https://mn.gov/ en-us https://mn.gov/ https://mn.gov/ 2026-09-08T15:00:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-767310 Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis expresses its gratitude to Jean Osborne and June Hyman for their generous $10,000 donation designed to help enhance the daily activities of its Residents. Jean and June were lifelong friends who were passionate about supporting charities they believed in. The donation was organized by Jean’s niece, Sarah Flint. Interestingly, this legacy gift came about based on an ordinary, everyday discussion between Sarah and a Minneapolis Veterans Home volunteer, Sue Gunaca. 2026-09-08T14:30:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-767309 Military service was a tradition in the family of Jim Kavajecz. After 20 years of active duty and another 20 years working for the Idaho State Park system, Jim feels fortunate to now live at the Preston Veterans Home. James (Jim) Kavajecz, Air Force Veteran, was born in rural Iron River, Wisconsin, known for its excellent trout fishing and summertime Big Blueberry Festival. He and his mother, father, grandmother and five siblings lived on a small dairy farm. Everyone worked hard every day—milking 20-25 head of cows by hand (no machinery) and maintaining the physical property. When there was rare down time, Jim would grab a fly rod and go fishing. Before they sold the farm, he and his brother raced to see who could catch 100 fish first. Jim caught a total of 89 with a very specially crafted fly made from skunk tail and cat hair; it’s an achievement he’s proud of to this day. Jim and his four brothers went into the service; three served in the Air Force and two in the Army. He acknowledged it must have been stressful for his parents to have all five sons in the military after the oldest wanted to join, then the rest followed suit—either through voluntary service or the draft. For Jim, who was working at the time in the local machine shop and where other jobs were few and far between, joining the military just made good sense. 2026-09-08T14:00:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-767294 Minnesota loses 100 Veterans a year to suicide. To address this tragedy, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to share that there is hope, help is available and healing is possible. To make change happen, we will need to shift our culture from silence and stigma to encouragement, understanding and support. Taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives. Research has shown that people are less likely to attempt suicide or to die by suicide in communities that support, care for and affirm all their members. 2026-09-08T13:30:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-767226 The State of Minnesota is giving a shoutout to The Minnesota Veterans Homes – Minneapolis for figuring out a way to make a good program, even better. Instead of composting discarded food, the Minneapolis Veterans Home joined a food-to-animals program and now sends it directly to a livestock farm just outside the Twin Cities. 2026-09-08T13:00:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-767218 Minnesota has a proud tradition of military service. Since the Civil War, Minnesotans have heeded the call to serve our country. And the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has an obligation to serve the more than 278,000 Veterans and their families living in Minnesota today. 2026-08-06T13:30:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-762865 Local Veterans organizations are continuing their support of the Fergus Falls Veterans Home and its Residents through generous donations. 2026-08-03T13:15:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-762397 The new Minneapolis VA Medical Center Women’s Clinic officially opened its doors on Aug. 3 – creating a medical space to meet the unique needs of the approximately 10,000 women Veterans in the greater Twin Cities region. The 13,000 square foot Women’s Clinic is a comprehensive health center bringing together primary care, gynecology, mental health, physical therapy, pharmacy, social work, dietician and navigation services in a dedicated space, improving coordination and convenience of care. 2026-08-03T13:15:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-762844 For many Veterans, leaving military service doesn't mean leaving behind a desire to serve. It simply means finding a new mission. Fortunately, education benefits available through the Minnesota GI Bill can help Veterans, members of the Minnesota National Guard, Reserves and eligible family members turn military experience into rewarding careers in public safety—including through the Minnesota State Patrol's Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) Program. While many people think of the GI Bill to pay for college, it has long supported career training and apprenticeship opportunities. The Minnesota GI Bill can help eligible individuals pursue on-the-job training, certifications and other workforce development programs, making it easier to transition into a new profession without taking the traditional four-year college route. 2026-08-01T13:00:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-762387 It’s August and that means the great Minnesota get-together is almost here! Our state is home to more than 278,000 Veterans and thousands more family members. The Minnesota State Fair provides an opportunity to connect with many of you. 2026-07-08T15:00:00Z https://mn.gov%252Fmdva%252Fblog%252Findex.jsp?id=1066-758789 The Minnesota State Legislature recently passed a bill expanding burial eligibility at Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries for Minnesota National Guard or Reserve components who completed a full term of service and received an honorable discharge but did not meet the current federal definition of Veteran. Members who died while in good standing with the assigned component and whose death was not due to willful misconduct are also eligible. This expansion is also available to eligible spouses, minor children or unmarried adult children of those service members.