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Desk of the Commissioner - September

Commissioner Lindsay

Eighty years ago this September, the Allied victory over Japan was celebrated, marking the formal end of World War II.

Perhaps lesser known is that World War II began with shots fired by the USS Ward. The crew included many St. Paul-based Naval Reservists who made history as the first American engagement of WWII.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has been proud to host the USS Ward Gun on the grounds next to the Veterans Service Building for many years. On September 2, the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII with a special event that included the ceremonial removal of the USS Ward Gun. The gun will be professionally restored and relocated to its new permanent home at the museum.

 

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September is Suicide Prevention Month: Training Provides Confidence, Empowerment for Tough Conversations

Kristi Stites

Many people take a first aid class that teaches how to tend to physical health illnesses and injuries. But how do you help someone who is struggling with their mental health?

Mental Health First Aid is a training that, much like physical first aid, allows a layperson to help someone through a mental health crisis until professional help arrives. After teaching the class some 50 times since 2021, Kristi Stites, MDVA Veteran Suicide Prevention and Program Development Coordinator, believes the class makes a difference.

“You learn that you don’t have to have all the answers, but just be present and care,” she says. “The training also gives you the confidence to ask questions if someone is struggling.”

 

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Veterans Succeeding in College: The Power of Education Benefits, Clubs and Resource Centers

Veteran Education Resource Centers

Through Veterans clubs, on-campus Veterans Resource Centers, and a wide range of education benefits, MDVA helps Veterans thrive academically, socially and financially.

Veterans clubs provide a welcoming space for students with shared backgrounds to connect, build friendships and find peer support. These clubs foster a sense of belonging and community, helping Veterans navigate campus life while maintaining the camaraderie they valued in service. Whether through monthly meetings, student-led initiatives or informal gatherings, clubs offer encouragement and understanding that can be hard to find elsewhere.

 

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Minnesota Military Radio Broadcasts 800th Program

Tom Lyons

For over 15 years, award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for sharing the stories of Minnesota’s heroes. These stories are carried weekly on 67 broadcasting stations throughout the state and air nationally on the Wreaths Across America Radio Network.

MMR’s goal is to preserve our Veterans’ stories and keep listeners—including Veterans, their spouses and survivors as well as Veteran allies and advocates and current military members—up to date on things impacting Minnesota’s service members, Veterans and their families.

In August, MMR reached a significant milestone: the airing of its 800th show. But where did this robust commitment to serving those who have served first begin?

 

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Veterans Affairs Recognized for Green Efforts

Goats at Redwoof Falls Veterans Cemetery

State environmental experts say the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is improving our environment while continuing to put Veterans and their families first.

The Enterprise Sustainability Steering Team, chaired by Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, recognizes agencies that have shown significant progress and innovation toward meeting the enterprise sustainability goals. Agencies are nominated for awards in each focus area, and for a Sustainability All-Star Award. This year, MDVA won the Sustainability All-Star Award for our work to foster a culture of sustainability.

 

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Be the One: Attend the 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day

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 Veterans 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.

 

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Preventing Veteran Suicide: Free Gun Locks Available

Cable Gun Lock

Sadly, an average of 100 Minnesota Veterans die by suicide each year. Two-thirds of these deaths are by guns.

To help prevent Veteran suicide, MDVA is partnering with the VA Healthcare System to distribute free gun locks. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life.

 

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MDVA is Hiring

MDVA now hiring

Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. Sign-up [ [link removed] ] to receive our monthly jobs bulletin.

We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To learn more and to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers [ [link removed] ] and click Current Jobs.




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