The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is sharing the personal stories and experiences of our Veterans through a series of audio interviews.

These 90-second segments will explore the challenges faced by some Veterans and the MDVA services and support available to Veterans and their families.

In the early 1990s Eric witnessed the introduction of the Family Program within the Minnesota National Guard. Eric shares gratitude for the program’s focus on having families involved with soldiers to foster shared wellbeing. /mdva/assets/audio-mdva-eric-a-01_tcm1066-685830.wavListen to Eric’s story.

Learn about the National Guard Family Program.

Eric is proud of the opportunity to legislate for robust services to help service members be successful, especially the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program that includes family assistance centers across the state. /mdva/assets/audio-mdva-eric-a-02_tcm1066-685831.wavHear Eric share more.

Learn about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and MDVA’s efforts to support families.

Collaboration is a big part of military service, and it doesn’t stop when service ends. Eric encourages those nearing the end of their service to study the culture and language of business or education — whatever is next for you. /mdva/assets/audio-mdva-eric-a-03_tcm1066-685832.wavContinue listening to Eric.

Learn about MDVA’s efforts to support Veteran education and employment.

Beyond Active Duty – Caring for those who served is produced in partnership with Ampers and airs on 17 of their community radio stations serving Minnesota’s diverse communities.