military families.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry, Sept. 16

Food insecurity knows no boundaries – impacting all walks of life, including those who have served our Nation. There’s a new effort to make sure our heroes have food to eat.

The Minnesota Veterans Food Pantry serves as a key fundraising platform of the Minneapolis VA’s pop-up food pantry, which occurs every third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Those in need will receive a food box that includes shelf stable items (boxed meals/canned items), frozen items (meat/fish), and fresh items (fruits/vegetables).

Staff members are also on site to connect Veterans with other resources available through the VA.

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Mental Health First Aid Training, Sept. 18

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 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


* Sept.18

More information >> [ [link removed] ]



Be the One: Suicide Prevention Training, Sept. 22

As part of The American Legion Be the One mission to end Veteran suicide, the American Legion has joined forces with Columbia University to develop free, 90-minute online training for those who want to learn more about interacting and responding with Veterans who may be in crisis.

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Suicide Prevention Training: Question, Persuade, Refer, Sept. 25

QPR suicide prevention training, also known as gatekeeper training, teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, establish a dialogue, and guide the person to seek professional help.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

qpr training

ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight, Sept. 27

Join Every Third Sunday (ETS) at Viking Lakes on Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. for the ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight — an event dedicated to raising awareness around Veteran suicide and supporting those who’ve served.

The 2.3-mile route around the lakes serves as a symbolic reminder of the 23 Veterans lost to suicide every day. But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about hope. It’s about community. It’s about showing up for the Veterans who need us.

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

ETS Walk Flyer

Be the One: Attend the 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day, Oct. 4

Increasing the focus on Veteran mental health and wellness can help to reduce the risk of suicide. And we all have a role to play and can “be the one.”  

The 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall, MN.

We can all make a difference. This event is a time to come together in remembrance of Minnesota Veterans lost to suicide. We honor them by raising awareness and helping to save lives.

The purpose of our annual event is to bring 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 to encourage Veteran mental health and wellness as we strive to reduce Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.

This annual program always includes sharing of impactful stories and experiences from speakers who have family or personal experience with Veteran suicide or mental health struggles, as well as highlighting mental health and wellness 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.

 

More information >> [ [link removed] ]

Military Women's Memorial - Strive for 500

Womens Veteran Memorial

Military Women’s Memorial #StriveFor500 Campaign is an effort for every state to help register at least 500 military women in their state in 2025.

Each state has thousands of currently serving, Veterans and retirees in their midst and together we can ensure their stories are housed in a National Digital Repository.

There are stories from the Revolutionary War to today, with stories from every zip code in the country.

More information >> [ [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 can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line 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.



________________________________________________________________________

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