Summer in Minnesota. Many of you are probably enjoying some vacation time, fishing, relaxing at a lake cabin, camping and spending time with family.

While vacations are wonderful breaks, meaningful employment is important to our quality of life, especially for Minnesota Veterans who may need support transitioning from active duty in the military to a civilian career.

I’m happy to report that as of June 2019, the Minnesota Veteran unemployment rate was 3.2 percent, down from 3.3 percent in June 2018. This represents the lowest Veteran unemployment rate in the month of June since 2001. And June 2019 marks the 14th consecutive month where the Veteran unemployment rate was equal to or lower than the non-Veteran unemployment rate.

While the current economy has created a high demand for employees, that’s not always the case. Whether in good economic times or bad, MDVA is here to support Minnesota Veterans prepare for and find solid employment. The MDVA website is a good starting point; check our our employment page here. Or call LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet for more information.

Governor Walz has proclaimed July as “Hire a Veteran Month” and MDVA is participating in the 13th annual Veterans Career Fair on Wednesday, July 24 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. Hosted by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this event is the largest Veterans career fair in Minnesota, and connects current or former Veterans looking for a job or exploring new career options to employers. More information about the Veterans Career Fair is available here.

Minnesota employers have learned that hiring Veterans is a smart decision. Military service transforms young men and women into responsible adults ready to fill Minnesota’s talent pipeline. It begins with a commitment. As young as 17, these men and women commit to put service before themselves. Very quickly they learn about responsibility, accountability and being part of a team. They learn basic things that employers are looking for, such as completing a job to a desired standard and showing up on time. A Veteran returns from duty with leadership skills, technical training, safety training, crisis management skills and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure.

I’m proud to support Minnesota’s 327,000 Veterans and the MDVA team is always available to serve those who have served, with employment assistance and much more.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!