The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) believes that our Veterans Homes have some of the best long-term care staff nationwide! We love giving them a platform to express why they do what they do. That's exactly what's happening in a current advertising campaign as these "Brand Ambassadors" share with the community, and potential staff, the purpose they feel serving those who served.

Employees from the three newest Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston have recently kicked off this “Brand Ambassador” ad campaign. As Brand Ambassador, these employees offered to participate in ad campaigns directed to potential job seekers in their local communities. They provided some quotes describing their positive and rewarding experience working at the Homes, were photographed and participated in a video interview.

This month, we introduce our Bemidji Veterans Home Brand Ambassadors.

Billy Benso, Assistant Director of Nursing, shares: “I’ve been involved with Veterans in the community since the early 2000s after I was discharged from the Marines. In 2005, in speaking with some of our Vietnam Veterans about the possibility of a Veterans Home here in Bemidji, I made It my goal to steer my career in a way that would allow me to be a part of something greater.

“I like that the Bemidji Veterans Home sets the bar so high for what I do each day. There is no comparison for the quality of care we give to our Veterans and the amount of involvement from family and local organizations has been second to none.”

Annmarie Vold, Certified Nursing Assistant, says: “I chose to apply at the Veterans Home to be a part of a community that serves our Veterans. I wanted to give back the best way I knew how. My favorite part of my job is the Veterans; they're each so special and getting to know everyone has been incredible.

“The Bemidji Veterans Home has incredible care, standards and exceptional staff commitment. I've never seen anything like it. Our Veterans get the top-of-the-line, excellent care that they deserve; our standards truly do not compare to other (nursing) homes. MDVA offers great pay and benefits not to mention the personal benefit you receive from serving our local Veterans.”

Rachel Vigen, Certified Nursing Assistant, notes: “I chose to apply at the Veterans Home because I wanted to give back to the Veterans who gave everything for our country. It is a privilege to be able to take care of (the Veterans) and their families; this has become my second home.

“My favorite thing about the Veterans Home is all the amazing opportunities they have to offer to the Residents, such as fishing, color drives, bowling, going to state parks and every Resident getting their own birthday cake and party. I also love how all the Residents care so much for each other and if someone is sick, they all want to send a card to get better. My favorite thing about my coworkers is how we all work as a team and stay positive.”

For more information on career opportunities at MDVA, visit /mdva/about/work-for-mdva/index.jspMinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers.