I’ve got my vaccine.

Have you? COVID-19 vaccinations dominate the headlines. Moderna. Pfizer. Johnson & Johnson. One dose. Two doses. Where and when to schedule an appointment?

I support the COVID-19 vaccine as a critical step toward achieving 80% of the population immunized, creating herd immunity, to overcome this pandemic. We will then be able to return to the things we miss and love. Spending time with extended family. Going to a ball game or concert. Dining out with a group of friends.

I received one shot in March and the other in April, both at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. I received the Moderna vaccine in March and had a good experience. After my first shot, I had soreness in my arm and a slight elevation in my temperature for two days. After my second shot, I again had soreness in my arm but no other side effects.

As a Veteran, I have served my state and my country for many years. Receiving the vaccine is one more act of service for our communities. Now that the vaccines are available to everyone age 16 and older, I strongly encourage you to get yours as soon as possible if you haven’t already. Find out how to get your shot at mn.gov/vaccine. And sign up to be notified of vaccine appointments at Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector.

Veterans who receive care within the VA Health Care System can schedule their COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

Our communities continue to be impacted by not only the coronavirus but are again reeling from the tragedy of the death of a young Black man by a police officer. We grieve with the family and friends of Daunte Wright and support our neighbors’ rights to peacefully protest and express their demands for change in the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color.

The death of Daunte Wright exacerbates ongoing pain and trauma that Minnesota communities of color are feeling, especially as former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial continues and tragic hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islanders in our nation occur.

The military and Veteran community is a richly diverse group who have served and sacrificed together. I encourage us to role model behavior of respect and tolerance during these challenging times. MDVA’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Valerie Klitzke continues to support our team. Please contact Valerie with questions or concerns at diversity.MDVA@state.mn.us or 612-548-5961.

As always, If you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service!