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.

It can be hard to know what to expect with an overseas deployment. When Jodine was first deployed to Kuwait and was gone for nearly a year, she appreciated being deployed with fellow Minnesotans where a spirit of support was prevalent. /mdva/assets/audio-mdva-jodine-e-01_tcm1066-685988.wavListen to Jodine’s story.

Many members of the National Guard work a full-time civilian job, and the military is a part-time job. Jodine recognizes the stress of Guard training without time off and immediately returning to work, where colleagues can assume time away was “vacation.” /mdva/assets/audio-mdva-jodine-e-02_tcm1066-685989.wavHear Jodine share more.

Some employers don’t understand the obligation of and protection for military service. Learning about Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) during deployment, Jodine called on ESGR to help when an employer didn’t follow her rights. /mdva/assets/audio-mdva-jodine-e-03_tcm1066-685990.wavContinue listening to Jodine.

Learn about how ESGR can help.

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.