MDVA-News

<results><page>0</page><page>20</page><page>198</page><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families. 
</Description><Audience/><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2026-05-11-sot-recipients</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-747409&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-05-11T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families. 
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
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Steve McCarthy
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952-237-4618
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&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.americanheroesoutdoors.com/&quot; title=&quot;American Heroes Outdoors&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;American Heroes Outdoors&lt;/a&gt; is receiving a $50,000 grant to provide year-round outdoor adventures to Veterans and their families. Some of the adventures include hunting, fishing, hiking, biking skiing and dog sledding.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://magnusveteransfoundation.org/&quot; title=&quot;Magnus Veteran Foundation&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Magnus Veteran Foundation&lt;/a&gt; will use their $100,000 grant to aid in their mission of Veteran support by providing their Five Pillar Wellness Program free to Veterans and their families. The five wellness pillars include: medical, physical, psychological, spiritual and social and promote health and wellness.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/supportthetroopsmn/&quot; title=&quot;Facebook- Support the Troops MN&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Support the Troops, MN&lt;/a&gt; will use $100,000 in grant funds to provide rapid response to Veterans encountering financial hardships. Their program will prevent evictions, avoid utility shutoffs and help with car repairs.&lt;/li&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to these diverse grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in different ways,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This SOT grant cycle began with applications submitted in January 2026. These three organizations now have executed grant agreements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program&lt;/strong&gt;:
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Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families. Just a few of the organizations that SOT funds have helped include:&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Radio Program – weekly broadcast to inform the military and Veteran community.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Believet Canine Service Partners – provides service dogs to Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury and other combat-related disabilities or injuries.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gaits of Hope – grant to provide equine therapy to Veterans free of charge.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ironwood Springs – providing free, family-based day and overnight retreats for Veterans and their families.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Blue Star Mothers – grant to provide 3 nutritious meals monthly for Veterans and family members residing as guests at the Fisher House on the MPLS VA Campus.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;YMCA of the North – engaging veterans in YMCA health, wellness, and family programs that promote mental and physical health (whole-person wellbeing), access to critical resources, and other supports to build community connections.&lt;/li&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/&quot; title=&quot;DMV&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office.&lt;/a&gt; SOT plates may also be available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next MDVA SOT grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-888-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>747409</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T14:27:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) highlighted new data showing just 150 Veterans remain homeless in Minnesota – the lowest level ever recorded. This major milestone is a culmination of years of focused work by Governor Tim Walz and MDVA and represents a 25% decrease from last year and a 41% decrease from two years ago.

MDVA started monitoring Veterans experiencing homelessness in 2015. Under the leadership of Governor Walz, MDVA increased our state’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness by adding more resources for Veterans through the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR). Today’s data shows those investments are paying off.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veteran Homelessness Reaches Historic Low Levels</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veteran Homelessness Reaches Historic Low Levels</Title><title>2026-03-13-ending-veteran-homelessness</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-731258&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-03-13T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) highlighted new data showing just 150 Veterans remain homeless in Minnesota – the lowest level ever recorded. This major milestone is a culmination of years of focused work by Governor Tim Walz and MDVA and represents a 25% decrease from last year and a 41% decrease from two years ago.

MDVA started monitoring Veterans experiencing homelessness in 2015. Under the leadership of Governor Walz, MDVA increased our state’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness by adding more resources for Veterans through the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR). Today’s data shows those investments are paying off.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Today, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) highlighted new data showing just 150 Veterans remain homeless in Minnesota – the lowest level ever recorded. This major milestone is a culmination of years of focused work by Governor Tim Walz and MDVA and represents a 25% decrease from last year and a 41% decrease from two years ago.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA started monitoring Veterans experiencing homelessness in 2015. Under the leadership of Governor Walz, MDVA increased our state’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness by adding more resources for Veterans through the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR). Today’s data shows those investments are paying off.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This is an unprecedented milestone for the state,” says Paul Williams, MDVA Deputy Director of Veterans Programs. “This is an incredible partnership between state, federal and local governments with non-profits, community groups and Veteran service organizations and shows the power of community and working together to reach this incredible achievement.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The HVR is a national best practice tool designed to support Minnesota Veterans who need housing and are currently experiencing an episode of homelessness. This by-name database is facilitated by MDVA and authorizes providers to collaborate across agencies to find housing solutions. It is a tool that brings resources to the Veterans where they are, instead of asking the Veteran to navigate through a complicated system. These specific resources are tailored to each Veteran and provide case management to help them in transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota has been an innovator in helping Veterans find housing solutions. We are close to becoming the fourth state in the country with the designation of effectively ending homelessness among Veterans. Through the support of Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature, MDVA has created the Veterans Supportive Housing Options (VSHO) program which procured 87 supportive housing units for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) leveraged philanthropic support to create an additional 74 rental units, totaling 161 units. These units prioritize the most vulnerable Veterans across Minnesota. This support was also key in creating Minnesota’s Veterans Entering Stable Tenancy (MNVEST), a program that mirrors the successful federal HUD-VASH program model to assist additional Veterans who are unable to access HUD-VASH within Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The federal U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) provided an independent, interagency confirmation process validating communities that achieved the federal benchmarks for effectively ending Veteran homelessness. Minnesota has been engaging with USICH since 2014, with the goal of the federal review team confirming all 10 of their Continuums of Care (CoC) regions, with the Southwest CoC being the first region to receive this confirmation in March of 2017. Over the span of the next seven years, Minnesota focused on confirming one CoC region at a time, with the Hennepin County CoC becoming the ninth CoC to receive the designation in October 2024. MDVA was actively engaged with USICH at the end of 2024, submitting the required documentation at the end of January 2025, providing the required documentation highlighting that Ramsey County CoC was meeting the benchmarks for confirmation, being the tenth and final CoC in Minnesota to reach that milestone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;These confirmations—conducted jointly with the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—created powerful incentives for local governments, philanthropy and public systems to sustain coordinated efforts toward effectively ending Veteran homelessness. However, last year the federal government halted several non-statutory functions across agencies, including USICH’s verification role. This action literally left Minnesota on the verge of declaring the effective end of Veteran homelessness but USICH would not verify the declaration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA continues to look to the federal government to resume certifications and is supported in that effort by the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) by way of an unanimously supported resolution which urges federal legislation for the VA to “create a credible, independent and federally anchored verification process for communities that have effectively ended Veteran homelessness.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re proud that Minnesotans collectively make it clear that we will not allow our Veteran neighbors to experience homelessness after raising their hand to serve and protect our country. In Minnesota, Veteran homelessness is unacceptable, and the HVR results are proof of that,” says MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “MDVA has been leading this collaborative effort that’s included everything from asking landlords to open their doors to Veterans to developing simple and easily accessible tools to get Veterans on the registry.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Homeless Veterans Registry&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA’s public-facing dashboard&lt;/a&gt; is available to view in real time on the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA Website&lt;/a&gt;. In addition, if you or a Veteran you know is experiencing difficulties with housing, please complete the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/assets/2026-02-13-hvr-tennessen_tcm1066-724985.pdf&quot; title=&quot;HVR Application&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR) application&lt;/a&gt;. Upon completion of the application, MDVA confirms eligibility and connects Veterans with partners to provide transition services.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>731258</id><pubdate>2026-03-13T14:09:37Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes will benefit from a generous $80,000 donation from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This marks the fourth year in a row the post has contributed this level of support, providing $10,000 to each Home in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay.

Leadership from both the VFW and MDVA came together for the donation presentation during the VFW Midwinter Conference in January.</Description><Audience/><Title>Hutchinson VFW Donates $80K to Support State Veterans Homes for Fourth Consecutive Year</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Hutchinson VFW Donates $80K to Support State Veterans Homes for Fourth Consecutive Year</Title><title>2026-02-10-hutchinson-vfw-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-729166&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-02-10T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes will benefit from a generous $80,000 donation from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This marks the fourth year in a row the post has contributed this level of support, providing $10,000 to each Home in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay.

Leadership from both the VFW and MDVA came together for the donation presentation during the VFW Midwinter Conference in January.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes will benefit from a generous $80,000 donation from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This marks the fourth year in a row the post has contributed this level of support, providing $10,000 to each Home in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Leadership from both the VFW and MDVA came together for the donation presentation during the VFW Midwinter Conference in January.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2026-hutchinson-vfw-donation_tcm1066-724413.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Full Photo&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2026-hutchinson-vfw-donation&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2026-th-hutchinson-vfw-donation_tcm1066-724412.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Hutchinson VFW Check Donation&quot; alt=&quot;Hutchinson VFW Check Donation&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 3px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2026-th-hutchinson-vfw-donation&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each home decides how the funds will be used to improve quality of life for the Veterans who live in the Homes. For example, a Home can develop or enhance activities and programming, purchase new equipment or install memorials.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We know these funds will go a long way to support the overall health and well-being of our Veterans,” says VFW Minnesota State Commander Ed Koegh. “The Hutchinson VFW Post 906 has been an outstanding supporter of our Minnesota Veterans Homes and VA hospitals for several years. Their generosity has greatly improved the lives of our Minnesota Veterans at these wonderful facilities, and they are a prime example of Veterans supporting Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Our Homes are dedicated to making sure Veterans truly feel at home,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “A donation of this size is essential in helping to ensure our heroes are provided the best in recreational programming and quality services, an enhanced physical environment and improved daily experiences with their fellow Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA extends its gratitude to the Department of Minnesota VFW and Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. Their commitment and collaboration are essential to MDVA’s mission of supporting and serving those who have served.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>729166</id><pubdate>2026-04-09T00:04:12Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Preston, Minn. – Preston is the only city in Minnesota with both a State Veterans Home and a State Veterans Cemetery. And Preston and surrounding communities continue to demonstrate their support for Minnesota Veterans through special events, volunteering and both in-kind and cash donations.

During the last few months, two donors have made significant cash donations to both the Home and the Cemetery. The Kaye D. Nelson Trust donated $20,000 to the Preston Veterans Home to support ongoing programming and activities by our Recreation Therapy team. And the Trust also donated $10,000 to the Preston State Veterans Cemetery to be used for equipment that will assist in the ongoing care and beautification of the site.</Description><Audience/><Title>Generous Donors Support Preston Veterans Home, Cemetery</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Generous Donors Support Preston Veterans Home, Cemetery</Title><title>2026-02-09-preston-donations</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-729163&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-02-09T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Preston, Minn. – Preston is the only city in Minnesota with both a State Veterans Home and a State Veterans Cemetery. And Preston and surrounding communities continue to demonstrate their support for Minnesota Veterans through special events, volunteering and both in-kind and cash donations.

During the last few months, two donors have made significant cash donations to both the Home and the Cemetery. The Kaye D. Nelson Trust donated $20,000 to the Preston Veterans Home to support ongoing programming and activities by our Recreation Therapy team. And the Trust also donated $10,000 to the Preston State Veterans Cemetery to be used for equipment that will assist in the ongoing care and beautification of the site.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preston, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Preston is the only city in Minnesota with both a State Veterans Home and a State Veterans Cemetery. And Preston and surrounding communities continue to demonstrate their support for Minnesota Veterans through special events, volunteering and both in-kind and cash donations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the last few months, two donors have made significant cash donations to both the Home and the Cemetery. The Kaye D. Nelson Trust donated $20,000 to the Preston Veterans Home to support ongoing programming and activities by our Recreation Therapy team. And the Trust also donated $10,000 to the Preston State Veterans Cemetery to be used for equipment that will assist in the ongoing care and beautification of the site.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A second donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $13,750 to the Veterans Home and $13,750 to the Veterans Cemetery. The donor requested the Home use the funds to support the enjoyment of our Veterans for items such as televisions, benches and chairs for outdoor seating, recreational activity supplies and equipment, personal care items and other things that will enhance the facility and grounds. The Cemetery will again use this donation to fund equipment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Kaye D. Nelson Trust is funded by Mr. Kaye Nelson, a U.S. Navy Veteran who served 30 years in the military including the end of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired as a Master Sergeant and talked of his time serving on a submarine. He also played competitive volleyball while in the Navy. He had cared for his mother as she aged and had never married nor had any children. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 94.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Lois Johnson, an executor of the Kaye D. Nelson Trust, shares that Veterans were always important to Mr. Nelson. He had identified several Veteran organizations to receive donations including the Fisher House, DAV and Honor Flight. However, the Trust had additional funds available, so Johnson sought out other Veteran organizations. She was impressed after visiting both the Preston State Veterans Cemetery and Preston Veterans Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Regarding the Home, Johnson praised the design of the facility, with many common areas for Residents to interact. “People seem happy and the workout center can help keep people well,” she noted. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Johnson was confident that these two Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) facilities were deserving of support.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is grateful for the support from these donors and all others who contribute to our mission of caring for Minnesota Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>729163</id><pubdate>2026-03-06T16:45:36Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Fergus Falls, Minn. – Once again, local Veterans organizations are supporting the Fergus Falls Veterans Home and its Residents through generous donations.

For several years now, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fergus Falls Chapter 25 has funded the cost of Wi-Fi and cable television at the Home, allowing the Residents to enjoy connections to the online world and the expanded cable TV programming. The 2025 annual pledge of more than $30,000 was recently fulfilled with a final donation of more than $15,000.</Description><Audience/><Title>Fergus Falls Veterans Home Residents Benefit From DAV, Boots on the Ground Donations</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Fergus Falls Veterans Home Residents Benefit From DAV, Boots on the Ground Donations</Title><title>2026-02-09-fergus-falls-donations</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-729160&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-02-09T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Fergus Falls, Minn. – Once again, local Veterans organizations are supporting the Fergus Falls Veterans Home and its Residents through generous donations.

For several years now, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fergus Falls Chapter 25 has funded the cost of Wi-Fi and cable television at the Home, allowing the Residents to enjoy connections to the online world and the expanded cable TV programming. The 2025 annual pledge of more than $30,000 was recently fulfilled with a final donation of more than $15,000.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fergus Falls, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Once again, local Veterans organizations are supporting the Fergus Falls Veterans Home and its Residents through generous donations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For several years now, the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/p/Fergus-Falls-DAV-Chapter-25-100068605484368/&quot; title=&quot;DAV Fergus Falls Chapter 25&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fergus Falls Chapter 25&lt;/a&gt; has funded the cost of Wi-Fi and cable television at the Home, allowing the Residents to enjoy connections to the online world and the expanded cable TV programming. The 2025 annual pledge of more than $30,000 was recently fulfilled with a final donation of more than $15,000.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bootsonthegroundvetsrun.org/our-mission/&quot; title=&quot;Boots on the Ground&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Boots on the Ground&lt;/a&gt;, founded in 2014 to honor Veteran Residents at the Home, recently donated $40,000. The organization raises funds through a sole event which takes place on the third Saturday of September each year at the Fergus Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Home will use the funds to support several services including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;New Bingo Machine: $5,680&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Resident Haircuts: $15,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Residents Arts Program: $10,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recreation Fund: $9,320&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Thank you to both DAV Fergus Falls Chapter 25 and Boots on the Ground for their ongoing generous donations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>729160</id><pubdate>2026-03-06T16:37:27Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Diane Lynch-deCombhs, to the new position of Assistant Commissioner - Healthcare Division.

Lynch-deCombhs is a seasoned healthcare operations leader with more than 20 years of experience. She is deeply committed to serving Veterans and ensuring high-quality, person-centered care. Most recently, Lynch-deCombhs held the role of Division Administrator of Veterans Homes for the State of Wisconsin where she oversaw multiple campuses driving transformational change and promoting a strong culture of quality and accountability.</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA Names Assistant Commissioner of Its Healthcare Division</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA Names Assistant Commissioner of Its Healthcare Division</Title><title>2025-11-06-news-release-new-assistant-commissioner-healthcare</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-712058&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-11-06T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Diane Lynch-deCombhs, to the new position of Assistant Commissioner - Healthcare Division.

Lynch-deCombhs is a seasoned healthcare operations leader with more than 20 years of experience. She is deeply committed to serving Veterans and ensuring high-quality, person-centered care. Most recently, Lynch-deCombhs held the role of Division Administrator of Veterans Homes for the State of Wisconsin where she oversaw multiple campuses driving transformational change and promoting a strong culture of quality and accountability.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Diane Lynch-deCombhs, to the new position of Assistant Commissioner - Healthcare Division.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Lynch-deCombhs is a seasoned healthcare operations leader with more than 20 years of experience. She is deeply committed to serving Veterans and ensuring high-quality, person-centered care. Most recently, Lynch-deCombhs held the role of Division Administrator of Veterans Homes for the State of Wisconsin where she oversaw multiple campuses driving transformational change and promoting a strong culture of quality and accountability.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Previously Lynch-deCombhs spent more than 19 years in the private sector leading senior care campuses including rehab centers and skilled nursing facilities across several states. Her experience includes overseeing and directing several startup skilled care construction projects. She is recognized for her ability to unite teams, strengthen organizational culture and deliver lasting operational improvements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Lynch-deCombhs currently serves as the president of the National Association of State Veterans Homes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;She holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a BA in Healthcare Management. She is a licensed nursing home administrator and will serve as the supervisor and leader of our Veterans Home Administrators. She will work in close collaboration with the Healthcare Division Executive Team in the oversight of the eight Minnesota Veterans Homes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>712058</id><pubdate>2025-11-06T14:58:54Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Mankato, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to come together to thank, celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country.</Description><Audience/><Title>Official State Veterans Day Event Moves to Mankato</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Official State Veterans Day Event Moves to Mankato</Title><title>2025-11-05-ma-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-711929&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-11-05T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Mankato, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to come together to thank, celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Mankato, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to come together to thank, celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay
&lt;br /&gt;
Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota State Government Leaders
&lt;br /&gt;
Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation
&lt;br /&gt;
Local Civic Leaders
&lt;br /&gt;
Kyle Ward, Ph.D. Author and History Professor
&lt;br /&gt;
Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis
&lt;br /&gt;
34th Infantry Division Chaplain Lt. Col. Timothy Usset
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota State University – Mankato Maverick Machine Band&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuesday, Nov. 11
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 a.m. Breakfast and Social Time
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m. Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*Note New Location!
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota National Guard Armory
&lt;br /&gt;
100 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
&lt;br /&gt;
Mankato, Minnesota&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-706959&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Day&quot;&gt;will be livestreamed, available on our website&apos;s event page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>711929</id><pubdate>2025-11-05T17:26:33Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Preston, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced that Stephanie Juhl, RN, is joining the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston as Director of Nursing.

Juhl most recently was the Director of Nursing for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Domiciliary (DOMS) Program at Hastings and Minneapolis. She has been with the DOMS program for seven years and was integral in the development of its One Program, Two Sites, Three Paths mission.</Description><Audience/><Title>Preston Veterans Home Welcomes New Director of Nursing</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Preston Veterans Home Welcomes New Director of Nursing</Title><title>2025-10-30-preston-director-of-nursing</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-711120&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-10-30T15:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Preston, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced that Stephanie Juhl, RN, is joining the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston as Director of Nursing.

Juhl most recently was the Director of Nursing for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Domiciliary (DOMS) Program at Hastings and Minneapolis. She has been with the DOMS program for seven years and was integral in the development of its One Program, Two Sites, Three Paths mission.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preston, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced that Stephanie Juhl, RN, is joining the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston as Director of Nursing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Juhl most recently was the Director of Nursing for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Domiciliary (DOMS) Program at Hastings and Minneapolis. She has been with the DOMS program for seven years and was integral in the development of its One Program, Two Sites, Three Paths mission.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Juhl started her career with MDVA at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis as an RN Senior - Nurse Educator in 2017. She then became the RN Supervisor of the DOMS Program - Minneapolis. Juhl has also held positions as an administrator of a psychiatric hospital for the Department of Human Services and was a correctional nurse, specializing in infection prevention and quality management. Prior to that, she was a director of home care and hospice for a medical center, director of nursing for a skilled facility, and a public health nurse.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Juhl earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to earning this degree, she was a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Human Services Technician.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>711120</id><pubdate>2025-10-30T16:16:40Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Fergus Falls, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced the appointment of Kalie Crayton as the new Administrator for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls. She started her position on Oct. 27.

Crayton is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Licensed Health Services Executive (LHSE). She most recently has been providing Interim Administrator and Executive Director coverage and consulting services for long-term care facilities in several states. Her work history includes supporting organizations to achieve goals, improve Resident care, monitor regulatory requirements and improve performance.</Description><Audience/><Title>Fergus Falls Veterans Home Welcomes New Administrator </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Fergus Falls Veterans Home Welcomes New Administrator </Title><title>2025-10-29-ff-administrator</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-710952&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-10-29T13:45:50Z</Date><ShortDescription>Fergus Falls, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced the appointment of Kalie Crayton as the new Administrator for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls. She started her position on Oct. 27.

Crayton is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Licensed Health Services Executive (LHSE). She most recently has been providing Interim Administrator and Executive Director coverage and consulting services for long-term care facilities in several states. Her work history includes supporting organizations to achieve goals, improve Resident care, monitor regulatory requirements and improve performance.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fergus Falls, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced the appointment of Kalie Crayton as the new Administrator for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls. She started her position on Oct. 27.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Crayton is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Licensed Health Services Executive (LHSE). She most recently has been providing Interim Administrator and Executive Director coverage and consulting services for long-term care facilities in several states. Her work history includes supporting organizations to achieve goals, improve Resident care, monitor regulatory requirements and improve performance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Previously Crayton served as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator for a 70-bed skilled nursing facility in Bemidji and a 45-bed skilled nursing and 20-unit assisted living facility in Warren, Minnesota. She also has experience as an Activity Director and a Social Services Designee in senior care facilities, and as an independent home care provider.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Crayton earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>710952</id><pubdate>2025-10-29T13:47:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Focuses on Preventing Veteran Suicide, Connecting Survivors with the Resources that Can Help</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Focuses on Preventing Veteran Suicide, Connecting Survivors with the Resources that Can Help</Title><title>2025-10-04-vet-suicide-prev-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-708586&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-10-04T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Marshall, Minn. – Veterans, healthcare providers, counselors and those affected by Veteran suicide gathered here today to shine a light on this issue and bring people together in a time of healing. The seventh annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day event was hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Marshall, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Veterans, healthcare providers, counselors and those affected by Veteran suicide gathered here today to shine a light on this issue and bring people together in a time of healing. The seventh annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day event was hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The state of Minnesota is committed to addressing the tragedy of Veteran suicide,” says Eric Meittunen, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Healthcare at MDVA. “We support Veterans when they are in crisis while also prioritizing the overall wellness and mental health of Veterans and their families.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Dozens of community members and service and care providers gathered at Marshall’s Red Baron Arena Saturday morning to show they are willing to “be the one” to make a difference in preventing suicide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Following community time with donuts and coffee and an opportunity to visit resource tables staffed by Veteran support organizations, attendees honored our military during a presentation of the colors by honorary color guards. Mental health specialists and community leaders talked about their dedication to doing more to end Veteran suicide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Freddy Real, the Military and Veteran Liaison Officer at Avera Health – spoke about the hard realities of Veteran suicide. “Veteran suicide isn’t a distant thing that doesn’t happen,” Freddy says. “You may have a friend or someone in your life, and they seem fine. But the battles they’re fighting are on the inside now.” He encourages everyone to ask a Veteran how they’re doing. “A Vet won’t necessarily tell you what’s going on, but if they pause long enough, you’ll get it.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Following the program, MDVA hosted a Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) training session. “You learn that you don’t have to have all the answers, but just be present and care,” says Kristi Stites, MDVA Veteran Suicide Prevention and Program Development Coordinator. “The training also gives you the confidence to ask questions if you see someone is struggling.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who needs help, please take the first step.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call 988 and press 1&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/veteransuicideprevention/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Veteran Suicide Prevention&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Veteran Suicide Prevention&quot;&gt;Visit our Veteran Suicide Prevention page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Learn about:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Free Gun Locks&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;S.A.V.E. Training&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Suicide Prevention in Minnesota&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>708586</id><pubdate>2026-05-04T19:05:48Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The seventh Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day brings communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide and offers healing and hope to survivors. Tragically, Minnesota loses about 100 Veterans to suicide each year. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) strives to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we all work together to decrease Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota and the region.</Description><Audience/><Title>Marshall Event Focuses on Preventing Veteran Suicide </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Marshall Event Focuses on Preventing Veteran Suicide</Title><title>2025-09-26-suicide-prevention</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-707309&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-09-29T12:45:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The seventh Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day brings communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide and offers healing and hope to survivors. Tragically, Minnesota loses about 100 Veterans to suicide each year. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) strives to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we all work together to decrease Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota and the region.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-694456&quot; title=&quot;Event Posting&quot;&gt;seventh Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day&lt;/a&gt; brings communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide and offers healing and hope to survivors. Tragically, Minnesota loses about 100 Veterans to suicide each year. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) strives to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we all work together to decrease Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota and the region.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Eric Meittunen, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Healthcare, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
Freddy Real, Military and Veteran Liaison Officer – Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center
&lt;br /&gt;
Tim Engstrom, Director of Communications, American Legion Department of Minnesota
&lt;br /&gt;
Area elected officials&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, Oct. 4
&lt;br /&gt;
9-10 a.m. Resource Fair and social hour
&lt;br /&gt;
10-11 a.m. Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Red Baron Arena and Expo
&lt;br /&gt;
1651 Victory Drive
&lt;br /&gt;
Marshall, Minnesota&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event includes community time with donuts and coffee and an opportunity to visit resource tables staffed by Veteran support organizations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>707309</id><pubdate>2025-09-29T12:58:03Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 25-07, amending Executive Order 25-06, to authorize the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) Disaster Relief Program. This financial assistance will help veterans, and their families recover from the recent severe storms impacting Beltrami County.</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Authorizes Disaster Relief Financial Assistance to Veterans</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Authorizes Disaster Relief Financial Assistance to Veterans</Title><title>2025-07-08-disaster-relief-from-governor</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-696455&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-07-08T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 25-07, amending Executive Order 25-06, to authorize the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) Disaster Relief Program. This financial assistance will help veterans, and their families recover from the recent severe storms impacting Beltrami County.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px; text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
&lt;br /&gt;
July 8, 2025
&lt;br /&gt;
Contact: Claire Lancaster
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email claire.lancaster@state.mn.us &quot;&gt;claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
651-219-2975&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today issued &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/assets/Executive%20Order%2025-07_tcm1055-696425.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Executive Order 25-07&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Executive Order 25-07&lt;/a&gt;, amending Executive Order 25-06, to authorize the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) Disaster Relief Program. This financial assistance will help Veterans, and their families recover from the recent severe storms impacting Beltrami County.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Beltrami County has faced incredible hardship in the wake of these storms, and we continue to stand alongside Minnesotans impacted — including our Veterans and their families,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“This order ensures Veterans have access to the support they’ve earned as recovery continues across the region.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Executive Order 25-07 authorizes MDVA to provide direct financial relief to Vterans and their families facing unexpected hardships due to natural disasters. Assistance may include help with housing, utilities, and other essential needs, as determined by MDVA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The order follows Governor Walz’s June 27, 2025, &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/index.jsp?id=1055-694962&quot; title=&quot;Declaration of a Peacetime Emergency&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;declaration of a peacetime emergency&lt;/a&gt; in response to the severe weather event in Beltrami County. The Executive Council extended the emergency on June 30, 2025. Damage assessments are ongoing, and additional counties and types of assistance may be added as needed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;This press release is from the Office of Governor Tim Walz &amp;amp; Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. You can find the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/index.jsp?id=1055-696431&quot; title=&quot;mn.gov/governor&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;original press release here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>696455</id><pubdate>2025-07-08T19:15:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the appointment of Sean Ercan-Fang, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

As CMO, Dr. Ercan-Fang is a member of the Healthcare Division Executive Team and serves as the physician responsible for the overall care and clinical practice carried out at all MDVA facilities. His clinical and administrative skills guide the facilities in providing care to all our Residents. In addition, Dr. Ercan-Fang provides direction to the Healthcare Division to identify medical services priorities and clinical best practice standards, quality initiatives and best practices.</Description><Audience/><Title>State Veterans Agency Announces New Chief Medical Officer</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State Veterans Agency Announces New Chief Medical Officer</Title><title>2025-06-17-mdva-hires-dr-fang</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-693827&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-06-17T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the appointment of Sean Ercan-Fang, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

As CMO, Dr. Ercan-Fang is a member of the Healthcare Division Executive Team and serves as the physician responsible for the overall care and clinical practice carried out at all MDVA facilities. His clinical and administrative skills guide the facilities in providing care to all our Residents. In addition, Dr. Ercan-Fang provides direction to the Healthcare Division to identify medical services priorities and clinical best practice standards, quality initiatives and best practices.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-06-12-dr-ercan-fang_tcm1066-693287.png&quot; title=&quot;Dr. Ercan-Fang&quot; alt=&quot;Dr. Ercan-Fang&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 45%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-06-12-dr-ercan-fang&quot; /&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the appointment of &lt;strong&gt;Sean Ercan-Fang, MD&lt;/strong&gt;, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As CMO, Dr. Ercan-Fang is a member of the Healthcare Division Executive Team and serves as the physician responsible for the overall care and clinical practice carried out at all MDVA facilities. His clinical and administrative skills guide the facilities in providing care to all our Residents. In addition, Dr. Ercan-Fang provides direction to the Healthcare Division to identify medical services priorities and clinical best practice standards, quality initiatives and best practices.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Dr. Ercan-Fang most recently practiced at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System serving as a Staff Physician in the Extended Care and Rehabilitation Department. At the Minneapolis VA, he has also held positions of Medical Director for the Community Living, Extended Care and Rehabilitation Department; Geriatrics Services Chief for the VA Contract Nursing Home, Home Based Primary Care and Adult Day Home Care programs; and Physician Liaison for the State Nursing Homes programs, Home and Community Care Department.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;He also has experience at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis serving as a Staff Physician from 1995 to 2014.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Previously, Dr. Ercan-Fang also practiced as a Staff Physician in General Internal Medicine and at the Community Living Center at the Minneapolis VA. He has also served as Clinical Instructor in the Outpatient Clinics at the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and Medical Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Minnesota, fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Minnesota Obesity Center at the University of Minnesota and at the Minneapolis VA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>693827</id><pubdate>2025-06-17T13:56:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Recreational programming at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls is getting a big boost this year, thanks to a $26,000 donation from the non-profit Veterans Home Rest &amp; Relaxation (Veterans Home R &amp; R).

&quot;This act of kindness not only underscores the importance of community engagement but also serves as a beacon of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our Veterans,&quot; says Gary Harris, Fergus Falls Veterans Home Public Affairs. This donation was made possible by the many patrons who support the quality of life for Veterans and their families. Veterans Home R &amp; R sponsors summer events that raise money, awareness and support for the activities that lift spirts and warm hearts at the Veterans Home.</Description><Audience/><Title>Donation Helps Improve Lives of Residents at Fergus Falls Veterans Home</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Donation Helps Improve Lives of Residents at Fergus Falls Veterans Home</Title><title>2025-06-03-fergus-falls-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-690282&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-06-03T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Recreational programming at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls is getting a big boost this year, thanks to a $26,000 donation from the non-profit Veterans Home Rest &amp; Relaxation (Veterans Home R &amp; R).

&quot;This act of kindness not only underscores the importance of community engagement but also serves as a beacon of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our Veterans,&quot; says Gary Harris, Fergus Falls Veterans Home Public Affairs. This donation was made possible by the many patrons who support the quality of life for Veterans and their families. Veterans Home R &amp; R sponsors summer events that raise money, awareness and support for the activities that lift spirts and warm hearts at the Veterans Home.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-06-03-fergus-donation_tcm1066-690281.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Donation photo&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-06-03-fergus-donation&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-06-03-fergus-donation_tcm1066-690281.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Fergus Falls receiving donation&quot; alt=&quot;Fergus Falls receiving donation&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 40%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-06-03-fergus-donation&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Recreational programming at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls is getting a big boost this year, thanks to a $26,000 donation from the non-profit Veterans Home Rest &amp;amp; Relaxation (Veterans Home R &amp;amp; R).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;This act of kindness not only underscores the importance of community engagement but also serves as a beacon of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our Veterans,&quot; says Gary Harris, Fergus Falls Veterans Home Public Affairs. This donation was made possible by the many patrons who support the quality of life for Veterans and their families. Veterans Home R &amp;amp; R sponsors summer events that raise money, awareness and support for the activities that lift spirts and warm hearts at the Veterans Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The donation this year is from proceeds raised during summer 2024 events and activities. Last year, Veterans Home R &amp;amp; R donated $42,500 to install a 50-foot dock which featured an extra wide walkway to accommodate wheelchairs, a bench and rubber grip decking. The dock has given easy, safe access to Residents for fishing, leisurely boat rides, and enjoyable moments of relaxation on the water.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The donations exemplify the power of collective action from event patrons who honor and support our Veterans. Dave Muchow, a Fergus Falls Veterans Home Resident, expressed his deep gratitude for each patron and event sponsor and their appreciation of his and others’ sacrifices and service in the South Pacific.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This act of generosity has been met with overwhelming appreciation from the Residents and staff of Fergus Falls Veterans Home. Joel Johnson, an Army Veteran Resident at the Home, expressed his excitement about the new dock. &quot;It&apos;s wonderful to see Veterans Home R &amp;amp; R recognizing the needs of us Veterans and taking steps to support us.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mitch Davis, President of the Board for Veterans Home R &amp;amp; R, said, “We are happy we can continue to honor and support these Veterans. The caring people who generously support our events allow us to make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>690282</id><pubdate>2025-06-03T16:15:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.</Description><Audience/><Title>&apos;Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>&apos;Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2025-04-02-sot-grants-announced</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-676518&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-04-02T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gaits of Hope (Rice): $100,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ironwood Springs (Stewartville): $50,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support the Troops, MN (Oak Grove): $100,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;YMCA of the North (Minneapolis): $100,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to these diverse grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in different ways,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gaitsofhopeeal.com/&quot; title=&quot;Gaits of Hope&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Gaits of Hope&lt;/a&gt; is receiving a $100,000 grant to provide individual and group equine therapy for Veterans and their family members.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.ironwoodsprings.com/&quot; title=&quot;Ironwood Springs&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Ironwood Springs&lt;/a&gt; will use their $50,000 grant to aid in their mission of Veteran support by providing free, family-based day and overnight retreats for military families.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://supportthetroopsmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;Support the Troops MN&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Support the Troops, MN&lt;/a&gt; grant to provide rapid response to Veterans encountering financial hardships. Their program will prevent evictions, avoid utility shutoffs and help with car repairs.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.ymcanorth.org/&quot; title=&quot;YMCA of the North&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YMCA of the North&lt;/a&gt; will engage veterans in YMCA health, wellness and family programs that promote mental and physical health (whole-person wellbeing), access to critical resources and other community connections.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This SOT grant cycle began with applications submitted in &lt;strong&gt;January 2025&lt;/strong&gt;. These four organizations now have executed grant agreements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a SOT license plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families. Just a few of the organizations that SOT funds have helped include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Radio Program – weekly broadcast to inform the military and Veteran community.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Believet Canine Service Partners – provides service dogs to Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury and other combat-related disabilities or injuries.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa – service-learning experience that supports Veterans as they transition out of the military by assisting them in developing transferrable workforce skills that can lead to a career in the natural resources field.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LegalCorps – “Ventures for Veterans” provides free, transactional business and patent law services.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Blue Star Mothers – grant provides three nutritious meals monthly for Veterans and family members residing as guests at the Fisher House on the Minneapolis VA campus.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Landing – purchased a transit van ensuring that Veterans experiencing homelessness have ready transit to all appointments ranging from housing, jobs and health services.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc. – will provide up to 300 round-trip rides to Veterans requesting transportation services throughout the state.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/&quot; title=&quot;DMV&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;. SOT plates may also be available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next MDVA SOT grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for a grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 MDVA Grants Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>676518</id><pubdate>2026-04-13T20:06:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Fergus Falls, Minn. – Technology at our Minnesota Veterans Homes is crucial for our Residents to keep connected with their families, our community and the world. The Fergus Falls Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 25 recently donated funds to cover yearly wi-fi and cable television costs. They recently presented a check for $15,063.32 that brought their total donation to $31,063.32.</Description><Audience/><Title>Disabled American Veterans Donation Boosts Technology at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Disabled American Veterans Donation Boosts Technology at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls</Title><title>2025-03-27-fergus-tech-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-675439&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-03-27T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Fergus Falls, Minn. – Technology at our Minnesota Veterans Homes is crucial for our Residents to keep connected with their families, our community and the world. The Fergus Falls Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 25 recently donated funds to cover yearly wi-fi and cable television costs. They recently presented a check for $15,063.32 that brought their total donation to $31,063.32.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gary Harris Jr
&lt;br /&gt;
218-321-2507
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Gary.Harris@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Gary.Harris@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Gary.Harris@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fergus Falls, Minn&lt;/strong&gt;. – Technology at our Minnesota Veterans Homes is crucial for our Residents to keep connected with their families, our community and the world. The Fergus Falls Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 25 recently donated funds to cover yearly wi-fi and cable television costs. They recently presented a check for $15,063.32 that brought their total donation to $31,063.32.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The technology fund makes it possible for Residents to stay informed and entertained by allowing all to watch local and national news as well as their favorite shows like Bonanza and I Love Lucy in Resident common areas. In addition, many Residents have computers and other devices that require internet access to communicate with their family and friends.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The main source of revenue for the Fergus Falls DAV is generated from clothing donations collected in bins and then sold to major thrift stores like Savers – which then funds Veterans programs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Our Veterans Home is profoundly grateful for residents in the Fergus Falls community who have deposited their gently used clothes in the lime green collection bins sprinkled around town,” says Gary Harris Jr., Public Affairs at the Veterans Home. “In addition, we’re fortunate to have DAV members who graciously committed to fully-funding the 2024 Veterans Wi-Fi and Cable. This gift is truly inspiring and goes a long way to making our Home feel like home!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-03-27-ff-donation-dav_tcm1066-675440.png&quot; title=&quot;DAV Donation to Fergus Falls Home&quot; alt=&quot;DAV Donation to Fergus Falls Home&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-03-27-ff-donation-dav&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>675439</id><pubdate>2025-03-27T13:55:10Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – After more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction, three new State Veterans Homes opened their doors one year ago. Located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, the three Homes continue to receive strong support from their local communities during this first year.

Dedication events were held in summer 2024 to celebrate the openings with hundreds of attendees taking tours and furthering their engagement with the Homes. Since then, the Homes’ Residents have enjoyed an outpouring of community support through donations, volunteers, sponsored activities and special events.</Description><Audience/><Title>New Minnesota Veterans Homes Celebrate First Anniversary</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>New Minnesota Veterans Homes Celebrate First Anniversary</Title><title>2025-02-05-new-homes-celebrate-one-year</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-667889&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-02-05T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – After more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction, three new State Veterans Homes opened their doors one year ago. Located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, the three Homes continue to receive strong support from their local communities during this first year.

Dedication events were held in summer 2024 to celebrate the openings with hundreds of attendees taking tours and furthering their engagement with the Homes. Since then, the Homes’ Residents have enjoyed an outpouring of community support through donations, volunteers, sponsored activities and special events.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – After more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction, three new State Veterans Homes opened their doors one year ago. Located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, the three Homes continue to receive strong support from their local communities during this first year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Dedication events were held in summer 2024 to celebrate the openings with hundreds of attendees taking tours and furthering their engagement with the Homes. Since then, the Homes’ Residents have enjoyed an outpouring of community support through donations, volunteers, sponsored activities and special events.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Living here has been a great experience. I’ve made some wonderful friends and built strong relationships with good buddies,” says Bill Homan, Montevideo Veterans Home first Resident and WWII-era Army Veteran. “The staff is top-notch, and their support has made a big difference.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Eric Meittunen, MDVA Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare says it’s all about serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. “We work together in order to help one another and achieve our mission to serve those who have served, their families and our communities.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I moved here because I knew I would have something in common with everyone who lives here,&quot; says Walt Hanson, Preston Veterans Home first Resident and Korean War-era Veteran. “I enjoy meeting new Veterans and playing 500 (Rummy) with my friends here.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“My favorite place is the therapy gym,” Jim Larson exclaims. The Bemidji Veterans Home Resident and Korean War and Vietnam War-era Air Force Veteran adds, “I love to go down and exercise. We listen to music in the gym and visit with other Veterans. It is just a wonderful place to live.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To see the new Homes, watch these video tours on the MDVA website:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/bemidji/virtualtour.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Bemidji Tour&quot;&gt;Bemidji Veterans Home video tour&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/montevideo/virtualtour.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Montevideo Tour&quot;&gt;Montevideo Veterans Home video tour&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/preston/virtualtour.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Preston Tour&quot;&gt;Preston Veterans Home video tour&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>667889</id><pubdate>2025-02-05T15:18:34Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received a donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This is the third year in a row that Post 906 provided a donation of this level to our eight State Veterans Homes located in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay. Each Home will receive $10,000.

“Our Homes are dedicated to making sure Veterans truly feel at home,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “A donation of this size is essential in helping to make sure our Veterans are provided the best in recreational programming and quality services, an enhanced physical environment and improved daily experiences with each other.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive $80,000 Donation</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive $80,000 Donation</Title><title>2025-02-04-hutchinison-vfw</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-667820&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-02-04T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received a donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This is the third year in a row that Post 906 provided a donation of this level to our eight State Veterans Homes located in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay. Each Home will receive $10,000.

“Our Homes are dedicated to making sure Veterans truly feel at home,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “A donation of this size is essential in helping to make sure our Veterans are provided the best in recreational programming and quality services, an enhanced physical environment and improved daily experiences with each other.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received a donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This is the third year in a row that Post 906 provided a donation of this level to our eight State Veterans Homes located in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay. Each Home will receive $10,000.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Our Homes are dedicated to making sure Veterans truly feel at home,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “A donation of this size is essential in helping to make sure our Veterans are provided the best in recreational programming and quality services, an enhanced physical environment and improved daily experiences with each other.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Funding will be used to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Create a memorial wall on the grounds of the three newest Minnesota Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston where current and future Residents will be recognized.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Develop and deliver new Resident activities and enhance existing programming.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Purchase equipment designed to elevate Residents’ quality of life.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each Home will determine how to apply the funds to best serve Veterans’ needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;VFW State Commander David Staehlin shared that supporting the Minnesota Veterans Homes is an important part of the VFW’s mission and that the commitment from Post 906 is unprecedented. Commander Staehlin expressed appreciation to the Post as well as to the team representing our Homes for their exceptional efforts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Post 906 Gambling Manager Doug Johnson and Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Jerry Tews have led fundraising activities for many years. In the past three years they were able to ensure consistent support was provided to the Minnesota Veterans Homes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-01-11-hutchinson-vfw-donation_tcm1066-667841.png&quot; title=&quot;Hutchinson VFW Donation&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-01-11-hutchinson-vfw-donation&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-01-11-th-hutchinson-vfw-donation_tcm1066-667840.png&quot; title=&quot;Hutchinson VFW Donation&quot; alt=&quot;Hutchinson VFW Donation&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-01-11-thu-hutchinson-vfw-donation&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>667820</id><pubdate>2025-02-04T16:24:56Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Fergus Falls, Minn. – The Veteran Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls are grateful for a significant donation from Boots on the Ground. The executive board of the philanthropic organization recently presented a $30,000 check to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home following their successful 2024 summer and fall motorcycle fun run events. The activities generated donations aimed at supporting the Home’s Resident events, recreational activities and other essential needs.</Description><Audience/><Title>Boots on the Ground Motorcycle Fun Run  Presents $30,000 Gift to Fergus Falls Veterans Home</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Boots on the Ground Motorcycle Fun Run  Presents $30,000 Gift to Fergus Falls Veterans Home</Title><title>2025-01-07-fergus-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-663849&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-01-07T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Fergus Falls, Minn. – The Veteran Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls are grateful for a significant donation from Boots on the Ground. The executive board of the philanthropic organization recently presented a $30,000 check to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home following their successful 2024 summer and fall motorcycle fun run events. The activities generated donations aimed at supporting the Home’s Resident events, recreational activities and other essential needs.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jan. 7, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gary R. Harris, Jr.
&lt;br /&gt;
218-321-2507
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:gary.harris@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Gary Harris&quot;&gt;gary.harris@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fergus Falls, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Veteran Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls are grateful for a significant donation from Boots on the Ground. The executive board of the philanthropic organization recently presented a $30,000 check to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home following their successful 2024 summer and fall motorcycle fun run events. The activities generated donations aimed at supporting the Home’s Resident events, recreational activities and other essential needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Boots on the Ground was created in 2014 to honor the Veterans residing at the Minnesota Veterans Homes in Fergus Falls. This year, the funds will be allocated to four programs to benefit Residents:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Resident haircuts - $15,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Bingo sponsorships - $2,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pool table for the Veterans Village - $5,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recreation fund - $8,00&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;We deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment Boots on the Ground has shown our Veteran Residents and spouses,&quot; says Jonathan Stone, administrator of the Fergus Falls Veterans Home. &quot;Their generosity over the years has been truly remarkable. Thanks to the dedication and kind hearts of our community and their gracious sponsors, our Veterans enjoy numerous activities and outings. We are infinitely grateful and look forward to our continued partnership.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2025-01-07-ff-donation-check_tcm1066-663848.JPG&quot; title=&quot;Group presenting a check&quot; alt=&quot;Group presenting a check&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2025-01-07-ff-donation-check&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The executive board of Boots on the Ground donates $30,000 to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home. L to R: Ryan Lanoue, Jamie Lanoue, Brooke Solheim, Steve Sampson, Nichole Hauge, John Carlson (president), Della Hulter, and Justin Tellinghuisen.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>663849</id><pubdate>2025-01-07T16:24:15Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.</Description><Audience/><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2024-11-20-sot-grant-recipients</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-653578&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-11-20T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 20, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bluestarmothers.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;amp;view=article&amp;amp;id=73&quot; title=&quot;Blue Star Mothers of America&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Blue Star Mothers of America (Anoka)&lt;/a&gt;: $9,720&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://prairiefive.org/&quot; title=&quot;Prairie Five Community Action Council&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc.&lt;/a&gt; (Montevideo): $20,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to these diverse grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in different ways,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase Support Our Troops license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants wouldn’t be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Blue Star Mothers of America is receiving a $9,720 grant to provide three nutritious meals monthly for Veterans and family members residing as guests at the Fisher House on the Minneapolis VA Campus.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prairied Five Community Action Council, Inc. will use their $20,000 grant to provide up to 300 round-trip rides to Veterans requesting transportation services throughout the state.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This SOT grant cycle began with applications submitted in July. These two organizations now have executed grant agreements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families. Just a few of the organizations that SOT funds have helped include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Radio Program – weekly broadcast to inform the military and Veteran community.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;American Heroes Outdoors – therapeutic outdoor adventures and activities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa – service-learning experience that supports Veterans as they transition out of the military by assisting them in developing skills that can lead to a career in the natural resources field.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LegalCorps – “Ventures for Veterans” provides free, transactional business and patent law services.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mandatory Fun Outdoors – Recreational trailer to serve as a mobile office, provide safe storage to transport and store equipment, and shelter Veterans and families at Mandatory Fun Outdoors events.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Disabled Veterans Rest Camp – Golf carts to assist differently abled and elderly Veterans and their families access to the activities offered throughout the 69-acre camp.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota – Respite care coordination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain Free Patriots – Innovative pain treatment program.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support the Troops Minnesota – Financial assistance and clothing.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/&quot; title=&quot;DPS&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;. SOT plates may also be available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The next MDVA SOT grant cycle opens soon! Learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>653578</id><pubdate>2024-11-20T04:12:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, November 11 at the Minnesota National Guard Ben Franklin Readiness Center in Arden Hills. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to thank, celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country.</Description><Audience/><Title>Official State Veterans Day Event in Arden Hills</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Official State Veterans Day Event in Arden Hills</Title><title>2024-11-01-ma-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-651409&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-11-01T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, November 11 at the Minnesota National Guard Ben Franklin Readiness Center in Arden Hills. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to thank, celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 1, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, November 11&lt;/strong&gt; at the Minnesota National Guard Ben Franklin Readiness Center in Arden Hills. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to thank, celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay
&lt;br /&gt;
Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke
&lt;br /&gt;
Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Jeff Olivet
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota State Government Leaders
&lt;br /&gt;
Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation
&lt;br /&gt;
Local Civic Leaders
&lt;br /&gt;
34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band
&lt;br /&gt;
34th Infantry Division Chaplain Col. Buddy Winn
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, Nov. 11
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 a.m. Breakfast and Social Time
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m. Program
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;*Note New Location!&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota National Guard Ben Franklin Readiness Center
&lt;br /&gt;
1536 Ben Franklin Street
&lt;br /&gt;
Arden Hills, Minnesota
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event will be livestreamed, available on our &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-645385&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Day&quot;&gt;website&apos;s event page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>651409</id><pubdate>2024-11-01T15:45:49Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Duluth, Minn. – The Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day brings communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. The sixth annual event was held in Duluth, Minnesota today at the Depot in downtown.

“Veteran suicide has become a disturbing trend over the last 20 years,” says Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “In Minnesota alone, we lose about 100 Veterans each year to suicide. Today’s event is our chance to offer information, resources, support and solutions to help end Veteran suicide in Minnesota. Even more than that, it’s our way of telling Veterans that we’re here for them.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Veteran Suicide Awareness Event Highlights Need for Community Support </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veteran Suicide Awareness Event Highlights Need for Community Support </Title><title>2024-10-05-news-release-suicie-prevention-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-648296&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-10-05T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Duluth, Minn. – The Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day brings communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. The sixth annual event was held in Duluth, Minnesota today at the Depot in downtown.

“Veteran suicide has become a disturbing trend over the last 20 years,” says Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “In Minnesota alone, we lose about 100 Veterans each year to suicide. Today’s event is our chance to offer information, resources, support and solutions to help end Veteran suicide in Minnesota. Even more than that, it’s our way of telling Veterans that we’re here for them.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oct. 5, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA Connects Those Affected By Suicide With the Resources That Can Help&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Duluth, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day brings communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. The sixth annual event was held in Duluth, Minnesota today at the Depot in downtown.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Veteran suicide has become a disturbing trend over the last 20 years,” says Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “In Minnesota alone, we lose about 100 Veterans each year to suicide. Today’s event is our chance to offer information, resources, support and solutions to help end Veteran suicide in Minnesota. Even more than that, it’s our way of telling Veterans that we’re here for them.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Following community time with donuts and coffee and an opportunity to visit resource tables staffed by numerous Veteran support organizations, attendees honored our military with a presentation of the colors by the honorary color guard and observed a moment of silence for the fallen. Activists and community leaders talked about their universal dedication to doing more for our Veterans and ending Veteran suicide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Keynote speaker Shelly Hanson lost her son Travis, a Veteran, to suicide. In response, she founded and serves as the executive director of The Armadillo Project.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Suicide is a complex issue that affects Veterans from all backgrounds,” says Hanson. “Many Veterans, like Travis, may not be connected to a Veteran organization. This highlights the importance of understanding and using community resources. Travis’ return home after his Marine Corps service was fraught with challenges, and both he and I sought help. We encountered the stigma of suicide, a barrier that many face when seeking assistance.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who needs help, please take the first step.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call 988 and press 1&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/veteransuicideprevention/&quot; title=&quot;Vetertan Suicide Prevention&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Visit our Veteran Suicide Prevention page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Learn about:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Free Gun Locks&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;S.A.V.E. Training&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Suicide Prevention in Minnesota&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Also visit&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.armadilloproject.com/&quot; title=&quot;The Armadillo Project&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Armadillo Project&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs collaborates with the Armadillo Project and many other public and private organizations to identify the root causes of Veteran suicide and create an innovative, cooperative way to reverse this trend. We are working to decrease Veteran deaths by suicide in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>648296</id><pubdate>2024-10-05T14:04:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The 6th Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day will bring communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors.</Description><Audience/><Title>Duluth Event Helps Prevent Minnesota Veteran Suicide</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Duluth Event Helps Prevent Minnesota Veteran Suicide</Title><title>2024-09-30-ma-suicide-prevention-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-646959&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-09-30T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The 6th Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day will bring communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sept. 30, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-631762&quot; title=&quot;Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day&quot;&gt;6th Annual Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day&lt;/a&gt; will bring communities together to honor Veterans lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. Tragically, Minnesota loses 100 Veterans to suicide each year. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we strive to decrease Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay
&lt;br /&gt;
Shelly Hanson, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.armadilloproject.com/&quot; title=&quot;Armadillo Project&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Armadillo Project&lt;/a&gt; Founder
&lt;br /&gt;
Area elected officials&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, Oct. 5
&lt;br /&gt;
9-10 a.m. Resource Fair and social hour
&lt;br /&gt;
10-11 a.m. Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.experiencethedepot.org/&quot; title=&quot;The Depot&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Depot&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
506 West Michigan Street
&lt;br /&gt;
Duluth, Minnesota&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>646959</id><pubdate>2024-09-30T16:03:50Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Former Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Herke passed away on Friday, Sept.13., 2024. Commissioner Herke retired in September 2023 due to an ALS diagnosis.

“We send our deepest condolences to Commissioner Herke’s family and express our gratitude for his service to Minnesota Veterans and their families,” says Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “He was a dedicated public servant who spread his passion for improving the lives of our Veterans to all who worked alongside him.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Agency in Mourning Following the Death of Former Commissioner Larry Herke</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Agency in Mourning Following the Death of Former Commissioner Larry Herke</Title><title>2024-09-17-passing-of-commissioner-herke</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-644796&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-09-17T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Former Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Herke passed away on Friday, Sept.13., 2024. Commissioner Herke retired in September 2023 due to an ALS diagnosis.

“We send our deepest condolences to Commissioner Herke’s family and express our gratitude for his service to Minnesota Veterans and their families,” says Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “He was a dedicated public servant who spread his passion for improving the lives of our Veterans to all who worked alongside him.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sept 17, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2019-09-19-commissioner-herke-official_tcm1066-403319.png&quot; title=&quot;Former MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2019-09-19-commissioner-herke-official 1&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2019-09-19-commissioner-herke-official_tcm1066-403319.png&quot; title=&quot;Former MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke&quot; alt=&quot;Former MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 45%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2019-09-19-commissioner-herke-official 1&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Former Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Herke passed away on Friday, Sept.13., 2024. Commissioner Herke retired in September 2023 due to an ALS diagnosis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We send our deepest condolences to Commissioner Herke’s family and express our gratitude for his service to Minnesota Veterans and their families,” says Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “He was a dedicated public servant who spread his passion for improving the lives of our Veterans to all who worked alongside him.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Retired Colonel Larry Herke was appointed as the 18th Commissioner of MDVA in January 2019 by Governor Tim Walz and reappointed in January 2023 to a second term. Herke served for more than 30 years as a member of the United States Army and Minnesota National Guard. After retiring from the National Guard in 2016, he led the Office of Enterprise Sustainability for the State of Minnesota. In this position he assisted all 24 cabinet-level state agencies in developing sustainability plans to save money, conserve resources and improve the environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Herke held a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, both from Minnesota State University - Mankato. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and holds several certifications.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;He was actively involved in various organizations, serving as a Board Member of the Minnesota Military and Veteran’s Museum, an Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, VFW, AMVETS, Jewish War Vets, and the American Legion, where he was a Life Member.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>644796</id><pubdate>2024-09-17T00:14:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s 13th Military Appreciation Day takes place tomorrow, and this year’s theme is Honoring Military Spouses.

&quot;Military spouses are the backbone of our armed forces,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “Just as our service members serve our nation with courage and commitment, military spouses serve with equal strength and dedication. Their role, whether it&apos;s supporting a partner through the challenges of active duty, the commitments of the Guard and Reserve, or the demands of daily life is not just crucial, it&apos;s irreplaceable.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota’s State Fair Military Appreciation Day; Honoring Military Spouses </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota’s State Fair Military Appreciation Day; Honoring Military Spouses</Title><title>2024-08-26-military-appreciation-day-state-fair</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-642327&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-08-26T19:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s 13th Military Appreciation Day takes place tomorrow, and this year’s theme is Honoring Military Spouses.

&quot;Military spouses are the backbone of our armed forces,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “Just as our service members serve our nation with courage and commitment, military spouses serve with equal strength and dedication. Their role, whether it&apos;s supporting a partner through the challenges of active duty, the commitments of the Guard and Reserve, or the demands of daily life is not just crucial, it&apos;s irreplaceable.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aug. 26, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s 13th Military Appreciation Day takes place tomorrow, and this year’s theme is Honoring Military Spouses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;Military spouses are the backbone of our armed forces,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “Just as our service members serve our nation with courage and commitment, military spouses serve with equal strength and dedication. Their role, whether it&apos;s supporting a partner through the challenges of active duty, the commitments of the Guard and Reserve, or the demands of daily life is not just crucial, it&apos;s irreplaceable.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to honor our military spouses at this year’s State Fair,” said MDVA’s Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “MDVA is here to serve Minnesota’s almost 300,000 Veterans and their families and encourages them to visit our State Fair booths, on Military Appreciation Day in Dan Patch Park and throughout the 12 days of the fair in the Education Building to learn more about the benefits you have earned.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Military Appreciation Day is presented by USAA (United Services Automobile Association) and coordinated by the Minnesota National Guard.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I am grateful for USAA’s Military Affairs Representative and Navy veteran, retired Sgt. Maj. Shawn Isaacson, as we worked together to make this day special for military spouses and all who have raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect our nation,” said Army 1st Sgt. Beth Dedic, Military Appreciation Day’s project officer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Military Appreciation Day’s official ceremony commences at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, at the Minnesota State Fair’s Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Minnesota’s leaders will recognize military spouses for their shared sacrifice in supporting our nation’s defense. The program concludes with a flyover from four Blackhawk helicopters from the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Concert Band performance follows at 10:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Starting at 12:30 p.m., a recognition ceremony for military spouses with their currently serving military member, will take place at Dan Patch Park. Fair goers are encouraged to join in the ceremony to thank military spouses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since 2010, the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network, and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have partnered with iHeartMedia Minneapolis to create the weekly, state-wide syndicated radio program and podcast Minnesota Military Radio. Minnesota Military Radio’s host, retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Wortham, will hold the show near the iHeartMedia Booth, where MDVA’s commissioner is a guest co-host on the show at noon, and the Guard’s adjutant general is a guest co-host at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Nearly fifty educational and military-connected booths will be located at Dan Patch Park, along with entertainment on the Dan Patch Park stage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performances throughout the afternoon by various 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Band ensembles with the fan-favorite the Red Devils (rock band) performing at 1:30 to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The State Fair offers discounted tickets ($13 rate) for military members, veterans, and their families on August 27 with documentation at the gate. For more information on the Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair, go to &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnstatefair.org/&quot; title=&quot;https://www.mnstatefair.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;mnstatefair.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Editor’s Note: To schedule a media interview about Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day, contact Lt. Col. Kristen Augé at 651-282-4410 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&quot; title=&quot;Email kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&quot;&gt;kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To schedule a media interview with MDVA’s Commissioner Brad Lindsay, contact Asst. Communications Director Steve McCarthy at 651-388-1096 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota National Guard&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has nearly than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. News, insights, and perspectives from the Minnesota National Guard are available at &lt;a href=&quot;http://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota National Guard&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims and outreach. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;mn.gov/mdva&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>642327</id><pubdate>2024-08-26T21:09:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Fergus Falls, MN – Veteran Residents and Veteran spouses of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls were recently presented with a donation of more than $10,000 in support of a project to replace current televisions with a 42-inch flat screens in all Resident rooms.

“We have been thinking about this replacement process for years,” says Stacy Honer, Building and Facilities Maintenance Foreman for the Veterans Home. “Over the years, all sizes of TVs have come with Residents entering their new home, from very small black and white TVs to very large older modular floor flat screens. We have seen them all.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Military Order of the Cootie Makes Major Gift to Fergus Falls Veterans Home TV Project</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Military Order of the Cootie Makes Major Gift to Fergus Falls Veterans Home TV Project</Title><title>2024-08-05-fergus-falls-donation-from-cooties</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-639461&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-08-05T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Fergus Falls, MN – Veteran Residents and Veteran spouses of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls were recently presented with a donation of more than $10,000 in support of a project to replace current televisions with a 42-inch flat screens in all Resident rooms.

“We have been thinking about this replacement process for years,” says Stacy Honer, Building and Facilities Maintenance Foreman for the Veterans Home. “Over the years, all sizes of TVs have come with Residents entering their new home, from very small black and white TVs to very large older modular floor flat screens. We have seen them all.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aug. 5, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fergus Falls, MN&lt;/strong&gt; – Veteran Residents and Veteran spouses of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls were recently presented with a donation of more than $10,000 in support of a project to replace current televisions with a 42-inch flat screens in all Resident rooms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We have been thinking about this replacement process for years,” says Stacy Honer, Building and Facilities Maintenance Foreman for the Veterans Home. “Over the years, all sizes of TVs have come with Residents entering their new home, from very small black and white TVs to very large older modular floor flat screens. We have seen them all.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The plan is to place new flat screen TVs on all Resident wardrobes, with a pivotal mount so they can be viewed from different vantage points. “The gift from the Military Order of the Cootie, Dept. of Minnesota will help improve viewing opportunities in the comfort of our Resident’s own space. In rooms with double occupancy, each Resident will have a different brand of TV so remotes will work properly with no interference,” says Gary Harris, Jr., Public Affairs at the Veterans Home.” For Residents who want to watch special programs in a different format, there are larger screens with additional channel options in each common area.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Cootie Grand Commander Tim Arnold and Grand Auxiliary President Deann Reynolds cover the state of Minnesota. Cooties are active members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and dedicated to maintaining duties that involve providing aid to hospitalized Veterans and those who are sick or injured, providing blood, visitation, clothing and entertainment at VA medical centers and other non-VA facilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each year, leaders select a project within the Order of the Cootie state organization for fundraising. This past year, Reynolds and Arnold decided to do a combined state project and selected the Fergus Falls Veterans Home TV Project.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Commander Tim and I chose the Fergus Falls Veterans Home TV Project because we want to give back to all Veterans. These Veterans gave up their time to serve our country,” says Reynolds. “We wouldn&apos;t be here if it weren&apos;t for their sacrifice to keep our country free. This is just a small thank you for all they sacrificed.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The fundraising toward their combined project culminated on June 30, raising a total of $10,662 to close out their year. Funding sources for the project came from a variety of sources including state auxiliary unit donations, fundraisers in state Cootie meetings, and a $5,000 gift from the VFW Auxiliary unit in Milaca, Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Fergus Falls Veteran Residents are grateful to all Minnesota Cooties and VFW members who supported this project that will change the way Residents are able to view TV programs in their own rooms for years to come.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>639461</id><pubdate>2024-08-05T19:27:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Rochester, Minn. – Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Preston now have the ability to ride around in comfort and style this summer, thanks to a donation from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 from Rochester, and the Preston Veterans Organizations.

The Cushman Shuttle 6 Golf Cart comfortably seats six people. Residents of the newly opened Preston Veterans Home can hop on and take in the sights on and near the 15-acre campus.</Description><Audience/><Title>Local Veterans Benefit From Golf Cart Donation</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Local Veterans Benefit From Golf Cart Donation</Title><title>2024-07-29-golf-cart</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-639458&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-07-29T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Rochester, Minn. – Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Preston now have the ability to ride around in comfort and style this summer, thanks to a donation from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 from Rochester, and the Preston Veterans Organizations.

The Cushman Shuttle 6 Golf Cart comfortably seats six people. Residents of the newly opened Preston Veterans Home can hop on and take in the sights on and near the 15-acre campus.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 29, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Rochester, Minn. – Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Preston now have the ability to ride around in comfort and style this summer, thanks to a donation from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Mayo Southeast Chapter 28 from Rochester, and the Preston Veterans Organizations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Cushman Shuttle 6 Golf Cart comfortably seats six people. Residents of the newly opened Preston Veterans Home can hop on and take in the sights on and near the 15-acre campus.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This cart is one of the many tangible things that makes our Veterans Home one of the most desirable places for our Veterans to live,” says Preston Veterans Homes Administrator Dave Dunn. “When a Veteran comes here, they experience the highest quality of care, as well as the highest quality of life. We’re located on some of the most beautiful land in this area, and it’s really something to cart around and take in the views.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re so grateful for this donation,” adds Gabby Kinneberg, the Home’s Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator. “Families, friends and this entire community are dedicated to our Veterans. They see the need, and they meet the need. Our local Veteran organizations in southeast Minnesota always step up and deliver.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The golf cart is valued at more than $16,000 and is fully equipped with features that ensure Residents ride in safety and comfort. It was purchased locally from Harmony Golf Cart in Harmony, Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Golf Cart and Preston Veterans Home Fun Facts:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Home is a 54-bed skilled nursing facility&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;It’s located on a 15-acre bluff-top&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Home is surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The new golf cart seats six, including the driver&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Cushman Shuttle 6 Golf Cart is considered commercial grade&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2024-07-29-preston-cart_tcm1066-639457.png&quot; title=&quot;Preston Golf Cart donation at font entry.&quot; alt=&quot;Preston Golf Cart donation at font entry.&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2024-07-09-preston-cart&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>639458</id><pubdate>2024-08-01T21:25:33Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 24-09, amending Executive Order 24-05 to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program Disaster Relief Grants and provide financial assistance to Veterans following severe storms and flooding across the state.

“Recovery efforts are far from over,” said Governor Walz. “Our communities are resilient, but many are facing significant damage. With a focus on rebuilding, the state continues to stand ready to support, working in lockstep with MDVA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get impacted communities the resources they need.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Amends Executive Order, Authorizes Financial Assistance to Veterans</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Amends Executive Order, Authorizes Financial Assistance to Veterans</Title><title>2024-07-25-disaster-relief</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-639399&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-07-25T19:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 24-09, amending Executive Order 24-05 to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program Disaster Relief Grants and provide financial assistance to Veterans following severe storms and flooding across the state.

“Recovery efforts are far from over,” said Governor Walz. “Our communities are resilient, but many are facing significant damage. With a focus on rebuilding, the state continues to stand ready to support, working in lockstep with MDVA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get impacted communities the resources they need.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 25, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire Lancaster
&lt;br /&gt;
651-219-2975
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email claire.lancaster@state.mn.us &quot;&gt;claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 24-09, amending Executive Order 24-05 to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program Disaster Relief Grants and provide financial assistance to Veterans following severe storms and flooding across the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Recovery efforts are far from over,” said Governor Walz. “Our communities are resilient, but many are facing significant damage. With a focus on rebuilding, the state continues to stand ready to support, working in lockstep with MDVA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get impacted communities the resources they need.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Executive Order 24-09 will allow the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to veterans through the State Soldiers Assistance Program Disaster Relief Grants. The program provides disaster relief to Veterans and their dependents in the counties included in the executive order and additional counties identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>639399</id><pubdate>2024-08-01T16:22:20Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today joined Veterans and community leaders to officially dedicate the new Bemidji Veterans Home. In addition to Bemidji, MDVA opened two other Minnesota Veterans Homes in Montevideo and Preston earlier this year. The three new homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more Veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.

“We have an obligation to meet the needs of our Veterans and the opening of the Bemidji Veterans Home is a reflection of our commitment to fulfill that obligation,” said Governor Walz. “Together with MDVA we are providing necessary support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of Veterans across Minnesota. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has worked around the clock to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to build and open three Veterans Homes simultaneously.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz, Veterans Dedicate New Veterans Home in Bemidji</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz, Veterans Dedicate New Veterans Home in Bemidji</Title><title>2024-07-01-bemidji</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-638513&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-07-01T21:22:35Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today joined Veterans and community leaders to officially dedicate the new Bemidji Veterans Home. In addition to Bemidji, MDVA opened two other Minnesota Veterans Homes in Montevideo and Preston earlier this year. The three new homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more Veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.

“We have an obligation to meet the needs of our Veterans and the opening of the Bemidji Veterans Home is a reflection of our commitment to fulfill that obligation,” said Governor Walz. “Together with MDVA we are providing necessary support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of Veterans across Minnesota. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has worked around the clock to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to build and open three Veterans Homes simultaneously.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; – Governor Tim Walz today joined Veterans and community leaders to officially dedicate the new Bemidji Veterans Home. In addition to Bemidji, MDVA opened two other Minnesota Veterans Homes in Montevideo and Preston earlier this year. The three new homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more Veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We have an obligation to meet the needs of our Veterans and the opening of the Bemidji Veterans Home is a reflection of our commitment to fulfill that obligation,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“Together with MDVA we are providing necessary support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of Veterans across Minnesota. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has worked around the clock to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to build and open three Veterans Homes simultaneously.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2024-07-01-walz-and-home-staff_tcm1066-638517.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Governor Walz greeting Bemidji Staff&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2024-07-01-walz-and-staff&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2024-07-01-th-walz-and-home-staff_tcm1066-638516.png&quot; title=&quot;Governer Walz and Home Staff&quot; alt=&quot;Governer Walz and Home Staff&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 40%; height: auto; margin: 8px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2024-07-01-th-walz-bemidji-staff&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We are grateful so many elements came together to make this a reality,”&lt;/strong&gt; says Brad Lindsay, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). &lt;strong&gt;“We wouldn’t be here today at this new Veterans Home without the hard work and support of the Bemidji community, the funding from the State as well as the Federal Veterans Administration, and collaboration with many institutions, organizations and businesses.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Our Residents and their families deserve the very best,”&lt;/strong&gt; says Bemidji Veterans Home Administrator Kevin Gish. &lt;strong&gt;“This dedication marks an important day for Bemidji and Northern Minnesota. It’s helping fulfill our mission to serve Veterans and their families with the benefits they’ve earned.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be accepted for admission, Residents must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officers&lt;/a&gt; are available to assist future Residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about joining the employee team and working with Veterans in Bemidji, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/about/work-for-mdva.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Work at MDVA&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Work for MDVA Introduction&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>638513</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:05:10Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Federal, State and Local elected officials, business and civic leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, advocates, volunteers, donors and Residents gathered on Thursday at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston to officially dedicate the facility.

The Home came to fruition after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. “Our Residents deserve the very best,” says Brad Lindsay, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). “The facility is absolutely beautiful, and we were thrilled to collaborate with our Veterans and the community to make this happen. This dedication marks a meaningful day for all of southeastern Minnesota. It’s the embodiment of our mission to serve Minnesota Veterans and their families with the benefits they’ve earned.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans and Community Leaders Dedicate New Veterans Home in Preston</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans and Community Leaders Dedicate New Veterans Home in Preston</Title><title>2024-06-27-preston-dedication</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-630043&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-06-27T19:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Federal, State and Local elected officials, business and civic leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, advocates, volunteers, donors and Residents gathered on Thursday at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston to officially dedicate the facility.

The Home came to fruition after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. “Our Residents deserve the very best,” says Brad Lindsay, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). “The facility is absolutely beautiful, and we were thrilled to collaborate with our Veterans and the community to make this happen. This dedication marks a meaningful day for all of southeastern Minnesota. It’s the embodiment of our mission to serve Minnesota Veterans and their families with the benefits they’ve earned.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 27, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Federal, State and Local elected officials, business and civic leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, advocates, volunteers, donors and Residents gathered on Thursday at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston to officially dedicate the facility.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Home came to fruition after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. “Our Residents deserve the very best,” says Brad Lindsay, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). “The facility is absolutely beautiful, and we were thrilled to collaborate with our Veterans and the community to make this happen. This dedication marks a meaningful day for all of southeastern Minnesota. It’s the embodiment of our mission to serve Minnesota Veterans and their families with the benefits they’ve earned.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition to Preston, MDVA opened two other Minnesota Veterans Homes – one in Montevideo and the other in Bemidji – earlier this year. Minnesota is the only state in the nation to ever build and open three Veterans Homes at one time. The three new Homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more Veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Wold Architects and Engineers, a St. Paul-based architectural and engineering firm with health care and senior living design expertise, led the designs. The Home centers around a residential skilled care model and embodies the principles of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) small house design guide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are honored to be a part of a project that gives back to those who have risked their lives for our country,” says Sara Malin, Principal at Wold Architects and Engineers. “After meeting with the local Veterans to understand what is unique to their community, we landed on a design that encourages community use and has space for large family visits, a unique aspect to the family structures of the Veterans that live in this region.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Groundbreaking for the Preston Veterans Home took place in August 2021 for the 54-bed skilled nursing facility which is located on a 15-acre bluff-top site surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Home includes all private residential units and baths that are split into three, 18-Resident “households,” providing a more homelike atmosphere. There are numerous windows throughout the facility to bring in natural light. Public spaces include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop, meeting room, family dining room, meditation room and club room.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be accepted for admission, Residents must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Find your CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officers&lt;/a&gt; are available to assist future Residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about joining the employee team and working with Veterans in Preston, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/about/work-for-mdva.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Work at MDVA&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Work for MDVA Introduction&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>630043</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:05:05Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, Minnesota (June 11, 2024) – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is holding the commemoration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War this week, June 13-15 at Mall of America®. Over the three days, attendees can see historical museum displays, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, view Vietnam War documentaries and more. There will also be a Resource Fair with valuable resources and information for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families. 
</Description><Audience/><Title>Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Being Held Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15 at Mall of America </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Being Held Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15 at Mall of America </Title><title>2024-06-11-v50-press-release</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-627164&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-06-11T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, Minnesota (June 11, 2024) – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is holding the commemoration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War this week, June 13-15 at Mall of America®. Over the three days, attendees can see historical museum displays, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, view Vietnam War documentaries and more. There will also be a Resource Fair with valuable resources and information for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families. 
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 11, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sandi Scott
&lt;br /&gt;
Tunheim
&lt;br /&gt;
    763-388-1096
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:sscott@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email sscott@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;sscott@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Being Held Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15 at Mall of America&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Speakers announced for June 14 Commemoration Program celebrating Vietnam-era Veterans and U.S. Allies&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is holding the commemoration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War this week, June 13-15 at Mall of America®. Over the three days, attendees can see historical museum displays, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, view Vietnam War documentaries and more. There will also be a Resource Fair with valuable resources and information for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans. Commemoration program speakers include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Government officials&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Vietnam Veteran Pam Barrows&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Vietnam Veteran Larry Mahoney&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Maj. Gen. Edward Chrystal&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain (COL) Buddy Winn&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Tom Lyons, Vietnam Veteran and Host of Minnesota Military Radio will MC the program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What:&lt;/strong&gt; Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who:&lt;/strong&gt; Vietnam Veterans and their families, allies of the United States during the Vietnam War and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When:&lt;/strong&gt; Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mallofamerica.com/&quot; title=&quot;Mall of America&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mall of America®&lt;/a&gt;, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Events happening in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda, North Atrium and Second Floor Event Space&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Vietnam Veterans in need of transportation to the event, there are charter buses available from select locations. For more details, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/vietnam50/&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam 50&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Veterans and their families can pick up a coupon sheet at the Resource Fair that includes discounts to a variety of Mall of America attractions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information about the event or the schedule of activities or for those not able to attend and want to view watch the Livestream of the program can visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/vietnam50/&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam 50&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>627164</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:55:20Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, Minnesota  – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is announcing the schedule of activities during the commemoration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.</Description><Audience/><Title>Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program and Activities Announced for Mall of America Event on June 13-15</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program and Activities Announced for Mall of America Event on June 13-15</Title><title>2024-06-04-vietnam-schedule</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-626311&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-06-04T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, Minnesota  – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is announcing the schedule of activities during the commemoration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 4, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sandi Scott
&lt;br /&gt;
Tunheim
&lt;br /&gt;
    763-388-1096
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:sscott@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email sscott@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;sscott@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt;  – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is announcing the schedule of activities during the commemoration event marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the three days, attendees can see historical displays, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, view Vietnam War documentaries and more. In addition, on Friday June 14, there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thursday, June 13&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr style=&quot;background-color: rgb(0, 128, 0);&quot;&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Time&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Activity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mall of America Location&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;10 a.m. - 6 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 2nd Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;10 a.m. - 6 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 1st Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;12 - 1:30 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Live recording of Minnesota Military Radio Program&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 2nd Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Friday, June 14
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr style=&quot;background-color: rgb(0, 128, 0);&quot;&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Time&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Activity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mall of America Location&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;8 a.m. - 6 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 2nd Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;8 a.m. - 6 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Historical displays from Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 1st Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;10:30 - 11 a.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Huntington® Bank Rotunda&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;11 - 11:45 a.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Vietnam War 50th anniversary Commemoration Program with music, speakers and storytelling&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Huntington Bank Rotunda&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Complimentary Vietnam Veterans Brunch&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 2nd Floor in Resource Fair&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Huntington Bank Rotunda&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Free Movie screening: Welcome Home! A Nation’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;B&amp;amp;B Theaters, Mall of America 4th floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Saturday, June 15
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr style=&quot;background-color: rgb(0, 128, 0);&quot;&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Time&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Activity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mall of America Location&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;10 a.m. - 4 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Vietnam Veterans Resource Fair&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 2nd Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;10 a.m. - 6 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Historical displays from Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Atrium, 1st Floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;12:15 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;Free Movie screening: Welcome Home! A Nation’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot;&gt;B&amp;amp;B Theaters, Mall of America 4th floor&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For Veterans who need transportation to the event, MDVA is working with Veteran Service Organizations around the state to organize transportation on buses that will travel to Mall of America on Friday, June 14 in the early morning and return to their communities later that afternoon. For more details, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/vietnam50/&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam 50&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are honored to host this event that recognizes the crucial contributions and deep sacrifices made by our Vietnam Veterans and Allies of the United States during the war,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “It is a great opportunity for all Minnesotans to show our gratitude and honor our Vietnam Veterans in whatever capacity or branch they served.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is looking for Vietnam-era Veterans to share their stories and experiences about their service during the war as part of the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/history_and_legacy/oral_history/&quot; title=&quot;Oral History Project&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project&lt;/a&gt;. Veterans who wish to participate by being interviewed will record a video of their story, which will be archived and preserved as part of the project. Anyone interested in participating or learning more can contact Bess Ellenson at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:bellenson@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email bellenson@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;bellenson@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/vietnam50/&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam 50&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Mall of America®&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>626311</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:55:34Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans Homes – Luverne celebrates its 30th anniversary of serving Veterans and their families on Friday, June 7.

All are welcome to join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), current and former Luverne Veterans Home staff, volunteers, Residents and their loved ones, elected officials, Veterans Service Organizations and community friends for a gathering that will reflect on the care, programs and services delivered to our nation’s heroes for the past 30 years.</Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Home Celebrates 30 Years in Luverne! </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Home Celebrates 30 Years in Luverne!</Title><title>2024-06-03-luverne-celebration</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-626306&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-06-03T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans Homes – Luverne celebrates its 30th anniversary of serving Veterans and their families on Friday, June 7.

All are welcome to join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), current and former Luverne Veterans Home staff, volunteers, Residents and their loved ones, elected officials, Veterans Service Organizations and community friends for a gathering that will reflect on the care, programs and services delivered to our nation’s heroes for the past 30 years.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 3, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Minnesota Veterans Homes – Luverne celebrates its 30th anniversary of serving Veterans and their families on Friday, June 7.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;All are welcome to join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), current and former Luverne Veterans Home staff, volunteers, Residents and their loved ones, elected officials, Veterans Service Organizations and community friends for a gathering that will reflect on the care, programs and services delivered to our nation’s heroes for the past 30 years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/assets/2024-06-07-luverne-30_tcm1066-623070.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Event Flyer&quot;&gt;Mark Your Calendar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Date: June 7
&lt;br /&gt;
Location: 1300 North Kniss Avenue, Luverne&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Time/Events:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Building tours including historical photo boards and video&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Lunch&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1 p.m. – Commemorative program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Luverne Veterans Home embodies our commitment to providing the highest level of care to those who answered our nation’s call,” shared Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner. “It’s an honor and a privilege to provide a safe, dignified and engaging environment where Residents truly feel at home.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This is a remarkable skilled nursing environment focused on making everyday life worth living,” said Scott Buchanan, Administrator, Luverne Veterans Home. “We work to create a space where Residents find meaning, purpose and joy and where employees enjoy coming to work and making a difference. And we constantly strive to integrate our Veterans with community members and off-campus activities. We are grateful to feel like such a vital part of Luverne; we’re looking forward to the next 30 years.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Home cares for 65 Residents in three distinct living spaces, including a 17-bed special care unit for those with dementia. It employs 160 health care professionals; 31 employees have been with the Home for 20 years or longer and 13 have been with the Home since the first year of operation in 1994. Those employees will be recognized at the June 7 celebration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Construction on the Home began in 1991 after several years of pursuing $4.15 million in Federal funding for the project. The City of Luverne financed the remaining $2.25 million of the $6.4 million total cost. In addition, more than $200,000 in donations came from local and Veteran organizations. The facility sits on 13 acres of land overlooking the Veterans Pond on the north end of the city.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since opening in 1994, nearly 1,000 people have received care at the Luverne Veterans Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>626306</id><pubdate>2024-06-04T00:35:18Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Federal, State and Local elected officials, business and civic leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, advocates, volunteers, donors and residents gathered at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Montevideo to officially dedicate the facility. The Montevideo Veterans Home is one of three new Minnesota Veterans Homes that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) opened this year.</Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans and Community Leaders Dedicate New Veterans Home in Montevideo</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans and Community Leaders Dedicate New Veterans Home in Montevideo</Title><title>2024-06-01-montevideo-dedication</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-627367&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-06-01T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Federal, State and Local elected officials, business and civic leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, advocates, volunteers, donors and residents gathered at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Montevideo to officially dedicate the facility. The Montevideo Veterans Home is one of three new Minnesota Veterans Homes that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) opened this year.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 1, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Federal, State and Local elected officials, business and civic leaders, Veterans Service Organizations, advocates, volunteers, donors and residents gathered at the Minnesota Veterans Homes – Montevideo to officially dedicate the facility. The Montevideo Veterans Home is one of three new Minnesota Veterans Homes that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) opened this year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“MDVA is honored to recognize the major accomplishment of opening this crucially needed home in Montevideo,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “As our 285,000 Minnesota Veterans age, it is more important than ever that we can care for them in their final years.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition to Montevideo, MDVA open two other Minnesota Veterans Homes – one in Preston and the other in Bemidji – earlier this year. Minnesota is the only state in the nation to ever build and open three Veterans Homes at one time. The three new Homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more Veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Plans for the new Montevideo home became a reality after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. “Our community and our residents are excited to celebrate the beautiful space and the amazing teams that make the Montevideo Veterans Home a special place,” said Home Administrator Ashley Bormann. “The facility is absolutely beautiful, and our team members are thrilled to partner with our most treasured resources, those who served our country. This is really a meaningful day for our community and all southwestern Minnesota.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Groundbreaking for the Montevideo Veterans Home took place in August 2021 for the 72-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 2190 William Ave. All residential units include private baths and are split into two sections and four “neighborhoods” of 18 Residents each, avoiding long hallways. Move-in day for the first residents was in January.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Long-time Montevideo community member and World War II Veteran William Homan, who served in the Army Air Corps, was the very first Resident at the Montevideo home. “I made many, many trips to the State Capitol, helping people understand the need,” said Mr. Homan. “I can’t tell you what an honor it is to be the first Veteran to move in. This will really benefit Montevideo and the area for a long time.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be accepted for admission, Residents must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Find a CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officers&lt;/a&gt; are available to assist future Residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about joining the team and working with our amazing Veterans in Montevideo, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/about/work-for-mdva/&quot; title=&quot;Careers&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>627367</id><pubdate>2024-06-12T14:10:12Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, Minnesota  – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is looking for Vietnam-era Veterans to share their stories during a three-day event this June marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project is an opportunity for Veterans to share their experiences about their time in the service during the war to help educate the public and generations to come.

Veterans who wish to participate by being interviewed will record a video of their story, which will be archived and preserved as part of the project. It will provide an opportunity for future generations to hear directly from our Veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service to our country. Family members can also participate in interviews to help give a clearer picture of the effect that service had on loved ones back home.</Description><Audience/><Title>Seeking Minnesota Vietnam Veterans to Tell Their Story: Commemoration Event Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Seeking Minnesota Vietnam Veterans to Tell Their Story: Commemoration Event Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War</Title><title>2024-05-30-v50-oral-histories</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-625736&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-05-30T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, Minnesota  – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is looking for Vietnam-era Veterans to share their stories during a three-day event this June marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project is an opportunity for Veterans to share their experiences about their time in the service during the war to help educate the public and generations to come.

Veterans who wish to participate by being interviewed will record a video of their story, which will be archived and preserved as part of the project. It will provide an opportunity for future generations to hear directly from our Veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service to our country. Family members can also participate in interviews to help give a clearer picture of the effect that service had on loved ones back home.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 30, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sandi Scott
&lt;br /&gt;
Tunheim
&lt;br /&gt;
    763-388-1096
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:sscott@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email sscott@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;sscott@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seeking Minnesota Vietnam Veterans to Tell Their Story: Commemoration Event Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Vietnam Veterans can take part in the National Oral History Project to share their experience during their military service during the three-day event at the Mall of America June 13-15&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt;  – &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/a&gt; (MDVA) is looking for Vietnam-era Veterans to share their stories during a three-day event this June marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/history_and_legacy/oral_history/&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project&lt;/a&gt; is an opportunity for Veterans to share their experiences about their time in the service during the war to help educate the public and generations to come.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Veterans who wish to participate by being interviewed will record a video of their story, which will be archived and preserved as part of the project. It will provide an opportunity for future generations to hear directly from our Veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service to our country. Family members can also participate in interviews to help give a clearer picture of the effect that service had on loved ones back home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anyone interested in learning more about the interview process or signing up to be interviewed for the Vietnam War Commemoration Oral History Project can contact Bess Ellenson at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:bellenson@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email bellenson@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;bellenson@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Details&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/a&gt; (MDVA) is hosting a three-day event to commemorate of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Vietnam Veterans and their families, allies of the United States during the Vietnam War and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mallofamerica.com/&quot; title=&quot;Mall of America&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mall of America®&lt;/a&gt;, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
&lt;br /&gt;
Events happening in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda, North Atrium and Second Floor Event Space&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>625736</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:56:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V), with assistance from the Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of Minnesota (DAV MN), are proud to announce they are partnering with organizations and groups across the state to bring Veterans to the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event at the Mall of America June 13-15.

“We want to ensure as many Vietnam Veterans and family members as possible can attend this important event,” said Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner. “Through these partnerships, MDVA and V4V, with the assistance of DAV MN, are covering 100% of the cost of a charter bus or large van from communities across the state. We are encouraging many buses to come to Mall of America for all the festivities, on one or on all three days, particularly the official Commemoration Program on Friday, June 14.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Free Bus Transportation for Veterans to Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Free Bus Transportation for Veterans to Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event</Title><title>2024-05-29-v50-transportation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-625737&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-05-29T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V), with assistance from the Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of Minnesota (DAV MN), are proud to announce they are partnering with organizations and groups across the state to bring Veterans to the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event at the Mall of America June 13-15.

“We want to ensure as many Vietnam Veterans and family members as possible can attend this important event,” said Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner. “Through these partnerships, MDVA and V4V, with the assistance of DAV MN, are covering 100% of the cost of a charter bus or large van from communities across the state. We are encouraging many buses to come to Mall of America for all the festivities, on one or on all three days, particularly the official Commemoration Program on Friday, June 14.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 29, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sandi Scott
&lt;br /&gt;
Tunheim
&lt;br /&gt;
    763-388-1096
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:sscott@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email sscott@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;sscott@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Free Bus Transportation for Veterans to Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;MDVA partnerships will allow Vietnam Veterans to take part in the three-day event at the Mall of America, June 13-15, by providing free charter bus transportation in select locations&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V), with assistance from the Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of Minnesota (DAV MN), are proud to announce they are partnering with organizations and groups across the state to bring Veterans to the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event at the Mall of America June 13-15.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We want to ensure as many Vietnam Veterans and family members as possible can attend this important event,” said Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner. “Through these partnerships, MDVA and V4V, with the assistance of DAV MN, are covering 100% of the cost of a charter bus or large van from communities across the state. We are encouraging many buses to come to Mall of America for all the festivities, on one or on all three days, particularly the official Commemoration Program on Friday, June 14.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Veterans wishing to ride a bus to the event can visit Minnesota Veteran.org/Vietnam50 for a full list of available buses and cities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For organizations wishing to provide a bus to Veterans for the event, please contact Trent Dirks at DAV MN at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Trent@davmn.org&quot; title=&quot;Email Trent@davmn.org&quot;&gt;Trent@davmn.org&lt;/a&gt; to discuss details or visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/vietnam50/&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam 50&quot;&gt;Minnesota Veteran.org/Vietnam50&lt;/a&gt; to download the information.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Details&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/a&gt; (MDVA) is hosting a three-day event to commemorate of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Vietnam Veterans and their families, allies of the United States during the Vietnam War and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, June 15, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mallofamerica.com/&quot; title=&quot;Mall of America&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mall of America®&lt;/a&gt;, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
&lt;br /&gt;
Events happening in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda, North Atrium and Second Floor Event Space&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>625737</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:56:17Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.</Description><Audience/><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2024-05-24-sot-grants-awarded</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-622204&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-05-24T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 24, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Believet Canine Service Partners (Northfield): $25,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support the Troops MN (Oak Grove): $50,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Landing (Rochester): $52,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to these diverse grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in different ways,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://believet.org/&quot; title=&quot;Believet Canine Services Partners&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Believet Canine Service Partners&lt;/a&gt; is receiving a $25,000 grant to provide service dogs to Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury and other combat-related disabilities or injuries.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://supportthetroopsmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;Suppoert the Troops, MN&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Support the Troops, MN&lt;/a&gt; will use their $50,000 grant to provide rapid response to Veterans encountering financial hardships. Their program will prevent evictions, avoid utility shutoffs and help with car repairs.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.thelandingmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;The Landing&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Landing&lt;/a&gt; received $52,000 to purchase a transit van ensuring that Veterans experiencing homelessness have ready transit to all appointments ranging from housing, jobs and health services.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This SOT grant cycle began with applications submitted in October 2023. These three organizations now have executed grant agreements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families. Just a few of the organizations that SOT funds have helped include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Radio Program – weekly broadcast to inform the military and Veteran community&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;American Heroes Outdoors – therapeutic outdoor adventures and activities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Conservation Corps MN &amp;amp; IA – service-learning experience that supports Veterans as they transition out of the military by assisting them in developing transferrable workforce skills that can lead to a career in the natural resources field&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LegalCorps – “Ventures for Veterans” provides free, transactional business and patent law services&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mandatory Fun Outdoors – Recreational trailer to serve as a mobile office, provide safe/secure storage to transport and store equipment, and shelter Veterans and families at Mandatory Fun Outdoors events&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Disabled Veterans Rest Camp – Golf carts to enable differently abled and elderly Veterans and their families access to the activities offered throughout the 69-acre camp&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lutheran Social Services of MN – Respite care coordination&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain Free Patriots – Innovative pain treatment program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support the Troops MN – Financial assistance and clothing&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/&quot; title=&quot;Local DMV Offices&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;. SOT plates may also be available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next MDVA SOT grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 MDVA Grants Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>622204</id><pubdate>2026-04-13T20:06:26Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Benjamin (Ben) Johnson Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services. Ben has served in this role on an interim basis since October 2023.

Ben joined MDVA in 2014 and held the role of Legislative Director for the last eight years. He has been responsible for legislative and government relations, development of agency policy initiatives, supporting the agency’s biannual budget and capital investment requests and general oversight of agency legislative strategies. From December 2022 through February 2023, Ben served as the Interim Senior Administrative Officer leading MDVA’s Central Office administrative activities.</Description><Audience/><Title>Ben Johnson Named Deputy Commissioner at Minn. Dept. of Veterans Affairs</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Ben Johnson Named Deputy Commissioner at Minn. Dept. of Veterans Affairs</Title><title>2024-05-22-ben-johnson</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-625223&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-05-22T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Benjamin (Ben) Johnson Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services. Ben has served in this role on an interim basis since October 2023.

Ben joined MDVA in 2014 and held the role of Legislative Director for the last eight years. He has been responsible for legislative and government relations, development of agency policy initiatives, supporting the agency’s biannual budget and capital investment requests and general oversight of agency legislative strategies. From December 2022 through February 2023, Ben served as the Interim Senior Administrative Officer leading MDVA’s Central Office administrative activities.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 22, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/ben-johnson_tcm1066-625224.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Deputy Commissioner Johnson&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ben-johnson&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/ben-johnson_tcm1066-625224.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Deputy Commissioner Ben Johnson&quot; alt=&quot;Deputy Commissioner Ben Johnson&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 40%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ben-johnson&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) named Benjamin (Ben) Johnson Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services. Ben has served in this role on an interim basis since October 2023.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Ben joined MDVA in 2014 and held the role of Legislative Director for the last eight years. He has been responsible for legislative and government relations, development of agency policy initiatives, supporting the agency’s biannual budget and capital investment requests and general oversight of agency legislative strategies. From December 2022 through February 2023, Ben served as the Interim Senior Administrative Officer leading MDVA’s Central Office administrative activities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A Veteran of the United States Navy, Ben enlisted in 2002 and completed his first deployment as a member of the engineering department aboard the USS O’Bannon (DD-987). His second duty was an assignment to the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command - Mobile Security Squadron Six. In 2005 and again in 2007, Ben deployed to the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting anti-terrorism and force protection activities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Ben holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice, a J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law and is a Policy Fellow alumnus of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the Humphry School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>625223</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:56:37Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Memorial Day means the kickoff to summer for many Minnesotans. However, to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), it’s the time to focus on the true meaning of the holiday: honoring and remembering service members in Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice and showing support for the families left behind.

To commemorate Memorial Day, the each of the four State Veterans Cemeteries will host special ceremonie</Description><Audience/><Title>Fallen Service Members Honored at All Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Fallen Service Members Honored at All Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries</Title><title>2024-05-21-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-625031&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-05-21T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Memorial Day means the kickoff to summer for many Minnesotans. However, to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), it’s the time to focus on the true meaning of the holiday: honoring and remembering service members in Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice and showing support for the families left behind.

To commemorate Memorial Day, the each of the four State Veterans Cemeteries will host special ceremonie</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 21, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Memorial Day means the kickoff to summer for many Minnesotans. However, to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), it’s the time to focus on the true meaning of the holiday: honoring and remembering service members in Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice and showing support for the families left behind.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To commemorate Memorial Day, the each of the four State Veterans Cemeteries will host special ceremonies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday, May 26
&lt;br /&gt;
1:30 p.m. Pre-ceremony live concert
&lt;br /&gt;
2:00 p.m. Official ceremony&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Duluth
&lt;br /&gt;
4777 Highway 53
&lt;br /&gt;
Saginaw, MN 55779&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
15550 Hwy 115
&lt;br /&gt;
Little Falls, MN 56345&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Preston
&lt;br /&gt;
715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Redwood Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
33752 Noble Ave.
&lt;br /&gt;
Redwood Falls, MN 56283&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each program will include military honor guards, music and a guest speaker.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Minnesotans continually show their gratitude and appreciation for those who chose to serve their country, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” says Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner. “I’m proud that Minnesota is committed to providing spaces across the state where Veterans can go to their final resting place, and where so many in the community have the opportunity to gather and honor those who have gone before us.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool if possible. Also, as a reminder to families: the Cemetery floral policy allows for artificial flowers to be placed on gravesites from May 17 to June 6. Any artificial flowers on gravesites before or after these dates will be removed. Fresh cut flowers may be placed at any time of the year. A full list of cemetery floral regulations is posted on signs throughout each Cemetery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about individual Memorial Day events at the State Veterans Cemeteries, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/news/events/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Events&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Events Intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Events&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Fast Facts:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Memorial Day originated in a practice called “Decoration Day” from the American Civil War.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Near the end of the War, communities in the North and South, Black and white, decorated soldiers&apos; graves with floral honors on springtime &quot;decoration days.&quot;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;In May of 1868, Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John Logan issued General Orders No. 11 or the &quot;Memorial Day Act&quot;—formally establishing Memorial Day as a decoration day—when the nation would remember its war dead and mark their graves with flowers.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This information and much more is from the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cem.va.gov/history/Memorial-Day-History.asp#MemorialDay&quot; title=&quot;National Cemetery Administration&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Cemetery Administration&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>625031</id><pubdate>2025-03-19T16:34:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is working with the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) to create unparalleled free access to legal representation for Minnesota Veterans and their families in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).

“The partnership between MDVA and NVLSP is a great milestone for the state and for Minnesota Veterans,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “Minnesota Veterans will now have access to an outstanding national legal team who will defend their rights at the highest legal levels.”</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA Partners with National Group to Defend Veterans Legal Rights </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA Partners with National Group to Defend Veterans Legal Rights </Title><title>2024-05-14-nvlsp</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-624292&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-05-15T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is working with the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) to create unparalleled free access to legal representation for Minnesota Veterans and their families in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).

“The partnership between MDVA and NVLSP is a great milestone for the state and for Minnesota Veterans,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “Minnesota Veterans will now have access to an outstanding national legal team who will defend their rights at the highest legal levels.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 15, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is working with the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nvlsp.org/&quot; title=&quot;https://www.nvlsp.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Veterans Legal Services Program&lt;/a&gt; (NVLSP) to create unparalleled free access to legal representation for Minnesota Veterans and their families in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The partnership between MDVA and NVLSP is a great milestone for the state and for Minnesota Veterans,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “Minnesota Veterans will now have access to an outstanding national legal team who will defend their rights at the highest legal levels.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;NVLSP is a national nonprofit organization that works to ensure the government delivers to America’s 18 million Veterans and active-duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I’m excited that our MDVA teams will be able to provide professional representation at the courts. MDVA stands as a premium service provider, as we’ll also have access to the training and professional development that NVLSP provides,” says Ron Quade, MDVA Director of Veteran Services. “This training will be invaluable as MDVA teams continue to serve Minnesota Veterans, now and in the years to come.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;We are delighted to work with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and we welcome the opportunity to leverage our shared expertise to help Minnesota Veterans and their families receive the benefits to which they are entitled,” said NVLSP Executive Director Paul Wright.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As a matter of background, the journey of appealing a claim denial can be lengthy and complicated. When disability claims are denied by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans have the right to appeal to the CAVC. Through this partnership, NVLSP will provide free legal representation in support of appeal cases. This process begins when the NVLSP reviews a case in which a Veteran’s appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), the highest authority within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is denied and determines there are grounds for an appeal to the CAVC. When this occurs, NVLSP offers to represent the Veteran or the Veteran’s family at no cost. This strategic partnership between MDVA and the NVLSP marks the first time this free legal service is available to Veterans in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition to NVLSP’s assistance to Veterans with claims appeals, NVLSP will also assist Minnesota Veterans with discharge upgrades, which will help Veterans access benefits they may be denied due to a less than honorable discharge.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about NVLSP, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nvlsp.org/&quot; title=&quot;NVLSP.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;nvlsp.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about MDVA visit: &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>624292</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:57:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to announce it is hosting the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.

Over the three days, attendees can see historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and watch screenings of Vietnam War documentaries, view the American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall and walk through a Resource Fair which will provide valuable resources and information for Minnesota Vietnam Veterans and their families. On Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to Host Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War with Events on June 13 - 15</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to Host Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War with Events on June 13 - 15</Title><title>2024-04-23-vietnam-50</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-621237&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-04-23T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to announce it is hosting the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at Mall of America®.

Over the three days, attendees can see historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and watch screenings of Vietnam War documentaries, view the American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall and walk through a Resource Fair which will provide valuable resources and information for Minnesota Vietnam Veterans and their families. On Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/vietnam-50-letterhead_tcm1066-621229.png&quot; title=&quot;Vietnam 50th Commemoration&quot; alt=&quot;Vietnam 50th Commemoration&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; opacity: 0.5&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;vietnam-50-letterhead&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
April 23, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sandi Scott
&lt;br /&gt;
Tunheim 
&lt;br /&gt;
651-208-4582
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:sscott@tunheim.com&quot; title=&quot;Email sscott@tunheim.com&quot;&gt;sscott@tunheim.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;h3 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to Host Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War with Events on June 13 - 15&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/a&gt; (MDVA) is honored to announce it is hosting the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-day event for Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans, is being held June 13-15 at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mallofamerica.com/&quot; title=&quot;Mall of America&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mall of America®&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the three days, attendees can see historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum and watch screenings of Vietnam War documentaries, view the American Veterans Traveling Tribute memorial wall and walk through a Resource Fair which will provide valuable resources and information for Minnesota Vietnam Veterans and their families. On Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m., there will be a Commemoration Program at Mall of America in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with speakers, music and storytelling, followed by a complimentary brunch for Vietnam Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event will highlight the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, recognize the crucial contributions and deep sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War, and provide an opportunity for healing, thanking and honoring Minnesota Vietnam Veterans, in whatever branch or capacity they served.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are humbled to honor our Minnesota Vietnam-era Veterans and allies of the United States through this special event. This group of Veterans made great sacrifices fighting a very difficult war and did not receive a warm welcome when they returned,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “We hope this event will provide gratitude and healing for our Veterans, our allies and their families, and provide them the opportunity connect with other Vietnam Veterans and learn about valuable resources available to them.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More information will be provided soon regarding event details, transportation and other logistics. This event is open to the public.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-613850&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Vietnam50&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/Vietnam-50-schedule_tcm1066-621337.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Event Schedule&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Vietnam-50-schedule&quot;&gt;Event Schedule&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/Vietnam-50-fact-sheet_tcm1066-621336.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Fact Sheet&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Vietnam-50-fact-sheet&quot;&gt;Event Fact Sheet&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;# # #&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Mall of America®&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>621237</id><pubdate>2024-04-23T14:52:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans for their work to end Veterans homelessness. Additionally, four Minnesota Veterans homes received a national customer experience award for the sixth year in a row.

“Minnesota is on track to become the fourth state to end Veterans homelessness, and we’re using a nation-leading outreach program to reach that goal,” said Governor Walz. “I’m proud of our team at MDVA who are dedicated to connecting Veterans to their critical benefits. This recognition reflects Minnesota’s commitment to providing the best services and care for our Veterans.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Receives Federal Recognition for Work to End Veterans Homelessness</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Receives Federal Recognition for Work to End Veterans Homelessness</Title><title>2024-03-20-federal-recognition</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-615246&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-03-20T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans for their work to end Veterans homelessness. Additionally, four Minnesota Veterans homes received a national customer experience award for the sixth year in a row.

“Minnesota is on track to become the fourth state to end Veterans homelessness, and we’re using a nation-leading outreach program to reach that goal,” said Governor Walz. “I’m proud of our team at MDVA who are dedicated to connecting Veterans to their critical benefits. This recognition reflects Minnesota’s commitment to providing the best services and care for our Veterans.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 20, 2024
&lt;br /&gt;
Contact: Claire Lancaster
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
651-219-2975&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans for their work to end Veterans homelessness. Additionally, four Minnesota Veterans homes received a &lt;a href=&quot;https://pinnacleqi.com/awards/about&quot; title=&quot;Pinnacle&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;national customer experience award&lt;/a&gt; for the sixth year in a row.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota is on track to become the fourth state to end Veterans homelessness, and we’re using a nation-leading outreach program to reach that goal,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“I’m proud of our team at MDVA who are dedicated to connecting Veterans to their critical benefits. This recognition reflects Minnesota’s commitment to providing the best services and care for our Veterans.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay accepted the award from Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough for “Innovation in Eliminating Veteran Homelessness.” MDVA has won five Pillars of Excellence Awards in recent years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA’s SOAR program collaborates with key organizations and community groups to provide Minnesota’s homeless and at-risk Veterans with expanded access to Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The SOAR program has established itself to be one of the most important homelessness prevention strategies in Minnesota’s drive to be the fourth state in the nation to effectively eliminate Veteran homelessness,”&lt;/strong&gt; says Lindsay. &lt;strong&gt;“I’m proud that this team’s dedication and focus on building relationships is being recognized by the VA.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award was established in 2012 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize best practices from the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) members that have developed effective programs to address the current five top-line issues: customer experience with VA benefits and services, eliminating the claims and appeals backlog, eliminating Veterans homelessness, delivery of services to Tribal governments serving Native American Veterans, suicide awareness and prevention and innovative state programs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight Award&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For the sixth year in a row, four Minnesota Veterans homes received &lt;a href=&quot;https://pinnacleqi.com/awards/about&quot; title=&quot;Pinnacle&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award&lt;/a&gt; in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The four skilled facilities are in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with more than two decades of experience in post-acute health care. Pinnacle conducts more than 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,700 care providers across the United States. Only those providers that are in the 85th percentile or higher receive this recognition.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, Pinnacle interviewed both Veterans homes’ residents and their families on several areas including: activities, admission process, cleanliness, dignity and respect, nursing care, overall customer experience, professional therapy services, and safety and security. The results are compared to others in the industry and the Minnesota Veterans Homes have been identified as “best in class.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The Pinnacle survey results represent the overall quality our Homes provide to our Residents by our staff,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Eric Meittunen, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Healthcare. &lt;strong&gt;“We are very proud of the level of care that is provided and appreciate the work of all employees to provide this experience to Residents and families.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>615246</id><pubdate>2024-03-25T13:53:56Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz today announced that the newly-opened Bemidji Veterans Home admitted its first resident – a Minnesota veteran who signed up for the Air Force when he was 19 years old and served for more than two decades. The Bemidji Veterans Home marks the third opening of three new homes across the state in the last six weeks. Preston and Montevideo also saw the opening of new homes in their communities.

“We are excited to announce the opening of Minnesota’s newest veterans home in Bemidji. This opening highlights the work being done to continue the expansion of services and increase the quality of life for our veterans,” said Governor Walz. “Providing our highest support for those who have sacrificed for our state and country is a priority and the opening of this facility represents another step in ensuring our veterans have a safe and stable place to call home.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Announces New Bemidji Veterans Home Has Admitted its First Residents</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Announces New Bemidji Veterans Home Has Admitted its First Residents</Title><title>2024-02-16-bemidji-first-resident</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-614626&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-16T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz today announced that the newly-opened Bemidji Veterans Home admitted its first resident – a Minnesota veteran who signed up for the Air Force when he was 19 years old and served for more than two decades. The Bemidji Veterans Home marks the third opening of three new homes across the state in the last six weeks. Preston and Montevideo also saw the opening of new homes in their communities.

“We are excited to announce the opening of Minnesota’s newest veterans home in Bemidji. This opening highlights the work being done to continue the expansion of services and increase the quality of life for our veterans,” said Governor Walz. “Providing our highest support for those who have sacrificed for our state and country is a priority and the opening of this facility represents another step in ensuring our veterans have a safe and stable place to call home.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
February 16, 2024
&lt;br /&gt;
Contact: Claire Lancaster
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
651-219-2975&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz today announced that the newly-opened Bemidji Veterans Home admitted its first Resident – a Minnesota Veteran who signed up for the Air Force when he was 19 years old and served for more than two decades. The Bemidji Veterans Home marks the third opening of three new homes across the state in the last six weeks. Preston and Montevideo also saw the opening of new homes in their communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We are excited to announce the opening of Minnesota’s newest Veterans home in Bemidji. This opening highlights the work being done to continue the expansion of services and increase the quality of life for our Veterans,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“Providing our highest support for those who have sacrificed for our state and country is a priority and the opening of this facility represents another step in ensuring our Veterans have a safe and stable place to call home.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“MDVA is honored to open this third of three new veterans homes across the state in the last six weeks,”&lt;/strong&gt; said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. &lt;strong&gt;“As our 294,000 Minnesota Veterans age, it is more important than ever that we can care for them in their final years.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Resort owner, dancer, karaoke singer and world-traveler Jim Larson – who retired from the military in 1974 – turns 90 in May. He is the very first Resident admitted to the Bemidji Veterans Home. Larson had worked on farms before he volunteered for service in the 1950s.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Larson expressed excitement for his move. &lt;strong&gt;“No one likes to leave their home,”&lt;/strong&gt; Larson said. &lt;strong&gt;“But there are times when you have to move forward. I feel like I’m one of the luckiest people alive. I’ve visited a lot of people in nursing homes. This place is more like home. The people here treat you like family.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The home came to fruition after more than a decade of local advocacy and planning and two years of construction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the next few weeks, the home will continue to admit new Residents, up to a total of 24. The home must then successfully complete a recognition survey from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Federal VA). The survey is expected to take place later this spring.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Once that federal VA survey is completed, the home will continue to admit additional Residents and hire the remaining staff required to care for a full facility. The home will also be pursuing its certification with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the first year of operation. Minnesota Veterans Homes are surveyed by both the Minnesota Department of Health on behalf of CMS and the federal VA. Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) leaders look forward to achieving certification from these regulatory agencies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the Bemidji Veterans Home has hired most staff needed for the first month of operation, additional employees will be needed as more Residents are admitted. To learn about employment opportunities, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/about/work-for-mdva.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Work for MDVA&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Work for MDVA Introduction&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Groundbreaking for the Bemidji Veterans Home took place in August 2021 for the 72-bed skilled nursing facility located at 920 Anne Street N.W.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be accepted for admission, residents must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/homes/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Homes&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Veterans Homes intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>614626</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:05:01Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay was delighted to accept a generous $10,000 donation from the Veterans Community Thrift Store (VCTS) located in Hibbing. This donation will be used to purchase a van to help transport Veterans Home Residents to events and other social and leisure activities in the community.

The dream of a VCTS began in 2016 with three Veteran friends: Larry Pocrnich, Army, a medically retired Iron Range police officer; Bill Bean, Navy, a former Veterans Service Officer; and Bob Fluguear, Marine, Iron Range miner, now deceased. They approached the Hibbing-based Salvation Army-run thrift store with an offer to purchase its local operations and physical space, continue to run and grow the business and ultimately direct all profits to Veteran-specific causes. The community responded positively to this idea; in fact, just one year into their work, the VCTS outgrew its location and moved to their current (larger) site located at 2003 First Avenue North in Hibbing.</Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Community Thrift Store in Hibbing Donates $10,000 to Silver Bay Veterans Home</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Community Thrift Store in Hibbing Donates $10,000 to Silver Bay Veterans Home</Title><title>2024-02-15-silver-bay-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-609928&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-15T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay was delighted to accept a generous $10,000 donation from the Veterans Community Thrift Store (VCTS) located in Hibbing. This donation will be used to purchase a van to help transport Veterans Home Residents to events and other social and leisure activities in the community.

The dream of a VCTS began in 2016 with three Veteran friends: Larry Pocrnich, Army, a medically retired Iron Range police officer; Bill Bean, Navy, a former Veterans Service Officer; and Bob Fluguear, Marine, Iron Range miner, now deceased. They approached the Hibbing-based Salvation Army-run thrift store with an offer to purchase its local operations and physical space, continue to run and grow the business and ultimately direct all profits to Veteran-specific causes. The community responded positively to this idea; in fact, just one year into their work, the VCTS outgrew its location and moved to their current (larger) site located at 2003 First Avenue North in Hibbing.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Feb. 15, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay was delighted to accept a generous $10,000 donation from the Veterans Community Thrift Store (VCTS) located in Hibbing. This donation will be used to purchase a van to help transport Veterans Home Residents to events and other social and leisure activities in the community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The dream of a VCTS began in 2016 with three Veteran friends: Larry Pocrnich, Army, a medically retired Iron Range police officer; Bill Bean, Navy, a former Veterans Service Officer; and Bob Fluguear, Marine, Iron Range miner, now deceased. They approached the Hibbing-based Salvation Army-run thrift store with an offer to purchase its local operations and physical space, continue to run and grow the business and ultimately direct all profits to Veteran-specific causes. The community responded positively to this idea; in fact, just one year into their work, the VCTS outgrew its location and moved to their current (larger) site located at 2003 First Avenue North in Hibbing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Robust ongoing donations of clothing, furniture, books, kitchenware, seasonable products, etc. take a good amount of behind-the-scenes time to sort, price and display. VCTS is open one week each month to accept donations. The next opportunity to donate is the week of Feb. 19. According to Pocrnich, the more successful the sales, the more VCTS can consistently donate to organizations like the Silver Bay Veterans Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pocrnich has a long-term relationship with the Home. In 2010, he was the American Legion (AL) Commander in the 8th District. Over the years, he visited the Home for regular chats with Veterans and bingo games. He also made the Home’s wood shop/craft room improvement efforts his AL special project and donated tools as well. A long-time member of Post 222 in Hibbing, he says the Home warms his heart. “When it’s my time (to need skilled nursing care), I’ve already got an idea of what wing I want to live in here.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Randall Walz, the Veterans Home’s Public Affairs Coordinator, has known Pocrnich for years. “From the American Legion to the VFW, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and many other Veterans groups, Larry has an unwavering commitment to serving our nation’s heroes. And the VCTS he helped co-found gets amazing support from individuals in our Arrowhead Region. They know about the care we provide, especially our niche in dementia care. Their support of VCTS’ work allows VCTS to support our work.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Silver Bay Veterans Home Administrator Dani Donner notes that Hibbing is her hometown. “I’m proud of Hibbing’s—and the surrounding area’s—kindness and desire to ensure our Veterans live their best possible lives with us. I’m also so thankful for the generosity of the VCTS Board of Directors. We look forward to continuing to partner with them on future projects.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To contact the VCTS, visit Facebook and search “Veterans Community Thrift Store” or email them at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Veteranscommunitystore@gmail.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Veteranscommunitystore@gmail.com&quot;&gt;Veteranscommunitystore@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about this donation and the Silver Bay Veterans Home, view &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/silver-bay-veterans-home-gets-10000-from-veterans-community-thrift-store-in-hibbing/&quot; title=&quot;WDIO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;this WDIO news report&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>609928</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:57:46Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The “Stars and Stripes Mentor Program” and the “Memories of Mom” initiative improve care for Veterans and Residents we serve.

Both were recognized as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Healthcare Division received two “Excellence in Practice” awards at the LeadingAge Minnesota annual conference on Feb. 7-8. MDVA is a member of LeadingAge Minnesota, a network of mission-driven organizations serving older adults in all the places they call home.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Homes Recognized for Excellence</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Homes Recognized for Excellence</Title><title>2024-02-15-leading-age</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-609927&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-15T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The “Stars and Stripes Mentor Program” and the “Memories of Mom” initiative improve care for Veterans and Residents we serve.

Both were recognized as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Healthcare Division received two “Excellence in Practice” awards at the LeadingAge Minnesota annual conference on Feb. 7-8. MDVA is a member of LeadingAge Minnesota, a network of mission-driven organizations serving older adults in all the places they call home.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Feb. 15, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The “Stars and Stripes Mentor Program” and the “Memories of Mom” initiative improve care for Veterans and Residents we serve.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both were recognized as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Healthcare Division received two “Excellence in Practice” awards at the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.leadingagemn.org/&quot; title=&quot;LeadingAge&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;LeadingAge Minnesota&lt;/a&gt; annual conference on Feb. 7-8. MDVA is a member of LeadingAge Minnesota, a network of mission-driven organizations serving older adults in all the places they call home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Excellence in Practice Awards celebrate promising programs and initiatives that help advance and transform the care of Minnesota’s older adults, recognizing safe, quality care and innovative service delivery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay received a “Stars Among Us Excellence in Practice” award for the “Stars and Stripes Mentor Program.” LeadingAge Minnesota described the program as “an ideal example of performance improvement – and the best part is the positive results you have achieved!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Stars and Stripes Mentor Program is a ladder program for Human Service Technicians (also known as Certified Nursing Assistants) that provides additional education support with the goals of building strong leadership and improving and expanding performance skills. The program is showing promising results with the employee retention rate increasing by 10% from FY 2022 (56%) to FY 2023 (66%).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition, Silver Bay Veterans Home Physical Therapy Assistant Jake Ojala was honored with the District B Caregiver of the Year Award. The District Caregiver of the Year Award honors individuals in older adult services who demonstrate exceptional commitment to older adults and enrich the quality of life of those in their care. Ojala was one of seven caregivers selected for the regional award out of a field of 60,000 professional caregivers throughout the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Jake is a tremendous addition to our Silver Bay family,” said Dani Donner, Silver Bay Veterans Home Administrator. “As a caregiver at a nursing home, fostering meaningful connections with our Residents is paramount. By establishing trust, understanding individual needs, and providing emotional support, Jake not only enhances the quality of life for our Residents but also creates a nurturing environment where they feel valued, respected, and truly cared for.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Adult Day Program based on the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus received a “Stars Among Us Excellence in Practice” award for the “Memories of Mom” initiative. “What a fun and creative person-centered way to engage your participants and bring back such cherished memories of their mothers’ best recipes,” LeadingAge Minnesota noted in their announcement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Memories of Mom” is a journey of culturally diverse cuisine, according to Adult Day Program Leader Ann Rostratter. The team asked themselves: “How can we create connections among a culturally diverse aging population?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We needed to find common ground for all, so we decided to focus on memories of our mothers and the food they prepared for us,” Rostratter explained. “Our Veterans completed questionnaires about their fondest memories of their mothers, their family backgrounds, and provided recipes of their favorite dishes along with photos. We had our cook prepare a different dish from the recipes we received each week so the Veteran could talk about their fondest memories of their mom and the favorite dishes she made. Our Veterans enjoyed trying dishes from other cultures and hearing all the ‘mom’ stories! The results: sharing cultural pride, understanding others through their memories, and trying different new food. We created several types of cookbooks from all the recipes that can be given to the families or used as a fundraiser for some facilities. Sometimes it takes a village to realize we are all not so different after all!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I am so proud of the creative and caring programming provided by our staff,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “We all believe that serving those who have served is an honor and it is validating to receive this recognition from LeadingAge Minnesota.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Added Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare Eric Meittunen: “The Minnesota Veterans Homes and our Adult Day Program set the bar in providing the highest quality senior care. And employees like Jake Ojala represent the commitment we have to our Residents. Congratulations to all our staff for their wonderful work!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>609927</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:58:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The first Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji begin their big move into the new facility!</Description><Audience/><Title>Media Advisory: Move-In Day for Bemidji Area Veterans! </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Media Advisory: Move-In Day for Bemidji Area Veterans! </Title><title>2024-02-12-ma-bemidji-opening</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-609544&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-12T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The first Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji begin their big move into the new facility!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Feb. 12, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The first Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji begin their big move into the new facility!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuesday, Feb.13
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Residents, family members, and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs team members will all be on hand as Veterans move into their new home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;920 Anne Street N.W., Bemidji, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dancer, karaoke singer, and world-traveler Jim Larson – who retired from the Air Force in 1974 after 20 years of service – will be the very first Resident at the Bemidji Home. Hear his story!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Residents and families moving in.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tour the Northwoods-themed, skilled nursing facility and see the amenities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Speak with representatives from MDVA about what this building means to the community.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Opportunities to give back to this community by working, volunteering, or donating to support the Home.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FUN FACTS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Along with the Veterans Homes in Preston and Montevideo, the Bemidji Home is the first Minnesota Veterans Home to open in the state in more than 25 years.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;No other state has ever opened three homes in a span of six weeks!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;From conception to planning to move-in day, the community has come together to bring this much-needed home to Bemidji.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A Dedication Ceremony is planned for the summer to celebrate decades of preparation and hard work coming to fruition to serve Veterans in Northern Minnesota.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>609544</id><pubdate>2024-09-16T23:58:15Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, Minnesota. This is the second year in a row that the donation specifically was provided to our eight State Veterans Homes; each location will receive $10,000.</Description><Audience/><Title>State Veterans Homes Receive Second $80,000 Donation from VFW Post 906</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State Veterans Homes Receive Second $80,000 Donation from VFW Post 906</Title><title>2023-01-26-vfw-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-607868&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-01-26T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, Minnesota. This is the second year in a row that the donation specifically was provided to our eight State Veterans Homes; each location will receive $10,000.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jan. 26, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, Minnesota. This is the second year in a row that the donation specifically was provided to our eight State Veterans Homes; each location will receive $10,000.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;VFW State Commander Dan Meyer, Charles McLaughlin Post 906 Commander Colby Mickolichek, Post 906 Charitable Gambling Manager Doug Johnson and Post 906 Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Jerry Tews presented the checks to MDVA senior leadership and Homes’ Public Affairs Coordinators at the VFW Midwinter Conference on Jan. 12.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Funding will be used to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Develop and deliver new Resident activities and enhance existing programming.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Purchase equipment designed to elevate Residents’ quality of life.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each Home will determine how to apply the funds to best serve their respective Veterans’ needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2024-01-16-vfw-donation-group_tcm1066-606745.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Donation&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2024-01-16-vfw-donation-group&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2024-01-16-vfw-donation-group_tcm1066-606745.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Donation&quot; alt=&quot;Donation&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 2px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2024-01-16-vfw-donation-group&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay noted the significant positive impact this contribution will have on Minnesota State Veterans Homes. “Our Homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care to our nation’s heroes. A donation of this size for the second time in a row is remarkably generous and very helpful in helping to bolster the daily quality of life for these heroes. Whether it means being able to deliver expanded quality programming or add to the Homes’ pleasing, peaceful surroundings, the end result will be an improved experience for Veteran Residents and their families.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Post 906 Commander Mickolichek shared that this donation reflects the VFW’s commitment to preserve and strengthen comradeship. “Our Veterans have served and sacrificed. Now, those living in our skilled nursing care Homes deserve to enjoy a fulfilling, welcoming environment every day. Post 906 in Hutchinson is blessed to be able to go above and beyond in assisting our Veterans statewide with these donations. Our senior Veterans have done so much for our country, our state, and our local communities and it is our honor and privilege to help them in return.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;State Commander Meyer noted that the purpose of the VFW is to take care of all Veterans in Minnesota. “Post 906 has the ability to help Veterans and does so proudly. All of our VFW posts are nonprofit and use their money wisely to support Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“A gift of this magnitude could not be accomplished without the generosity of patrons who visit the Post and support our charitable gambling activities; the efforts of our staff who serve at our events, including meat raffles, sport boards, and bingo; and citizens of McLeod County and surrounding areas,” said Charitable Gambling Manager Johnson. “Thank you to everyone for helping make this donation a reality.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Tews shared that the community’s participation level has exceeded all expectations. “Since the end of the pandemic, we’re seeing a significant increase in contribution activities. What better place to give those funds than our Veterans?” Note: In addition to the $80,000 donation given to the eight State Veterans Homes, Post 906 also donated $10,000 each to the VA Healthcare Systems in St. Cloud, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Once again, MDVA extends its gratitude to the Department of Minnesota VFW and Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. Your commitment and collaboration are essential to our mission of serving those who have served.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>607868</id><pubdate>2024-01-26T15:00:54Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo admitted its first Residents today – four Veterans who served in eras from World War II to Vietnam. The Montevideo Veterans Home is the second of three new Veterans Homes to open this year. The Preston Veterans Home admitted its first Residents on Jan. 3 and the Bemidji Veterans Home will open in the coming weeks.</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Announces New Montevideo Veterans Home Has Admitted its First Residents</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Announces New Montevideo Veterans Home Has Admitted its First Residents</Title><title>2024-01-23-montevideo-home-opens</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-607594&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-01-23T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo admitted its first Residents today – four Veterans who served in eras from World War II to Vietnam. The Montevideo Veterans Home is the second of three new Veterans Homes to open this year. The Preston Veterans Home admitted its first Residents on Jan. 3 and the Bemidji Veterans Home will open in the coming weeks.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jan. 23, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire Lancaster
&lt;br /&gt;
651-219-2975 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo admitted its first Residents today – four Veterans who served in eras from World War II to Vietnam. The Montevideo Veterans Home is the second of three new Veterans Homes to open this year. The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/index.jsp?id=1055-605767&quot; title=&quot;Preston Home&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Preston Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; admitted its first Residents on Jan. 3 and the Bemidji Veterans Home will open in the coming weeks. Photos from the opening &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.flickr.com/photos/mdva/albums/72177720314273920/&quot; title=&quot;Montevideo Photos&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;can be found here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We’re proud to expand service to our Veterans in southwest Minnesota through the new Veterans Home in Montevideo,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“This is another measure of the state’s respect and dedication for those who’ve served their state and country.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Long-time Montevideo community member and World War II Veteran William Homan, who served in the Army Air Corps, was the very first Resident at the Montevideo home. &lt;strong&gt;“I made many, many trips to the State Capitol, helping people understand the need,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Mr. Homan. &lt;strong&gt;“I can’t tell you what an honor it is to be the first Veteran to move in. This will really benefit Montevideo and the area for a long time.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The home came to fruition after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. &lt;strong&gt;“Our Residents are excited to come through our doors today,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Home Administrator Ashley Bormann. &lt;strong&gt;“The facility is absolutely beautiful, and our team members are thrilled to be now working on site. This is really a meaningful day for our community and all of southwestern Minnesota.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the next few weeks, the home will continue to admit new Residents up to a total of 24. The home must then successfully complete a recognition survey from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Federal VA). The survey is expected to take place later this spring.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Once that federal VA survey is completed, the home will continue to admit additional Residents and hire the remaining staff required to care for a full facility. The home will also be pursuing its certification with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the first year of operation. Minnesota Veterans Homes are surveyed by both MDH/CMS and the federal VA and MDVA leaders look forward to achieving certification from both regulatory agencies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“MDVA is honored to open the second of three new Veterans Homes across the state this month,”&lt;/strong&gt; said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. &lt;strong&gt;“As our 294,000 Minnesota Veterans age, it is more important than ever that we can care for them in their final years.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the Montevideo Veterans Home has hired most staff needed for the first month of operation, additional employees will be needed as more Residents are admitted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn about employment opportunities, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/about/work-for-mdva.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Work for MDVA&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Work for MDVA Introduction&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The support from the community is absolutely amazing,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Cindy Wilkens, Public Affairs Coordinator. &lt;strong&gt;“Montevideo and surrounding communities have been so supportive. We couldn’t have done this project without their support. It’s an awesome thing to see come together.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Groundbreaking for the Montevideo Veterans Home took place in August 2021 for the 72-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 2190 William Ave. All residential units include private baths and are split into two sections and four “neighborhoods” of 18 Residents each, avoiding long hallways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be accepted for admission, Residents must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officers&lt;/a&gt; are available to assist future Residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Administrator Bormann noted that a formal, large dedication event is planned for late spring, In the meantime, small group tours are being provided as requested. To schedule a tour, contact Public Affairs Coordinator Cindy Wilkens at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:cindy.wilkens@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email cindy.wilkens@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;cindy.wilkens@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or 320-435-4744.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/homes/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Homes&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Veterans Homes intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>607594</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:04:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first residents today – four veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new veterans homes scheduled to open this month. The communities of Montevideo and Bemidji will also admit their first residents to new veterans homes in the coming weeks. 
</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Announces New Preston Veterans Home Has Admitted its First Residents</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Announces New Preston Veterans Home Has Admitted its First Residents</Title><title>2024-01-03-preston-home-opens</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-607589&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-01-03T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first Residents today – four Veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new veterans homes scheduled to open this month. The communities of Montevideo and Bemidji will also admit their first Residents to new Veterans Homes in the coming weeks. 

</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jan. 2, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Claire Lancaster
&lt;br /&gt;
651-219-2975 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;claire.lancaster@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, MN&lt;/strong&gt; – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first Residents today – four Veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new Veterans Homes scheduled to open this month. The communities of Montevideo and Bemidji will also admit their first residents to new Veterans Homes in the coming weeks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We are proud to open the doors of Minnesota’s newest Veterans Home in Preston, expanding services and increasing quality of life for our Veterans in southeastern Minnesota,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“We have a responsibility to ensure Minnesota’s aging Veterans receive the care and services they need.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“MDVA is honored to expand our Veterans Homes across the state this month,”&lt;/strong&gt; said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. &lt;strong&gt;“As our 294,000 Minnesota Veterans age, it is more important than ever that we can care for them in their final years.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Long-time Preston community member Walter Hanson, one of the Veterans who moved into the new Veterans Home today, also celebrated his 91st birthday today.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“It takes a lot of people to put this together,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Hanson, an Army Veteran who served in Korea in the 1950s. &lt;strong&gt;“It’s going to be quite a shot in the arm for Preston and the area. This is going to be a nice place to live. I’ll find out soon enough!”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Our Residents are excited to come through our doors today,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Home Administrator Dave Dunn. &lt;strong&gt;“The facility is absolutely beautiful, and our team members are thrilled to now be working on site. This is really a meaningful day for our community and all of southeastern Minnesota.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The home came to fruition after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. During the next few weeks, the home will continue to admit up to 24 new Residents. The home must then complete a recognition survey from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Federal VA). The survey is expected to take place in early 2024.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Once that federal VA survey is completed, the home will continue to admit additional Residents and hire the remaining staff required to care for a full facility. The home will also pursue its certification with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the first year of operation. Minnesota Veterans Homes are surveyed by both MDH/CMS and the federal VA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the Preston Veterans Home has hired most of the staff needed for the first month of operation, additional employees will be needed as more Residents are admitted, according to Gabby Kinneberg, Preston Veterans Home Public Affairs Coordinator. &lt;strong&gt;“We still have a few staff positions open right now. We want to let everyone know that once we get to full capacity, we will be hiring additional employees. I encourage community members to keep an eye out for new job openings soon.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn about employment opportunities, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/about/work-for-mdva.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Work for MDVA&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Work for MDVA Introduction&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The support from the community is absolutely amazing,”&lt;/strong&gt; added Kinneberg. &lt;strong&gt;“Preston and surrounding communities have been so supportive. We couldn’t have done this project without their support. It’s an awesome thing to see come together.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Groundbreaking for the Preston Veterans Home took place in August 2021 for the 54-bed skilled nursing facility located at 1864 First Minnesota on a 15-acre bluff-top site surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be accepted for admission, Residents must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota County Veterans Service Officers&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officers&lt;/a&gt; are available to assist future Residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A formal, large dedication event will be planned for late spring. To schedule a tour, contact Gabby Kinneberg at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:gabby.kinneberg@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email gabby.kinneberg@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;gabby.kinneberg@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or 507-808-8927.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/homes/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Homes&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Veterans Homes intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>607589</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:04:50Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Homes in both Fergus Falls and Luverne have been recognized as “Best Nursing Homes” for 2024, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report magazine. U.S. News evaluated over 15,000 nursing homes while completing their research. Only 19% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities earned the “Best Nursing Home” designation this year. 
</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes in Fergus Falls and Luverne named ‘Best Nursing Homes’ </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes in Fergus Falls and Luverne named ‘Best Nursing Homes’ </Title><title>2024-01-02-best-nursing-homes</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-605445&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-01-02T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Homes in both Fergus Falls and Luverne have been recognized as “Best Nursing Homes” for 2024, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report magazine.
U.S. News evaluated over 15,000 nursing homes while completing their research. Only 19% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities earned the “Best Nursing Home” designation this year. 
</ShortDescription><Subtitle>It’s the second time in two years the Homes have been recognized </Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jan. 2, 2024&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota State Veterans Homes in both Fergus Falls and Luverne have been recognized as “Best Nursing Homes” for 2024, according to &lt;a href=&quot;https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes&quot; title=&quot;U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report magazine&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report magazine&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;U.S. News evaluated over 15,000 nursing homes while completing their research. Only 19% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities earned the “Best Nursing Home” designation this year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;U.S. News Long-Term Care Ratings reflect the scores achieved by eligible nursing homes as their staff care for people in need of daily assistance with medical and non-medical needs. The data used to evaluate these homes come from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and include metrics of infection rates, staffing levels, reliance on antipsychotic drugs, health inspection results and other indicators of quality.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;According to U.S. News, there are 353 nursing homes in Minnesota. Of these, 54 received an overall rating of 5 out of 5. For details of the U.S. News methodology, &lt;a href=&quot;https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes&quot; title=&quot;FAQ&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;read the FAQ&lt;/a&gt; and the &lt;a href=&quot;https://health.usnews.com/media/best-nursing-homes/BNH_Methodology_2023-24&quot; title=&quot;Methodology Report&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;methodology report&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls and the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Luverne had an overall rating of 5 out of 5 and a long-term care rating of “High Performing.” Both are also considered medium size facilities with Fergus Falls licensed for 106 beds and Luverne for 85 beds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Minnesota Veterans Homes take pride in maintaining excellence in all aspects of operations and Resident care,” says Eric Meittunen, Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “We consistently strive to not only meet but exceed quality standards.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Jonathan Stone&lt;/strong&gt;, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls, says, “This recognition reflects our staff’s expertise and commitment to compassionate care. They make our Residents feel like extended family and work to create the best possible life experience.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Scott Buchanan&lt;/strong&gt;, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Luverne, echoed that sentiment specific to his campus, saying: “Everyone on our team – many who have been here for 15 years or longer – makes the difference and is responsible for this exceptional accomplishment. I’m so proud of the staff’s strength and resilience and thank them for all they do.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Congratulations to the Fergus Falls and Luverne Veterans Homes for achieving this designation for the second time in two years!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>605445</id><pubdate>2024-01-02T15:05:37Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Brad Lindsay to serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Lindsay has been serving as temporary commissioner since September. 
     
“As a U.S. Army Veteran with extensive experience serving Minnesota’s Veterans and their families, I’m proud to appoint Brad Lindsay to this important role, said Governor Walz. “As a Veterans affairs leader, he has worked tirelessly to end Veteran homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and connect Minnesota’s Veterans to the services and benefits they have earned.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Selects Brad Lindsay to Serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Selects Brad Lindsay to Serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs</Title><title>2023-12-20-commissioner-lindsay</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-604720&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-12-20T19:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Brad Lindsay to serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Lindsay has been serving as temporary commissioner since September. 
     
“As a U.S. Army Veteran with extensive experience serving Minnesota’s Veterans and their families, I’m proud to appoint Brad Lindsay to this important role, said Governor Walz. “As a Veterans affairs leader, he has worked tirelessly to end Veteran homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and connect Minnesota’s Veterans to the services and benefits they have earned.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dec. 20, 2023&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/Brad-Lindsay-Official_tcm1066-604718.jpg&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Brad-Lindsay-Official&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/Brad-Lindsay-resize_tcm1066-604719.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 45%; height: auto; margin: 8px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-12-20-brad-lindsay-resize&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Brad Lindsay to serve as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Lindsay has been serving as temporary commissioner since September.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“As a U.S. Army Veteran with extensive experience serving Minnesota’s Veterans and their families, I’m proud to appoint Brad Lindsay to this important role,&quot;&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“As a Veterans affairs leader, he has worked tirelessly to end Veteran homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and connect Minnesota’s Veterans to the services and benefits they have earned.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Brad Lindsay is an exceptional leader and public servant who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to those who’ve raised their hand to serve,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. &lt;strong&gt;“It’s clear that the respect and care for Minnesota’s Veterans and their families are his top priority. I’m grateful for his continued service.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I have spent the last 25 years serving the Veterans of Minnesota in one capacity or another – it has truly been my life’s work and passion,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Brad Lindsay. &lt;strong&gt;“I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported and mentored me over the years and who will undoubtedly support me in my new role. Thank you to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for their continued confidence in me to provide nation-leading programs and services for my fellow Veterans.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About Brad Lindsay&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Brad Lindsay was named the temporary commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) in September 2023. Since 2014, Lindsay has served as the MDVA Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services. In that role, he oversaw the Veterans Programs and Memorial Affairs, Veterans Services, and Veterans Education and Occupational Resources teams. Prior to his role as deputy commissioner, Lindsay served as MDVA’s senior director of programs and services for three years and as the Olmstead County Veterans services officer for six years. He was president of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers from 2008-2009.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Temporary Commissioner Lindsay is an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. He started his military career in the U.S. Army and served 13 years in the Military Police, within both the Regular and Reserve components. During his military service, he was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Germany, and Panama and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, and two awards of the Army Commendation Medal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Brad Lindsay, a combat Veteran himself, is the perfect person for the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Stephen Whitehead, Minnesota Disabled American Veterans Adjutant. &lt;strong&gt;“As a Veteran who has been serving Veterans for more than two decades, Brad understands the importance of taking care of Veterans and has what it takes to get the job done right.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I have had the opportunity to work with Brad Lindsay for many years in his variety of positions supporting Minnesota Veterans,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Dean Ascheman, Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund. &lt;strong&gt;“I applaud the Governor’s appointment of Brad as Commissioner of MDVA.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Brad Lindsay is a great team player who is always willing to work with the Veteran service organizations and always looking out for the best interests of Minnesota Veterans and their families,”&lt;/strong&gt; said VFW State Commander Dan Meyer. &lt;strong&gt;“He will be a great asset in this position and for the future of MDVA.&quot;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Brad has provided great leadership in his roles in MDVA, while building relationships with all the Veteran service organizations and government agencies, and still finding time to be present to hear the needs of Veterans and ensure the best services are provided,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Stew Medneck, Minnesota Department of Jewish War Veterans. &lt;strong&gt;“He is beloved by the Minnesota Veteran community, and there is no person better suited for this position.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>604720</id><pubdate>2023-12-22T16:49:24Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has recently named two new leaders.

Doug Britain was named the new Campus Administrator for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis effective December 6. Razaq (Zaq) Adedayo, DNP, RN, was selected as the new Director of Nursing (DON) for the Minneapolis Veterans Home effective November 8.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minneapolis Veterans Home names new Administrator, Director of Nursing</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minneapolis Veterans Home names new Administrator, Director of Nursing</Title><title>2023-12-15-pr-new-admin</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-604227&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-12-15T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has recently named two new leaders.

Doug Britain was named the new Campus Administrator for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis effective December 6. Razaq (Zaq) Adedayo, DNP, RN, was selected as the new Director of Nursing (DON) for the Minneapolis Veterans Home effective November 8.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dec. 15, 2023&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2023-12-15-th-doug-britain_tcm1066-604246.png&quot; title=&quot;2023-12-15-doug-britain&quot; alt=&quot;2023-12-15-doug-britain&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 35%; height: auto; margin: 8px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-12-15-doug-britain&quot; /&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has recently named two new leaders.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Doug Britain was named the new Campus Administrator for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis effective December 6. Razaq (Zaq) Adedayo, DNP, RN, was selected as the new Director of Nursing (DON) for the Minneapolis Veterans Home effective November 8.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Doug has more than 30 years of diverse healthcare and senior living management experience working in Minnesota and throughout the United States (as well as time in China).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;He most recently served as the Administrator for one of the largest skilled nursing facilities in Minnesota, Lakehouse Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Walker Methodist Health Center). He was responsible for overseeing the entire facility operations including facility managers, direct care staffing, marketing and sales, clinical and services standards, staff training and recruitment, activities and programming, and physical plant and equipment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Doug holds a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accounting and Management from Union College. Doug is passionate about caring for Veterans as both his father and brother are Veterans of the U.S. Army.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/razaq-adeday-2_tcm1066-604247.png&quot; title=&quot;Razaq Adeday&quot; alt=&quot;Razaq Adeday&quot; style=&quot;float: right; margin: 8px; width: 35%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-12-15-razaq-adeday-pr&quot; /&gt;Zaq brings a wealth of clinical and leadership experience to the DON role. He served at the Minneapolis Veterans Home as a Nurse Manager for two years and previously held the DON role at several long-term care facilities around the Twin Cities. Over the past 16 years, Zaq has held numerous roles including CNA, RN, Nursing Supervisor, Nurse Manager and DON.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A graduate of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with both a Master’s and Doctor of Nursing degrees, Zaq has practical leadership experience in positively transforming complex healthcare settings to high performing systems. He practices a collaborative and partnership approach to leadership and healthcare delivery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As the son of a Veteran and a father of a service member, Zaq is committed to improving the lives of Veterans and determined to champion the highest quality of care provided at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>604227</id><pubdate>2023-12-15T15:31:50Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will honor Minnesota Veterans at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. The Veterans Day National Committee designated this event as the “Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day program.” MDVA is honored to be selected as the regional site for this observance of Veterans Day 2023.</Description><Audience/><Title>National Holiday – Regional Celebration </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>National Holiday – Regional Celebration </Title><title>2023-11-02-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-598198&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-11-10T15:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will honor Minnesota Veterans at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. The Veterans Day National Committee designated this event as the “Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day program.” MDVA is honored to be selected as the regional site for this observance of Veterans Day 2023.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Veterans Day Event Honors Minnesotans Who Served</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 10, 2023&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will honor Minnesota Veterans at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. The Veterans Day National Committee designated this event as the “Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day program.” MDVA is honored to be selected as the regional site for this observance of Veterans Day 2023.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. before the start of the program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Temporary Commissioner Brad Lindsay&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Keynote Address by Stephen Whitehead Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota Adjutant and CEO&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota State Government Leaders&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Mayor Brenda Dietrich&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, Nov. 11
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 - 11 a.m. - Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center
&lt;br /&gt;
8055 Barbara Avenue
&lt;br /&gt;
Inver Grove Heights, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The event will be livestreamed, available on our &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-593689&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org - Veterans Day event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;website&apos;s event page&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>598198</id><pubdate>2023-11-10T15:50:48Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Day – a Community Gathering to raise awareness, support families, and come together to prevent suicide among Veterans.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Gather in Bemidji to Help Prevent Suicide</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Gather in Bemidji to Help Prevent Suicide</Title><title>2023-10-04-veteran-suicide-prevention-and-awareness-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-594385&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-10-04T20:10:14Z</Date><ShortDescription>Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Day – a Community Gathering to raise awareness, support families, and come together to prevent suicide among Veterans.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oct. 5, 2023&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Steve McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Steve McCarthy&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Day – a Community Gathering&lt;/strong&gt; to raise awareness, support families, and come together to prevent suicide among Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans from across the region
&lt;br /&gt;
Therapist and trauma survivor &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sanfordhealth.org/doctors/melinda-broden&quot; title=&quot;Sanford Health&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mindy Broden&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Author &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wendellaffield.com/&quot; title=&quot;https://www.wendellaffield.com/&quot;&gt;Wendell Affield&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tribal, State and Local officials&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, Oct. 7
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paul Bunyan Park
&lt;br /&gt;
Paul Bunyan Drive/Hwy 197
&lt;br /&gt;
Bemidji, Minnesota&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Preventing suicide among Veterans is a priority in Minnesota. By gathering our community together, sharing stories and showing support, together we can better understand the resources available to help those who served their country in their time of need – and show support for families affected by Veteran suicide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sanfordhealth.org/doctors/melinda-broden&quot; title=&quot;Sanford Health&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mindy Broden&lt;/a&gt;, MA, LPCC, LADC&lt;/strong&gt;, is an Army combat Veteran and who entered the field of substance use counseling more than 12 years ago after a lived experience of addiction and trauma during her time in the military. It is her great desire to provide excellent services, instill hope and give compassion to those who are struggling—in particular Veterans. Married for 17 years to another combat Veteran, Mindy has two teenage boys and loves the outdoors including hunting, fishing, ATVs, snowmobiling and camping. She and her husband enjoy entertaining and cooking for others and it seems like their house is always filled with neighbors, friends and family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wendellaffield.com/&quot; title=&quot;Wendell Affield&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Wendell Affield&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; uses the written word to promote healing and wholeness. An author and Vietnam Veteran, his childhood was punctuated by a volatile mother and an unpredictable stepfather. At twelve, he and his siblings were placed in foster homes and his mother committed to a mental hospital. At sixteen, he rode the rails out west and lived in hobo camps. At seventeen, he enlisted in the Navy. He was wounded in an ambush while driving a river patrol boat in Vietnam and medevaced home. This lifetime of adventure and instability are the foundation for everything he writes. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the 90s, Wendell began exploring writing as a way to process everything he had experienced. He studied the writing craft at Bemidji State University. Today, he speaks to groups across Minnesota about PTSD and leads workshops to show Veterans and others how to use writing as a way to move forward from their experiences.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;All are welcome at this event. To arrange an interview, contact:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Steve McCarthy&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Media Relations
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>594385</id><pubdate>2023-10-04T20:35:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today thanked Commissioner Larry Herke for his years of service at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as he announced his retirement. Commissioner Herke was appointed by Governor Walz in January 2019.

“As a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard, Commissioner Larry Herke dedicated his career to serving our state and country,” said Governor Walz. “As commissioner, he worked tirelessly to make progress toward ending Veterans homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and helping Minnesota’s Veterans and their families receive the best care and benefits. I am deeply grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”</Description><Audience/><Title> Governor Walz Thanks Retiring Commissioner Herke, Opens Selection Process for Cabinet Vacancy</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Thanks Retiring Commissioner Herke, Opens Selection Process for Cabinet Vacancy</Title><title>2023-09-13-herke-retiring</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-591850&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-09-12T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today thanked Commissioner Larry Herke for his years of service at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as he announced his retirement. Commissioner Herke was appointed by Governor Walz in January 2019.

“As a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard, Commissioner Larry Herke dedicated his career to serving our state and country,” said Governor Walz. “As commissioner, he worked tirelessly to make progress toward ending Veterans homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and helping Minnesota’s Veterans and their families receive the best care and benefits. I am deeply grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sept, 12, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Steven McCarthy
&lt;br /&gt;
952-237-4618 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, MN&lt;/strong&gt; – Governor Tim Walz today thanked Commissioner Larry Herke for his years of service at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as he announced his retirement. Commissioner Herke was appointed by Governor Walz in January 2019.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“As a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard, Commissioner Larry Herke dedicated his career to serving our state and country,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“As commissioner, he worked tirelessly to make progress toward ending Veterans homelessness, strengthen our Veterans homes and cemeteries, and helping Minnesota’s Veterans and their families receive the best care and benefits. I am deeply grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Commissioner Herke is a dedicated public servant who fought to ensure that those who’ve raised their hand to serve receive the best care and services our state can provide,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. &lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota’s Veterans and their families were well served by Commissioner Herke, and we will miss his dedication and selfless service to our state. We are forever grateful for his service to the people of Minnesota.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2023-09-12-commissioner-herke-full_tcm1066-591888.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner Herke&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-09-12-commissioner-herke-full&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2023-09-13-commissioner-herke_tcm1066-591855.png&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner Herke&quot; alt=&quot;Commissioner Herke&quot; style=&quot;margin: 8px; float: left; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-09-13-commissioner-herke&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I am saddened to announce my retirement from my position as Commissioner for Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs due to my ALS diagnosis,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Commissioner Herke. &lt;strong&gt;“It was an honor to serve Veterans and their family members in my role as commissioner and I am grateful to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to have had the opportunity. I will continue to serve Veterans in retirement as I partner with Veteran organizations to advocate for advances in medical research toward a cure for ALS, a disease Veterans receive a diagnosis of twice as often as the general population.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Herke’s last day as commissioner will be September 22, 2023. Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay will serve as temporary commissioner until a permanent successor is appointed by the Governor.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Individuals wishing to apply to be Minnesota’s next Commissioner of Veterans Affairs can contact &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:gov.appointments@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email gov.appointments@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;gov.appointments@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; to request an application. Application materials are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and should be addressed to Governor Tim Walz. Applicants may contact &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:gov.appointments@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email gov.appointments@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;gov.appointments@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or (651) 201-3400 with questions about the application process or to request reasonable accommodations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Larry Herke&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Larry Herke is the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Commissioner Herke is responsible for serving the state&apos;s 294,232 Veterans and their families. He also represents MDVA at hearings before the Minnesota Legislature and United States Congress and maintains close working relationships with the Veterans&apos; Service Organizations of Minnesota. For over 30 years, Commissioner Herke served the nation and state as a member of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard. After retiring from the National Guard in 2016, Herke served as the State of Minnesota Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability, assisting state agencies to develop sustainability plans. Commissioner Herke grew up in Mankato, attending Mankato East High School and Minnesota State University – Mankato.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>591850</id><pubdate>2023-09-13T20:54:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The month of August brought both recognition and expansion to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

This award follows an August 2022 NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in a score of 100%, with the cemetery meeting all critical, high and medium priority level standards. The compliance review examined 81 standards, such as such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Marker and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance and others, to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries in categories.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries Recognized for Excellence, Dedicate New Location</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries Recognized for Excellence, Dedicate New Location</Title><title>2023-09-07-duluth-award</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-591184&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-09-08T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The month of August brought both recognition and expansion to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

This award follows an August 2022 NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in a score of 100%, with the cemetery meeting all critical, high and medium priority level standards. The compliance review examined 81 standards, such as such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Marker and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance and others, to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries in categories.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sept, 8, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The month of August brought both recognition and expansion to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000-minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth&quot;&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth&lt;/a&gt; received the Operational Excellence Award from the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cem.va.gov/&quot; title=&quot;National Cemetery Administration&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Cemetery Administration (NCA)&lt;/a&gt;, a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This award follows an August 2022 NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in a score of 100%, with the cemetery meeting all critical, high and medium priority level standards. The compliance review examined 81 standards, such as such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Marker and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance and others, to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On August 18, James Earp, Director of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program from the National Cemetery Administration, presented the award.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;I am so proud of our team and the honor that has been bestowed upon us,” said Cory Johnson, Duluth State Veterans Cemetery Administrator. “This prestigious award would not have been possible without our outstanding staff members and their steadfast commitment to our Veterans and their families. I am extremely thankful and humbled by their selfless service, compassion, and dedication. Our staff can be proud of what they have accomplished and know that they are now part of a small number of State Veterans Cemeteries to have received this recognition.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2022, the Duluth Cemetery interred 195 Veterans or spouses. Since opening in 2018, more than 868 Veterans and spouses have been interred there.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The award was not a surprise, according to MDVA Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs David Swantek. “The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth staff has embraced Minnesota’s reputation for operating State Veterans Cemeteries to nationwide-leading standards and is committed to providing Veterans and their families with the highest quality customer service that honors their service and sacrifice,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Brad Lindsay, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Interim Commissioner, echoed those remarks, stating: “This award is a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to achieving perfection. I am very proud of the entire team.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This commitment to excellence is demonstrated throughout MDVA, where the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s Veterans is honored with dignity and respect. In addition to Duluth, Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are located in &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-preston.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&quot;&gt;Preston&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-little-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&quot;&gt;Little Falls&lt;/a&gt;. A fourth State Veterans Cemetery was dedicated in &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-redwood-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls&quot;&gt;Redwood Falls&lt;/a&gt; on August 19.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery dedication event was attended by some 500 community members and featured a program with remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More than a decade of advocacy by community leaders and funding applications by MDVA resulted in a vision becoming reality. MDVA wanted to provide a burial option closer to home for those living in the southwest part of the state, explained Interim Commissioner Lindsay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new cemetery opening was especially meaningful to those whose family members were the first interred there. Army Veteran Richard (Dick) LeSage was interred on August 7, exactly three years to the day he passed in 2020. Dick’s brother Robert (Bob) LeSage, himself a Vietnam War era Navy Veteran, was one of the community advocates. Bob said the family was willing to wait to inter Dick’s remains until the new cemetery was ready. Wanting to do “everything I could to make this viable,” Bob first sold 63 acres to Redwood County to use for the future cemetery, and then donated another 14 acres to the county as well.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On August 8, the Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery interred Lynda Corrow, spouse of Veteran David Corrow. When David was off serving his country in both the Navy and the Air Force, Lynda stayed at home: raising their family, contributing to their community and keeping the home fires burning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“She might not have worn a uniform, but she served this nation just as much as I did,” David said. “I wanted to make sure that commitment to our country was honored at the end of her life. My mission was to see that we would be together, forever, when the time came.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For both families, it was worth the wait.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>591184</id><pubdate>2025-10-31T14:38:03Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s 12th Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is Honoring Vietnam Veterans.

&quot;Today, we want to honor our nation’s Vietnam Veterans. There are more than 5.8 million Vietnam Veterans living in America and 97,000 living in Minnesota,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “This day is for all service members and their families who have given much to defend our state and nation.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota’s State Fair Military Appreciation Day; Honoring Vietnam Veterans</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota’s State Fair Military Appreciation Day; Honoring Vietnam Veterans</Title><title>2023-08-25-military-appreciation-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-589960&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-08-25T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s 12th Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is Honoring Vietnam Veterans.

&quot;Today, we want to honor our nation’s Vietnam Veterans. There are more than 5.8 million Vietnam Veterans living in America and 97,000 living in Minnesota,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “This day is for all service members and their families who have given much to defend our state and nation.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aug. 25, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s 12th Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is Honoring Vietnam Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;Today, we want to honor our nation’s Vietnam Veterans. There are more than 5.8 million Vietnam Veterans living in America and 97,000 living in Minnesota,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “This day is for all service members and their families who have given much to defend our state and nation.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to honor our Vietnam War-era Veterans at this year’s State Fair,” said MDVA’s Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “MDVA is here to serve Minnesota’s almost 300,000 Veterans and their families and encourages them to visit our State Fair booths, on Military Appreciation Day in Dan Patch Park and throughout the 12 days of the fair in the Education Building to learn more about the benefits you have earned.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Military Appreciation Day is presented by USAA (United Services Automobile Association) and coordinated by the Minnesota National Guard.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I am grateful for USAA’s Military Affairs Representative and Navy veteran, Mike Magnetta, as we worked together to make this day special for Vietnam Veterans and all who have raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect our nation,” said Army 1st Sgt. Beth Dedic, Military Appreciation Day’s project officer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Military Appreciation Day’s official ceremony commences at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, at the Minnesota State Fair’s Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Minnesota’s leaders will recognize Vietnam Veterans as they celebrate 50 years since the last troops left Vietnam. The program concludes with a flyover from four Blackhawk helicopters from the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Concert Band performance follows at 10:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Starting at 11:20 a.m., Vietnam Veterans will march (leisurely stroll) from Leinie Lodge to Dan Patch Park. The march is open to all Vietnam Veterans - line up begins at 11 a.m. on Cosgrove Street (East of Leinie Lodge). Fair goers are encouraged to line the way and cheer on our Veterans as they pass by to give them the recognition they deserve.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since 2010, the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network, and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have partnered with Mr. Tom Lyons and iHeartMedia Minneapolis to create the weekly, state-wide syndicated radio program and podcast Minnesota Military Radio. Minnesota Military Radio will host their show near the iHeartMedia Booth, where MDVA’s interim commissioner is a guest host on the show at noon, and the Guard’s adjutant general is a guest host at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Fifty educational and military-connected booths will be located at Dan Patch Park, along with entertainment on the Dan Patch Park stage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performances throughout the afternoon by various 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Band ensembles with the fan-favorite the Red Devils (rock band) performing at 3:30 to 4 p.m. and 4:10 to 5 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The State Fair offers discounted tickets ($13 rate) for military members, veterans, and their families on August 29 with documentation at the gate. For more information on the Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair, go to &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnstatefair.org/&quot; title=&quot;https://www.mnstatefair.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;mnstatefair.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Editor’s Note: To schedule a media interview about Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day, contact Lt. Col. Kristen Augé at 651-282-4410 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&quot; title=&quot;Email kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&quot;&gt;kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To schedule a media interview with MDVA’s Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay, contact Communications Director Anne Sonnee at 651-263-2640 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota National Guard&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has nearly than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. News, insights, and perspectives from the Minnesota National Guard are available at &lt;a href=&quot;https://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/&quot; title=&quot;https://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes and four State Veterans Cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims and outreach. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>589960</id><pubdate>2023-08-25T17:10:26Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.</Description><Audience/><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2023-08-25-pr-sot-grants</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-589472&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-08-24T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aug. 24, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has announced the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recovery Community Network (St. Cloud): $11,640&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Patriot Assistance Dogs: $45,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to these diverse grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in different ways,” said MDVA Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://patriotassistancedogs.com/&quot; title=&quot;Patriot Assistance Dogs&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD)&lt;/a&gt; is receiving a $45,000 grant to provide psychiatric service dogs to Veterans living with mental illness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://recoverycommunitynetwork.com/&quot; title=&quot;Recovery Community Network - St. Cloud&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Recovery Community Network (RCN) - Saint Cloud&lt;/a&gt; will use their $11,640 grant, in coordination with the mayor’s office of St. Cloud, to create a resource guide for Veterans, service members and their families in Central Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This SOT grant cycle began with applications submitted in October 2022. While these two organizations now have executed grant agreements, MDVA remains in negotiation with one or more organizations to complete the grant agreement process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program&lt;/strong&gt;:
&lt;br /&gt;
Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families. Just a few of the organizations that SOT funds have helped include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Radio Program – weekly broadcast to inform the military and Veteran community&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;American Heroes Outdoors – therapeutic outdoor adventures and activities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Conservation Corps MN &amp;amp; IA – service-learning experience that supports Veterans as they transition out of the military by assisting them in developing transferrable workforce skills that can lead to a career in the natural resources field&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LegalCorps – “Ventures for Veterans” provides free, transactional business and patent law services&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mandatory Fun Outdoors – Recreational trailer to serve as a mobile office, provide safe/secure storage to transport and store equipment, and shelter Veterans and families at Mandatory Fun Outdoors events&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Disabled Veterans Rest Camp – Golf carts to enable differently abled and elderly Veterans and their families access to the activities offered throughout the 69-acre camp&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lutheran Social Services of MN – Respite care coordination&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain Free Patriots – Innovative pain treatment program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support the Troops MN – Financial assistance and clothing&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/&quot; title=&quot;Find your local DMV office&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;. SOT plates may also be available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>589472</id><pubdate>2023-08-24T15:58:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has named Eric Meittunen Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare effective May 24.

Meittunen will lead MDVA’s Healthcare Division with responsibility for five current and three new Veterans Homes, Adult Day Center and Veteran Suicide Prevention initiative. He will partner with the Healthcare Division Senior Leadership Team to engage our stakeholders, establish strategic plans, and execute operational excellence objectives that achieves the highest quality, safest care for our Residents.</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA Names Eric Meittunen Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA Names Eric Meittunen Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare</Title><title>2023-06-01-new-deputy-commissioner</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-579610&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-06-01T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has named Eric Meittunen Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare effective May 24.

Meittunen will lead MDVA’s Healthcare Division with responsibility for five current and three new Veterans Homes, Adult Day Center and Veteran Suicide Prevention initiative. He will partner with the Healthcare Division Senior Leadership Team to engage our stakeholders, establish strategic plans, and execute operational excellence objectives that achieves the highest quality, safest care for our Residents.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 1, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2023-06-01-eric-meittunen_tcm1066-579609.png&quot; title=&quot;Eric Meittunen&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-06-01-eric-meittunen&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2023-06-01-eric-meittunen_tcm1066-579609.png&quot; title=&quot;Eric Meittunen&quot; alt=&quot;Eric Meittunen&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 40%; height: auto; margin: 8px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2023-06-01-eric-meittunen&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has named Eric Meittunen Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare effective May 24.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Meittunen will lead MDVA’s Healthcare Division with responsibility for five current and three new Veterans Homes, Adult Day Center and Veteran Suicide Prevention initiative. He will partner with the Healthcare Division Senior Leadership Team to engage our stakeholders, establish strategic plans, and execute operational excellence objectives that achieves the highest quality, safest care for our Residents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Eric brings deep healthcare experience to MDVA,” says Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “We look forward to his contributions during a period of significant growth in our healthcare division. Eric will lead our commitment to a smooth transition as we open and welcome hundreds of new staff and Veteran Residents to our three new State Veterans Homes.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Meittunen joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in Duluth at the age of 17 as a Special Electronic Device Technician (35E). He graduated from the Minnesota State Officer Candidate School and returned to his unit for deployment to Gulf War for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;After the conflict, Meittunen completed a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from Minnesota State Mankato, Master’s degree in Risk Control Management/Safety from University of Wisconsin Stout and later completed an Executive MBA degree from University of Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Meittunen started his healthcare career as an Intern at Mayo Clinic where his master’s thesis, Nursing Ergonomics, was selected as the top Continuous Improvement Project for the organization; this work would later influence the VA Safety Center’s Safe Patient Handling Program. Meittunen’s healthcare leadership experience includes roles as Hospital Safety Officer, Specialty Service line Clinical Quality, Heart Center clinical operations, Accountable Care, Health System Performance Excellence, and as consultant to the United Kingdom’s National Health System. Most recently, Meittunen provided Health System Transformation Leadership to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) and Hennepin County where he led work in the areas of Payer/Provider Partnership Innovations, Social Determinants of Health, Health Equity, Analytics and Population Health Strategy operational execution.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>579610</id><pubdate>2023-06-01T15:08:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>To commemorate Memorial Day, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will host special ceremonies at each of the three State Veterans Cemeteries in Duluth, Little Falls and Preston on Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m. MDVA encourages members of the media and members of the community to attend a Memorial Day event to honor and remember servicemembers in Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice and show support for the families left behind. Each program will include military honor guards, music and a guest speaker.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries to Host Memorial Day Events</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries to Host Memorial Day Events</Title><title>2023-05-17-memorial-day-events</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-577951&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-17T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>To commemorate Memorial Day, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will host special ceremonies at each of the three State Veterans Cemeteries in Duluth, Little Falls and Preston on Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m. MDVA encourages members of the media and members of the community to attend a Memorial Day event to honor and remember servicemembers in Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice and show support for the families left behind. Each program will include military honor guards, music and a guest speaker.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 17, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – To commemorate Memorial Day, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will host special ceremonies at each of the three State Veterans Cemeteries in Duluth, Little Falls and Preston on Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m. MDVA encourages members of the media and members of the community to attend a Memorial Day event to honor and remember servicemembers in Minnesota who made the ultimate sacrifice and show support for the families left behind. Each program will include military honor guards, music and a guest speaker.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each Cemetery will have the following special music starting at 1:30 p.m. prior to the program:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-577589&quot; title=&quot;Duluth Program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Duluth&lt;/a&gt;: 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Boots and Brass Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-577588&quot; title=&quot;Little Falls Program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Little Falls&lt;/a&gt;: Richfield Symphonic Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-577587&quot; title=&quot;Preston Program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Preston&lt;/a&gt;: 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Brass Quintet&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Join us at one of our Cemeteries as we honor our fallen heroes. It is because of their service that we have the very rights and freedoms we do today,” said Brad Lindsay, MDVA Interim Commissioner. “All gave some, some gave all.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible. Also, as a reminder to families: the Cemetery floral policy allows for artificial flowers to be placed on gravesites from May 19 - June 8. Any artificial flowers on gravesites before or after these dates will be removed. Fresh cut flowers may be placed at any time of the year. A full list of cemetery floral regulations is posted on signs throughout each Cemetery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To learn more about individual Memorial Day events at the State Veterans Cemeteries, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Events&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>577951</id><pubdate>2023-05-17T13:44:26Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>As the Veterans Home in Silver Bay celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Dani Donner. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Silver Bay Community Support Recognized During  Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Silver Bay Community Support Recognized During  Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><title>2023-05-09-silver-bay-veterans-homes-week</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-577846&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-09T13:00:20Z</Date><ShortDescription>As the Veterans Home in Silver Bay celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Dani Donner. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 9, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Silver Bay, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – As the Veterans Home in Silver Bay celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Dani Donner. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, the Silver Bay Veterans Home received generous support from the local area including both in-kind and monetary donations. These ongoing efforts have helped dedicated employees deliver exceptional care and a heightened quality of life to our Residents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Working at the Veterans Home is truly an honor, says Donner. “Our staff take such pride in their work as they serve those who have served and sacrificed. The annual Veterans Home Week celebration is an opportunity to recognize them for the joy they bring and the sense of extended family they create for our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both Residents and staff appreciate the community’s support. Community members interested in supporting the Silver Bay Veterans Home may contact Public Affairs Coordinator Randall Walz at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:randall.walz@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email randall.walz@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;randall.walz@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/donate/&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;. Online donations are gratefully accepted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>577846</id><pubdate>2023-05-16T14:10:07Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>As the Veterans Home in Hastings celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Interim Administrator Dave Dunn. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Hastings Community Support Recognized During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Hastings Community Support Recognized During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><title>2023-05-09-hastings-veterans-homes-week</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-577845&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-09T13:00:10Z</Date><ShortDescription>As the Veterans Home in Hastings celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Interim Administrator Dave Dunn. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 9, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hastings, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – As the Veterans Home in Hastings celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Interim Administrator Dave Dunn. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, the Hastings Veterans Home received generous support from the local area including both in-kind and monetary donations. These ongoing efforts have helped dedicated employees deliver exceptional care and a heightened quality of life to our Residents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Working at the Veterans Home is truly an honor, says Dunn. “Our staff take such pride in their work as they serve those who have served and sacrificed. The annual Veterans Home Week celebration is an opportunity to recognize them for the joy they bring and the sense of extended family they create for our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both Residents and staff appreciate the community’s support. Community members interested in supporting the Hastings Veterans Home may contact Public Affairs Coordinator Robert Vandenbos at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Robert.vandenbos@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Robert.vandenbos@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Robert.vandenbos@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/donate/&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;. Online donations are gratefully accepted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>577845</id><pubdate>2023-05-16T14:10:06Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>As the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Jonathan Stone. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Fergus Falls Community Support Recognized During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Fergus Falls Community Support Recognized During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><title>2023-05-09-fergus-falls-veterans-homes-week</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-577844&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-09T13:00:05Z</Date><ShortDescription>As the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Jonathan Stone. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 9, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fergus Falls, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – As the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Jonathan Stone. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, the Fergus Falls Veterans Home received generous support from the local area including both in-kind and monetary donations. These ongoing efforts have helped dedicated employees deliver exceptional care and a heightened quality of life to our Residents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Working at the Veterans Home is truly an honor, says Stone. “Our staff take such pride in their work as they serve those who have served and sacrificed. The annual Veterans Home Week celebration is an opportunity to recognize them for the joy they bring and the sense of extended family they create for our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both Residents and staff appreciate the community’s support. Community members interested in supporting the Fergus Falls Veterans Home may contact Public Affairs Coordinator Gary Harris, Jr. at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:gary.harris@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email gary.harris@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;gary.harris@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/donate/&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;. Online donations are gratefully accepted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>577844</id><pubdate>2023-05-16T14:10:07Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>As the Veterans Home in Luverne celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Scott Buchanan. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Luverne Community Support Recognized During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Luverne Community Support Recognized During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20</Title><title>2023-05-09-luverne-veterans-homes-week</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-577843&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-09T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>As the Veterans Home in Luverne celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.

“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Scott Buchanan. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 9, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Luverne, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – As the Veterans Home in Luverne celebrates the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 14 - 20, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring, generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re so grateful to neighbors and Veteran champions for their partnership,” says Administrator Scott Buchanan. “We appreciate the many ways our supporters enhance the experience of our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, the Luverne Veterans Home received generous support from the local area including both in-kind and monetary donations. These ongoing efforts have helped dedicated employees deliver exceptional care and a heightened quality of life to our Residents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Working at the Veterans Home is truly an honor, says Buchanan. “Our staff take such pride in their work as they serve those who have served and sacrificed. The annual Veterans Home Week celebration is an opportunity to recognize them for the joy they bring and the sense of extended family they create for our Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both Residents and staff appreciate the community’s support. Community members interested in supporting the Luverne Veterans Home may contact Public Affairs Coordinator Duane Mabon at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:duane.mabon@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email duane.mabon@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;duane.mabon@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; or visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/donate/&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;. Online donations are gratefully accepted./p&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>577843</id><pubdate>2023-05-16T14:10:07Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Silver Bay, Minn. – The Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay has achieved a trifecta that is unheard of in the long-term care industry: zero deficiencies on three quality surveys in a row!

Skilled Nursing Facilities like the Silver Bay Veterans Homes are inspected – referred to as “surveyed” – at least annually to ensure quality of Resident care. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completes annual surveys on behalf of the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS). And because the Home serves Veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also completes an annual survey. The MDH annual surveys were completed in March 2022 and March 2023; the recent VA survey took place in March 2023.</Description><Audience/><Title>Silver Bay Veterans Home Excels in Quality Surveys</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Silver Bay Veterans Home Excels in Quality Surveys</Title><title>2025-05-01-silver-bay-quality-results</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-576735&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-01T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Silver Bay, Minn. – The Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay has achieved a trifecta that is unheard of in the long-term care industry: zero deficiencies on three quality surveys in a row!

Skilled Nursing Facilities like the Silver Bay Veterans Homes are inspected – referred to as “surveyed” – at least annually to ensure quality of Resident care. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completes annual surveys on behalf of the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS). And because the Home serves Veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also completes an annual survey. The MDH annual surveys were completed in March 2022 and March 2023; the recent VA survey took place in March 2023.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 1, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Silver Bay, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay has achieved a trifecta that is unheard of in the long-term care industry: zero deficiencies on three quality surveys in a row!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Skilled Nursing Facilities like the Silver Bay Veterans Homes are inspected – referred to as “surveyed” – at least annually to ensure quality of Resident care. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completes annual surveys on behalf of the federal Centers for Medicare &amp;amp; Medicaid Services (CMS). And because the Home serves Veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also completes an annual survey. The MDH annual surveys were completed in March 2022 and March 2023; the recent VA survey took place in March 2023.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;All three of these surveys resulted in “zero deficiencies” for the Home. “This means that we are operating in total compliance with state and federal regulations regarding the care and services provided to the Residents and overall environment,” according to Paula Newinski, Quality Director for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Surveys assess numerous components of Resident care and experience such as:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Hiring enough quality staff to provide adequate care&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Managing medications properly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Protecting residents from physical and mental abuse&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Storing and preparing food properly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Care of residents and the processes used to give that care&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;How the staff and residents interact&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nursing home environment&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Inspectors also review the residents&apos; clinical records, interview residents and family members, as well as caregivers and administrative staff.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDH surveys are always unannounced, so surveyors can show up at any time. VA surveys are also unannounced; however, occur annually in the same month as the Home’s initial certification.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“An accomplishment like this would not be possible without such an outstanding and compassionate team,” said Dani Donner, Silver Bay Veterans Home Administrator. “I am so proud of all the staff and everything they do for our Veterans. I am honored to be part of such an amazing team!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Director of Nursing Rennae Houle-Burns just joined the Silver Bay Veterans Home team in December 2022 and was pleased to have such a positive outcome during her first survey experience. “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in regulatory survey processes to ensure we are meeting the defined standards of care,” she said. “If there are things that we can do better or differently to improve, we want to be made aware of them and make the needed changes. We are committed in providing our Residents with the highest standards of care and best quality of life with an ongoing focus on exceeding their expectations.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Noting that the survey results are a reflection on the Home’s staff, Rennae added: “I am extremely proud of all the employees at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay for the care we provide to our Veterans and their families. Our zero deficiency surveys reinforce our focus and commitment in providing the exceptional care our Veterans and their families deserve.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>576735</id><pubdate>2023-05-06T21:44:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has received the prestigious Abraham Lincoln “Pillars of Excellence Award” from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. MDVA was the sole winner in the category of “Eliminating Veteran Homelessness” in recognition of three new homeless Veteran initiatives: Operation OVER (Opening Veterans to Every Resource), Minnesota’s Veterans Entering Stable Tenancy (MNVEST) and Veteran Supportive Housing Opportunities (VSHO).

This award recognizes outstanding state programs that support Veterans within their states. The 2022 awards were presented by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough at the mid-winter conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) last month.</Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Homelessness Program receives ‘Pillar of Excellence’ Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Homelessness Program receives ‘Pillar of Excellence’ Award</Title><title>2023-03-22-pillars-of-excellence</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-570649&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-03-22T20:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has received the prestigious Abraham Lincoln “Pillars of Excellence Award” from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. MDVA was the sole winner in the category of “Eliminating Veteran Homelessness” in recognition of three new homeless Veteran initiatives: Operation OVER (Opening Veterans to Every Resource), Minnesota’s Veterans Entering Stable Tenancy (MNVEST) and Veteran Supportive Housing Opportunities (VSHO).

This award recognizes outstanding state programs that support Veterans within their states. The 2022 awards were presented by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough at the mid-winter conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) last month.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 22, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has received the prestigious Abraham Lincoln “Pillars of Excellence Award” from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. MDVA was the sole winner in the category of “Eliminating Veteran Homelessness” in recognition of three new homeless Veteran initiatives: Operation OVER (Opening Veterans to Every Resource), Minnesota’s Veterans Entering Stable Tenancy (MNVEST) and Veteran Supportive Housing Opportunities (VSHO).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This award recognizes outstanding state programs that support Veterans within their states. The 2022 awards were presented by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough at the mid-winter conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) last month.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This is MDVA’s fourth Pillars of Excellence award since 2018. Previous awards have recognized the creation of a database of secure military discharge documents (2018), Veterans Application Tracking System (VATS) that streamlines the process of Veterans and their families receiving the educational benefits granted by the Minnesota GI Bill (2020), and delivery of services to Tribal Governments serving Native American Veterans (2021).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This is the highest honor our department can receive,” said MDVA Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “It is a credit to the fine staff on our Veteran Homelessness team who have worked tirelessly on new initiatives to eliminate Veteran homelessness in Minnesota.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The “Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence” Award was established in 2012 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize best practices from NASDVA members that have developed effective programs to address what are the current five top-line issues: Customer Experience with VA Benefits and Services, Eliminating the Claims and Appeals Backlog, Eliminating Veterans Homelessness, Delivery of services to Tribal governments serving Native American Veterans, Suicide Awareness and Prevention and Innovative State Programs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>570649</id><pubdate>2023-03-22T20:58:27Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>For the fifth year in a row, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have received Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award.in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.

Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with 26 years of experience in post-acute healthcare. Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,700 care providers in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Only those providers that are in the 85th percentile or higher receive this recognition.</Description><Audience/><Title>Five Years Running, Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive Customer Experience Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Five Years Running, Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive Customer Experience Award</Title><title>2023-03-07-pinnacle-award</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-567963&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-03-07T15:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>For the fifth year in a row, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have received Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award.in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.

Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with 26 years of experience in post-acute healthcare. Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,700 care providers in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Only those providers that are in the 85th percentile or higher receive this recognition.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 7, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – For the fifth year in a row, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have received &lt;a href=&quot;https://pinnacleqi.com/awards/about&quot; title=&quot;About Pinnacle Customer Experience Award&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award&lt;/a&gt;.in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with 26 years of experience in post-acute healthcare. Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,700 care providers in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Only those providers that are in the 85th percentile or higher receive this recognition.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, Pinnacle interviewed both Residents and their families on a number of areas including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Overall satisfaction&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nursing Care&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dining service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Quality of food&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cleanliness&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Individual needs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Laundry service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Communication from the facility&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Response to problems&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Treatment/Dignity&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recommend Facility to others&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recreational activities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Professional Therapy services&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Admission process&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Overall safety&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Overall Customer Experience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The results are compared to others in the industry and the Minnesota Veterans Homes have been identified as “best in class.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Pinnacle survey results represent the overall quality care our Homes provide to our Residents by our staff,” said Douglas Hughes, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “We are very proud of the level of care that is provided and appreciate the work of all employees to provide this experience to Residents and families.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Throughout its history of serving the community, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the individual needs of every Resident are met. Over the course of 2022, Pinnacle contacted Residents and their families in monthly telephone interviews that included open-ended questions, as well the opportunity to rate the Veterans Homes in specific categories. Every month, the Veterans Homes reviewed these real-time survey results to gain a better understanding of Residents’ needs and made improvements when necessary.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>567963</id><pubdate>2023-03-07T16:15:44Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Larry Herke has been confirmed by the Minnesota Senate as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Herke was first appointed as Commissioner in January 2019 as Gov. Tim Walz began his first term. Herke has served as MDVA Commissioner since that time.

Walz announced the reappointment of Herke in November 2022. Last month, the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans committee unanimously recommended Herke for confirmation.</Description><Audience/><Title>Herke Confirmed as MDVA Commissioner</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Herke Confirmed as MDVA Commissioner</Title><title>2023-02-09-herke-confirmed</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-563572&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-02-09T20:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Larry Herke has been confirmed by the Minnesota Senate as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Herke was first appointed as Commissioner in January 2019 as Gov. Tim Walz began his first term. Herke has served as MDVA Commissioner since that time.

Walz announced the reappointment of Herke in November 2022. Last month, the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans committee unanimously recommended Herke for confirmation.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
February 9, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Larry Herke has been confirmed by the Minnesota Senate as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Herke was first appointed as Commissioner in January 2019 as Gov. Tim Walz began his first term. Herke has served as MDVA Commissioner since that time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Walz announced the reappointment of Herke in November 2022. Last month, the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans committee unanimously recommended Herke for confirmation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;Larry Herke is a proven leader and tireless public servant who remains committed to honoring the Veterans who answered the call to serve,&quot; said Governor Walz. &quot;As a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, I am proud to have another Veteran continue to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs as we fight for the housing, mental health support, and services our nation’s heroes deserve.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Our Veterans – our warriors – deserve the best care our state can provide. Larry Herke is a dedicated public servant who understands this better than anyone else,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I’m grateful Larry will continue leading our state’s work to ensure Minnesota is the best state in the country for Veterans and their families to get the benefits they have earned.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I am honored to continue serving Minnesota’s 300,000 Veterans as MDVA Commissioner,” Herke said. “I am dedicated to ensuring that our Veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned and services and support they deserve.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During Herke’s first four years as MDVA Commissioner, he championed dramatic growth of facilities across the state and an expansion of services to address Veterans’ current issues. MDVA accomplishments under his leadership include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Completed design and secured federal and state funding for &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/futurehomes/&quot; title=&quot;New Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;three new State Veterans Homes&lt;/a&gt; currently under construction in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston. The Homes are all scheduled to open this summer.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Completed design and secured federal and state funding for a &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-redwood-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Redwood Falls&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;new State Veterans Cemetery&lt;/a&gt; currently under construction in Redwood County. The cemetery will be dedicated in late summer.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Placed more than 1,200 &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homes-for-veterans.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Homes for Veterans&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;homeless Veterans&lt;/a&gt; in safe, secure and permanent housing. This effort included developing landlord incentives and leveraging a low-barrier, supportive housing grant to reduce the number of chronic homeless Veterans on the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MN Homeless Veterans Registry&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;This work resulted in four Continuums of Care (CoC) around the state &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/st-louis-county-declares-victory-over-veteran-homelessness&quot; title=&quot;Duluth News Tribune&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;declaring Veteran homelessness to be at “functional zero”&lt;/a&gt; in their communities. Only the Hennepin and Ramsey CoCs remain. The “Every Veteran Deserves a Home” plan provides the blueprint for Minnesota to become the fourth state in the nation to end Veteran homelessness.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Joined the &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.va.gov/99860/va-and-communities-support-challenge-to-prevent-veteran-suicide/&quot; title=&quot;VA News - Governor&apos;s Challenge&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Governor’s Challenge&lt;/a&gt;, a federal Veteran suicide prevention program sponsored by &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.samhsa.gov/&quot; title=&quot;SAMSHA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;SAMSHA&lt;/a&gt; and the Federal VA, and created a &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/veteransuicideprevention/&quot; title=&quot;Veteran Suicide Prevention&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;plan to eliminate Veteran suicide in Minnesota&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Developed &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/pressroom/index.jsp?id=1066-426923&quot; title=&quot;Veteran COVID Grants&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;three COVID-19 Veterans Grant programs&lt;/a&gt; which provided $6.2 million in direct financial support to families of Veterans who lost income due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 Veteran Grant programs were developed in 31 days to include developing grant provisions, passage by the legislature, training of staff/County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) and modification of the existing grants software to accept applications from Veterans or CVSOs.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Developed the first-ever &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-440576&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Sustainability Plan&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA Sustainability Plan&lt;/a&gt; to reduce costs and negative impacts on the environment.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Obtained funding for the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/911-service-bonus.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus&lt;/a&gt; which provides Minnesota Veterans with a war bonus as the state has done for every conflict since WWI.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reopened the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mnlegion.org/historic-truss-bridge-at-minneapolis-veterans-home-reopens/&quot; title=&quot;American Legion&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Veteran Home - Minneapolis bridge&lt;/a&gt; over Minnehaha Creek which had been closed due to disrepair for seven years.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Before joining MDVA, Herke was the first Director of Sustainability for the State of Minnesota. He is a Veteran himself, having served 30 years in the Army and Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel in July 2016. A native of Mankato, Herke received both his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and master’s degree in Public Administration from Minnesota State University - Mankato.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Herke is a member of several Veteran Service Organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and Jewish War Veterans. He also serves on the Minnesota Military Museum Board as the Vice President of Facilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>563572</id><pubdate>2023-02-09T20:42:49Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, MN. This donation was specifically directed to each individual State Veterans Home, which will receive $10,000 per location.

Department of Minnesota VFW Commander Dale Hoogeveen, VFW Charitable Gambling Manager Doug Johnson, and Jerry Tews, Charles McLaughlin Post 906 member, presented the checks to MDVA senior leadership and the Veterans Homes’ public affairs team members at the VFW Midwinter Conference on January 13.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive $80,000 Donation from Hutchinson VFW</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive $80,000 Donation from Hutchinson VFW</Title><title>2023-01-30-vfw-donation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-561886&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-01-30T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, MN. This donation was specifically directed to each individual State Veterans Home, which will receive $10,000 per location.

Department of Minnesota VFW Commander Dale Hoogeveen, VFW Charitable Gambling Manager Doug Johnson, and Jerry Tews, Charles McLaughlin Post 906 member, presented the checks to MDVA senior leadership and the Veterans Homes’ public affairs team members at the VFW Midwinter Conference on January 13.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
January 30, 2023
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/vfwpost906&quot; title=&quot;Facebook - VFW Post 906&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906&lt;/a&gt; in Hutchinson, MN. This donation was specifically directed to each individual State Veterans Home, which will receive $10,000 per location.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Department of Minnesota VFW Commander Dale Hoogeveen, VFW Charitable Gambling Manager Doug Johnson, and Jerry Tews, Charles McLaughlin Post 906 member, presented the checks to MDVA senior leadership and the Veterans Homes’ public affairs team members at the VFW Midwinter Conference on January 13.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Funding will be used at the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/&quot; title=&quot;State Veterans Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;five current State Veterans Homes&lt;/a&gt; in Minneapolis, Hastings, Luverne, Fergus Falls and Silver Bay to develop and deliver new Resident activities and enhance existing Resident programming. The three future Homes in Preston, Bemidji and Montevideo – scheduled to open in mid-2023 – will use this funding to purchase televisions for Residents’ bedrooms, an expense that skilled nursing care Residents would traditionally cover.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Commander Hoogeveen shared that this donation was the result of an initiative voted upon and taken on solely by Post 906 with enthusiastic support from local VFW members and citizens in the immediate community and nearby cities and towns. “It was absolutely a collective, united effort. These people gave their time, their talents and their treasures to guarantee they could deliver a gift that would be well-used by our Veterans,” Hoogeveen said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Tews, a member of Post 906 for the past 40 years, previously served as Post Commander and District Commander and is currently its Assistant Manager of Gambling. “Each year, we dedicate a large amount of resources to many community organizations doing important work, including first responders and schools. But Veterans’ needs are always first and foremost for our contributions,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Colby Mickolichek, current Commander of Post 906, says his members appreciate every opportunity for their charitable gambling to help groups who are dedicated to helping others. “We love when neighbors and community friends stop by to see what we’re doing. It’s an opportunity to teach a little about our mission and share our hope for what the future might hold when everyone works together,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke noted the significant positive impact this contribution will have on Minnesota State Veterans Homes. “A donation of this magnitude will go a long way to help increase the quality of life for our Residents. Whether it means expanding Home services or providing unique or special Home products not currently included on our campuses, the end result will be an improved daily experience for Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA extends its gratitude to the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars and Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. Their partnership is essential in helping the State Veterans Homes provide the highest level of care to those who have served.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>561886</id><pubdate>2023-01-30T16:36:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m. </Description><Audience/><Title>REMINDER - State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>REMINDER - State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event</Title><title>2022-11-10-veterans-day-media-advisory</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-547705&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-11-10T20:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
November 10, 2022&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota State Government Leaders&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Senator Tina Smith&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Dean Phillips&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Mayor Tom Bartholomew&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Chaplain Col. Buddy Winn&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, November 11, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;
6 a.m. – Media availability
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 - 11 a.m. - Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center
&lt;br /&gt;
8055 Barbara Avenue
&lt;br /&gt;
Inver Grove Heights, MN
&lt;br /&gt;
Livestream and recording available at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/&quot; title=&quot;Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>547705</id><pubdate>2022-11-10T20:08:06Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.</Description><Audience/><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration returns to in-person event</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration returns to in-person event</Title><title>2022-11-01-veterans-day-media-advisory</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-545962&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-11-01T15:25:08Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
November 1, 2022&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota State Government Leaders&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Mayor Tom Bartholomew&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Chaplain Col. Buddy Winn&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, November 11, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;
6 a.m. – Media availability
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 - 11 a.m. - Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center
&lt;br /&gt;
8055 Barbara Avenue
&lt;br /&gt;
Inver Grove Heights, MN
&lt;br /&gt;
OR
&lt;br /&gt;
Livestream and recording available at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/&quot; title=&quot;Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>545962</id><pubdate>2022-11-01T15:27:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Minnesota loses more than 100 Veterans per year to suicide. Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day was enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2019 to recognize this tragedy and bring the community together to address this challenge. Participants will learn how to identify Veterans at risk and receive resources to help combat the tragedy of Veteran suicide.
The event is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, MHealth Fairview, and the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are also welcome to camp for the weekend.</Description><Audience/><Title>Veteran Suicide Prevention Event to Draw Attention to Tragic Losses</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veteran Suicide Prevention Event to Draw Attention to Tragic Losses</Title><title>2022-09-27-media-advisory-veteran-suicide-prevention-awareness-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-541670&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-09-27T16:00:22Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota loses more than 100 Veterans per year to suicide. Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day was enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2019 to recognize this tragedy and bring the community together to address this challenge. Participants will learn how to identify Veterans at risk and receive resources to help combat the tragedy of Veteran suicide.
The event is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, MHealth Fairview, and the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are also welcome to camp for the weekend.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 27, 2022&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota loses more than 100 Veterans per year to suicide. Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day was enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2019 to recognize this tragedy and bring the community together to address this challenge. Participants will learn how to identify Veterans at risk and receive resources to help combat the tragedy of Veteran suicide.
&lt;br /&gt;
The event is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, MHealth Fairview, and the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are also welcome to camp for the weekend. Fees apply. Learn more &lt;a href=&quot;https://vetscampmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;VetsCampMN&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;VetsCampMN.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Event speakers will include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota State Representative Bob Dettmer&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Suicide Prevention Consultant Brittany Miskowiec&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, October 1, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;
9 a.m. – Coffee, Donuts and Resources available
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m. – Program begins&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake
&lt;br /&gt;
Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>541670</id><pubdate>2022-09-27T16:02:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the opening of the application period for “SOT Grants” available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open September 12 through October 7, 2022 at 4 p.m. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.

MDVA launched the Support Our Troops (SOT) grant program in 2016. The grants are financed from sales of the Minnesota &quot;Support Our Troops&quot; License Plates. Minnesota organizations with programs designed to “support and improve the lives of Veterans and their families” may apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.</Description><Audience/><Title>Organizations Serving Veterans Encouraged to Apply for Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Organizations Serving Veterans Encouraged to Apply for Grants</Title><title>2022-09-14-sot-grants-press-release</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-540515&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-09-14T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the opening of the application period for “SOT Grants” available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open September 12 through October 7, 2022 at 4 p.m. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.

MDVA launched the Support Our Troops (SOT) grant program in 2016. The grants are financed from sales of the Minnesota &quot;Support Our Troops&quot; License Plates. Minnesota organizations with programs designed to “support and improve the lives of Veterans and their families” may apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 14, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the opening of the application period for “SOT Grants” available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open September 12 through October 7, 2022 at 4 p.m. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA launched the Support Our Troops (SOT) grant program in 2016. The grants are financed from sales of the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/supporttroopslicenseplates.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Support Our Troops Plates&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota &quot;Support Our Troops&quot; License Plates&lt;/a&gt;. Minnesota organizations with programs designed to “support and improve the lives of Veterans and their families” may apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The SOT grant application is available on the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Grants&lt;/a&gt; during the open grant cycle. Detailed instructions for how to apply are outlined in the application.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Interested organizations may also &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;Sign-up for alerts&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;sign-up here&lt;/a&gt; to receive alerts for future grant applications periods.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>540515</id><pubdate>2022-09-14T14:28:44Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s eleventh Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is honoring employers of military families.

&quot;The Minnesota National Guard is a part-time job for more than 10,000 members. Our service members and their families depend on support from Minnesota employers and communities to accomplish our state and federal missions,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “We want to recognize them for their sacrifices when our citizen Soldiers and Airmen are called to duty.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Military Appreciation Day at Minnesota’s State Fair; Honoring Employers of Military Families</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Military Appreciation Day at Minnesota’s State Fair; Honoring Employers of Military Families</Title><title>2022-08-26-military-appreciation-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-538879&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-08-26T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s eleventh Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is honoring employers of military families.

&quot;The Minnesota National Guard is a part-time job for more than 10,000 members. Our service members and their families depend on support from Minnesota employers and communities to accomplish our state and federal missions,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “We want to recognize them for their sacrifices when our citizen Soldiers and Airmen are called to duty.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 26, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota State Fair&apos;s eleventh Military Appreciation Day takes place Tuesday, and this year’s theme is honoring employers of military families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;The Minnesota National Guard is a part-time job for more than 10,000 members. Our service members and their families depend on support from Minnesota employers and communities to accomplish our state and federal missions,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Adjutant General. “We want to recognize them for their sacrifices when our citizen Soldiers and Airmen are called to duty.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;At the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, we not only thank the many employers of military and Veteran families but are proud to be an employer of many Veterans ourselves,” said MDVA’s Commissioner and retired Army Colonel, Larry Herke. “These Veteran staff members are proud to continue serving other Veterans and ensure they receive all the benefits they have earned. Most recently, this includes helping veterans exposed to &apos;burn pits&apos; or other toxins through the recently passed PACT Act and continuing Minnesota&apos;s tradition of recognizing the service of our Veterans by facilitating the Post-9/11 Service Bonus program.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Military Appreciation Day is presented by USAA (United Services Automobile Association) and coordinated by the Minnesota National Guard.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;I am grateful for USAA’s Military Affairs Representative and Army Veteran, Mike Evans, as we worked together to make this day special for employers of military families and all who have served in uniform to protect our state and nation,” said Army 1st Sgt. Beth Dedic, Military Appreciation Day’s project officer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Military Appreciation Day’s official ceremony commences at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30th, at the Minnesota State Fair’s Leinie Lodge Bandshell. The program will include remarks by senior leaders of Minnesota&apos;s military and the MDVA Commissioner. Minnesota’s leaders will recognize Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve as they celebrate 50 years of service. The program concludes at 10:25 a.m. with a flyover from the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade’s Blackhawk helicopter. The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Concert Band performance follows at 10:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Starting at 12:10 p.m. throughout the afternoon on Dan Patch Stage, ESGR will recognize 23 employers of military members or their spouses. These employers are being recognized for going above and beyond in their support of military families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since 2010, the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network, and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have partnered with Mr. Tom Lyons and iHeartMedia Minneapolis to create the weekly, state-wide syndicated radio program and podcast Minnesota Military Radio. Minnesota Military Radio will host their show near the iHeartMedia Booth, where MDVA’s Commissioner is a guest host on the show at noon, and the Guard’s adjutant general is a guest host at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More than 45 educational and military-connected booths will be located at Dan Patch Park, along with entertainment on the Dan Patch Park stage from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Programming includes a 10:30 a.m. performance by Army Veteran Kevin Gerdes as Prairie Voice (light rock and country). Performances throughout the afternoon by various 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Band ensembles with the fan-favorite the Red Devils (rock band) performing at 4:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The State Fair offers discounted tickets ($12 rate) for military members, Veterans, and their families on August 30th with documentation at the gate. For more information on the Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair, go to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mnstatefair.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.mnstatefair.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://www.mnstatefair.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Editor’s Note: To schedule a media interview about Minnesota State Fair Military Appreciation Day, call Lt. Col. Kristen Augé at 651-282-4789 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&quot; title=&quot;Email kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&quot;&gt;kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To schedule a media interview with MDVA’s Commissioner Larry Herke, call Communications Director Anne Sonnee at 651-263-2640 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota National Guard&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies and contribute to local communities. News, insights and perspectives from the Minnesota National Guard are available at &lt;a href=&quot;http://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/&quot; title=&quot;MN National Guard&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>538879</id><pubdate>2022-08-26T14:22:53Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.</Description><Audience/><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2022-05-25-sot-grants</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-528784&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-05-25T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 25, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: $93,767&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LegalCorps: $70,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;American Heroes Outdoors: $60,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc.: $80,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mandatory Fun Outdoors: $30,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Conservation Corps Minnesota &amp;amp; Iowa: $75,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;SOT Grant Program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA SOT grant program&lt;/a&gt; offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to our diverse group of grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in many different ways,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/llboflag_tcm1066-528809.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;llboflag&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/llboflag-200_tcm1066-528806.png&quot; title=&quot;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe&quot; alt=&quot;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 20%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;llboflag-200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.llojibwe.org/&quot; title=&quot;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe&lt;/a&gt; (LLBO) Homeless Veteran Financial Assistance Program is receiving a $93,767 grant to provide financial assistance to at least 50 eligible participants living on the Leech Lake Tribal Reservation.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/LegalCorpsLogo_transp_tcm1066-528812.png&quot; title=&quot;LegalCORPS&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;LegalCorpsLogo_transp&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/legalcorps-200_tcm1066-528805.png&quot; title=&quot;LegalCORPS&quot; alt=&quot;LegalCORPS&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 20%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;legalcorps-200&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://legalcorps.org/&quot; title=&quot;LegalCORPS&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;LegalCorps&lt;/a&gt; “Ventures 4 Veterans” Program is receiving a $70,000 grant to provide free transactional business and patent law services to increase economic success to Veterans throughout Minnesota. LegalCorps programs will include workshops, brief advice clinics, and full representation by LegalCorps pro bono attorneys.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/american-heroes-outdoors_tcm1066-528810.png&quot; title=&quot;American Heroes Outdoors&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;american-heroes-outdoors&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/american-heroes-outdoors-200_tcm1066-528803.png&quot; title=&quot;American Heroes Outdoors&quot; alt=&quot;American Heroes Outdoors&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 20%; height: auto; margin:5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;american-heroes-outdoors-200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.americanheroesoutdoors.com/about-us/&quot; title=&quot;American Heroes Outdoors&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;American Heroes Outdoors&lt;/a&gt; “Support Our Troops” Program is receiving a $60,000 grant to provide therapeutic outdoor adventures and activities to 200 Minnesota Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/prairie-five_tcm1066-528814.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Prairie Five&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;prairie-five&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/prairie-five-200_tcm1066-528808.png&quot; title=&quot;Prairie Five Community Action&quot; alt=&quot;Prairie Five Community Action&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 20%; height: auto; margin: 5px&quot; xlink:title=&quot;prairie-five-200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://prairiefive.org/&quot; title=&quot;Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc.&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc.&lt;/a&gt; “Support Our Troops” Program is receiving an $80,000 grant to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and provide transportation to Minnesota Veterans in the five-county region of Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/mandatory-fun-outdoors_tcm1066-528813.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Mandatory Fun Outdoors&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;mandatory-fun-outdoors&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/mandatory-fun-outdoors-200_tcm1066-528807.png&quot; title=&quot;Mandatory Fun Outdoors&quot; alt=&quot;Mandatory Fun Outdoors&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 20%; height: auto; margin:5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;mandatory-fun-outdoors-200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://mandatoryfunoutdoors.org/&quot; title=&quot;Mandatory Fun Outdoors&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mandatory Fun Outdoors&lt;/a&gt; “Ice Castle” project is receiving a $30,000 grant to purchase a used recreational vehicle (“fish house”) to serve as a mobile office, provide safe/secure storage to transport and store equipment, and shelter for Veterans and their families attending MFO events.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/conservation-corps_tcm1066-528811.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;conservation-corps&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/conservation-corps-200_tcm1066-528804.png&quot; alt=&quot;Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 20%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;conservation-corps-200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://conservationcorps.org/&quot; title=&quot;Conservation Corps&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Conservation Corps Minnesota &amp;amp; Iowa&lt;/a&gt; “Veterans Service Corps&quot; Program is receiving a $75,000 grant providing a service-learning experience that will support up to 36 Minnesota Veterans and their spouses as they transition out of the military by assisting them in developing transferable workforce skills that can lead to careers in the natural resources field.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/minnesotaservicecore.jsp&quot; title=&quot;CORE Program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;CORE program&lt;/a&gt;, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/&quot; title=&quot;DMV&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>528784</id><pubdate>2022-05-25T14:46:09Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Little Falls, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls has received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery is the only State Veterans Cemetery in the country to receive this recognition for federal fiscal year 2021.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls Receives Operational Excellence Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls Receives Operational Excellence Award</Title><title>2022-03-29-little-falls-cemetery-award</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-523210&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-29T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Little Falls, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls has received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery is the only State Veterans Cemetery in the country to receive this recognition for federal fiscal year 2021.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 29, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Little Falls, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-little-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MSVC - Little Falls&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&lt;/a&gt; has received the Operational Excellence Award from the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cem.va.gov/&quot; title=&quot;National Cemetery Administration&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Cemetery Administration&lt;/a&gt; (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery is the only State Veterans Cemetery in the country to receive this recognition for federal fiscal year 2021.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This award follows a July 2021 NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in an average score of 96.3% including meeting 100% of critical priority level standards. The compliance review examines 95 standards to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries in categories such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Marker and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance, and other standards.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On March 24, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Complex Assistant Director Marcus Sysverson, representing the National Cemetery Administration, presented the award. He shared a message from Matthew Quinn, VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs: “To qualify for the Operational Excellence Award, your cemetery underwent a rigorous independent review by a team of NCA subject matter experts…they determined that you met or exceeded national targets for key management and operational areas.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Thank you for this recognition. We perform an important duty and a fulfilling job,” said Erik Sogge, Cemetery Administrator. “I’m so proud to work with the team here. This achievement is even more meaningful during a year when we had the highest number of annual interments in our history and were dealing with the pandemic as well.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2021, the Little Falls Cemetery interred 599 Veterans or spouses versus an average annual total over the past five years of 493. Since opening in 1994, more than 9,000 Veterans and spouses have been interred there.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The award was not a surprise, according to MDVA Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay. The Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery has a reputation for the highest quality and was recognized for operational excellence in previous compliance reviews that resulted in a similar award in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke echoed those remarks, stating: “ This award is a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to achieving perfection. I am very proud of the entire team.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This commitment to excellence is demonstrated throughout the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, where the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s Veterans is honored with dignity and respect. In addition to the Little Falls location, Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are located in &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-preston.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MSVC - Preston&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Preston&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MSVC - Duluth&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Duluth&lt;/a&gt;. A fourth State Veterans Cemetery is currently under construction in &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-redwood-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MSVC - Redwood Falls&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Redwood Falls&lt;/a&gt; and is expected to open on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2022-03-24-excellence-award-full_tcm1066-523211.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Little Falls Receives Award&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2022-03-24-lf-full&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2022-03-24-excellence-award-small_tcm1066-523212.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Little Falls Receives Award&quot; alt=&quot;Little Falls Award&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2022-03-24-lf-small&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>523210</id><pubdate>2022-03-29T15:07:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to create a Vet Center Outstation in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing confidential counseling for eligible Veterans and service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families.</Description><Audience/><Title>VA Approves New St. Cloud Vet Center Outstation</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>VA Approves New St. Cloud Vet Center Outstation</Title><title>2022-03-28-va-vet-center</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-523100&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-28T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to create a Vet Center Outstation in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing confidential counseling for eligible Veterans and service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>In partnership with Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. CLOUD, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; — The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to create a Vet Center Outstation in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing confidential counseling for &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp&quot; title=&quot;vetcenter.va.gov&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;eligible&lt;/a&gt; Veterans and service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Vet Center Outstations are community-based satellites in leased spaces where at least one full-time counselor can provide services at no cost to the Veteran or service member. These convenient locations are equipped with rooms for individual and group counseling, a reception area, facilities, and staff break room. Services and staffing levels can adjust and expand as community demand increases. A Vet Center Outstation complements the 300 physical Vet Centers across the U.S., in every state and territory, providing individual, group, couples and family counseling, and referral services to other VA or community resources.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Veterans and service members trust in Vet Centers to provide connection, confidential counseling and community and have been positively impacted by these services,” said VA &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.va.gov/opa/bios/bio_lieberman.asp&quot; title=&quot;VA Steven Lieberman&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Deputy Under Secretary for Health Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary for Health&lt;/a&gt; Steven Lieberman, M.D. “We remain committed to ensure these life-changing services are convenient and accessible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In partnership with &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/a&gt;, Minnesota’s Commanders’ Task Force, and other Veteran organizations, VA determined an Outstation in St. Cloud would address service gaps to respond to the needs of Minnesota Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“As a Veteran, I recognize the obligation we have as a state and a country to deliver on the benefits our Veterans have earned, including mental health care when they come home,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. “This new Vet Center Outstation reflects our strong commitment to expanding services to Veterans here in Minnesota.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;There are currently three Vet Centers in the state: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vc_0439V&quot; title=&quot;Anoka&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Anoka&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vc_0429V&quot; title=&quot;Duluth&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Duluth&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vc_0416V&quot; title=&quot;St. Paul&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;St. Paul&lt;/a&gt; with additional points of access through a Mobile Vet Center and in accommodated spaces Vet Center counselors will use on a routine basis. The Anoka Vet Center, which will oversee the St. Cloud Vet Center Outstation, includes the nine counties across 7,065 square miles that the outstation will support. Dedicating permanent space and staffing to the St. Cloud community will reduce time or distance barriers for Veterans, service members and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;VA is targeting a Spring 2024 opening given procurement milestones, including 12 to 18 months to award a lease and an additional six to eight months for build out. Those looking to connect to Vet Center services in the St. Cloud area may schedule telehealth appointments with the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vc_0439V&quot; title=&quot;Anoka&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Anoka Vet Center&lt;/a&gt; or learn more about interim services in the community by calling 763-503-2220.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For Vet Center information, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Communications Officer &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Jessica.Schiefer@va.gov&quot; title=&quot;Email Jessica Schiefer&quot;&gt;Jessica Schiefer&lt;/a&gt;. For questions about Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, contact Communications Director &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;Anne Sonnee&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>523100</id><pubdate>2022-03-28T15:53:05Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in southeastern Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Preston community stakeholders last week.</Description><Audience/><Title>Construction on Preston Veterans Home on Schedule</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Construction on Preston Veterans Home on Schedule</Title><title>2022-03-17-preston-on-schedule</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-521723&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-17T14:15:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in southeastern Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Preston community stakeholders last week.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 17, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in southeastern Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes Landing&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;future Minnesota Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in Preston. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Preston community stakeholders last week.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Indeed, the most common questions MDVA leaders are receiving so far is regarding dates for when Veterans can apply to live in the new nursing home and dates when the new home will open. The home will be located at 1112 Overlook Drive on a 15-acre bluff-top site surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We appreciate the Preston stakeholders and community members who joined us during the meeting,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “Our commitment to, and pride in, this project remains strong. Great progress is being made on construction; we are on schedule and looking forward to the summer of 2023 when we open a beautiful new Veterans Home in Preston.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A groundbreaking event was held in August 2021 and construction started shortly thereafter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Preston Veterans Home will include 54 private residential units with private baths split into three, 18-resident “households” avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways. Public spaces include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Simone Hogan, MDVA Senior Director - Veterans Healthcare, discussed Resident admissions and said that the home will be able to accommodate Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with a Memory Care unit. The number of rooms dedicated to Memory Care will depend on the Residents who are admitted. As the time draws near, MDVA will publish a number of communications regarding the timeline to submit Resident applications. More information will also be available on MDVA’s website at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We plan to start accepting applications in September 2022, and there are several efforts underway to ensure it is a seamless and easy process including one point of contact,” said Hogan. “Admissions will be based on the Minnesota Administrative &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226521&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Rulemaking Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;040 Rulemaking&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Rule 9050&lt;/a&gt; process that we are required to follow. As of now, we anticipate the first Residents moving in June 2023.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be eligible for admission, Residents must be a Minnesota-eligible Veteran per Minnesota Statute 197.447, or be a spouse of an eligible Veteran, or be a Gold Star Parent, and meet the clinical need for skilled nursing care. Interested Veterans can work with their local &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Find your CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officer&lt;/a&gt; on the application process. For admissions inquiries, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re grateful that the Minnesota Legislature worked last year to ensure operational dollars would be available to open the Home and care for Residents,” said Douglas Hughes, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “During the current Legislative session, we’re hopeful that legislation supported by Governor Walz and local legislators to offset unexpected construction cost escalations will pass with bi-partisan backing. Our number one priority is to deliver an exceptional environment of care to serve those who have served.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Kari Bautch, MDVA Human Resources Director for the new Minnesota Veterans Homes, highlighted the staffing needs for the new home, with 115 employees needed to fill full- and part-time positions. Roles will include a range of positions from the Home Administrator and healthcare staff to housekeeping, maintenance and food service workers. Hiring for leadership roles will likely begin in fall 2022 with direct care and other staff being hired in phases leading up to the opening of the new home and beyond. For employment inquiries, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>521723</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in western Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Montevideo community stakeholders last week.</Description><Audience/><Title>Construction on Montevideo Veterans Home on Schedule</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Construction on Montevideo Veterans Home on Schedule</Title><title>2022-03-17-montevideo-on-schedule</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-521722&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-17T14:10:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in western Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Montevideo community stakeholders last week.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 17, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in western Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes Landing&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;future Minnesota Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in Montevideo. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Montevideo community stakeholders last week.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Indeed, the most common questions MDVA leaders are receiving so far is regarding dates for when Veterans can apply to live in the new nursing home and dates when the new home will open. The home will be located on a 13.5-acre site at the intersection of William Avenue and County Road 15.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We appreciate the Montevideo stakeholders and community members who joined us during the meeting,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “Our commitment to, and pride in, this project remains strong. Great progress is being made on construction; we are on schedule and looking forward to the summer of 2023 when we open a beautiful new Veterans Home in Montevideo.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A groundbreaking event was held in August 2021 and construction started shortly thereafter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Montevideo Veterans Home reflects a prairie-style inspired design that integrates natural materials such as wood and stone into the spaces. The public spaces include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. The 72 residential units all have private baths and will be split into two sections and four “neighborhoods” of 18 Residents each, avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Simone Hogan, MDVA Senior Director - Veterans Healthcare, discussed Resident admissions and said that the home will be able to accommodate Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with a Memory Care unit. The number of rooms dedicated to Memory Care will depend on the Residents who are admitted. As the time draws near, MDVA will publish a number of communications regarding the timeline to submit Resident applications. More information will also be available on MDVA’s website at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We plan to start accepting applications in September 2022, and there are several efforts underway to ensure it is a seamless and easy process including one point of contact,” said Hogan. “Admissions will be based on the MN Administrative &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226521&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Rulemaking Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;040 Rulemaking&quot;&gt;Rule 9050&lt;/a&gt; process that we are required to follow. As of now, we anticipate the first Residents moving in August 2023.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be eligible for admission, Residents must be a Minnesota-eligible Veteran per Minnesota Statute 197.447, or be a spouse of an eligible Veteran, or be a Gold Star Parent, and meet the clinical need for skilled nursing care. Interested Veterans can work with their local &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Find your CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officer&lt;/a&gt; on the application process. For admissions inquiries, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re grateful that the Minnesota Legislature worked last year to ensure operational dollars would be available to open the Home and care for Residents,” said Douglas Hughes, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “During the current Legislative session, we’re hopeful that legislation supported by Governor Walz and local legislators to offset unexpected construction cost escalations will pass with bi-partisan backing. Our number one priority is to deliver an exceptional environment of care to serve those who have served.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Kari Bautch, MDVA Human Resources Director for the new Minnesota Veterans Homes, highlighted the staffing needs for the new home, with 164 employees needed to fill full- and part-time positions. Roles will include a range of positions from the Home Administrator and healthcare staff to housekeeping, maintenance and food service workers. Hiring for leadership roles will likely begin in fall 2022 with direct care and other staff being hired in phases leading up to the opening of the new home and beyond. For employment inquiries, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>521722</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:57Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in northwest Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Bemidji. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Bemidji community stakeholders last week.</Description><Audience/><Title>Construction on Bemidji Veterans Home on Schedule</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Construction on Bemidji Veterans Home on Schedule</Title><title>2022-03-17-bemidji-on-schedule</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-521720&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-17T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in northwest Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Bemidji. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Bemidji community stakeholders last week.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 17, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Veterans seeking skilled nursing care in northwest Minnesota can look forward to a summer 2023 opening of the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes Landing&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;future Minnesota Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in Bemidji. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) shared that good news during a virtual meeting with Bemidji community stakeholders last week.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Indeed, the most common questions MDVA leaders are receiving so far is regarding dates for when Veterans can apply to live in the new nursing home and dates when the new home will open. The home will be located at 920 Anne Street NW on 15 acres donated by Sanford Health next to the grounds of their Northern Minnesota campus.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We appreciate the Bemidji stakeholders and community members who joined us during the meeting,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “Our commitment to, and pride in, this project remains strong. Great progress is being made on construction; we are on schedule and looking forward to the summer of 2023 when we open a beautiful new Veterans Home in Bemidji.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A groundbreaking event was held in August 2021 and construction started shortly thereafter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Bemidji Veterans Home will include 72 private residential units with private bathrooms. The units are split into smaller “households” of 18 Residents each, avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways. The design will reflect a North woods cabin feel for the public spaces that include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Simone Hogan, MDVA Senior Director - Veterans Healthcare, discussed Resident admissions and said that the home will be able to accommodate Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with a Memory Care unit. The number of rooms dedicated to Memory Care will depend on the Residents who are admitted. As the time draws near, MDVA will publish a number of communications regarding the timeline to submit Resident applications. More information will also be available on MDVA’s website at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We plan to start accepting applications in September 2022, and there are several efforts underway to ensure it is a seamless and easy process including one point of contact,” said Hogan. “Admissions will be based on the Minnesota Administrative &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226521&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Rulemaking Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;040 Rulemaking&quot;&gt;Rule 9050&lt;/a&gt; process that we are required to follow. As of now, we anticipate the first Residents moving in July 2023.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To be eligible for admission, Residents must be a Minnesota-eligible Veteran per Minnesota Statute 197.447, or be a spouse of an eligible Veteran, or be a Gold Star Parent, and meet the clinical need for skilled nursing care. Interested Veterans can work with their local &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Find your CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officer&lt;/a&gt; on the application process. For admissions inquiries, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re grateful that the Minnesota Legislature worked last year to ensure operational dollars would be available to open the Home and care for Residents,” said Douglas Hughes, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “During the current Legislative session, we’re hopeful that legislation supported by Governor Walz and local legislators to offset unexpected construction cost escalations will pass with bi-partisan backing. Our number one priority is to deliver an exceptional environment of care to serve those who have served.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Kari Bautch, MDVA Human Resources Director for the new Minnesota Veterans Homes, highlighted the staffing needs for the new home, with 164 employees needed to fill full- and part-time positions. Roles will include a range of positions from the Home Administrator and healthcare staff to housekeeping, maintenance and food service workers. Hiring for leadership roles will likely begin in fall 2022 with direct care and other staff being hired in phases leading up to the opening of the new home and beyond. For employment inquiries, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>521720</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:55Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Veterans Homes have received Pinnacle Quality Insight’s 2022 Customer Experience Award.in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive 2022 Pinnacle Customer Experience Awards</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Homes Receive 2022 Pinnacle Customer Experience Awards</Title><title>2022-02-23-pinnacle</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-519424&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-02-24T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Veterans Homes have received Pinnacle Quality Insight’s 2022 Customer Experience Award.in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
February 24, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Veterans Homes have received &lt;a href=&quot;https://pinnacleqi.com/awards/about&quot; title=&quot;Pinnacle&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight’s 2022 Customer Experience Award&lt;/a&gt; in the Skilled Nursing Facility category. The skilled facilities are located in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with 26 years of experience in post-acute healthcare. Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,500 care providers in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, Pinnacle interviewed both Residents and their families on several areas including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cleanliness&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Activities&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Therapy&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Personalized care&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dignity and Respect&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Communication&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Responding to Resident concerns&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The results are compared to others in the industry and the Minnesota Veterans Homes have been identified as “best in class.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Pinnacle survey results represent the overall quality our Homes provide to our Residents by our staff,” said Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “We are very proud of the level of care that is provided and appreciate the work of all employees to provide this experience to Residents and families.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Throughout its history of serving the community, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the individual needs of every Resident are met. Over the course of 2021, Pinnacle contacted Residents and their families in monthly telephone interviews that included open-ended questions, as well the opportunity to rate the Veterans Home in specific categories. Every month, the Veterans Home reviewed these real-time survey results to gain a better understanding of Residents’ needs and made improvements when necessary.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>519424</id><pubdate>2022-02-23T22:27:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota State Veterans Home - Minneapolis has been recognized as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes. Newsweek magazine and global data research partner Statista recently announced its list of the nation’s top nursing homes for 2022. The Minneapolis Veterans Home was specifically named to the eighth position in the state.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes</Title><title>2022-01-14-newsweek-best-homes</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-515333&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-01-14T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota State Veterans Home - Minneapolis has been recognized as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes. Newsweek magazine and global data research partner Statista recently announced its list of the nation’s top nursing homes for 2022. The Minneapolis Veterans Home was specifically named to the eighth position in the state.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
January 14, 2022
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesota State Veterans Home - Minneapolis has been recognized as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.newsweek.com/americas-best-nursing-homes-2022&quot; title=&quot;Newsweek - Americas Best Nursing Homes 2022&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Newsweek magazine&lt;/a&gt; and global data research partner Statista recently announced its list of the nation’s top nursing homes for 2022. The Minneapolis Veterans Home was specifically named to the eighth position in the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This annual ranking identifies the nation’s top nursing homes based on three critical criteria relative to in-state competition: overall performance data, peer recommendations, and handling of COVID-19.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare, MDVA, said, “The Minnesota Veterans Homes take pride in providing the highest quality of care to our Residents, addressing physical, mental, emotional and social needs. Since the pandemic began, we have embraced the most rigorous infection prevention protocols to minimize the risk to our Residents and staff.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Thomas Paul, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis, said, “This recognition is the result of our caring and committed staff who are honored to serve those who have served. They treat our Residents like family and are dedicated to ensuring they all have the best possible experience at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. I am so proud of the staff and thank them for all they do.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest population size, according to the United States Census Bureau 2020, were included in the Newsweek/ Statista research.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Statista used Centers for Medicare &amp;amp; Medicaid Services data to determine the performance of nursing homes. The health inspection rating was based on the three most recent inspection surveys that are conducted by a team of healthcare professionals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For peer recommendations, Statista invited over 10,000 medical experts (registered nurses, nursing home managers and administrators, licensed practical nurses / licensed vocational nurses, nursing assistants, therapists and physicians) to complete an online survey.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Management in times of the COVID-19 pandemic including safety of Residents, communication and hygiene measures were also assessed. In addition, quality of care, such as treatments and therapies; accommodations and services including room sizes, meals and leisure activities; and overall nurse staffing and experience were considered.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>515333</id><pubdate>2022-01-14T15:09:57Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – More than 10,300 Veterans and spouses are interred among the three State Veterans Cemeteries. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to providing Cemetery visitors a sense of warmth, comfort and support as they spend time with their family members at their final resting place. During the winter holidays, in particular, MDVA works to create a special environment where meaningful, one-of-a-kind memories can be shared. This environment is enhanced by beautiful, fragrant memorial wreaths that are placed on all headstones.

MDVA wants to continue this important tradition but needs funding assistance from the community to bring the effort to fruition. (While a local non-profit organization has led this effort in the past, this year it is unable to do so.)</Description><Audience/><Title>State Veterans Cemeteries Raising Funds for Holiday Wreaths</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State Veterans Cemeteries Raising Funds for Holiday Wreaths</Title><title>2021-12-08-wreaths</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-512307&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-12-08T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – More than 10,300 Veterans and spouses are interred among the three State Veterans Cemeteries. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to providing Cemetery visitors a sense of warmth, comfort and support as they spend time with their family members at their final resting place. During the winter holidays, in particular, MDVA works to create a special environment where meaningful, one-of-a-kind memories can be shared. This environment is enhanced by beautiful, fragrant memorial wreaths that are placed on all headstones.

MDVA wants to continue this important tradition but needs funding assistance from the community to bring the effort to fruition. (While a local non-profit organization has led this effort in the past, this year it is unable to do so.)</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 8, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – More than 10,300 Veterans and spouses are interred among the three State Veterans Cemeteries. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to providing Cemetery visitors a sense of warmth, comfort and support as they spend time with their family members at their final resting place. During the winter holidays, in particular, MDVA works to create a special environment where meaningful, one-of-a-kind memories can be shared. This environment is enhanced by beautiful, fragrant memorial wreaths that are placed on all headstones.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA wants to continue this important tradition but needs funding assistance from the community to bring the effort to fruition. (While a local non-profit organization has led this effort in the past, this year it is unable to do so.)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is seeking help to fund wreaths that will honor Minnesota’s fallen heroes. The fundraising goal is $100,000 for 6,500 decorated wreaths. More details are available at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-511271&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/wreath&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Wreath&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans are invited to visit one of the State Veterans Cemeteries and enjoy the sea of wreaths that should be fully placed by Dec. 20. Wreaths typically remain until the end of January.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Cemetery locations:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Little Falls: 15550 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Preston: 715 Highway 52, Preston, MN 55965&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Duluth: 4777 Highway 53, Saginaw, MN 55779&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Hours of operation for all three locations:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cemetery office is open from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (closed on State Holidays).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Visitors may visit the cemetery grounds during daylight hours, seven days per week.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is privileged to be able to pay tribute, say thank you and consistently remember our Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>512307</id><pubdate>2021-12-08T16:33:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually again this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor the Veterans who have served our state and country.</Description><Audience/><Title>REMINDER: State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to be virtual</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>REMINDER: State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to be virtual</Title><title>2021-11-11-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-508665&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-11-11T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually again this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor the Veterans who have served our state and country.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
November 11, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually again this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-503512&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021&lt;/a&gt;. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor the Veterans who have served our state and country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Country music artist Rockie Lynne will open this year’s program, which will include music and remarks from:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Governor Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ron Haugen, Chair of the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA employees&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will be hosted by former WCCO-TV Reporter Bill Hudson. During his time at WCCO, Hudson covered a variety of Veteran-related assignments including Minnesota National Guard missions to Bosnia, Panama and Honduras, and traveling to Saudi Arabia to accompany soldiers returning home from the first Gulf War.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How can Minnesotans support the Veterans in their communities?&lt;/strong&gt; Because fewer than 7% of Americans serve or have served in uniform, most civilians are unfamiliar with military culture. As a result, members of the military and Veteran community often feel misunderstood and reluctant to seek support.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Through its membership in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF), MDVA is offering free training through &lt;a href=&quot;https://psycharmor.org/about-us/&quot; title=&quot;PsychArmor&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;PsychArmor&lt;/a&gt;, a nonprofit that offers critical resources to Americans so they can effectively engage with and support military service members, Veterans, and their families. (PsychArmor’s) mission is to bridge that civilian-military gap by educating a nation.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://psycharmor.org/sign-up/governors-challenge-portal/?gid=359945&amp;amp;unf3T4BGF1tSw&quot; title=&quot;Training Portal&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Follow this link to Governor’s Challenge Training Portal (GC Portal)&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>508665</id><pubdate>2021-11-11T13:58:14Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually again this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor the Veterans who have served our state and country.</Description><Audience/><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to be Virtual Again</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to be Virtual Again</Title><title>2021-10-29-virtual-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-506651&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-10-29T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually again this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor the Veterans who have served our state and country.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 29, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually again this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-503512&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2021&lt;/a&gt;. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor the Veterans who have served our state and country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Although we are not gathering in person, the importance of recognizing Minnesota’s Veterans for their service, sacrifice and resilience has not diminished,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We encourage all Minnesotans to take a moment to thank the Veterans in their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Country music artist Rockie Lynne will open this year’s program, which will include music and remarks from:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Governor Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ron Haugen, Chair of the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA employees&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will be hosted by former WCCO-TV Reporter Bill Hudson. During his time at WCCO, Hudson covered a variety of Veteran-related assignments including Minnesota National Guard missions to Bosnia, Panama and Honduras, and traveling to Saudi Arabia to accompany soldiers returning home from the first Gulf War.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>506651</id><pubdate>2021-10-29T15:13:55Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Minnesota loses more than 100 Veterans per year to suicide. This is a tragedy that is preventable and must be stopped. Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day was enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2019 to recognize this tragedy and bring the community together to address this challenge. This event is free and open to the public. </Description><Audience/><Title>Save the Date - St. Cloud to Host Veteran Suicide Prevention Event</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Save the Date - St. Cloud to Host Veteran Suicide Prevention Event</Title><title>2021-09-23-suicide-preventions-day-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-500333&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-09-23T13:23:17Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota loses more than 100 Veterans per year to suicide. This is a tragedy that is preventable and must be stopped. Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day was enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2019 to recognize this tragedy and bring the community together to address this challenge. This event is free and open to the public. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 23, 2021&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota loses more than 100 Veterans per year to suicide. This is a tragedy that is preventable and must be stopped. Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day was enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2019 to recognize this tragedy and bring the community together to address this challenge. This event is free and open to the public.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Event speakers will include Join St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis who will share his personal connection to Veteran suicide, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, and suicide prevention experts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Participants will learn how to identify Veterans at risk and receive resources to help combat the tragedy of Veteran suicide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The event is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, City of St. Cloud, Central Minnesota Suicide Prevention Coalition, CentraCare Health, and the St. Cloud VA Health Care System.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, October 2, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;
11 a.m. – Resources available
&lt;br /&gt;
11:30 a.m. – Program begins&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wilson Park
&lt;br /&gt;
St. Cloud, Minnesota
&lt;br /&gt;
Also livestreamed at the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaDepartmentOfVeteransAffairs&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Facebook&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook Page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>500333</id><pubdate>2021-09-23T13:26:30Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>September 9, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— As pavement repairs continue on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be restricting eastbound I-94 to a single lane so crews can remove damaged pavement from the roadway. Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, the eastbound interstate will be reduced to a single lane between Marion Street/Kellogg Blvd and I-35E.

“If you are traveling to the Minnesota Capitol grounds for the 9/11 Remembrance Event on Saturday, Sept. 11, please give yourself extra time to reach your destination,” said Kent Barnard, Communications and Media Specialist for MnDOT Metro District.

The public is invited to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds Saturday to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives.</Description><Audience/><Title>Plan accordingly to attend the “9/11 Day of Remembrance” on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Plan accordingly to attend the “9/11 Day of Remembrance” on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds</Title><title>2021-09-09-plan-accordingly-to-attend</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-496910&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-09-09T13:15:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>September 9, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— As pavement repairs continue on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be restricting eastbound I-94 to a single lane so crews can remove damaged pavement from the roadway. Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, the eastbound interstate will be reduced to a single lane between Marion Street/Kellogg Blvd and I-35E.

“If you are traveling to the Minnesota Capitol grounds for the 9/11 Remembrance Event on Saturday, Sept. 11, please give yourself extra time to reach your destination,” said Kent Barnard, Communications and Media Specialist for MnDOT Metro District.

The public is invited to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds Saturday to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-07-13-911-event-banner_tcm1066-489461.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-07-13-911-event-banner&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 9, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Melanie Nelson
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 214-2281
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;September 9, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)&lt;/strong&gt;— As pavement repairs continue on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be restricting eastbound I-94 to a single lane so crews can remove damaged pavement from the roadway. Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, the eastbound interstate will be reduced to a single lane between Marion Street/Kellogg Blvd and I-35E.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“If you are traveling to the Minnesota Capitol grounds for the 9/11 Remembrance Event on Saturday, Sept. 11, please give yourself extra time to reach your destination,” said Kent Barnard, Communications and Media Specialist for MnDOT Metro District.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The public is invited to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds Saturday to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Events kick-off at 7:30 a.m. with a reading of the names of Minnesotans killed on 9/11 and the 109 Minnesotans who were subsequently killed as a result of hostile action during the Global War on Terrorism.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The official commemorative ceremony begins at 9 a.m. It will include remarks by state leaders, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobsen, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett. The program will also include an aircraft flyover, musical performances, and military honors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other elements of the day will include a documentary screening of &lt;em&gt;Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp;amp; the War&lt;/em&gt;, military-connected educational booths on display, live music, a Global War on Terrorism museum display, connection opportunities, children’s activities, food trucks and more. Events run until 2 p.m. and are free and open to the public.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Check the &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-482740&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website events page&lt;/a&gt; for the detailed event schedule. The event will follow current COVID-19 prevention guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event is a collaboration of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/9-11-and-gwot-task-force/&quot; title=&quot;9/11 and GWOT Remembrance Task Force&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force&lt;/a&gt;, and the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org/&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum&lt;/a&gt;. To learn more visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/9-11-and-gwot-task-force/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.minnesotaveteran.org/911&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Plan your route! For information about the I-94 project, please visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i94-i35e-stpaul/index.html&quot; title=&quot;I-94 and I-35E Project&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;I-94 and I-35E in St. Paul project webpage&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Producer/ Editor Note:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One-on-one interviews with 9/11 Remembrance Task Force members, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs leaders, and Minnesotans impacting significantly by 9/11 are available between now at the event. Contact Melanie Nelson at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;, 651-214-2281.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Day of, you are invited to collect one-on-one interviews and content. The on-site media contact is Anne Sonnee, &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;, 651-263-2640.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Livestream on the day of the event from 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. via Vimeo will be posted at: &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-482740&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911Event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911Event&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>496910</id><pubdate>2021-09-09T13:25:17Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>September 8, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— The events of 9/11/01 impacted every American and continued to change lives during the following 20 years as our nation fought a global war on terror.

“I joined the Army Sept. 10, 2001”, said David Nguyen. “I knew that I had just joined the service and what was going on now (events of 9/11) was going to directly impact my journey.” Nguyen went onto serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Hear his story, and others of military service, during a viewing of the documentary Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp; the War, part of the “9/11 Day of Remembrance” event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds on Saturday, Sept. 11.</Description><Audience/><Title>“9/11 Day of Remembrance” - 9/11 directly impacted my journey of military service</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>“9/11 Day of Remembrance” - 9/11 directly impacted my journey of military service</Title><title>2021-09-08-911-directly-impacted-my-journey</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-496859&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-09-08T19:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>September 8, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— The events of 9/11/01 impacted every American and continued to change lives during the following 20 years as our nation fought a global war on terror.

“I joined the Army Sept. 10, 2001”, said David Nguyen. “I knew that I had just joined the service and what was going on now (events of 9/11) was going to directly impact my journey.” Nguyen went onto serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Hear his story, and others of military service, during a viewing of the documentary Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp; the War, part of the “9/11 Day of Remembrance” event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds on Saturday, Sept. 11.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-07-13-911-event-banner_tcm1066-489461.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-07-13-911-event-banner&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 8, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Melanie Nelson
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 214-2281
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;September 8, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)&lt;/strong&gt;— The events of 9/11/01 impacted every American and continued to change lives during the following 20 years as our nation fought a global war on terror.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I joined the Army Sept. 10, 2001”, said David Nguyen. “I knew that I had just joined the service and what was going on now (events of 9/11) was going to directly impact my journey.” Nguyen went onto serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Hear his story, and others of military service, during a viewing of the documentary &lt;em&gt;Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp;amp; the War&lt;/em&gt;, part of the “9/11 Day of Remembrance” event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds on Saturday, Sept. 11.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The multi-media event will include an official commemorative ceremony starting at 9 a.m. that will feature remarks by state leaders and family members who lost a loved one to the events of 9/11 and the Global War on Terrorism, live music, a flyover and more. Minnesota’s “9/11 Day of Remembrance” is free and open to the public.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Come early, as the event kicks-off at 7:30 a.m. with a reading of the names of Minnesotans killed in 9/11 and subsequently killed as a result of hostile action during the Global War on Terrorism. Bells will chime across the city of St. Paul to mark the moment each flight crashed that Tuesday morning in 2001.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other elements of the day will include military-connected educational booths on display, live music, a Global War on Terrorism museum display, connection opportunities, children’s activities, food trucks and more. Events run until 2 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Check the &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-482740&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website events page&lt;/a&gt; for the detailed event schedule. The event will follow current COVID-19 prevention guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event is a collaboration of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/9-11-and-gwot-task-force/&quot; title=&quot;9/11 and GWOT Remembrance Task Force&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force&lt;/a&gt;, and the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org/&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum&lt;/a&gt;. To learn more visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/9-11-and-gwot-task-force/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.minnesotaveteran.org/911&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Plan your route! For information about the I-94 project, please visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i94-i35e-stpaul/index.html&quot; title=&quot;I-94 and I-35E Project&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;I-94 and I-35E in St. Paul project webpage&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Producer/ Editor Note:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One-on-one interviews with 9/11 Remembrance Task Force members, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs leaders, and Minnesotans impacting significantly by 9/11 are available between now at the event. Contact Melanie Nelson at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;, 651-214-2281.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Day of, you are invited to collect one-on-one interviews and content. The on-site media contact is Anne Sonnee, &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;, 651-263-2640.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Livestream on the day of the event from 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. via Vimeo will be posted at: &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-482740&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911Event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911Event&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>496859</id><pubdate>2021-09-08T19:50:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>September 3, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— The public is invited to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds September 11th to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum spent nearly a year planning for this event.</Description><Audience/><Title>Public invited to “9/11 Day of Remembrance” on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Public invited to “9/11 Day of Remembrance” on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds</Title><title>2021-09-03-media-advisory-9-11-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-496737&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-09-03T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>September 3, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— The public is invited to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds September 11th to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum spent nearly a year planning for this event.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-07-13-911-event-banner_tcm1066-489461.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-07-13-911-event-banner&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 3, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Melanie Nelson
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 214-2281
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;September 3, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)&lt;/strong&gt;— The public is invited to the Minnesota State Capitol grounds September 11th to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-456607&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;9/11 and GWOT Remembrance Task Force&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;9-11-gwot-task-force&quot;&gt;9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force&lt;/a&gt;, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum spent nearly a year planning for this event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I think it’s important that all Veterans and their families come out and spend time with us during the remembrance and honoring ceremony Saturday, September 11th”, said Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Events kick-off at 7:30 a.m. with a reading of the reading of the names of Minnesota 9/11 families and the 109 Minnesotans that were subsequently killed as a result of hostile action during the Global War on Terrorism.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The official commemorative ceremony begins at 9 a.m. It will include remarks by retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobsen, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett. The program will also include an aircraft flyover, musical performances, and military honors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other elements of the day will include a documentary screening of &lt;em&gt;Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp;amp; the War&lt;/em&gt;, military-connected educational booths on display, live music, a Global War on Terrorism museum display, connection opportunities, children’s activities, food trucks and more. Events run until 2 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This event is free and open to the public. Check the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA events page&lt;/a&gt; for the detailed event schedule. To learn more visit &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-456607&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;9-11-gwot-task-force&quot;&gt;www.minnesotaveteran.org/911&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;*Event will follow current COVID-19 prevention guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Producer/ Editor Note:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One-on-one interviews with 9/11 Remembrance Task Force members, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs leaders, and Minnesotans impacting significantly by 9/11 are available between now at the event. Contact Melanie Nelson at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;, 651-214-2281.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Day of, you are invited to collect one-on-one interviews and content. The on-site media contact is Anne Sonnee, &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;, 651-263-2640.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Livestream on the day of the event from 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. via Vimeo will be posted at: &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-482740&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911Event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911Event&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>496737</id><pubdate>2021-09-07T22:38:55Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the opening of the application period for “SOT Grants” available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open August 30 through September 24, 2021. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.</Description><Audience/><Title>Organizations Serving Veterans Encouraged to Apply for Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Organizations Serving Veterans Encouraged to Apply for Grants</Title><title>2021-08-30-sot-grant-cycle</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-495828&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-08-30T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the opening of the application period for “SOT Grants” available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open August 30 through September 24, 2021. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 30, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announces the opening of the application period for “SOT Grants” available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open August 30 through September 24, 2021. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA launched the Support Our Troops (SOT) grant program in 2016. The grants are financed from sales of the &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/supporttroopslicenseplates.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Support Our Troops License Plates&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Support Our Troops License Plates&quot;&gt;Minnesota &quot;Support Our Troops&quot; License Plates&lt;/a&gt;. Minnesota organizations with programs designed to “support and improve the lives of Veterans and their families” may apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The SOT grant application is available on the MDVA website at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 MDVA Grants Intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Grants&lt;/a&gt; during the open grant cycle. Detailed instructions for how to apply are outlined in the application.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Interested organizations may also &lt;a href=&quot;https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDVA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MNDVA_18&quot; title=&quot;Sign-up for SOT alerts&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;sign-up here&lt;/a&gt; to receive alerts for future grant applications periods.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>495828</id><pubdate>2026-04-13T20:06:18Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>August 17, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event open to the public on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds September 11th.
The “9/11 Day of Remembrance” will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/01 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony at 9:00 a.m. to include an aircraft flyover, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors.</Description><Audience/><Title>“9/11 Day of Remembrance” Ceremony to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>“9/11 Day of Remembrance” Ceremony to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11</Title><title>2021-08-17-media-advisory-911</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-496736&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-08-17T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>August 17, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)— The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event open to the public on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds September 11th.
The “9/11 Day of Remembrance” will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/01 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony at 9:00 a.m. to include an aircraft flyover, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-07-13-911-event-banner_tcm1066-489461.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-07-13-911-event-banner&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 17, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Melanie Nelson
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 214-2281
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:melanie@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Melanie Nelson&quot;&gt;melanie@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;August 17, 2021 (Saint Paul, Minn.)&lt;/strong&gt;— The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-456607&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;9/11 and GWOT Remembrance Task Force&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;9-11-gwot-task-force&quot;&gt;9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force&lt;/a&gt;, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event open to the public on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds September 11th.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The “9/11 Day of Remembrance” will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/01 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony at 9:00 a.m. to include an aircraft flyover, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Speakers will include retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other elements of the day will include a documentary screening of Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp;amp; the War and museum display, Veteran support and discussions groups, live music, connection opportunities, children’s activities and more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This event is free and open to the public. Check the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA events page&lt;/a&gt; for the detailed event schedule. To learn more visit &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-456607&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;9-11-gwot-task-force&quot;&gt;www.minnesotaveteran.org/911&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;*Event will follow current COVID-19 prevention guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>496736</id><pubdate>2021-09-07T22:03:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds this September. The official “9/11 Day of Remembrance” is scheduled in-person for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. In addition to memorializing the events of that day and honoring those impacted, this event is focused on honoring the more than 40,000 Minnesota Veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism during the last 20 years as well as bringing the community together through a message of hope, unity and resilience.</Description><Audience/><Title>SAVE THE DATE: Sept. 11, 2021 </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>SAVE THE DATE: Sept. 11, 2021 </Title><title>2021-07-13-save-the-date-9-11-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-489459&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-07-13T14:55:56Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds this September. The official “9/11 Day of Remembrance” is scheduled in-person for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. In addition to memorializing the events of that day and honoring those impacted, this event is focused on honoring the more than 40,000 Minnesota Veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism during the last 20 years as well as bringing the community together through a message of hope, unity and resilience.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Ceremony to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and Honor Those Who Have Served Since </Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-07-13-911-event-banner_tcm1066-489461.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for MDVA, 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Task Force, Minnesota Military &amp;amp; Veterans Museum&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-07-13-911-event-banner&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 13, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Madeline Williams
&lt;br /&gt;
763-258-6196
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:madeline@snowglobepr.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Madeline Williams&quot;&gt;madeline@snowglobepr.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Saint Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; — The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/9-11-and-gwot-task-force/&quot; title=&quot;9/11 and GWOT Remembrance Task Force&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force&lt;/a&gt;, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds this September. The official “9/11 Day of Remembrance” is scheduled in-person for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. In addition to memorializing the events of that day and honoring those impacted, this event is focused on honoring the more than 40,000 Minnesota Veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism during the last 20 years as well as bringing the community together through a message of hope, unity and resilience.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/01 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony including aircraft flyovers, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors. Speakers will include Gov. Tim Walz, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other elements of the day will include a documentary screening of &lt;em&gt;Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 &amp;amp; the War&lt;/em&gt; and museum display, Veteran support and discussions groups, live music, food vendors, connection opportunities, children’s activities and more. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Check back to the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA events page&lt;/a&gt; for more information and detailed event schedules. These will be posted as they become available.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This event is free and open to the public&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;9/11 Day of Remembrance; All-day events, with a commemorative ceremony planned for 9 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/9-11-and-gwot-task-force/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/911&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Capitol Grounds&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;* Event will follow current COVID-19 prevention guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>489459</id><pubdate>2021-07-13T16:16:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title> Memorial Day Program Virtual This Year</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title> Memorial Day Program Virtual This Year</Title><title>2021-05-26-memorial-day-preston</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-483151&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-05-26T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Preston, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Preston prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Veterans Cemetery benefits from community support </Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 26, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Preston, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Preston prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are so fortunate to receive support from the community,” says Cemetery Administrator Robert Gross. “One example is an electric vehicle that improves access to visitors.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The six-passenger electric vehicle donated in 2019 was a collaborative donation from the 1st District Commander of the American Legion, Tri-State Area Legion, VFW, DAV, Auxiliary Groups and private donations. Donors wanted to provide easier access to burial sections for anyone who is experiencing ambulatory issues, as well as providing the Cemetery Administration team the ability to offer tours to visitors during pre-registration visits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“During a visit, a spouse of a Veteran who was interred in our inground cremation section informed me that due to ambulation issues, she had never been able to see her husband’s memorial marker in person,” Gross recalls. “With the electric vehicle, we were able to gain access to the row of her husband’s gravesite. From there, she was able to walk to the stone. She sat with her husband for 10 to 15 minutes. To us, this is a truly impactful example of customer service and providing our families with the highest level of care and attention.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The beautiful grounds of the Veterans Cemetery have benefitted from several donations over the years, including a Ventrac machine (a “jack of all trades” all-weather lawn care device that serves as a finish mower with vacuum ability), fertilizer spreader/sprayer, and a snow thrower and broom for clearing streets and walkways in the winter months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Donations to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are welcome and are tax deductible. More information on donations is available at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/donate/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Donation Grid Intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While COVID restrictions are beginning to ease, MDVA made the decision several months ago to hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. “We look forward to hosting our traditional in-person Memorial Day Program next year,” says Gross.&lt;/p&gt;
 
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA has again partnered with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31 and again on Sunday, June 6 at 8 a.m. A link to the program will also be posted on the MDVA website. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The three State Veterans Cemeteries (others located in Duluth and Preston) remain open and visitors are welcome to visit every day, and especially on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the Cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>483151</id><pubdate>2025-11-25T20:41:31Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Little Falls, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.</Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Day Program Virtual This Year</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Day Program Virtual This Year</Title><title>2021-05-26-memorial-day-little-falls</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-483150&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-05-26T15:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Little Falls, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Veterans Cemetery benefits from community support </Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 26, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Little Falls, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – As the Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are so fortunate to receive support from the community,” says Cemetery Administrator Erik Sogge. “One example is the information sign outside the cemetery’s Administration building.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A 6’ x 5’ cemetery information sign was installed outside of the cemetery’s Administration Building in late 2019. The sign was donated as a Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota Commander’s Project. Rick Jarvis, State Commander from 2018-2019, offered the generous contribution to the State Veterans Cemetery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Jarvis worked closely with Cemetery staff and local vendors to design a structure that would be informative and conform to the overall aesthetics of the cemetery. The sign includes important cemetery information that positively impacts thousands of visitors annually, in addition to a large cemetery map to assist families and guests in finding their loved one’s gravesite. A custom granite base uses the same material that can be seen throughout the cemetery grounds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls has been fortunate to have received several donations from generous individuals like Mr. Jarvis,” notes Sogge. “These contributions enhance the cemetery’s ability to serve our Veterans and their loved ones, while providing a lasting impact that will benefit the facility for years to come.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Donations to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are welcome and are tax deductible. More information on donations is available at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/donate/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Donation Grid Intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While COVID restrictions are beginning to ease, MDVA made the decision several months ago to hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. “We look forward to hosting our traditional in-person Memorial Day Program next year,” says Sogge.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA has again partnered with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31 and again on Sunday, June 6 at 8 a.m. A link to the program will also be posted on the MDVA website. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The three State Veterans Cemeteries (others located in Duluth and Preston) remain open and visitors are welcome to visit every day, and especially on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the Cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>483150</id><pubdate>2025-11-25T20:41:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Duluth, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Duluth prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.
</Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Day Program Virtual This Year</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Day Program Virtual This Year</Title><title>2021-05-26-memorial-day-duluth</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-483149&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-05-26T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Duluth, Minn. – As the Veterans Cemetery in Duluth prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Veterans Cemetery benefits from community support </Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 26, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Duluth, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – As the Veterans Cemetery in Duluth prepares for Memorial Day, the staff also acknowledge the benefits of a caring and generous community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are so fortunate to receive support from the community,” says Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson. “One example is the ‘Walking into the Unknown’ memorial. This monument, along with the entirety of our Memorial Walkway, was constructed through a major donation effort led by John Marshall, our current Memorial Rifle Squad Commander.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The intent of this project was to honor Vietnam Veterans with exposure to agent orange. The interpretive text states: “This statue is a product of the love a son has for his father – a Vietnam Veteran and a casualty of Agent Orange Exposure.” Nearly every day, the Cemetery staff see a Veteran peacefully sitting on one of the flanking benches. Often they are there for 20 minutes or more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I cannot speak to the experiences those Veterans may be reflecting on, but the image of them sitting alone in peace is a powerful one,” Johnson says. “It’s truly a priceless work of art and a conduit for healing, remembrance and love. Every generation of Veterans may interpret the monument differently, but the solemn moment of reflection remains the same.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Marshall raised nearly $125,000 through donors and major contributors to fund the projects. Donations to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are welcome and are tax deductible. More information on donations is available at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/donate/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Donate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Donation Grid Intro&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While COVID restrictions are beginning to ease, MDVA made the decision several months ago to hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. “We look forward to hosting our traditional in-person Memorial Day Program next year,” says Johnson.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA has again partnered with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31 and again on Sunday, June 6 at 8 a.m. A link to the program will also be posted on the MDVA website. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The three State Veterans Cemeteries (others located in Little Falls and Preston) remain open and visitors are welcome to visit every day, and especially on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the Cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>483149</id><pubdate>2025-11-25T20:41:27Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. As variants of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to increases in positive cases throughout the state, MDVA is taking a cautious approach by providing a virtual event to recognize Memorial Day as was done in 2020. The cemeteries remain open and visitors are welcome to visit on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the cemeteries.</Description><Audience/><Title>State Veterans Cemeteries Holding Virtual Memorial Day Program</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State Veterans Cemeteries Holding Virtual Memorial Day Program</Title><title>2021-04-23-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-477309&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-04-23T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. As variants of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to increases in positive cases throughout the state, MDVA is taking a cautious approach by providing a virtual event to recognize Memorial Day as was done in 2020. The cemeteries remain open and visitors are welcome to visit on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the cemeteries.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
April 23, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. As variants of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to increases in positive cases throughout the state, MDVA is taking a cautious approach by providing a virtual event to recognize Memorial Day as was done in 2020. The cemeteries remain open and visitors are welcome to visit on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Historically, the Memorial Day events at our three State Veterans Cemeteries have drawn thousands of visitors. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires a continued commitment to the health and safety of our Cemetery families and staff,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. &quot;Building on the success of last year’s program, we are confident that we can again virtually honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA will again partner with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More details on the program will be shared in the coming weeks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach, and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>477309</id><pubdate>2021-05-26T17:06:34Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>While the focus of the last year has been on protecting seniors from the coronavirus pandemic, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have continued a holistic approach to residents’ care by expanding an oral health program that provides on-site dental services, thanks in part to a generous grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation.</Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Homes Residents Benefit from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation Grant</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Homes Residents Benefit from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation Grant</Title><title>2021-04-22-delta-dental-grant</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-477416&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-04-22T16:29:58Z</Date><ShortDescription>While the focus of the last year has been on protecting seniors from the coronavirus pandemic, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have continued a holistic approach to residents’ care by expanding an oral health program that provides on-site dental services, thanks in part to a generous grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
April 23, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; While the focus of the last year has been on protecting seniors from the coronavirus pandemic, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have continued a holistic approach to residents’ care by expanding an oral health program that provides on-site dental services, thanks in part to a generous grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Residents of the Veterans Homes, similar to Minnesota’s overall elderly population, may have a variety of chronic health issues, many directly affected by poor oral health such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, history of stroke and respiratory diseases to name a few. While important to overall health, oral health is often lacking in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“In general, there is a lack of a proper oral health education program and training for the elderly,” explains Simone Hogan, Senior Director - Veterans Healthcare, MDVA. “The Minnesota Veterans Homes are closing the gap on continuity of care and the importance of good oral care, which has a direct impact on overall health.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;On-site dental care&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In June 2018, the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis opened its on-site dental clinic (the first in the nation!) through the support of the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation and other community organizations. A second grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation awarded in December 2020 is furthering the Veterans Homes’ mission to provide dental services to 700+ residents of all five Minnesota Veterans Homes. In addition to Minneapolis, Minnesota Veterans Home are located in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne and Silver Bay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are extremely grateful to the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation for their generous support,” said Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare, MDVA. “Our oral health initiative is a program that emphasizes and supports the concept that oral health is important at every age and it has a direct correlation to one’s overall health.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The latest Foundation grant will fund expansion of preventive services through products, equipment and oral healthcare education and training for staff. Each outstate location will receive a special mobile dental chair. The mobile clinic will also purchase back-up equipment such as a sterilizer, portable x-ray machine and a portable compressor.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Katie McNamara, RDH, Veterans Homes Dental Coordinator, is excited to see the oral health program expand. “This new funding will help us provide products that are a benefit to all residents. These products are inexpensive and non-invasive ways to treat and prevent decay, especially in this elderly population.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Indeed, over the past three years, the Veterans Homes Dental staff have observed that the use of these products plus regular preventive cleanings have resulted in improved gingival health and retention of dentition due to a general decrease in oral bacteria. The Dental team believes that a concerted effort using these products will keep this trend moving forward.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;Staff training&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“The staff education component is the piece I’m most passionate about,” Katie says. The Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation Grant is supporting the development and implementation of a comprehensive oral health education program for direct-caregiver staff. “This is a pivitol component in our program,” Katie believes. “This piece will give staff both the knowledge and skills to properly monitor and address specific oral care needs of the challenging senior population we serve.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Because the Dental team only sees residents once or twice a year, direct-caregivers and family members are key to overseeing and maintaining residents’ oral health. “This truly completes the circle of care and the importance of good oral care, which has direct impact on overall health” Katie notes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition to Katie who is a Dental Hygienist, the Veterans Homes’ dedicated Dental staff includes Dentist Dr. Marcus Gustafson, DDS, and Dental Assistant Christee Kordosky.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;Success stories&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Silver Bay Veterans Home has realized the benefits of a comprehensive oral health program. Two residents in particular are all smiles now due to dental care they received.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In 2020, Resident David Beasley&lt;/strong&gt; had been hospitalized for more than three months due to several medical challenges. When he was released back to the Silver Bay Veterans Home, he was not able to eat very well because of changes with his dentition and his lower partial. He was losing weight which affected his overall recovery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Because he was not a candidate to see a local dentist, the Dental team’s Dentist Dr. Gustafson and Dental Hygienist Katie McNamara traveled to Silver Bay to assess Mr. Beasley’s situation and provided necessary adjustments to his lower partial. This improved his ability to eat more substantial food, leading to weight gain and a better recovery. The Dental team also educated him about his immediate and long-term options, once he was in a better health. He so appreciated the visit.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While at the Silver Bay Home, the Dental team also assessed five other residents with dental concerns and developed a plan to treat them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;More recently, in February Resident Richard Bunker&lt;/strong&gt; needed an infected upper molar extraction; the procedure was successfully completed on site. This allowed the resident to avoid leaving the premises and traveling to see an oral surgeon in Duluth, a potentially lengthy and tiring trip. The Dental team was able to monitor Richard’s post-op recovery to ensure a good outcome.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Dental team and their important services have been warmly welcomed at the Minnesota Veterans Homes. They are proud to provide this special care, leaving everyone all smiles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach, and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>477416</id><pubdate>2021-05-26T17:06:11Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that all three of Minnesota’s proposed new State Veterans Homes projects, to be located in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, will receive federal funding this year. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released the State Home Construction Grants Fiscal Year 2021 Conditional Approvals.</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Announces Federal Funding for Three New Minnesota Veterans Homes </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Announces Federal Funding for Three New Minnesota Veterans Homes </Title><title>2021-04-01-new-veterans-homes</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-476141&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-03-30T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that all three of Minnesota’s proposed new State Veterans Homes projects, to be located in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, will receive federal funding this year. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released the State Home Construction Grants Fiscal Year 2021 Conditional Approvals.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Minnesota Veterans Homes will be located in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 30, 2021
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Teddy Tschann
&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:teddy.tschann@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Teddy Tschann&quot;&gt;teddy.tschann@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
651-402-8841
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that all three of Minnesota’s proposed new State Veterans Homes projects, to be located in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, will receive federal funding this year. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released the State Home Construction Grants Fiscal Year 2021 Conditional Approvals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“As a Veteran myself, I recognize the obligation we have as a state and a country to deliver on the benefits our Veterans have earned,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“We are pleased to be able to expand our State Veterans Homes into three new communities to serve our elderly Veterans living in all corners on the state.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $33 million toward the cost of the projects. The funding plan is a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and community-provided monies (35 percent).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We appreciate the Minnesota Legislature’s past support of our Veterans and these projects,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Herke. &lt;strong&gt;“The approval of federal funds will allow us to now move forward with construction. The planning and design process is nearly complete and now with this exciting news, those final touches can be made.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The three new Minnesota Veterans Homes projects are slated to receive more than $80 million in federal VA funds. By June 30, MDVA will complete the Federal VA grant application process to obtain the funds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA leaders have worked closely with local elected officials and Veterans’ stakeholders on the planning for the new Veterans Homes. The communities of Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston have been very engaged in the process, donating land for the building sites and raising additional funds to support amenities for the new homes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;In Bemidji, the proposed facility reflects a North Woods cabin design for the public spaces as well as the 72 residential units that are split into two sections, avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Montevideo facility blends into the local prairie style environment with 72 residential units as well as a large community meeting room.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;In Preston, the facility will enjoy fantastic views from its hilltop location that includes 54 residential units.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Construction could begin as early as early fall 2021 with an anticipated 18-month construction schedule.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>476141</id><pubdate>2021-05-26T17:06:11Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –The Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV of Minnesota) has awarded $28,600 to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to support the expansion of the MN Veterans Home mobile dental clinic. The Minnesota Veterans Homes mobile dental clinic is unique among a few in the state that provides on-site dental care to residents of long-term care facilities. MDVA hopes to serve more than 250 residents of the three outstate Veterans Homes, providing quality dental care.</Description><Audience/><Title>DAV of MN Awards $28,600 to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for New Mobile Dental Clinic</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>DAV of MN Awards $28,600 to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for New Mobile Dental Clinic</Title><title>2021-01-12-dav-dental-dontation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-463001&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-12-15T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –The Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV of Minnesota) has awarded $28,600 to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to support the expansion of the MN Veterans Home mobile dental clinic. The Minnesota Veterans Homes mobile dental clinic is unique among a few in the state that provides on-site dental care to residents of long-term care facilities. MDVA hopes to serve more than 250 residents of the three outstate Veterans Homes, providing quality dental care.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-01-13-dav-and-mdva_tcm1066-463003.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA and DAV of MN&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA and DAV of MN&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-01-13-dav-and-mdva&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 15, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-01-13-check_tcm1066-463010.jpg&quot; title=&quot;DAV of MN Donation Check&quot; alt=&quot;DAV of MN Donation Check&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 50%; height: auto; margin: 15px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-01-13-check&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; –The Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV of Minnesota) has awarded $28,600 to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to support the expansion of the MN Veterans Home mobile dental clinic. The Minnesota Veterans Homes mobile dental clinic is unique among a few in the state that provides on-site dental care to residents of long-term care facilities. MDVA hopes to serve more than 250 residents of the three outstate Veterans Homes, providing quality dental care.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The DAV of Minnesota’s award will cover the costs of a two-year vehicle lease which will allow for easy transport of the mobile dental equipment in a safe and secure way. It also will fund the purchase of dental equipment that minimizes aerosols and maintains a safe air environment, so important during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Dental services have been seen has a high-risk medical service during the pandemic, and any system that filters the air improves the safety of both our Residents and staff.  MDVA Dental staff who are so grateful to make use of this award include Dr. Marcus Gustafson, DDS; Katie McNamara, Dental Coordinator and Dental Hygienist; and Christee Kordosky, Dental Assistant.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The mobile clinic will travel across the state to the three outstate Minnesota Veterans Homes located in Fergus Falls, Luverne and Silver Bay. The Minneapolis Veterans Home serves its residents through an on-site dental clinic.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Stephen Whitehead, National and Minnesota State Commander for DAV, expressed his excitement. “DAV of Minnesota is grateful to be able to provide MDVA with this donation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this program will make on veterans all around the state.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Healthcare at MDVA, said, “This innovative program will help serve even more of our Veterans in a more comprehensive way. Not everyone has access to quality dental care, so we are working to find ways that break the barrier to services that every Veteran deserves.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The dental team completed their first trip in the new vehicle to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home in October. Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, visits have been temporarily paused, however we look forward to resuming services in 2021 with a robust travel schedule on the calendar.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2021-01-13-vehicle_tcm1066-463011.jpg&quot; title=&quot;DAV of MN Vehicle Donation&quot; alt=&quot;DAV of MN Vehicle Donation&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; margin: 15px; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2021-01-13-vehicle&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Disabled American Veterans&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Minnesota is a membership organization made up exclusively of Minnesota men and women disabled in our nation’s defense. They are dedicated to a single purpose, fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served our country. With more than 19,000 members and 32 chapters statewide, the DAV of Minnesota works to improve the lives of veterans and their families. For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://davmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;DAV of MN&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;https://davmn.org/&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach, and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 8pt;&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Homes provide long-term and skilled nursing services to 574 Veterans and spouses at four locations, and also provide Domiciliary Care to an additional 150 Veterans at the Hastings and Minneapolis Veterans Homes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>463001</id><pubdate>2021-01-13T21:49:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our state and country.</Description><Audience/><Title>REMINDER: State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to go virtual</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>REMINDER: State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to go virtual</Title><title>2020-11-10-reminder-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-452787&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-11-09T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>
St. Paul, Minn. – The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our state and country.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
November 10, 2020&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-450450&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020&lt;/a&gt;. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our state and country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“While we are unable to gather in person this year, the importance of recognizing Minnesota’s Veterans for their service and sacrifice has not diminished,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We encourage all Minnesotans to take a moment to thank the Veterans in their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The recorded program will include music and remarks from:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Governor Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Todd Kemery, Chair of the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA employees&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will be hosted by U.S Army Gulf War Veteran and WCCO-TV reporter Reg Chapman.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA reminds Minnesota Veterans financially impacted by COVID-19 to consider applying for one of three COVID Relief Grants. In March, MDVA was allocated $6.2 million in state funding to assist Veterans via the Disaster Relief Grant, the Special Needs Grant or the Distance Learning Support Grant. For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-425565&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>452787</id><pubdate>2020-11-12T22:38:30Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our state and country.</Description><Audience/><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to go Virtual</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event to go Virtual</Title><title>2020-10-28-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-451463&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-10-28T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our state and country.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 28, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 30-minute recorded program will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11 on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-450450&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020&lt;/a&gt;. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) invites all Minnesotans to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served our state and country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“While we are unable to gather in person this year, the importance of recognizing Minnesota’s Veterans for their service and sacrifice has not diminished,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We encourage all Minnesotans to take a moment to thank the Veterans in their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The recorded program will include music and remarks from:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Governor Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Todd Kemery, Chair of the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA employees&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will be hosted by U.S Army Gulf War Veteran and WCCO-TV reporter Reg Chapman.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA reminds Minnesota Veterans financially impacted by COVID-19 to consider applying for one of three COVID Relief Grants. In March, MDVA was allocated $6.2 million in state funding to assist Veterans via the Disaster Relief Grant, the Special Needs Grant or the Distance Learning Support Grant. For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-425565&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>451463</id><pubdate>2020-10-28T13:25:17Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently notified the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) of their plans to award a grant in FY 2021 to establish a State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood County. MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke responded to the NCA and accepted the grant offer.</Description><Audience/><Title>Grant funding offered to build new Veterans Cemetery in Redwood County</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Grant funding offered to build new Veterans Cemetery in Redwood County</Title><title>2020-10-21-grant-funding-offered-to-build-cemetery-in-redwood-county</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-450523&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-10-15T15:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently notified the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) of their plans to award a grant in FY 2021 to establish a State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood County. MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke responded to the NCA and accepted the grant offer.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 15, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn&lt;/strong&gt;. – The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently notified the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) of their plans to award a grant in FY 2021 to establish a State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood County. MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke responded to the NCA and accepted the grant offer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The tentative grant amount is $5.9 million. “We appreciate the NCA’s support in expanding the State Veterans Cemeteries in Minnesota,” said Commissioner Herke. “This grant funding is an important first step in making this new cemetery a reality.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Congressman Collin Peterson applauds the decision that would serve more than 22,000 Veterans, their spouses and eligible family members. As a Veteran of the National Guard and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Peterson has worked on the federal level to secure this award.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“It is very important to me that those who have served our nation are honored throughout their lives and are laid to rest with the respect and appreciation they deserve,” Peterson said. “It’s taken over 10 years of relentless advocacy by many people and groups to get to this point. I’m honored that I could help in the effort to get federal funding for this important project.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Acceptance of this grant opportunity begins a year-long process in design, planning and hopefully the final award of the grant dollars to MDVA at the start of federal fiscal year 2022, which begins October 1, 2021. MDVA is working with Redwood County officials to confirm the state’s ownership of the property as a first step.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the process will take some time, MDVA Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay noted: “Thanks to the assistance and willingness of Redwood County to make this investment. It allows us to improve services to the Veterans of the State of Minnesota and their families.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Peterson added, “I remain committed to supporting our Veterans and prioritizing projects like this and the Veterans Homes proposed for Minnesota. It’s why I sought my seat on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>450523</id><pubdate>2020-10-21T15:40:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Today the Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is under new leadership as Administrator Daren Rife assumes his new role.</Description><Audience/><Title>Silver Bay Veterans Home welcomes new administrator</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Silver Bay Veterans Home welcomes new administrator</Title><title>2020-10-15-new-silver-bay-administrator</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-450570&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-10-15T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Today the Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is under new leadership as Administrator Daren Rife assumes his new role.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 15, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Silver Bay, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Today the Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is under new leadership as Administrator Daren Rife assumes his new role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2020-10-15-daren-rife_tcm1066-450564.jpg&quot; title=&quot;New Silver Bay Administrator, Daren Rife&quot; alt=&quot;New Silver Bay Administrator, Daren Rife&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; margin: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2020-10-15-daren-rife&quot; /&gt;Rife, LNHA, joins the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs from Good Samaritan in Jackson, Minnesota, with more than eight years of experience with that organization where he served at two different locations in southwest Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Daren has successfully served for over eight years as the administrator of two Good Samaritan care facilities in Southwest Minnesota,” said Douglas Hughes, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “Daren will continue his successful career as a long-term care administrator at the Silver Bay, Minnesota State Veterans Home. He and his family are looking forward to moving into the area and becoming part of the community.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Rife is looking forward to moving his family to the Silver Bay area, leading and continuing the outstanding service to Residents, families and staff at the Veterans Home. He is also looking forward to continuing to coach his two young boys in hockey.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The previous Silver Bay Veterans Home Administrator Carol Gilbertson retired in early September after serving for 12 years. Since her departure, the home has benefitted from the leadership of Interim Administrator Craig Smith, LNHA. Craig successfully filled in at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings in the past.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Silver Bay Veterans Home recently received very positive feedback from the Minnesota Department of Health staff who completed a survey focused on infection control and COVID-19. The survey results included a rating of “total compliance” with “no deficiencies.” “MDH staff were very complimentary,” Hughes said. “We are doing the right things and taking the right precautions in keeping Residents safe.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is a skilled nursing facility with a focus on memory and dementia services that cares for up to 83 Residents and employs approximately 150 staff.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>450570</id><pubdate>2020-10-21T17:51:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – America’s longest war – the Global War on Terrorism – started with the attacks on American soil on September 11, 2001.

In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) has formed a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day.</Description><Audience/><Title>20th Anniversary of 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Focus of New Taskforce</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>20th Anniversary of 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Focus of New Taskforce</Title><title>2020-09-10-gwot-taskforce</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-445973&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-09-10T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – America’s longest war – the Global War on Terrorism – started with the attacks on American soil on September 11, 2001.

In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) has formed a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 10, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; America’s longest war – the Global War on Terrorism – started with the attacks on American soil on September 11, 2001.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) has formed a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke underscored the urgency of this undertaking. “Memories fade with time. Veterans and their families will benefit from this opportunity to share their stories, some dating back nearly two decades, with future generations,” Herke said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Remembering and honoring the Minnesotan lives lost and impacted by the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) will be an important role of the new taskforce.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Some Minnesotans found themselves on the frontline in 2001. The 20-year GWOT has been increasingly fought by the citizen-soldiers of the Reserves and National Guard. Thousands of service members from Minnesota have been deployed overseas, placing tremendous strain on their families. While whole units have often experienced deployment ceremonies and homecomings, the service of individuals has been unique to the post-9/11 experience. Drawn from active duty, National Guard and military Reserves, the experience of these sailors, soldiers, airmen, and marines has been more solitary.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Here at home, many Minnesota companies and communities sought to support our troops beyond yellow ribbons. Patriotism has been amplified through events and activities honoring both troops and veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new taskforce will be facilitated by MDVA and chaired by Commissioner Herke and will include one member each from the Minnesota Senate and Minnesota House of Representatives, two MDVA staff, a member from the Minnesota Military Museum, and up to eight citizen members, selected by the appointing authority, Commissioner Herke. The public members were selected for their interest in conducting public history programs and their personal experience with the events of September 11, 2001 or the resulting deployments of military service. The taskforce members will serve two-year appointments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Central to their work will be advising the Minnesota Military Museum on their sweeping, statewide initiative to gather Minnesota stories – from service members and civilians – about America’s longest war. Museum Director and taskforce member Randal Dietrich said that the museum will host monthly online discussions to engage a broad, statewide audience.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The time to preserve these records and reflect on this era is now,” Dietrich said. Personal accounts are being collected via the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org/&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Military Museum website&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;museum’s website&lt;/a&gt; and the public is encouraged to share their stories. Story gathering will continue for the duration of the taskforce&apos;s work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Taskforce member Mariah Jacobsen has a personal connection to 9/11. Minnesota native and 9/11 hero Tom Burnett is Jacobsen’s biological father. While she never met Burnett before his death in the 9/11 plane crash in Pennsylvania, Jacobsen remembers the day clearly. She first learned of the attacks while at school as a junior attending Cretin High School (now Cretin-Derham Hall High School) in St. Paul. As the details of the horrific day’s events became more clear, she felt anxious. “I remember coming home from school and was inconsolable,” she recalls. “I felt like I lost someone.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2004, she learned Burnett was her biological father and quickly connected and bonded with his widow and daughters. She hopes serving on Minnesota 9/11 and GWOT Taskforce will be a way to honor Burnett and all those who have sacrificed their lives. “Tom’s life is so important to me, even though I didn’t get to meet him,” Jacobsen shares. “He acted with fortitude and decisiveness in the moment. When I saw the opportunity to serve on the taskforce, I knew I had to jump at it.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new taskforce will hold its first quarterly meeting September 17 and begin to articulate their goals for the 20th anniversary remembrance and beyond.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, contact Mike McElhiney, MDVA Chief of Staff, at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:mike.mcelhiney@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Mike McElhiney&quot;&gt;mike.mcelhiney@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;###&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>445973</id><pubdate>2020-10-21T15:42:09Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring a virtual Memorial Day program in partnership with Twin Cities PBS-TPT. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic prohibits the live events traditionally held at the three State Veterans Cemeteries located in Little Falls, Preston and Duluth.</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA sponsoring virtual Memorial Day program</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA sponsoring virtual Memorial Day program</Title><title>2020-05-19-memorial-day-always-remember-tpt</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-432707&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-05-19T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring a virtual Memorial Day program in partnership with Twin Cities PBS-TPT. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic prohibits the live events traditionally held at the three State Veterans Cemeteries located in Little Falls, Preston and Duluth.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 19, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring a virtual Memorial Day program in partnership with &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tpt.org/&quot; title=&quot;TPT&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Twin Cities PBS-TPT&lt;/a&gt;. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic prohibits the live events traditionally held at the three State Veterans Cemeteries located in Little Falls, Preston and Duluth.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While a live event will not be held, the three State Veterans Cemeteries remain open for visitors who are encouraged to follow the StaySafeMN order and limit groups to 10 or fewer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. &quot;This year we will mark this special day in a new and different way, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;TPT has created a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans We’ve Lost,” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25 and on TPT2 Sunday, May 31 at 8 a.m. The program can also be live streamed &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tpt.org/always-remember-minnesota-tribute-veterans-weve-lost/about/&quot; title=&quot;TPT: Always Remember&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;online from the TPT website&lt;/a&gt; and on Facebook. The program will be rebroadcast on TPT several times throughout June and July and will also be available online after it premieres.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories from both Gold Star mothers and Veterans about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, as well as music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>432707</id><pubdate>2020-05-20T14:46:01Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors.</Description><Audience/><Title>State Veterans Cemeteries to hold virtual Memorial Day program</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State Veterans Cemeteries to hold virtual Memorial Day program</Title><title>2020-05-07-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-431097&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-05-07T12:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 7, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. &quot; This year we will mark this special day in a new and different way, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is partnering with &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tpt.org/&quot; title=&quot;TPT&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Twin Cities PBS-TPT&lt;/a&gt; to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans we’ve lost,” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More details on the program will be shared in the coming weeks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>431097</id><pubdate>2020-05-07T12:42:49Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</Description><Audience/><Title>$6.2 million in COVID-19 Grants available to Minnesota Veterans</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>$6.2 million in COVID-19 Grants available to Minnesota Veterans</Title><title>2020-04-06-covid-19-grants-available</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-426923&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-04-06T19:30:14Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
April 6, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Minnesota Veterans impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Starting Monday, April 6 at 8 a.m., MDVA will be accepting applications from Minnesota Veterans who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. MDVA will award one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000. Funding is available for both Disaster Relief Grants and Special Needs Grants.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are grateful to Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature for their support of Minnesota Veterans in the recently enacted Emergency Response package,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “Minnesota Veterans have served our country in many past conflicts, so it is only right that we support them now during this challenging time.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Eligible Applicants must be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A Veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran as defined by MN Statute 197.447;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A Minnesota Resident, and;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Negatively financial impacted by COVID-19.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;To apply for the Disaster Relief Grant:&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Contact your local &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Find your CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)&lt;/a&gt; or MDVA Field Operations Representative at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:FO.MDVA@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Field Operations Representatives&quot;&gt;FO.MDVA@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; OR apply online at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-425565&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelie&lt;/a&gt;f.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;To apply for the Special Needs Grant:&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer or MDVA Field Operations Representative.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To identify or contact your local CVSO, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html&quot; title=&quot;Findyour CVSO&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MACVSO.org&lt;/a&gt;. For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-425565&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>426923</id><pubdate>2020-04-06T19:43:00Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was notified that none of Minnesota’s new State Veterans Homes projects (to be located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston) will receive federal funding this year. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released the State Home Construction Grants FY2020 Conditional Approvals.</Description><Audience/><Title>New Minnesota Veterans Homes unfunded in VA budget</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>New Minnesota Veterans Homes unfunded in VA budget</Title><title>2020-03-24-funding-update</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-424587&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-03-24T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was notified that none of Minnesota’s new State Veterans Homes projects (to be located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston) will receive federal funding this year. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released the State Home Construction Grants FY2020 Conditional Approvals.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 24, 2020
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was notified that none of Minnesota’s new State Veterans Homes projects (to be located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston) will receive federal funding this year. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released the State Home Construction Grants FY2020 Conditional Approvals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“While we are disappointed that none of our new homes’ projects secured critical federal support in this funding cycle, we recognize that Minnesota is competing with other states’ projects for the same pool of federal money,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We remain committed to these projects and will continue to pursue these funding requests going forward.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Because demand for grant funds exceeds available funding, the VA maintains a rolling project funding priority list. The list is updated annually and projects that do not receive funding remain on the list until they are funded, or the applicant withdraws the application. The VA prioritizes funding for safety concerns at existing homes, funding for states which have not previously applied, and for those states with the highest “unmet bed need.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The VA conditionally approved 22 projects in seven states for a total of $122.5 million that includes only one new construction project: a 64-bed facility in Post Falls, ID.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;With 22 projects now approved, the list of projects seeking federal VA funding is now shorter. The three new Minnesota Veterans Homes projects – seeking $79 million total – are ranked the 39th, 40th and 41st projects on the FY 2020 Grants Priority List Group 1. The total value of Priority Group 1 applications on the FY 2020 Grants list is $512.6 million.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $33 million toward the cost of the projects. The funding plan is a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We appreciate the Minnesota Legislature’s support of our Veterans and these projects,” Herke said. “We are committed to completing these projects and will leave in place our federal funding requests for all three new homes projects.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>424587</id><pubdate>2020-03-24T17:10:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Minnesota Wins National Award for Helping Veterans Access Education Benefits The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Application Tracking System, developed by Minnesota IT Services, receives Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA and MN.IT Win Pillars of Excellence Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Wins National Award for Helping Veterans Access Education Benefits</Title><title>2020-03-03-vats-poe-award</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-421780&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-03-09T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&apos; Veterans Application Tracking System, developed by Minnesota IT Services, received Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/mdva-and-mnit-logos_tcm1066-422261.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA and MN.IT logos&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA and MN.IT logos&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;mdva-and-mnit-logos&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, MN&lt;/strong&gt; –  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs presented the Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award to the Minnesota’s Veterans Application Tracking System (VATS), a joint project between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Minnesota IT Services (MNIT). VATS transformed the way Veterans in Minnesota apply for and receive education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill. Since July 2019, 2,600 Veterans have successfully used VATS.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On February 24, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke accepted the award on behalf of the state from VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. The Pillar of Excellence Award recognizes outstanding programs that support Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&quot;Receiving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs&apos; Abraham Pillar of Excellence Award is a great honor,&quot;&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Tim Walz. &lt;strong&gt;&quot;Those who raise their hand to serve our country exhibit extraordinary courage, discipline, and sacrifice, and they deserve the best from their state and nation when they return home. I am proud of our state&apos;s work to make Minnesota a leader in taking care of our Veterans.&quot;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA ensures that Veterans have access to the range of earned benefits, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Through the Minnesota GI Bill, Veterans along with eligible spouses and children, have access to a maximum benefit of $10,000 to use for higher education, on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs, or to reimburse fees for licenses, certification or college admission exams.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The VATS-Education module is an amazing example of how technology can be utilized to create better outcomes for Minnesotans, especially for our Veterans,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota IT Services Commissioner Tarek Tomes. &lt;strong&gt;“Veterans are not only entitled to these education benefits, they are entitled to be able to access those benefits in the most efficient way possible.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“MDVA understands the importance of the educational benefits granted by the Minnesota GI Bill in improving our Veteran’s lives, and therefore the health of our community,” states MDVA Commissioner Herke. “We are committed to informing Veterans of the many possibilities available to them.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To better access earned education benefits, MNIT and MDVA developed the application tracking system. VATS streamlines the application process then shares and manages Veterans’ needs with stakeholders on Minnesota’s institutes of higher learning.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Applying for the Minnesota GI Bill through the Veterans Application Tracking System has allowed me to not only pay for classes and books but also allows me to reduce how much I had to take out in student loans, which will not only benefit me while I&apos;m in school but far into the future,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Veteran Raymond Camper.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Veterans submit applications online while accessing a single database that houses information for all Minnesota education programs and services. With consolidated electronic case notes, a formerly weeks-long application process for reimbursement of tuition can be completed within a single day. VATS was developed with flexibility in mind, so the system can easily accommodate changes like adding a new benefit type, business policy or process, or making modifications to comply with legislative mandates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;VATS replaced multiple manual, paper-based processes, and an existing 15+ year old application that was expensive and difficult to support. With VATS-Education in place, there are now automated workflows for approvals, appeals and denials, and MDVA staff can access the system to make decisions on benefits from wherever they may be.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 8pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot;&gt;About Minnesota IT Services&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,000 people across 90 physical locations. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.5 million Minnesotans.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>421780</id><pubdate>2020-03-10T14:32:00Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Minnesota has been selected to participate in the “Governor’s Challenge” to eliminate Veteran death by suicide, a collaborative effort with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). </Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota selected for ‘Governor’s Challenge’ to eliminate Veteran death by suicide</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota selected for ‘Governor’s Challenge’ to eliminate Veteran death by suicide</Title><title>2020-03-04-veteran-suicide</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-421871&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-03-04T18:13:50Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota has been selected to participate in the “Governor’s Challenge” to eliminate Veteran death by suicide, a collaborative effort with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;background-color: transparent; width: 1161.6px; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota has been selected to participate in the “Governor’s Challenge” to eliminate Veteran death by suicide, a collaborative effort with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For several years, SAMHSA has partnered with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to bring the “Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families” to states and communities across the nation.&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Death by suicide has claimed more than 100 Minnesota Veteran lives per year during the past five years. “As a member of the Army National Guard for 24 years, suicide in our veteran community is a tragedy that I take personally,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Those who raise their hand to serve our country deserve the best care and services our nation and state can provide. We must work together to provide Veterans with immediate access to quality, culturally competent mental healthcare and make bipartisan progress toward eliminating Veteran suicide entirely. Minnesota can—and will—lead on Veteran issues.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To support the success of this initiative, Governor Walz has directed multiple state agencies – including the Minnesota Departments of Veterans Affairs, Military Affairs, Higher Education, Human Services, Health and Agriculture – to prioritize this effort and work collaboratively along with other state, federal and local partners. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will serve as the coordinator of the efforts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is identifying additional Governor’s Challenge participants from other State agencies as well as other Federal and local partners. “We are confident that using a collaborative approach – like our work to end Veteran homelessness – will position us to make a similarly positive impact in the area of preventing Veteran suicide,” said Larry Herke, MDVA Commissioner. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Added MG Jon Jensen, The Adjutant General - Minnesota: “The Minnesota National Guard is encouraged by this collaborative effort, under Governor Walz’ ‘One Minnesota’ approach, to ending Veteran Suicide. We look forward to participating in the Governor&apos;s Challenge to end Veterans death by suicide. One Veteran suicide is one too many.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Eliminating Veteran suicide is a goal all Minnesotans should embrace,” said Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We need the right behavioral health services across the state—from crisis to clinics to chemical dependency—so that Veterans get the help they need.”  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Expertise from other state agencies will prove invaluable. The Minnesota Department of Health has led suicide prevention and education initiatives among all Minnesota populations for many years, and the Department of Agriculture has more recently provided suicide awareness and prevention training in rural communities in response to an increase in suicide among farmers. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Through our work with farm suicide prevention, we’ve learned that asking questions and changing attitudes about discussing suicide are important steps in preventing it,” MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “We’re glad to contribute to this important effort to give people tools they can use to help prevent suicides among our state’s Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota will be one of seven states taking part in the 2020 Governor’s Challenge and working to implement state-wide suicide prevention best practices for Service Members, Veterans and their families using a public health approach. SAMHSA will provide technical assistance for this initiative.. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The work has already begun. Veteran Suicide Prevention Training is underway for all MDVA employees, many of whom have daily interactions with Minnesota Veterans. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;Media welcome to attend&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In preparation for national SAMHSA Academy training, the first meeting of the Minnesota Governor’s Challenge Team will take place Thursday, March 5 (8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and Friday, March 6 (8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.) at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis (5101 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis). The agenda includes:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Overview Presentation of the Governor’s Challenge Process, the SMVF TA Center, and Technical Assistance by Jasmin Brandow, SMVF TA Center&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Overview of history of Veteran suicide and goals by MDVA leadership&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;SWOT analysis &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gap analysis&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This session will lay the groundwork for the full SAMHSA training scheduled for late March. At that session, Governor’s Challenge planning teams will begin to develop a strategic action plan to prevent and reduce Veteran death by suicide and define and develop measurable outcomes to determine success of the programs.   &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/strong&gt; 
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>421871</id><pubdate>2020-03-04T19:35:35Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Two events to mark the reopening of the historic truss bridge that spans Minnehaha Creek on the campus of the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis. We will also be hosting an Open House for our new Education Center.</Description><Audience/><Title>Events planned for reopening of Historic Truss Bridge on Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis Campus</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Events planned for reopening of Historic Truss Bridge on Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis Campus</Title><title>2019-12-23-ma-mpls-bridge</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-414262&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-12-23T20:44:18Z</Date><ShortDescription>Two events to mark the reopening of the historic truss bridge that spans Minnehaha Creek on the campus of the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis. We will also be hosting an Open House for our new Education Center.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 23, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Two events to mark the reopening of the historic truss bridge that spans Minnehaha Creek on the campus of the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis. We will also be hosting an Open House for our new Education Center.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The “Walk, Woof &amp;amp; Bike” Pedestrian Preference event will permit pedestrians (dog walkers welcome!) and bicyclists to be among the first to cross the bridge.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The “Ribbon Cutting” ceremony will mark the bridge’s official opening; an Open House will be held to showcase the new Education Center as well.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The public is invited to both events hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Speakers will include MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare Douglas Hughes, Minnesota Department of Administration Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis, American Legion Alternate NEC MAN Peggy Moon, and leaders from the Minnesota State Senate and House who supported this project.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Walk, Woof &amp;amp; Bike” event: Wednesday, January 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy hot cocoa and a treat for your dog at the Building 15 entrance. Directional signs will be posted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Ribbon Cutting” ceremony: Thursday, January 9 at 2 p.m. Enter via Building 15. Directional signs will be posted.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis
&lt;br /&gt;
5101 Minnehaha Ave. So., Building 15
&lt;br /&gt;
Minneapolis, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RSVP:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For the “Ribbon Cutting” event only, please RSVP to Sandy Larson at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:sandy.larson@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Sandy Larson&quot;&gt;sandy.larson@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; by Monday, January 6. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No RSVP necessary for the “Walk, Woof &amp;amp; Bike” event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>414262</id><pubdate>2019-12-23T20:57:20Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Pearl Harbor 78th Remembrance Day Event – “a date which will live in infamy.” An event to remember and honor the 2,403 members of the armed services and civilians who were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and that led to the United States entering World War II. </Description><Audience/><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Event hosted at Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Event hosted at Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs</Title><title>2019-12-04-pearl-harbor-media-advisory</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-412288&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-12-04T17:29:21Z</Date><ShortDescription>Pearl Harbor 78th Remembrance Day Event – “a date which will live in infamy.” An event to remember and honor the 2,403 members of the armed services and civilians who were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and that led to the United States entering World War II. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 4, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Pearl Harbor 78th Remembrance Day Event – “a date which will live in infamy.” An event to remember and honor the 2,403 members of the armed services and civilians who were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and that led to the United States entering World War II.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The public is invited to join survivors and their family members of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke, members of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, and guest speaker Charlie Korlath, a Veteran of the U.S. Navy 1944 - 1948 who served as a Gunners Mate in the Pacific Theater. He is also a 38-year volunteer with the Memorial Rifle Squad and has made more than 22,000 flag presentations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, December 7, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;
Program: 10 - 11 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
Reception: 11 - 11:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Service Building, 20 W. 12th St., St. Paul, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>412288</id><pubdate>2019-12-04T17:31:35Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m. To help Minnesotans commemorate Veterans Day in their communities, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has also compiled a list of Veterans Day Events happening around Minnesota.</Description><Audience/><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><title>2019-11-05-ma-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-409407&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-11-05T18:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m. To help Minnesotans commemorate Veterans Day in their communities, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has also compiled a list of Veterans Day Events happening around Minnesota.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 5, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. &lt;strong&gt;Monday, November 11&lt;/strong&gt; at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m. To help Minnesotans commemorate Veterans Day in their communities, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has also compiled a list of &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/#/list/appId/2/filterType/Category/filterValue/Veterans%20Day%20Events/page/1/sort//order/&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Day Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Veterans Day Events&lt;/a&gt; happening around Minnesota.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Governor Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Remarks from members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Mayor George Tourville &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain Capt. Hickory Smith&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Vocalist SPC Daniel Heck
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, November 11, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.  – Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 – 11 a.m. - Program
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center
&lt;br /&gt;
8055 Barbara Avenue
&lt;br /&gt;
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;###&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>409407</id><pubdate>2019-11-05T18:57:35Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. </Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Home in Montevideo awaiting Federal funding decision</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Home in Montevideo awaiting Federal funding decision</Title><title>2019-10-16-montevideo-awaiting-funding-decision</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-409044&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-10-16T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. 
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 16, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs visited Montevideo on Tuesday to provide an update to the Veterans Home planning task force on the status of the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;proposed Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $9.4 million toward the cost of the project which will be funded by a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent). In March of this year, MDVA submitted an application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; that funding will not be confirmed until early 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Federal funds are not guaranteed, there is continued optimism among the planning team. “The process is on track,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We look forward to approval of our Federal funding request and breaking ground on this new Veterans Home next year.” If funding is approved in early 2020, the project’s tentative timeline includes construction beginning in mid-2020 and the new home opening in early 2022.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Montevideo Home’s design reflects a prairie-style inspired design that integrates natural materials such as wood and stone into the spaces. The public spaces that include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. The 72 residential units all have private baths and will be  split into two sections and four “neighborhoods” of 18 residents each, avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the funding process is moving along, there have been some adjustments in the final design. Increasing construction and labor costs necessitated selecting more economical materials for roofing and countertops and the elimination of some features including extending the front entrance canopy over the driveway, a playground, picnic shelter and maintenance building.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Marv Garbe, Montevideo Veterans Home Committee Chair, said the primary goal is to ensure that Veterans are well cared for. Despite the reductions, the spaces used most frequently by the Veteran Residents – their private rooms, bathrooms and family gathering rooms – were maintained. MDVA also maintained the transfer garage, important when Residents come and go from the facility during cold or inclement weather, and a basement.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The meeting also acknowledged the tremendous support from the community to date. Montevideo residents have been very generous, and their ongoing gifts may support the addition of amenities removed during the budget reduction process.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
MDVA Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Healthcare Douglas Hughes noted that staffing the new home will be a priority as construction is completed. All staff will be State of Minnesota employees who receive competitive pay and generous benefits. About six months prior to opening, hiring will begin for leadership positions, and more than 150 employees will be hired in total.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;Future Homes page of the MDVA website&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>409044</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:45Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. </Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Home in Bemidji awaiting Federal funding decision</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Home in Bemidji awaiting Federal funding decision</Title><title>2019-10-11-bemidji-awaiting-funding-decision</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-406642&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-10-11T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 11, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs visited Bemidji on Thursday to provide an update to the Veterans Home planning task force on the status of the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;proposed Minnesota Veterans Home in Bemidji&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $10.2 million toward the cost of the project which will be funded by a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent). In March of this year, MDVA submitted an application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; that funding will not be confirmed until early 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Federal funds are not guaranteed, there is continued optimism among the planning team. “The process is on track,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We look forward to approval of our Federal funding request and breaking ground on this new Veterans Home next year.” If funding is approved in early 2020, the project’s tentative timeline includes construction beginning in mid-2020 and the new home opening in early 2022.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Bemidji Home’s design reflects a North woods cabin feel for the public spaces that include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. The 72 residential units all have private baths and will be  split into two sections and four “neighborhoods,” avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the funding process is moving along, there have been some adjustments in the final design. Increasing construction and labor costs necessitated selecting more economical materials for roofing and countertops and the elimination of some features including a picnic shelter and a maintenance building.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Jim Lucachick, Bemidji Veterans Home Task Force Chair, said the adjustments were consistent with their vision for the project. “We have always said it is OK to be conservative in the design,” he said, describing the changes to the plans as “wise decisions and prudent.” The task force’s priority is to ensure that Veterans are well cared for. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;County Veterans Service Officer Scotty Allison noted that he is already getting questions from Veterans wondering when they can apply for residence. Commissioner Herke said that MDVA is not yet accepting applications for residents but will announce that when ready. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Staffing the new home will be a priority as the home’s construction is completed. All staff will be State of Minnesota employees who receive competitive pay and generous benefits. About six months prior to opening, hiring will begin for leadership positions with more than 100 other roles filled thereafter. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;Future Homes page of the MDVA website&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>406642</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:44Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. </Description><Audience/><Title>Veterans Home in Preston awaiting Federal funding decision</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Veterans Home in Preston awaiting Federal funding decision</Title><title>2019-10-10-preston-awaiting-funding-decision</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-406611&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-10-10T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 10, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The architectural designs are nearing completion, and the Federal funding application has been submitted. Additional details have been provided to decision makers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs visited Preston on Wednesday to provide an update to City leaders and stakeholders on the status of the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;proposed Minnesota Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in Preston. The proposed location is a 15-acre bluff-top site surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $10.2 million toward the cost of the project which will be funded by a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent). In March of this year, MDVA submitted an application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; that funding will not be confirmed until early 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Federal funds are not guaranteed, there is continued optimism among the planning team. “The process is on track,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “We look forward to approval of our Federal funding request and breaking ground on this new Veterans Home next year.” If funding is approved in early 2020, the project’s tentative timeline includes construction beginning in mid-2020 and the new home opening in early 2022.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Preston Home’s design includes 54 residential units with private baths split into three, 18-resident “households” avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways. The floor plan is laid out to take advantage of the views of the surrounding countryside from the bluff-top setting. Public spaces include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the funding process is moving along, there have been some adjustments in the final design. Increasing construction and labor costs necessitated selecting more economical materials for roofing and countertops and the elimination of some features including three season porches, a transfer garage and a maintenance building. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The meeting also included discussion of the access road to the new Veterans Home property. Originally, MDVA planned to add a new road at the northwest end of the property from Highway 16 and Golfview Drive, but that was eliminated in the budget reductions. An alternative is to use the existing road for access; however, that road will require upgrades in the near future to accommodate the temporary construction traffic.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the meantime, City staff and Community and Economic Development Associates member Cathy Enerson have been working to support the addition of a new Veterans Home in the city. MDVA will be hiring up to 130 full and part-time employees to work at the new home. To attract these employees to the Preston area, Enerson has spearheaded efforts to add 167 housing units to the area by 2030, enhanced the City’s website with information and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.prestonmnchamber.com/livability/&quot; title=&quot;Preston - Videos&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;videos highlighting Preston’s quality of life&lt;/a&gt;, and planning job fairs and researching child care options. “We know you will need support,” Enerson told Commissioner Herke. “We are working to make this new facility a success.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;MDVA website&apos;s Future Homes page&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>406611</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:42Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The 2019 Minnesota Legislative session included the adoption of Veterans Suicide Prevention &amp; Awareness Day to be observed the first Saturday of October each year.</Description><Audience/><Title>Inaugural Veterans Suicide Prevention &amp; Awareness Day event planned</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Inaugural Veterans Suicide Prevention &amp; Awareness Day event planned</Title><title>2019-10-01-ma-veterans-suicide-awareness-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-404537&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-10-01T19:02:57Z</Date><ShortDescription>The 2019 Minnesota Legislative session included the adoption of Veterans Suicide Prevention &amp; Awareness Day to be observed the first Saturday of October each year.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 1, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The 2019 Minnesota Legislative session included the adoption of Veterans Suicide Prevention &amp;amp; Awareness Day to be observed the first Saturday of October each year.
&lt;br /&gt;
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention recently published the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. This report notes:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;45,390 American adults died from suicide in 2017, including 6,139 U.S. Veterans.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The number of Veteran suicides exceeded 6,000 each year from 2008 to 2017.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Suicide prevention is a national priority and VA is dedicated to this mission, partnering with federal, state and community partners to address the issue of Veteran suicide.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Our nation is understandably grieving with each suicide, prompting our collective and tireless pursuit of evidence-based clinical interventions and expansion of community prevention strategies to reach each Veteran.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;VA offers through this report a renewed and determined call to unrelentingly address suicide in our Veteran population and our society, as suicide has no single cause and the tragedy of suicide affects all Americans.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The VA has adopted the public health model for Suicide Prevention working within the communities where Veterans work, live, and thrive to provide connections to care to all Veterans before they reach a crisis point.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Larry Herke, Commissioner - Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Alissa Harrington, Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Advocate
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Jessi Faue, RN, Education &amp;amp; Outreach Specialist, Suicide Prevention, Minneapolis U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, October 5, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;
3:00 - 3:30 p.m
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;North St. Paul Veterans Park, 2438 Margaret St. N., North St. Paul, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>404537</id><pubdate>2019-10-02T14:39:40Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.
     • Pain Free Patriots: $100,000
     • Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Association: $34,000
     • Lutheran Social Service: $20,700
     • Support the Troops - Minnesota: $20,000</Description><Audience/><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>‘Support Our Troops’ License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2019-09-24-sot-grant-recipients</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-403586&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-09-24T11:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.
     • Pain Free Patriots: $100,000
     • Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Association: $34,000
     • Lutheran Social Service: $20,700
     • Support the Troops - Minnesota: $20,000</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 24, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain Free Patriots: $100,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Association: $34,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lutheran Social Services: $20,700&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support the Troops - Minnesota: $20,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to our diverse group of grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in many different ways,” said Commissioner Larry Herke, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/300-pain-free-patriots_tcm1066-403574.png&quot; title=&quot;300-pain-free-patriots&quot; alt=&quot;pain-free-patriots&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;300-pain-free-patriots&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pain Free Patriots&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://painfreepatriots.org/&quot; title=&quot;Pain Free Patriots&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Pain Free Patriots&lt;/a&gt; (PFP) is receiving a $100,000 grant to provide an innovative pain treatment program for up to 30 Veterans experiencing chronic pain.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/300-veterans-campground_tcm1066-403576.png&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Campground&quot; alt=&quot;Veterans Campground&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;300-veterans-campground&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Association&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.vetscampmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Association&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Association&lt;/a&gt; (DVRC) will use their $34,000 grant to purchase three new golf carts and covers, including one eight-passenger, one six-passenger, and one four-passenger cart. The golf carts will enable DVRC to provide differently abled and elderly Veterans and their families’ access to the activities offered throughout the 69-acre camp property.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/300-lss-logo_tcm1066-403573.png&quot; title=&quot;Lutheran Social Services&quot; alt=&quot;Lutheran Social Services&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 28%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;300-lss-logo&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lutheran Social Services&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.lssmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;Lutheren Social Services&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Lutheran Social Services&lt;/a&gt; (LSS-MN) was awarded a $20,700 grant to fund qualified Lutheran Social Services Respite Care staff to develop a “Care Plan” with up to 35 Veteran Caregiver families to be implemented in the event of a crisis that pulls the caregiver out of the caregiver role.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/300-support-the-troops_tcm1066-403575.png&quot; title=&quot;Support the Troops - Minnesota&quot; alt=&quot;Support the Troops - Minnesota&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;300-support-the-troops&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Support the Troops - Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://supportthetroopsmn.org/&quot; title=&quot;Support The Troops - Minnesota&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Support the Troops - Minnesota&lt;/a&gt; (STT-MN) is receiving a $20,000 grant to provide financial assistance and clothing donations for up to 100 veterans and their families at the VA Medical Hospital.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/minnesotaservicecore.jsp&quot; title=&quot;CORE program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;CORE program&lt;/a&gt;, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx&quot; title=&quot;Local DMV Office&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;. SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>403586</id><pubdate>2019-09-24T11:57:17Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Duluth, Minn. – Minnesota’s third State Veterans Cemetery was dedicated today by national and state leaders in a moving and patriotic ceremony attended by more than 1,000 Veterans, families, community members and Veteran supporters. The first Veteran was laid to rest in Duluth&apos;s newly-opened State Veterans cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. Since then, 176 Veterans and their eligible dependents have been interred at the cemetery. The cemetery will ultimately serve an estimated 32,000 Veterans who reside within 75 miles of the cemetery site.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth dedicated in moving ceremony</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth dedicated in moving ceremony</Title><title>2019-09-21-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-403537&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-09-21T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Duluth, Minn. – Minnesota’s third State Veterans Cemetery was dedicated today by national and state leaders in a moving and patriotic ceremony attended by several hundred Veterans, families, community members and Veteran supporters. The first Veteran was laid to rest in Duluth&apos;s newly-opened State Veterans cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. Since then, 176 Veterans and their eligible dependents have been interred at the cemetery. The cemetery will ultimately serve an estimated 32,000 Veterans who reside within 75 miles of the cemetery site.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Duluth, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Minnesota’s third State Veterans Cemetery was dedicated today by national and state leaders in a moving and patriotic ceremony attended by several hundred Veterans, families, community members and Veteran supporters.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The first Veteran was laid to rest in Duluth&apos;s newly-opened State Veterans cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. Since then, 176 Veterans and their eligible dependents have been interred at the cemetery. The cemetery will ultimately serve an estimated 32,000 Veterans who reside within 75 miles of the cemetery site.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Here in Minnesota, we honor our Veterans,” said Governor Walz. “The addition of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth provides an option for Veterans and their families in Northeastern Minnesota to choose a final resting place closer to home.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The development of Minnesota’s third State Veterans Cemetery was supported by an important partnership with National Cemetery Administration and the Veterans Cemeteries Grants Program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Grants like this ensure continued accessibility to a local burial option for our Veterans across the Nation,” said the VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves. “I consider these grants to be one of the best examples of Federal-State partnership in the country today. Between federal, state, territorial and tribal Veterans cemeteries, today more than 92 percent of all Veterans have a burial option within 75 miles of their home. We maintain or increase that availability with every cemetery grant the VA provides.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Planning for the Duluth-area cemetery began in 2007 in response to local advocates who wanted to offer a full military burial option closer to home. A formal grant pre-application requesting $8.35 million was submitted to the National Cemetery Administration in June 2008.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By 2016, with the support and funding from the National Cemetery Administration, MDVA acquired a suitable 104-acre property for the new cemetery located near Duluth, 14 miles northwest of town center on US Highway 53. The initial construction began in 2016 and developed approximately 19 acres that includes 850 pre-placed crypts, 407 traditional casketed burial spaces, 1,078 cremains gravesites and 720 columbarium niches. A main entrance, an administration building, a maintenance facility, roads, an assembly area, a committal shelter, preplaced crypts, columbaria, landscaping and supporting infrastructure were also included in the initial construction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new cemetery is designed to accommodate more than 32,000 gravesites when future phases are fully developed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to dedicate our third State Veterans Cemetery here in Duluth today,” stated MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “As we continue to serve Minnesota’s 318,000 Veterans, we know that many Veterans and their families will choose this cemetery as their final resting place. They can be assured that this cemetery, like our other locations, will be recognized as a sacred shine that demonstrates dignity, respect and operational excellence.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today’s dedication ceremony also included flyover by the Commemorative Air Force, music by the 34th Infantry Division ”M-Saxteen” Saxophone Ensemble and the University of Minnesota - Duluth Choir and the Blue Star Memorial Dedication.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information on the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth, contact Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson at 218-520-0120 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:cory.johnson@state.mn.us.&quot; title=&quot;Email Cory Johnson&quot;&gt;cory.johnson@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.
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&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>403537</id><pubdate>2019-09-21T20:52:43Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Preston, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston has received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This award follows a recent NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in a score of 98 percent, among the highest scores in the nation. The compliance review examines 93 standards to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston receives Operational Excellence Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston receives Operational Excellence Award</Title><title>2019-09-06-preston-receives-operational-excellence-award</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-402503&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-09-06T17:27:58Z</Date><ShortDescription>Preston, Minn. – The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston has received the Operational Excellence Award from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This award follows a recent NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in a score of 98 percent, among the highest scores in the nation. The compliance review examines 93 standards to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; September 6, 2019&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preston, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-preston.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&lt;/a&gt; has received the Operational Excellence Award from the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cem.va.gov/&quot; title=&quot;National Cemetery Administration&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Cemetery Administration&lt;/a&gt; (NCA), a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This award follows a recent NCA National Cemetery Compliance Review that resulted in a score of 98 percent, among the highest scores in the nation. The compliance review examines 93 standards to ensure the best possible experience for families of Veterans interred at the cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On Friday, September 6, Glenn Powers, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs and Cemetery Operations, National Cemetery Administration, traveled from Washington, D.C. to present the award, stating: “ Why is this cemetery important? We believe that no Veteran ever dies because they have two deaths: one when the last breath leaves their body, and the second when no one mentions their name again. This cemetery ensures that our Veterans are never forgotten.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Powers added: “Through the joint efforts of Federal, State, County and Local governments, the vision for this cemetery became a reality. It’s not only one of the most beautiful State Veterans Cemeteries in the country, but it’s also one of the best operationally.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are very proud of these results and our cemetery team that works so hard to make the MNSVC – Preston a national shrine,” said David Swantek, Senior Administrator of Memorial Affairs. “This is confirmation that this is one of the finest Veterans Cemeteries in the Nation.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the July National Cemetery Administration’s 2019 Veterans Cemetery Grants Compliance Review, the Preston Cemetery received 91 out of 93 possible points for overall quality performance in categories such as Interment Operations, Grounds Maintenance, Headstone, Marker and Niche Cover, Equipment Maintenance, and Other Standards.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In arguably the most challenging category, Gravesite Assessment Review, the Preston team received an outstanding 100 percent accuracy score, indicating that all headstones were inspected at the desired angle of 90° and followed correct height measurements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The rating comes as a testament to the hard work and dedication shown each day by the Preston Cemetery team, something that was echoed by Robert Gross, Preston Cemetery Administrator. “Congrats to the team, because without you and your hard work, this would not happen, and to our many community partners, honor teams, Memorial Rifle Squads, our sister locations, local county and cities, our leadership, and to the Department!” he stated. “A very special thank you to the families for putting their trust in our team and the State Cemetery Program. These grounds are a shrine and are sacred.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The 169-acre Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston opened on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015. The land was donated by Fillmore County and the funding was a collaborative effort by Federal, State, County and local governments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This commitment to excellence is demonstrated throughout the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, where the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s Veterans is honored with dignity and respect. In addition to the Preston location, Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are located in &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-little-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Little Falls&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000-minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-duluth&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Duluth&lt;/a&gt;. The Duluth location will hold its dedication event on Saturday, September 21.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>402503</id><pubdate>2025-10-31T14:37:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is pleased to announce a new partnership with Lake View Clinic. Two experienced physicians affiliated with Lake View Clinic will be providing on-site medical service to Residents starting August 8. </Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay partnering with Lake View Clinic for physician services</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay partnering with Lake View Clinic for physician services</Title><title>2019-08-15-minnesota-veterans-home-silver-bay-partnering</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-399424&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-08-07T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is pleased to announce a new partnership with Lake View Clinic. Two experienced physicians affiliated with Lake View Clinic will be providing on-site medical service to Residents starting August 8. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is pleased to announce a new partnership with Lake View Clinic. Two experienced physicians affiliated with Lake View Clinic will be providing on-site medical service to Residents starting August 8.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Dr. Tom Peterson, MD&lt;/strong&gt;, will be the main provider for MVH - Silver Bay. Dr. Peterson is board-certified in family medicine and has been at Lake View Clinic for 30 years. He has a connection to Veterans, both from a previous assignment covering the Silver Bay VA in 1992, and through his father who was a WWII Veteran. In his free time. Dr. Peterson enjoys plants and is an avid runner and skier.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Dr. Howard Josephs, MD&lt;/strong&gt;, will fill in when Dr. Peterson is off. Dr. Josephs is also board-certified in family medicine and has been at Lake View Clinic for 28 years. Before beginning his career in medicine, Dr. Josephs was a plant and ship engineer. Dr. Josephs also had a father who was a World War II Veteran. He loves to be outside gardening and collects antique motors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On-site physician coverage will be provided four to six hours, one day per week. The schedule for Nurse Practitioner Paula Chalupsky will remain the same. In addition, physician “on call” coverage will continue without change seven days a week.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay is honored to serve 83 Veterans as Residents of the home. They receive skilled nursing care that meets physical, social and spiritual needs in a Northwoods lodge-like environment overlooking beautiful Lake Superior. The home features four distinct neighborhoods, each with a living room, dining room and kitchen. Residents enjoy boating, fishing, hunting and gardening with the support an active group of volunteers and the great community. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information about MVH - Silver Bay, call (218) 353-8691 or visit our &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/homes/silver-bay/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Silver Bay Vetrerans Home&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Silver Bay intro&quot;&gt;Silver Bay webpage&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>399424</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:04:42Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz met with local property owners and landlords to encourage them to participate in ending homelessness among Minnesota Veterans.</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Engages Landlords in Ending Veteran Homelessness</Title><Publisher/><Subject>Veteran Homelessness</Subject><Subject>Minnesota Homeless Veterans</Subject><Subject>Homeless Veterans</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Engages Landlords in Ending Veteran Homelessness</Title><title>2019-07-31-landlord-summit</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-396791&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-07-31T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz met with local property owners and landlords to encourage them to participate in ending homelessness among Minnesota Veterans.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz met with local property owners and landlords to encourage them to participate in ending homelessness among Minnesota Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota is on track to reduce Veteran homelessness,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Walz. “&lt;strong&gt;We have 207 Veterans on the Homeless Registry. Many of them are holding vouchers to cover the cost of housing. Let’s give these Veterans a place to live and become the fourth state in the country to effectively end Veteran homelessness.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since December 2014, efforts across the state have resulted in housing 1,813 previously homeless Veterans. Minnesota’s statewide Homeless Veterans Registry creates individual housing plans based on each Veteran’s unique challenges and situation and is largely credited as the key to Minnesota’s success.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“A collaboration of state agencies and non-profit organizations has effectively ended Veteran homelessness in five of 10 areas in Minnesota,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Larry Herke, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner. &lt;strong&gt;“We are committed to continuing this success in the remaining five areas so that all Minnesota Veterans have a safe place to live.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As of July 29, the Registry lists 207 Veterans who are experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. Research demonstrates that the most lasting solutions are personalized for each individual or family on a Veteran-by-Veteran basis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Ending Veteran homelessness does not mean that another Veteran will never experience homelessness in Minnesota. Instead, it means that these state agencies and non-profit partners are able and ready to respond quickly, so that Veteran homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Commissioner Herke.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Once on the Registry, Veterans experiencing homelessness are typically housed within four months. A common barrier for these Veterans experiencing homelessness is finding a landlord to accept their housing voucher. At the event, Governor Walz asked landlords to open their doors to homeless Veterans. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“In addition to providing housing vouchers, we have developed a system to support Veterans as they transition from homelessness,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Sue Speakman-Gomez, President of HousingLink. &lt;strong&gt;“We also have incentives and risk mitigation programs for landlords to make this a win-win situation.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At the Landlord Summit, Speakman-Gomez encouraged landlords to register with HousingLink and share information regarding available housing units at homes-for-veterans.paperform.co. Questions can be directed to HousingLink at 866-522-2827.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We have locations in Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and the Twin Cities, and can help support Veterans across the state,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Rick Klun, Executive Director of Center City Housing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We need property owners and landlords to make units available to Veterans who are experiencing homelessness,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Jennifer Ho, Minnesota Housing Commissioner. &lt;strong&gt;“I know there are low vacancy rates and we need more housing. I also know that Minnesota landlords, who have built housing that’s affordable, will partner with us to make this targeted push to find housing for these Veterans.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anyone who knows of a Veteran experiencing homelessness can connect them with services by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Organizations leading the ending Veteran homelessness efforts include the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;www.mnhousing.gov/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Housing&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/dhs/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Human Services&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minneapolis VA Health Care System&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.housinglink.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;HousingLink&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mac-v.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://metrocouncil.org/Housing.aspx&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Metro Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://mphaonline.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minneapolis Public Housing Authority&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.stpha.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;St. Paul Public Housing Authority&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>396791</id><pubdate>2019-08-01T20:04:12Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>MANKATO, MN – On Thursday, July 18, Governor Tim Walz joined the River Valleys Continuum of Care (CoC) to announce the effective end of Veteran homelessness in Southeast Minnesota, as determined by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This makes the River Valleys CoC the fifth of ten jurisdictions in the state of Minnesota to do so.</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Declares End to Veteran Homelessness in Southeast Minnesota</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Declares End to Veteran Homelessness in Southeast Minnesota</Title><title>2019-07-18-se-mn-veteran-homelessness</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-393445&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-07-18T19:41:08Z</Date><ShortDescription>MANKATO, MN – On Thursday, July 18, Governor Tim Walz joined the River Valleys Continuum of Care (CoC) to announce the effective end of Veteran homelessness in Southeast Minnesota, as determined by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This makes the River Valleys CoC the fifth of ten jurisdictions in the state of Minnesota to do so.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MANKATO, MN – On Thursday, July 18, Governor Tim Walz joined the River Valleys Continuum of Care (CoC) to announce the effective end of Veteran homelessness in Southeast Minnesota, as determined by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This makes the River Valleys CoC the fifth of ten jurisdictions in the state of Minnesota to do so.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I am incredibly proud that Minnesota is on the way to becoming the fourth state in the country to eliminate Veterans homelessness,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Tim Walz.&lt;strong&gt;“Our Veterans and their families face unique challenges that sometimes last long after their service is done. Because of the work of River Valleys Continuum of Care and other advocates in Minnesota, we have systems in place to address those underlying challenges and ensure our Veterans have a place to call home.”
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Today’s announcement demonstrates that ending Veteran homelessness is achievable when there is a plan and strong partnerships,”&lt;/strong&gt; said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. &lt;strong&gt;“Together we can change lives and bring our Veterans ‘all the way home.’”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Your leadership – and that of your colleagues throughout the region – has been instrumental as we work together to ensure that every Veteran in our country has a home,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Matthew Doherty, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I am honored to be here today, knowing that we are joining three other states and 73 communities in effectively ending Veterans’ homelessness,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho at the Thursday morning celebration. &lt;strong&gt;“The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness has a proven formula and I’m excited here in Minnesota we have done this in five regions; five regions to go.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Reaching this milestone for Veterans experiencing homelessness is a critical and exciting step toward ending all homelessness in our region,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Jennifer Prins, coordinator of the Rivers Valleys Continuum of Care. &lt;strong&gt;“Ending Veteran homelessness does not mean that another Veteran will never experience homelessness in southern Minnesota. Instead, it means that we are able and ready to respond quickly, so that we can make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. And our region has an amazing team of partners committed to doing that!”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The River Valleys CoC consists of 20 Minnesota counties (Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, Winona) and the Prairie Island Indian Community. The West Central, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast CoCs previously declared an end to veteran homelessness in 2017 and 2018. The remaining five CoCs around the state continue to work toward the same goal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The progress demonstrated through this announcement is the direct result of joint efforts across the state. The River Valleys CoC is comprised of a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), Minnesota Housing (MHFA), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS), County Veterans Service Officers, emergency shelters and a number of private, public and non-profit organizations. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To remain at functional zero, the River Valleys CoC now has the infrastructure and systems in place to ensure that any Veteran experiencing homelessness in the region will get the support they need to quickly obtain a permanent home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since December 2014, efforts across the state have resulted in housing 1,813 previously homeless Veterans. Minnesota’s unique statewide Homeless Veterans Registry creates individual housing plans based on each Veteran’s unique challenges and situation and is largely credited as the key to Minnesota’s success. Once on the Registry, Veterans experiencing homelessness are typically housed within four months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As of July 8, the Registry lists 216 Veterans who are experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. Research demonstrates that the most lasting solutions are personalized for each individual or family on a Veteran-by-Veteran basis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anyone who knows of a Veteran experiencing homelessness can connect them with services by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the River Valleys Continuum of Care&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The River Valleys Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional planning body of representative stakeholders designed to promote a shared commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. It includes: gathering and analyzing information to determine the local needs of people experiencing homelessness, implementing strategic plans to end homelessness; measuring program and system performance; assuring coordination and easy access to the homeless response system; and setting local funding preferences for HUD CoC grants.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About MDVA&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About MN Housing&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota Housing collaborates with individuals, communities, and partners to create, preserve, and finance affordable housing. Find out more at &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mnhousing.gov&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.mnhousing.gov&lt;/a&gt;. Follow us at &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/minnesotahousing&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.facebook.com/minnesotahousing&lt;/a&gt; and on Twitter @mnhousing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About MAVC&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving Veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless across the state of Minnesota for over 25 years. Our mission is to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota by providing housing, employment and legal services. We accomplish our mission by providing these services directly and in collaboration with community partners.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>393445</id><pubdate>2019-07-18T19:49:42Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Aging Veterans and other eligible family members from Montevideo and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For more than 12 years, local officials and Veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a new Minnesota State Veterans Home in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</Description><Audience/><Title>Planning continues for proposed Veterans Home in Montevideo</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Planning continues for proposed Veterans Home in Montevideo</Title><title>2019-06-05-monetevideo-home</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-387356&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-31T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Aging Veterans and other eligible family members from Montevideo and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For more than 12 years, local officials and Veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a new Minnesota State Veterans Home in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; May 31, 2019&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Aging Veterans and other eligible family members from Montevideo and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For more than 12 years, local officials and Veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;new Minnesota State Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Montevideo is one of three Minnesota cities pursuing a future Minnesota Veterans Home. The proposed Montevideo location is a 13.5-acre site at the intersection of William Avenue and County Road 15. In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $9.4 million toward the cost of the project which will be funded by a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent). In March of this year, MDVA submitted an application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; that funding will not be confirmed until early 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Federal funds are not guaranteed, there is optimism among the planning team. “MDVA looks forward to approval of our Federal funding request and breaking ground on this new Veterans Home next year,” said Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare, MDVA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Representatives from MDVA, the Minnesota Department of Administration and the architecture/engineering firms of Wold and Perkins Eastman visited Montevideo on May 15 to provide an update. Local leaders were eager to learn more about the proposed Veterans Home and how their fall 2018 feedback was incorporated into the facility’s design.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Montevideo Home’s design reflects a prairie-style inspired design that integrates natural materials such as wood and stone into the spaces. The public spaces includes a large community, multi-purpose room that can seat 170 people classroom style. A Town Center features a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. The 72 300-square-foot residential units are split into two neighborhoods and four “households” of 18-residents each avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways. Outdoor features include gardens and potentially a playground to encourage community children to visit.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I’m very happy about the progress of this project,” said Jim Curtiss, Mayor of Montevideo. “This will be a bonus for the Veterans of Western Minnesota.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other local officials invited to the May 16 meeting included (included in attached photo, front row L to R) Tom Anderson, former Montevideo American Legion Commander; Montevideo Mayor Jim Curtiss (also a Vietnam Veteran); Dennis Anderson, Montevideo American Legion member; Don Loftus, coordinator of the Tuesday Coffee Group (WWII, Korean, and Vietnam Vets); Marv Garbe, Montevideo Veterans Home Committee Chairman; (back row L to R) Capt.  Matthew Scholz, Battery Commander of HHS 1-151, Minnesota National Guard based in Montevideo; 1SGT Tim Green, First SGT of Minnesota National Guard based in Montevideo; and Tim Kolhei, Chippewa County Veterans Service Officer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Construction on the Veterans Home will be led by a general contractor which will strive to hire a significant percentage of sub-contractors from the local community. The new Minnesota Veterans Homes will also support the local economies long-term by offering employment opportunities to those who share the MDVA mission to care for Veterans. MDVA officials estimate hiring approximately 140 employees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mn.gov/mdva/homes/futurehomes&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot;&gt;MDVA Future Homes webpage&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>387356</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Aging Veterans and other eligible family members from Preston and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For the last few years, local officials and veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a new Minnesota State Veterans Home in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</Description><Audience/><Title>Planning continues for proposed Veterans Home in Preston</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Planning continues for proposed Veterans Home in Preston</Title><title>2019-05-30-preston-continues-home</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-386413&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-30T17:12:26Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Aging Veterans and other eligible family members from Preston and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For the last few years, local officials and Veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a new Minnesota State Veterans Home in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 28, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn&lt;/strong&gt;. – Aging veterans and other eligible family members from Preston and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For the last few years, local officials and Veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;new Minnesota State Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Preston is one of three Minnesota cities pursuing a future Minnesota Veterans Home. The proposed Preston location is a 15-acre bluff-top site surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest. In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $10.2 million toward the cost of the project which will be funded by a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent). In March of this year, MDVA submitted an application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; that funding will not be confirmed until early 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Federal funds are not guaranteed, there is optimism among the planning team. “MDVA looks forward to approval of our Federal funding request and breaking ground on this new Veterans Home next year,” said Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare, MDVA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Representatives from MDVA, the Minnesota Department of Administration and the architecture/engineering firms of Wold and Perkins Eastman visited Preston on May 16 to provide an update. Local leaders were eager to learn more about the proposed Veterans Home and how their fall 2018 feedback was incorporated into the facility’s design.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Preston Home’s design incorporates regional building materials, such as wood and stone, and is laid out to take advantage of the views of the surrounding countryside from the bluff-top setting. The public spaces include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. The 54 residential units are split into three, 18-resident “households” avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Preston community is excited and honored to be home of the future Veterans Home,” said Preston Mayor Kurt Reicks. “The picturesque bluff-top site, the state-of-the-art facility and the exceptional care delivered will provide a well-deserved home for our Veterans. We owe it to the men and women who served our country.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other local officials invited to the May 16 meeting included Joe Hoffman, City Administrator, City of Preston; Jim Bakken, Public Works Director, City of Preston; Kurt Reicks, Mayor, City of Preston; Robert Maust, City Council Member, City of Preston; Charles Sparks, City Council Member, City of Preston; Cathy Enerson, Economic Development Director, City of Preston; Jason Marquardt, Veterans Service Officer, Fillmore County; Duane Bakke, Commissioner, Fillmore County; Cliff Sackett, Preston VFW and American Legion; Ron Laughlin, Preston VFW and American Legion; Becky Jones, President, Preston Chamber of Commerce; Gabby Kinneberg, Tourism Director, City of Preston; Don Brockway, American Legion; Charles Aug, Community Bank; Don Gildner, Co-Chair of the Preston Veterans Home Committee, and John Szuch, local Veteran.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Construction on the Veterans Home will be led by a general contractor which will strive to hire a significant percentage of sub-contractors from the local community. The new Minnesota Veterans Homes will also support the local economies long-term by offering employment opportunities to those who share the MDVA mission to care for Veterans. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-343771&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;010 Future Homes Landing&quot;&gt;the MDVA Future Homes webpage&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>386413</id><pubdate>2025-03-13T14:00:36Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Aging veterans and other eligible family members from Bemidji and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For more than 12 years, local officials and veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a new Minnesota State Veterans Home in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
</Description><Audience/><Title>Planning continues for proposed Veterans Home in Bemidji</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Planning continues for proposed Veterans Home in Bemidji</Title><title>2019-05-24-bemidji-press-release</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-385900&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-24T19:54:37Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Aging veterans and other eligible family members from Bemidji and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For more than 12 years, local officials and veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a new Minnesota State Veterans Home in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; width=&quot;1350&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 24, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;strong xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Aging Veterans and other eligible family members from Bemidji and the surrounding region may have a new option for residential skilled nursing care by 2022. For more than 12 years, local officials and Veterans’ advocates have lobbied for the addition of a &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mn.gov/mdva/homes/futurehomes&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot;&gt;new Minnesota State Veterans Home&lt;/a&gt; in their community. Plans are moving forward, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Bemidji is one of three Minnesota cities pursuing a future Minnesota Veterans Home. The Bemidji project received a boost with Sanford Health’s donation of 15 acres on the grounds of their Northern Minnesota campus. In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $12.4 million toward the cost of the project which will be funded by a combination of federal-granted (65 percent), state-bonded and pending community-provided monies (35 percent). In March of this year, MDVA submitted an application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; that funding will not be confirmed until early 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Federal funds are not guaranteed, there is optimism among the planning team. “MDVA looks forward to approval of our Federal funding request and breaking ground on this new Veterans Home next year,” said Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare, MDVA. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The project is a group effort. “We greatly appreciate the involvement of the many communities, organizations and individuals who have donated toward this very important project,” stated Scotty Allison, Veterans Service Officer for Beltrami County. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Kay Mack, Beltrami County Administrator, added: “The Veterans Home Committee is grateful to Beltrami County for their very generous donation to the Bemidji Veterans Home. All the donations have made a big impact on the design and what we will be able to provide Veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Representatives from MDVA, the Minnesota Department of Administration and the architecture/engineering firms of Wold and Perkins Eastman visited Bemidji on May 14 to provide an update. Local leaders were eager to learn more about the proposed Veterans Home and how their fall 2018 feedback was incorporated into the facility’s design.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Bemidji Home’s design reflects a North woods cabin feel for the public spaces that include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. The 72 residential units are split into two sections and four “neighborhoods,” avoiding long institutional-feeling hallways.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Other local officials invited to the May 14 meeting included Craig Gray, Director of Public Works, City of Bemidji; Sam Anderson, Assistant City Engineer, City of Bemidji; Casey Mai, Planning Director, City of Bemidji; Scotty Allison, Veterans Service Officer, Beltrami County; Kay Mack, Administrator, Beltrami County; Joe Vene, Former Commissioner, Beltrami County, and U.S. Army Veteran; Jim Lucachick, Commissioner, Beltrami County; and Richard Anderson, Commissioner, Beltrami County. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Construction on the Veterans Home will be led by a general contractor which will strive to hire a significant percentage of sub-contractors from the local community. The new Minnesota Veterans Homes will also support the local economies long-term by offering employment opportunities to those who share the MDVA mission to care for Veterans. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Reflected Joe Vene: “It has been a long time coming. A lot of work by many people over the years is about to pay off. I can’t wait until construction begins!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mn.gov/mdva/homes/futurehomes&quot; title=&quot;Future Homes&quot; target=&quot;_self&quot;&gt;the MDVA website&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>385900</id><pubdate>2019-05-24T20:13:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – After proudly caring for more than 841 Minnesota Veterans and their families since opening in 1994, the Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne is recognizing its 25th anniversary with a community celebration on Friday, June 7. The public is invited as current and former staff, volunteers, Resident Veterans, families and friends of the Veterans Home gather to reflect on a quarter century of caring for our nation’s heroes. </Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne celebrates 25th anniversary</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne celebrates 25th anniversary</Title><title>2019-05-22-luverne-celebrates-25th-anniversary</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-385902&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-22T20:05:26Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – After proudly caring for more than 841 Minnesota Veterans and their families since opening in 1994, the Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne is recognizing its 25th anniversary with a community celebration on Friday, June 7. The public is invited as current and former staff, volunteers, Resident Veterans, families and friends of the Veterans Home gather to reflect on a quarter century of caring for our nation’s heroes. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;May 22&lt;strong&gt;,&lt;/strong&gt; 2019&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – After proudly caring for more than 841 Minnesota Veterans and their families since opening in 1994, the Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne is recognizing its 25th anniversary with a community celebration on Friday, June 7. The public is invited as current and former staff, volunteers, Resident Veterans, families and friends of the Veterans Home gather to reflect on a quarter century of caring for our nation’s heroes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We are proud to be a vital part of the Luverne community,” says Luke Schryvers, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne. “We are pleased to offer an excellent option for skilled nursing care to Veterans and their spouses, and also provide a great place to work for our employees.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne cares for 85 Residents in three distinct living spaces, including a 17-bed special care unit for those with dementia. “We are committed to creating a community where life is truly worth living - with activities and interactions that Residents find meaningful and enjoyable,” Schryvers says.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Home employs 196 health care professionals and 25 of the employees have been with the Home since the first year of operation. Those 25-year employees will be recognized at the June 7 celebration. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The celebration will also include a history display in the front entry starting at 10 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a program from 1 to 2 p.m. Program highlights include a performance by the Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne Choir, remarks from Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian, and a greeting from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Construction on the Luverne Home started in 1991 after several years of pursuing $4.15 million in Federal funding for the project. The City of Luverne financed the remaining $2.25 million of the $6.4 million total cost. In addition, more than $200,000 in donations came from local and Veteran organizations. The facility sits on 13 acres of land overlooking the Veterans pond on the north end of Luverne, MN.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>385902</id><pubdate>2019-05-24T20:10:18Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis for a Memorial Day Program Monday, May 27. </Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Day Program at Minnesota State Veterans Home - Minneapolis</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Day Program at Minnesota State Veterans Home - Minneapolis</Title><title>2019-05-21-mpls-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-385312&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-21T18:16:57Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis for a Memorial Day Program Monday, May 27. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 21, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/minneapolis/&quot; title=&quot;Minneapolis Veterans Home&quot;&gt;Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis&lt;/a&gt; for a Memorial Day Program Monday, May 27.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Music will be provided by the Minnesota Police Pipe Band.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The posting of colors will be provided by the Memorial Rifle Squad from Fort Snelling National Cemetery with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Joe Bayer, Commander, 5th District American Legion.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The invocation will be led by Chaplain John Steiner, Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis, the Commemoration by Chaplain Steiner and Chaplain Joe Yankoski, 5th District American Legion, and the Benediction by Chaplain Yankoski.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Greetings will be shared by Larry Herke, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; Douglas Hughes, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; Tom Paul, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis; and Darrell Redepenning, Department Commander - American Legion. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain (Col. Ret.) John Morris of the Minnesota National Guard will be the keynote speaker.  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Refreshments will be served in the Community Room immediately following the program. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Interviews will be available with Veterans/Residents of Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis Veterans/Residents, families, general public and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, May 27 at 2 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/minneapolis/&quot;&gt;Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/assets/mpls-campus-map_tcm1066-316950.pdf&quot;&gt;Building 19 Atrium&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
5101 Minnehaha Ave.
&lt;br /&gt;
Minneapolis, MN 55417&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>385312</id><pubdate>2019-05-21T18:33:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls for a Memorial Ceremony on Sunday, May 26. </Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls</Title><title>2019-05-20-memorial-day-little-falls</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-384997&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-20T14:32:27Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls for a Memorial Ceremony on Sunday, May 26. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 20, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik Sogge
&lt;br /&gt;
(320) 626-2527
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:erik.sogge@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Erik Sogge&quot;&gt;erik.sogge@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls for a Memorial Ceremony on &lt;strong&gt;Sunday, May 26&lt;/strong&gt;. Musical selections by the Richfield Symphonic Band will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by a program that will include the placing of ceremonial wreaths, music by the St. Francis Community Chorale, a Fallen Soldier Display by the Korean War Veterans - Minnesota Chapter 1, and a rifle salute by the Memorial Rifle Squad. Maj. Gen. (Retired) David D. Hamlar, Jr. will be the guest speaker.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In honor of Memorial Day, the Military Museum at Camp Ripley will also be open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Note: Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible. Also, as a reminder to families: the Cemetery floral policy allows for artificial flowers to be placed on gravesites from May 20 - June 9. Any artificial flowers on gravesites before or after these dates will be removed. Fresh cut flowers may be placed at any time of the year. A full list of cemetery floral regulations are posted on signs throughout the Cemetery.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, families and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday May 26, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
15550 Hwy 115
&lt;br /&gt;
Little Falls, MN 56345&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
For more information call: (320) 616-2527 or send an email to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cemlf@state.mn.us&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;info.cemlf@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cemlf@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>384997</id><pubdate>2019-05-20T15:45:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 26</Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston</Title><title>2019-05-17-preston-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-384740&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-05-20T14:17:42Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 26</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 20, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Robert Gross
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 765-7320
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 535-9041 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
Robert.gross@state.mn.us&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston for a Memorial Ceremony &lt;strong&gt;Sunday, May 26&lt;/strong&gt;. Musical selections by the 34th Infantry Division Band, M-Saxteen will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by a program and a Parade of Flags. Lt. Col Craig Neuzil will deliver the memorial address.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Note: Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible. Parking will be provided with golf carts available to pick up people at their vehicles.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tri-State area Veterans, families, general public and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday May 26th, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston
&lt;br /&gt;
715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
For more information call: (507) 765-7320 or send an email to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;info.cempr@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>384740</id><pubdate>2019-05-20T15:39:36Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.</Description><Audience/><Title>Support Our Troops License  Plate Fund Awards Grants </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Support Our Troops License  Plate Fund Awards Grants </Title><title>2019-04-25-sot-grant-recipients</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-381845&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-04-29T14:31:42Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive (2018 Cycle II) Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
April 29, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anne Sonnee
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anne Sonnee&quot;&gt;anne.sonnee@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;strong xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today the recipients of the competitive (2018 Cycle II) Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fishing for Life, Inc.: $20,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Middle River Veterans Outdoors, Inc.: $20,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Honor Flight Twin Cities: $50,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;23rd Veteran: $89,920&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Region Five Development Commission: $92,400&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to our diverse group of grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in many different ways,” said Commissioner Larry Herke, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/FFL-logo_tcm1066-381878.png&quot; title=&quot;Fishing for Life logo&quot; alt=&quot;Fishing for Life logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;FFL-logo&quot; /&gt;Fishing for Life, Inc.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Fishing for Life will use this grant to expand their Next Gen Program which will serve 10 youth of Minnesota Veterans at no charge by matching them with a Fishing for Life volunteer guide.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Middle River Veterans Outdoors, Inc.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/middle-river-logo_tcm1066-381880.png&quot; title=&quot;Middle River Veterans Outdoors logo&quot; alt=&quot;Middle River Veterans Outdoors logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;middle-river-logo&quot; /&gt;Middle River Veterans Outdoors, Inc. will use this grant to provide differently-abled Veterans and family members outdoor fishing and hunting experiences with the aid of a tracked wheelchair.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Honor Flight Twin Cities&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/honor-flight-twin-cities_tcm1066-381883.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Honor Flight Twin Cities logo&quot; alt=&quot;Honor Flight Twin Cities logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;honor-flight-twin-cities&quot; /&gt;Honor Flight Twin Cities will cover the cost of airfare for 75 Minnesota WWII and Korean Veterans to visit the memorials dedicated to their service in Washington, D.C. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;23rd Veteran&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/23V-logo_tcm1066-381877.png&quot; title=&quot;23rd Veteran logo&quot; alt=&quot;23rd Veteran logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;23V-logo&quot; /&gt;23rd Veteran will use this grant for their 23V Recon Project which will provide Veterans in the seven-county Metro area and greater Minnesota a 14-week transition course designed to retrain Veterans’ brains to associate negative triggers with positive events.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Region Five Development Commission&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/region-5-logo_tcm1066-381881.png&quot; title=&quot;Region Five Development Commission logo&quot; alt=&quot;Region Five Development Commission logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;region-5-logo&quot; /&gt;Region Five Development Commission will use this grant for the VetCSA Program (Community Supported Agriculture), locally grown healthy twice-monthly food shares as well as recipes, cooking demos and nutrition education. This no-cost program will be provided to 50 food-deprived Veterans and their families living in the five-county area which includes Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx&quot; title=&quot;local DMV office&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt;. SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA grants page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>381845</id><pubdate>2019-04-29T16:10:25Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a non-partisan Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their joint 2018 legislative agenda. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 337,000 Veterans in Minnesota.</Description><Audience/><Title>2018 Minnesota Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>2019 Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</Title><title>2019-03-12-vets-day-on-the-hill</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-375610&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2019-03-13T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a non-partisan Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their 2019 legislative agenda. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 327,000 Veterans in Minnesota. Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with their legislators.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/vets-day-on-the-hill-logos_tcm1066-328486.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for the CTF, MACVSO, and UVLC&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for the CTF, MACVSO, and UVLC&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;vets-day-on-the-hill-logos&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left;&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 14, 2019
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right;&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Darrel Redepenning
&lt;br /&gt;
CTF Chair
&lt;br /&gt;
(763) 571-8623
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;colgroup&gt;
&lt;col style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; /&gt;
&lt;col style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; /&gt;&lt;/colgroup&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a non-partisan Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their 2019 legislative agenda. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 327,000 Veterans in Minnesota. Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with their legislators.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, State Legislators, members of Veterans Service Organizations, County Veterans Service Officers and more. This year’s program will be emceed by President of Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Robby Robinson. Featured speakers include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Governor Tim Walz
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Commissioner Larry Herke&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senator Jerry Newton&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senator Bruce Anderson  (TBD)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Representative Rob Ecklund&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Representative Bob Dettmer&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;CTF Chair Darrel Redepenning&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Legislative Chair Trent Dilks &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;UVLC Chairman Jerry Kyser&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wednesday, March 20, 2019&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;10:30 a.m. –Veterans and supporters pre-rally lunch presented by the DAV of MN at the St. Paul Armory (600 Cedar Street)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;12:45 p.m. – Veterans March to the Rally, starting from the Veterans Services Building (20 W. 12th Street)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1:30- 2:30 p.m. – Rally in the Rotunda
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE: 
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF)&lt;/strong&gt; was created in 1988 and is comprised of elected commanders and appointed adjutants of the nine largest congressionally-chartered Veterans Service Organizations in the state of Minnesota. Key functions of this group include developing a united Veterans legislative agenda and actively advocating for it before state and elected officials; serving as a non-partisan advisory group to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Governor and legislators on Veterans’ issues in the state; and working to seek and form Veterans Service Organization partnerships in program development.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>375610</id><pubdate>2019-03-14T13:35:42Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care (CoC) announced they have cleared their housing waiting lists for homeless Veterans. The Northeast CoC consists of six counties (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, and Lake Counties) and three Tribal Governments (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage of Lake Superior Chippewa and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) that surround St. Louis County. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, HUD, and VA determined the six counties and three Indian Reservations served by the Northeast CoC have effectively ended homelessness among Veterans, becoming the fourth jurisdiction in the state of Minnesota to do so. The West Central, Southwest and Northwest CoC’s all declared an end to Veteran homelessness in 2017.</Description><Audience/><Title>Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care Clears Waiting List for Homeless Veterans</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care Clears Waiting List for Homeless Veterans</Title><title>2018-12-19-northeast-mn-continuum-clears-waiting-list</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-362685&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-12-19T11:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care (CoC) announced they have cleared their housing waiting lists for homeless Veterans. The Northeast CoC consists of six counties (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, and Lake Counties) and three Tribal Governments (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage of Lake Superior Chippewa and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) that surround St. Louis County. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, HUD, and VA determined the six counties and three Indian Reservations served by the Northeast CoC have effectively ended homelessness among Veterans, becoming the fourth jurisdiction in the state of Minnesota to do so. The West Central, Southwest and Northwest CoC’s all declared an end to Veteran homelessness in 2017.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Six Counties and three Tribes announce historic goal of functionally ending Veteran Homelessness</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-12-19-logos2_tcm1066-362880.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA, MACV, NE Minnesota Continuum of Care To Prevent &amp;amp; End Homelessness, and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency logos&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA, MACV, NE Minnesota Continuum of Care To Prevent &amp;amp; End Homelessness, and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency logos&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-12-19-logos2&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 19, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Patty Beech-Dziuk, Coordinator
&lt;br /&gt;
Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care
&lt;br /&gt;
(218) 428-1547
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:pattybeechconsulting@gmail.com&quot; title=&quot;Email Patty Beech&quot;&gt;pattybeechconsulting@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Long, MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care (CoC) announced they have cleared their housing waiting lists for homeless Veterans. The Northeast CoC consists of six counties (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, and Lake Counties) and three Tribal Governments (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage of Lake Superior Chippewa and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) that surround St. Louis County. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, HUD, and VA determined the six counties and three Indian Reservations served by the Northeast CoC have effectively ended homelessness among Veterans, becoming the fourth jurisdiction in the state of Minnesota to do so. The West Central, Southwest and Northwest CoC’s all declared an end to Veteran homelessness in 2017.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to all the partners in the Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care for making sure local Veterans have a place to call home,” said Matthew Doherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “Building an effective system over such a large, mostly rural area is no small task, and places like Northeast Minnesota should be proud of leading the way.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The progress demonstrated through this announcement is the direct result of joint efforts across the state. The Northeast CoC is comprised of a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency (MHFA), County Veterans Service Officers, emergency shelters and a number of private, public and non-profit organizations.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Today’s announcement demonstrates that ending Veteran Homelessness is achievable when there is a plan and strong partnerships,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito. “Together we can change lives, and bring our Veterans ‘all the way home.’”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While today’s announcement marks a significant accomplishment, the new focus in the NE CoC has already shifted to sustainability. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas,” said Cara Lundquist, co-coordinator of the Northeast Continuum of Care. “Ending Veteran Homelessness here in the Northeast CoC does not mean that we will never have another homeless Veteran. Rather, it means that our efforts will largely be focused on prevention. When homelessness does occur, the goal is that the systems in place will rapidly respond and make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Lundquist and partners advocate that as Veterans who have not yet come forward for assistance become known, or as Veterans have crises and find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness, it is critical to continue to maintain the integrity of the strong systems and supports that have helped achieve functional zero.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2017 the Northwest, West Central and Southwest CoCs all announced an end to Veteran Homelessness in Minnesota. The remaining six CoCs around the state continue to work toward the same goal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Across the state, efforts since December 2014 have housed 1,622 previously homeless Veterans. Minnesota’s unique &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Homeless Veterans Registry&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;statewide Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt; is largely credited as a key to success in housing homeless Veterans. Since it launched in 2014 the Registry has accelerated Minnesota’s progress toward the goal of ending Veteran homelessness by creating individual housing plans based on each Veteran’s unique challenges and situation. Once on the Registry, Veterans experiencing homelessness are typically housed within four months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today the Registry lists another 251 Veterans by name who are experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. Of this number, approximately 69 have a housing plan. Research demonstrates that the most lasting solutions are personalized for each individual or family on a Veteran-by-Veteran basis. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anyone who knows of a Veteran experiencing homelessness can also connect them with services by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot;&gt;About the Continuum of Care
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional planning body of representative stakeholders designed to promote a shared commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. It includes: gathering and analyzing information to determine the local needs of people experiencing homelessness, implementing strategic plans to end homelessness; measuring program and system performance; assuring coordination and easy access to the homeless response system; and setting local funding preferences for HUD CoC grants.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>362685</id><pubdate>2018-12-19T14:36:18Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a $2.8 million donation from the estate of late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, for construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home. This is the largest single private gift benefiting a State Veterans Home in Minnesota.</Description><Audience/><Title>Major Donation to Benefit Planned Montevideo Veteran Home</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Major Donation to Benefit Planned Montevideo Veterans Home</Title><title>2018-12-05-major-donation-montevideo-home</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-361303&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-12-05T18:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a $2.8 million donation from the estate of late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, for construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home. This is the largest single private gift benefiting a State Veterans Home in Minnesota.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 5, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-11-27-mdva-montevideo-logo_tcm1066-360510.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA and City of Montevideo logos&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA and City of Montevideo logos&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-11-27-mdva-montevideo-logo&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
St. Paul, Minn&lt;/strong&gt;. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a $2.8 million donation from the estate of late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, for construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home. This is the largest single private gift benefiting a State Veterans Home in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This is an exciting announcement, and we are honored to accept this donation on behalf of the Veterans of Minnesota,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito. “Not only did Mr. Williams serve in the military during his life, he is continuing to serve after his passing through this generous gift. This donation will make a tremendous impact on Veterans for years to come.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Although Williams retired in Nevada, he grew up near Montevideo and stayed involved in Veteran issues in his home state. Williams’ brother, Jim, who still lives in the area, contacted him in early 2018 to share the news that the Minnesota Legislature was considering funds for a State Veterans Home in Montevideo.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“It was pretty exciting,” said Jim. “When I called Steve to tell him, he said, ‘keep me posted, keep me posted. That’s a really good thing.’ Steve was very interested in this project.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Unfortunately, Steven Williams passed away in March. A few months later the Minnesota Legislature approved $9.4 million towards construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home. The financial model for construction includes a portion of community fundraising. Williams’ donation brought the final community total to $7.4 million. If approved for construction through the Federal VA’s Construction Grant Priority List, the federal matching dollars could total $31.5 million. The application for the federal matching grant will be submitted in April, 2019. The planned 72-bed facility in Montevideo has a total project budget of $48.5 million. Currently in the pre-design phase, the Home would open in the summer of 2021.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We want this to be the best Home in the country, said Jim. “And if [Steven] knew that for every dollar he donated, he would have gotten nearly two more, he would have been just ecstatic.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Although Williams passed away before the community fundraising kicked off, his brother Jim worked as the estate trustee to best reflect his brother’s wishes. Williams had dedicated a portion of his estate to Veteran organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Wounded Warrior Project. All of these Veteran organizations agreed to pass on a percentage of their donation to the Montevideo project, which will total $2.8 million.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The idea that these organizations were willing to work with us and not only fulfill Steve’s wishes, but to serve Veterans – even if it meant some donation funds would be redirected, is a testament to their selfless focus on serving Veterans” said Todd Bauman, Williams’ financial advisor.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Williams joined the Army in 1968, and left for Vietnam that same year. He served in the 3rd Ranger Company, and his military decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze star devices, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Although he was honorably discharged after two years, his military service made a lasting impact on his life.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;After returning from Vietnam, he enrolled in college, graduating from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. Shortly after, Williams accepted a sales job for Hormel Foods. Over his 30 years with the company he moved all over the country, eventually retiring in Nevada in 2004. He was married for a short time after his service in the military, but did not have any children.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing four skilled-care State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>361303</id><pubdate>2018-12-20T22:08:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting the 77th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This event is to acknowledge “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that inauspicious day. The keynote speaker will be Richard Klobuchar, a recognized author with a keen interest in WW II and in specific Pearl Harbor. Among Klobuchar’s books is “The USS Ward: An Operational History of the Ship that Fired the First American Shot of World War II.” which has local ties to Minnesota. </Description><Audience/><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony</Title><title>2018-11-30-ma-pearl-harbor</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-360527&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-11-30T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting the 77th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This event is to acknowledge “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that inauspicious day. The keynote speaker will be Richard Klobuchar, a recognized author with a keen interest in WWII and in specific Pearl Harbor. Among Klobuchar’s books is “The USS Ward: An Operational History of the Ship that Fired the First American Shot of World War II.” which has local ties to Minnesota. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 30, 2018&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Advisory&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting the 77th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This event is to acknowledge “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that inauspicious day. The keynote speaker will be Richard Klobuchar, a recognized author with a keen interest in WW II and in specific Pearl Harbor. Among Klobuchar’s books is “The USS Ward: An Operational History of the Ship that Fired the First American Shot of World War II.” which has local ties to Minnesota. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please note: Free parking will be available in the visitor center lot, and there is no cost to attend the ceremony.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For event location map or more information &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-357622&quot; title=&quot;Event location map&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Confirmed Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Richard Thill, Pearl Harbor Survivor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Keynote by Richard Klobuchar&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band North Star Brass Quintet&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, December 7
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m. - Program. Refreshments will follow the program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center:
&lt;br /&gt;
200 Tower Drive
&lt;br /&gt;
St. Paul, Minn. 55111
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>360527</id><pubdate>2018-12-03T17:02:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and partners will hold a press conference to announce a major gift to the State Veterans Home project in Montevideo. James Williams, brother of the late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, will join the MDVA and the City of Montevideo to announce details of the private donation. The press conference will be followed by interview opportunities with speakers, area lawmakers, community members and Veterans.</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA to announce major donation in support of Montevideo Veterans Home</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA to announce major donation in support of Montevideo Veterans Home</Title><title>2018-11-28-ma-montevideo</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-360103&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-11-28T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and partners will hold a press conference to announce a major gift to the State Veterans Home project in Montevideo. James Williams, brother of the late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, will join the MDVA and the City of Montevideo to announce details of the private donation. The press conference will be followed by interview opportunities with speakers, area lawmakers, community members and Veterans. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 28, 2018&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-11-27-mdva-montevideo-logo_tcm1066-360510.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for MDVA and the City of Montevideo&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for MDVA and the City of Montevideo&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-11-27-mdva-montevideo-logo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and partners will hold a press conference to announce a major gift to the State Veterans Home project in Montevideo. James Williams, brother of the late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, will join the MDVA and the City of Montevideo to announce details of the private donation. The press conference will be followed by interview opportunities with speakers, area lawmakers, community members and Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After the press conference, a planned community meeting will include a presentation from the Wold/Perkins/Eastman Architectural Firm highlighting the preliminary design concepts for the Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo. The proposed Veterans Home in Montevideo is located on a 13.5 acre site at the intersection of William Avenue and County Road 15.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota has five State Veterans Homes in operation, with three future homes currently in the planning stages. In addition to Montevideo, future State Veterans Homes are planned for Bemidji and Preston.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito
&lt;br /&gt;
James Williams, brother of the late Steven Williams
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota State Sen. Andrew Lang
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota State Rep. Tim Miller
&lt;br /&gt;
Marvin Garbe, Chairman of the Montevideo Veterans Home Committee
&lt;br /&gt;
Angie Steinbach, Assistant City Manager for the City of Montevideo
&lt;br /&gt;
Deputy Commissioner Douglas Hughes, MDVA&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wednesday, December 5 at 11 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(255, 255, 255);&quot;&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American Legion Post 59
&lt;br /&gt;
613 Legion Drive
&lt;br /&gt;
Montevideo, MN 56265&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>360103</id><pubdate>2018-11-28T15:09:22Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest State Veterans Cemetery held its first interment this Veterans Day, honoring a Minnesota Veteran who dedicated his life to service. Surrounded by family and close friends, Durbin M. Keeney Jr. was laid to rest Sunday afternoon with full military honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth. </Description><Audience/><Title>Duluth Veterans Cemetery Holds First Burial on Veterans Day</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Duluth Veterans Cemetery Holds First Burial on Veterans Day</Title><title>2018-11-11-duluth-cemetery</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-358975&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-11-11T18:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest State Veterans Cemetery held its first interment this Veterans Day, honoring a Minnesota Veteran who dedicated his life to service. Surrounded by family and close friends, Durbin M. Keeney Jr. was laid to rest Sunday afternoon with full military honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
November 11, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-11-11-duluth-cemetery-by-derek-montgomery_tcm1066-359010.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Photo by Derek Montgomery for MDVA (large)&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-11-11-duluth-cemetery-by-derek-montgomery&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-11-11-thumb-duluth-cemetery-by-derek-montgomery_tcm1066-359011.png&quot; title=&quot;Photo by Derek Montgomery for MDVA&quot; alt=&quot;Photo by Derek Montgomery for MDVA&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 50%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-11-11-thumb-duluth-cemetery-by-derek-montgomery&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesota’s newest State Veterans Cemetery held its first interment this Veterans Day, honoring a Minnesota Veteran who dedicated his life to service. Surrounded by family and close friends, Durbin M. Keeney Jr. was laid to rest Sunday afternoon with full military honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This Cemetery will expand burial services to the more than 32,000 Veterans who live in Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. Often, burial is the only benefit our Veterans claim,” said Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner. “Durbin Keeney was a remarkable Veteran who not only served this country through the U.S. Air Force, but continued to serve in so many ways. He was instrumental in the opening of this Cemetery, and we will never forget his contributions to the Minnesota Veterans community.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Keeney enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969. He met us his future wife, Diane, while stationed in Duluth, and left for Vietnam in May of 1970. He served in Bien Hoa with the 3rd Security Military Police Unit. Keeney and Diane were married when he returned home, in 1971. Although honorably discharged from military service in 1973, he continued serving. In addition to fundraising for the Union Gospel Mission, Keeney founded the northern Chapter of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) in 1998, to assist homeless Veterans and their families, and served as the regional director of development for MACV until retiring in 2011. He was involved in dozens of community and Veteran organizations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Keeney passed away May 4, 2014. His wife, Diane, said she was honored to have her husband’s ashes be the first placed in the columbarium at the new Cemetery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Durbin was a wonderful advocate for Veterans,” said Diane Keeney, wife of the late Durbin Keeney. “Everywhere we go, people tell me how much they miss him, and the work he did to support Veterans. When [the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs] asked to have his be the first interment, I was overcome. He worked for so many years in support of opening this State Veterans Cemetery, and he always said he hoped he could see the first person laid to rest. It is overwhelming to know that first person will be him. Words just can’t express what an honor this is for our family.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The addition of the Duluth State Veterans Cemetery in Minnesota is part of a nationwide campaign by the National Cemetery Administration to provide burial within 75 miles of a Veteran’s home. The closest VA national cemetery to this site is the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn., which is approximately 160 miles away. The closest state cemetery is 90 miles away in Spooner, Wisc.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new Cemetery is approximately 14 miles northwest of Duluth on US Highway 53. The 104 acre parcel includes an administration building, maintenance facility, assembly area, committal shelter, preplaced crypts and a columbaria. Ultimately, the project will develop 19 acres and include 850 pre-placed crypts, 407 traditional casketed burial spaces, 1,078 cremains gravesites and 720 columbarium niches. A formal grand opening event will be held next summer, upon completion of final construction and landscaping.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Bougalis &amp;amp; Sons Construction, from Hibbing, led the $9.2 million project. Stantec, an engineering and design firm in St. Paul, completed the design work. A federal grant from the National Cemetery Administration funded $8.3 million of the $9.6 million project; the balance was funded through state appropriation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota’s other State Veterans Cemeteries, located in Little Falls and Preston, continue to receive local and national accolades. Last year approval ratings exceeded 97 percent for the handling of burials, overall appearance of grounds and availability and courtesy of staff. Additionally, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls was also selected as a winner of the prestigious federal Excellence of Appearance Award from the National Cemetery Administration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Burial at a State Veterans Cemetery is open to all Veterans discharged from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Their spouses, minor children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children, are also eligible for burial. Eligible spouses may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran. Also eligible for burial are members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps who die while on active duty for training or performing service or who have 20 years of service in reserve components of the Armed Forces creditable for retired pay.  There is no residency requirement for burial, Veterans from any State who meet eligibility criteria can chose burial at a Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To pre-register for burial, or learn more about burial at a State Veterans Cemetery, including the Duluth Cemetery, please visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org/CEM or call 1-888-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing four skilled-care State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>358975</id><pubdate>2018-11-11T22:27:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year’s program will have a special focus on the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended WWI. This year’s program will conclude with the nation-wide Tolling of the Bell at 11 a.m. In remembrance of those who served and sacrificed, Americans across the nation will ring bells at exactly the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. </Description><Audience/><Title> State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><title>2018-11-05-ma-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-357692&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-11-05T12:01:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year’s program will have a special focus on the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended WWI. This year’s program will conclude with the nation-wide Tolling of the Bell at 11 a.m. In remembrance of those who served and sacrificed, Americans across the nation will ring bells at exactly the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nov. 5, 2018&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT :
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year’s program will have a special focus on the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended WWI. This year’s program will conclude with the nation-wide &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/commemorate/event-map-system/bells-of-peace-a-world-war-i-remembrance/546-events/bell-tolling/bells-of-peace/4558-bells-of-peace-concept.html&quot; title=&quot;WWI Centennial Bells of Peace&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tolling of the Bell&lt;/a&gt; at 11 a.m. In remembrance of those who served and sacrificed, Americans across the nation will ring bells at exactly the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The program will also feature a keynote address by Nancy O&apos;Brien Wagner, author of “Alice in France: The World War I Letters of Alice M. O’Brien.” Her book focuses on the engaging and revealing letters of her great aunt who, with thousands of others, volunteered for service in World War I Europe.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On display at the event will be the Minnesota Military Museum’s 30 foot WWI America mural depicting 100 notable individuals from the era. Recently completed by local Veteran David Geister, it was inspired by an even larger, century-old painting at the National WWI Museum in Kansas City.  Artifacts from WWI will also be on site to view and Freedom Flight, Inc. will have a Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) hot air balloon displayed at the event (&lt;em&gt;weather permitting&lt;/em&gt;).  A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To help Minnesotans commemorate Veterans Day in their communities, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has also compiled a list of &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/#/list/appId/2/filterType/Category/filterValue/Veterans%20Day%20Events/page/1/sort//order/&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Day Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Veterans Day Events&lt;/a&gt; happening around Minnesota.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO :
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff Mike McElhiney &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Remarks from members of the Congressional Delegation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Mayor George Tourville &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Museum Executive Director Randal Dietrich&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Author Nancy O’Brien Wagner&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain Lt. Col. Daniel Pulju&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Vocalist Tech. Sgt. Jessica Lewellen&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Firefighter &amp;amp; U.S. Navy Veteran Dan Bernardy
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN :
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday, November 11, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.  – Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 – 11 a.m. - Program
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center
&lt;br /&gt;
8055 Barbara Avenue
&lt;br /&gt;
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>357692</id><pubdate>2018-11-05T12:10:03Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families and community members to celebrate the contributions of unsung female heroes who made lasting contributions in the efforts of WWI on Friday, Nov. 9. This event will include a program with a film screening of “At Home and Over There: American Women Physicians in World War I.”</Description><Audience/><Title>Women Physicians in WWI Event</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Women Physicians in WWI Event</Title><title>2018-11-05-ma-women-physicians-event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-357640&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-11-05T12:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families and community members to celebrate the contributions of unsung female heroes who made lasting contributions in the efforts of WWI on Friday, Nov. 9. This event will include a program with a film screening of “At Home and Over There: American Women Physicians in World War I.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
November 5, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families and community members to celebrate the contributions of unsung female heroes who made lasting contributions in the efforts of WWI on Friday, Nov. 9. This event will include a program with a film screening of “At Home and Over There: American Women Physicians in World War I.” This documentary tells the incredible story of American women physicians who served during the First World War despite widespread discrimination. Driven by patriotism and a desire to serve, these unsung heroines worked in hospitals, dispensaries, canteens, and ambulance units both during the war and in the years that followed. The film is presented by the American Medical Women’s Association and Raw Science Foundation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Following the screening a panel of four Minnesota Veterans will share experiences of their service in relation to the documentary. Over the course of an hour each of the Veterans will tell well-crafted stories about their experiences serving their country, returning to civilian life, and the challenges that different communities of Veterans face today.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The event is free to attend and open to the public. Registration is preferred and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-physicians-in-wwi-tickets-50651802906&quot; title=&quot;Register for this event&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;can be done here&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Amanda Hooper- eights year Army Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Combat Medic&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Kim Williams- United States Marine Corps , 2004-2008&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mary Beth Crowley, Vietnam Army Nurse, 1969&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rose Bayuk, WWII Army Nurse, 1942-1946
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, November 9, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;
5-6:30 p.m. Program &amp;amp; Q&amp;amp;A session
&lt;br /&gt;
6:30-8 p.m. – Social hour and exhibit viewing.  Appetizers will be served
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center
&lt;br /&gt;
200 Tower Ave
&lt;br /&gt;
Minneapolis, MN 55417
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>357640</id><pubdate>2018-11-05T12:10:03Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Service CORE is celebrating a decade of supporting Minnesota Veterans and strengthening military families. CORE, which stands for counseling and case management, outreach, referral and education, is dedicated to strengthening service members, Veterans and their families by providing access to care for mental and behavioral health, employment, housing and financial counseling. The CORE program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS).</Description><Audience/><Title>Unique partnership celebrates 10 years of helping Veterans across Minnesota</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Unique partnership celebrates 10 years of helping Veterans across Minnesota</Title><title>2018-10-15-core-program</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-355403&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-10-11T11:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Service CORE is celebrating a decade of supporting  Minnesota Veterans and strengthening military families. CORE, which stands for counseling and case management, outreach, referral and education, is dedicated to strengthening service members, Veterans and their families by providing access to care for mental and behavioral health, employment, housing and financial counseling. The CORE program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oct. 15, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
Communications Director
&lt;br /&gt;
anna.long@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Service CORE is celebrating a decade of supporting&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesota Veterans and strengthening military families. CORE, which stands for counseling and case management, outreach, referral and education, is dedicated to strengthening service members, Veterans and their families by providing access to care for mental and behavioral health, employment, housing and financial counseling. The CORE program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“When CORE launched, it was the first program of its kind in the nation. Because Minnesota has Guard and Reserve members deploying regularly, we recognized the need to step up our support for men and women returning home to Minnesota,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito with the MDVA. “Veterans sacrifice a tremendous amount for our country, and it is our responsibility to help bring them ‘all the way home.’”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;CORE provides assistance to individuals, children and families experiencing issues related to their well-being. This can include depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD, marital and family problems, divorce, addiction, unemployment and financial issues, as well as overall life stressors. CORE services are offered in-home, at local offices, or by phone. Additionally, crisis services are available as needed at any time and are always confidential.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;After receiving initial funding in the 2008 Minnesota State Legislative Session, the program officially launched in October of that same year. The MDVA chose to partner with Lutheran Social Service because LSS has an extensive statewide network of care, as well as the expertise needed to manage multiple social service needs for Veterans. LSS Behavioral Health staff are trained in trauma-informed care and actively foster understanding military culture by also employing Veterans to serve other Veterans. For Veterans and families living in greater Minnesota, this program brings services to Veterans who might not otherwise have access to care, based on their geographic location. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We’re honored to partner with the MDVA to support military members and their families,” said Jodi Harpstead, CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. “We’ve worked with hundreds of Veterans and their family members to support them on their path to achieve greater health and wellbeing, financial stability and a more abundant life. After serving our country selflessly, Veterans and their families can know we stand behind them and are ready to serve them.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the last 10 years, the program has experienced steady growth, including expansion of family-centered programs and debt management. Military service members and their families can face frequent relocation, deployment and difficult transitions back to civilian life. In addition to the strain this can put on families, frequent moves can also lead to challenges for spouses to find employment, all of which can lead to financial instability and high levels of debt. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In its first year of operation, CORE served 189 Veterans and their families. Last year, the program assisted 822 Veterans and family members, up from 748 the previous year. The average number of new clients every month is 35. Although there is no cost to the participants, the CORE program bills through insurance and third-party payers whenever possible. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;CORE has helped numerous Veterans return home from military service and achieve or maintain well-being. Case workers are based in field offices located throughout the Twin Cities metro area and throughout greater Minnesota. For more information, or to request services through CORE contact your County Veterans Service Officer. Find your CVSO at www.macvso.org or by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838), MDVA&apos;s one-stop customer service line for all Minnesota Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>355403</id><pubdate>2018-11-02T16:21:16Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. </Description><Audience/><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2018-09-27-sot-license-plate-fund-awards-grants</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-352985&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-09-27T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 27, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;NightWare Inc.: $100,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities: $82,775&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Believet – Canine Service Partners, Inc.: $20,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans: $18,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Congratulations to our most recent recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NightWare Inc.&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-09-27-nightware-logo_tcm1066-352993.png&quot; title=&quot;NightWare Logo&quot; alt=&quot;NightWare Logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 26%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-09-27-nightware-logo&quot; /&gt;NightWare Inc. will use this grant to support a 50-person clinical trial at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for Veterans who suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder related sleep disturbance and trauma related nightmares. The study will provide preliminary estimates of safety and efficacy of the NightWare’s digital therapeutic system for the treatment of nightmare disorders.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-09-27-ymca-logo_tcm1066-352994.jpg&quot; title=&quot;YMCA Logo&quot; alt=&quot;YMCA Logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-09-27-ymca-logo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities will use this grant to expand the Veterans Rendezvous program to four additional locations throughout the Twin Cities.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Believet – Canine Service Partners, Inc.&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-09-27-believet-logo_tcm1066-352991.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Believet Logo&quot; alt=&quot;Believet Logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-09-27-believet-logo&quot; /&gt;Believet TM will use this grant to provide trained service dogs, free of charge to Veterans suffering from combat-related injuries or disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-09-27-eagle-group-logo_tcm1066-352992.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Eagle Group Logo&quot; alt=&quot;Eagle Group Logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto; 10px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-09-27-eagle-group-logo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans will use this grant to expand the &quot;Battle Buddy&quot; coaching program throughout the Twin Cities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program:&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping Homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit your &lt;a href=&quot;https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx&quot; title=&quot;Department of Public Safety&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;local DMV office&lt;/a&gt; or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>352985</id><pubdate>2018-09-27T17:57:11Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Anderson as Administrator of the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Hastings. Anderson will begin his role at the domiciliary care facility Sept. 17, 2018.</Description><Audience/><Title>Hastings Veterans Home Welcomes New Administrator</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Hastings Veterans Home Welcomes New Administrator</Title><title>2018-09-10-hastings-administrator</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-351368&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-09-17T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Anderson as Administrator of the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Hastings. Anderson begins his role today at the domiciliary care facility.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sept. 17, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
Communications Director
&lt;br /&gt;
anna.long@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Anderson as Administrator of the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Hastings. Anderson begins his role today at the domiciliary care facility.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anderson has more than seven years of experience in the health care sector. Before joining MDVA he worked as the Executive Director at the Frazee Care Center, which is part of Health Dimensions Group. There he led the overall operations and provided an environment of high quality resident centered care.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Mr. Anderson’s experience and his passion for delivering excellent health care are a good fit for our Veterans Homes,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito. “We are pleased to have Mr. Anderson join our team of dedicated professionals here at MDVA, who remain committed to providing the best care possible to this country’s heroes.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Home – Hastings is dedicated to providing a full continuum of high-quality care and service focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration into the community, and supportive care for optimal enrichment of Residents&apos; lives.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“I am excited to join all of the hardworking people of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Michael Anderson. “It is a great honor for me to serve Veterans in this capacity, and I will focus my attention to the mission, vision, and values of this organization.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management with an emphasis in long-term care administration from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. He and his wife, Allysa and their two boys will be relocating from the Perham area and are looking forward to joining the community. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota veterans and their families. In addition to operating the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>351368</id><pubdate>2018-09-17T12:07:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The State of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Veterans Home made history today by opening the nation’s first of its kind fixed dental clinic on a State Veterans Home campus. </Description><Audience/><Title>Minneapolis Veterans Home Opens Nation’s First Fixed Dental Clinic</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minneapolis Veterans Home Opens Nation’s First Fixed Dental Clinic</Title><title>2018-08-23-minneapolis-veterans-home-opens-nations-first-fixed-dental-clinic</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-350516&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-08-23T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The State of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Veterans Home made history today by opening the nation’s first of its kind fixed dental clinic on a State Veterans Home campus. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Officials and Veterans Gather for Historic Floss Cutting Ceremony. New clinic created through public-private partnership; expected to provide dental services to 500 Minnesota Veterans each year.</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-08-21-dental-clinic-logos_tcm1066-349122.JPG&quot; title=&quot;MDVA, Delta Dental, Disabled American Veterans, and Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund logos&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA, Delta Dental, Disabled American Veterans, and Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund logos&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 10px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-08-21-dental-clinic-logos&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 23, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST PAUL, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The State of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Veterans Home made history today by opening the nation’s first of its kind fixed dental clinic on a State Veterans Home campus.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Funding for the new dental clinic was made possible through a unique public-private partnership with The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Minnesota Foundation. Supporters from all four organizations joined officials at a “floss cutting ceremony” in the new clinic on the Minneapolis campus. Residents and staff from the Minneapolis Home, as well as members and supporters of the Veterans community, also celebrated at the opening. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This new dental clinic would not have been possible without collaborative support from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund, and the Disabled American Veterans,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito. “When it comes to serving Minnesota Veterans, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our team, and by the commitment from our partners and our community. When we work together, all Veterans win.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new clinic opened today makes it easier and more efficient to provide dental care to the 300 Residents of the Minneapolis Veterans home, as well as participants in the campuses Adult Day Center program. Previously, the Minnesota Veterans Home, like other skilled care model facilities across the country, relied on mobile clinic dentistry programs to provide dental care for Veterans. Challenges with these mobile clinics included a limited ability to provide dental procedures, increased cost and time for setup and teardown, lack of adequate space to receive patients, inconsistent durability of equipment, and poor conditions for infection control. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The new, innovative dental clinic at the Minneapolis Veterans Home addresses those challenges, and goes one step further in creating an interdisciplinary team approach to oral health care while serving Veterans Homes Residents in a familiar dental environment with staff support.  The interdisciplinary team includes a newly hired community dentist. The clinic also features specialized equipment that better serves those with cognitive impairments and physical disabilities, and a dental staff with expertise in dementia care and challenging behaviors. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This is a monumental day for veterans in our community, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Joe Lally, executive director of the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. “We believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile, and are grateful for the innovative thinking, hard work, and collaborative spirit demonstrated by the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs to make this first-of-its-kind clinic a reality.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA received three major grants for this project, including $100,000 from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, $60,000 from V4V, and $50,000 from the DAV Minnesota Foundation. Funds were used for construction renovation, equipment and supplies. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This fixed dental clinic model is unique due to a direct partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A small portion of Veterans are eligible for dental benefits through the VA Health Care System due to strict eligibility criteria. Veterans must be 100% service connected disabled through the Department of Veterans Affairs, or have a documented dental injury from their time in service. Because of the significant private pay cost, most Veterans who reside at the Minneapolis Veterans Home rely on other benefits or privately pay for dental services. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition to Residents at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, the new dental clinic is expected to serve up to 100 Veterans at the nearby Hastings State Veterans Home. MDVA is considering similar projects for the Veterans Homes in Silver Bay, Fergus Falls and Luverne.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(96, 96, 96);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In 2009, Delta Dental of Minnesota’s parent sold a company and used 100 percent of the proceeds to establish and fund Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports Delta Dental of Minnesota’s mission of improving the health of Minnesotans through oral health. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation works to expand access to dental care for Minnesota’s underserved populations across the state by primarily investing in programs and organizations that provide dental care to people in need. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>350516</id><pubdate>2018-08-23T18:59:53Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The media is invited to join members of the American Legion National Security Commission during a visit to the State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls Friday, August 24. Charles E. Kruger, Chairman of the Conventional Armed Forces Committee, George W. Wehrli, Chairman of the Law and Order Homeland Security Committee and William B. Goede, Chairman of the National Guard Reserve Forces Committee will be on site at the cemetery Friday morning. They are visiting Minnesota for the American Legion’s National Convention, which is celebrating its 100th year. Charles Kapsner, the commissioned artist for the Veterans Art Monument project will also be in attendance to provide an in-depth description of his paintings during the tour.  </Description><Audience/><Title>Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery Hosts Guests for American Legion’s 100th Anniversary</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery Hosts Guests for American Legion’s 100th Anniversary</Title><title>2018-08-21-little-falls-state-veterans-cemetery-hosts-guests-for-american-legions-100th-anniversary</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-350400&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-08-21T22:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The media is invited to join members of the American Legion National Security Commission during a visit to the State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls Friday, August 24. Charles E. Kruger, Chairman of the Conventional Armed Forces Committee, George W. Wehrli, Chairman of the Law and Order Homeland Security Committee and William B. Goede, Chairman of the National Guard Reserve Forces Committee will be on site at the cemetery Friday morning. They are visiting Minnesota for the American Legion’s National Convention, which is celebrating its 100th year. Charles Kapsner, the commissioned artist for the Veterans Art Monument project will also be in attendance to provide an in-depth description of his paintings during the tour.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 21, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Erik Sogge
&lt;br /&gt;
(320) 616-2527
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:erik.sogge@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Erik Sogge&quot;&gt;erik.sogge@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The media is invited to join members of the American Legion National Security Commission during a visit to the State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls Friday, August 24. Charles E. Kruger, Chairman of the Conventional Armed Forces Committee, George W. Wehrli, Chairman of the Law and Order Homeland Security Committee and William B. Goede, Chairman of the National Guard Reserve Forces Committee will be on site at the cemetery Friday morning. They are visiting Minnesota for the American Legion’s National Convention, which is celebrating its 100th year. Charles Kapsner, the commissioned artist for the Veterans Art Monument project will also be in attendance to provide an in-depth description of his paintings during the tour.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls was the first State Veterans Cemetery in Minnesota. It opened in 1994 and is located seven miles north of Little Falls. The State Veterans Cemetery offers a final resting place for Minnesota Veterans and their families. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org/Cem&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Cem&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Charles E. Kruger, Chairman of the Conventional Armed Forces Committee
&lt;br /&gt;
George W. Wehrli, Chairman of the Law and Order Homeland Security Committee
&lt;br /&gt;
William B. Goede, Chairman of the National Guard Reserve Forces Committee
&lt;br /&gt;
Eric Sogge, Administrator, Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
Charles Kapsner, the commissioned artist for the Veterans Art Monument&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, August 24, 2018 at 9 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
15550 Hwy 115
&lt;br /&gt;
Little Falls, MN 56345
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>350400</id><pubdate>2018-08-22T15:29:18Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The media is invited to join in a visit with the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves and VA Chief of Staff Pamela Powers will visit Minnesota for the American Legion’s National Convention, which is celebrating its 100th year.</Description><Audience/><Title>State Veterans Cemetery - Preston to Host U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary, Chief of Staff During the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary Event</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State Veterans Cemetery - Preston to Host U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary, Chief of Staff During the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary Event</Title><title>2018-08-21-va-chief-of-staff-and-under-secretary-of-memorial-affairs-visit-friday</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-349177&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-08-21T19:19:53Z</Date><ShortDescription>The media is invited to join in a visit with the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves and VA Chief of Staff Pamela Powers will visit Minnesota for the American Legion’s National Convention, which is celebrating its 100th year.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 21, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Robert Gross
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 765-7320
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:robert.gross@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Robert Gross&quot;&gt;robert.gross@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The media is invited to join in a visit with the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves and VA Chief of Staff Pamela Powers will visit Minnesota for the American Legion’s National Convention, which is celebrating its 100th year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This summer NCA selected the Preston Cemetery as the film site for a video to highlight the critical partnership and positive impact state governments have in helping to provide final resting places for Veterans and eligible family members. The video is &lt;a href=&quot;https://youtu.be/1J59e0KOU0U&quot; title=&quot;YouTube - VA&apos;s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;available to watch here&lt;/a&gt;. 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston was dedicated in May of 2016 and was the second State Veterans Cemetery after Little Falls. NCA granted the state $10M for construction, helping to provide a final resting place for more than 51,000 Veterans and eligible families in the area. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://MinnesotaVeteran.org/Cem&quot; title=&quot;MDVA - State Veterans Cemeteries&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/Cem&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Randy Reeves, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
Pamela Powers, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff
&lt;br /&gt;
Brad Lindsay, Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services, MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
Robert Gross, Administrator, Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, August 24, 2018 at 11 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;State Veterans Cemetery – Preston, 715 Highway 52, Preston, MN 55965&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>349177</id><pubdate>2018-08-21T19:31:55Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Grand Opening of First-of-its-Kind Dental Clinic in Nation</Title><title>2018-21-dental-clinic</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-349132&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-08-21T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The media is invited to attend a floss cutting ceremony and grand opening of the new fixed Dental Clinic at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis. The event will be held Thursday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. While most veteran’s homes receive mobile dentistry services, this is the first fixed dental clinic in the country at a State Veterans Home, where there is a clear partnership between the federal VA, and a community dentist is an integrated team member in the home. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Minneapolis Veterans Home and partners to hold ‘floss cutting’ ceremony </Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2018-08-21-dental-clinic-logos_tcm1066-349122.JPG&quot; title=&quot;Logos of MDVA, Delta Dental, Disabled American Veterans, and Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund&quot; alt=&quot;Logos of MDVA, Delta Dental, Disabled American Veterans, and Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-08-21-dental-clinic-logos&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 15, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The media is invited to attend a floss cutting ceremony and grand opening of the new fixed Dental Clinic at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis. The event will be held Thursday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. While most veteran’s homes receive mobile dentistry services, this is the first fixed dental clinic in the country at a State Veterans Home, where there is a clear partnership between the federal VA, and a community dentist is an integrated team member in the home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Through a unique public/private partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V), and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Minnesota Foundation, the Minneapolis Veterans Home will now be able to better serve Veterans by providing critical restorative dental care and an enhanced focus on oral healthcare.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;*Tours of the space and interview opportunities will be available following the brief ceremony.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner
&lt;br /&gt;
Rod Young, Delta Dental of Minnesota CEO
&lt;br /&gt;
Kim Mageau, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation Board Chair
&lt;br /&gt;
Dean Ascheman, Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund
&lt;br /&gt;
Stephen Whitehead, Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota Foundation
&lt;br /&gt;
First Resident Veteran(s) scheduled to receive care&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, August 23, 10:30 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;Minneapolis Veterans Home, 5101 Minnehaha Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/minneapolis/directions.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Minneapolis Veterans Home Directions&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;*Please note: There is no Bridge access from Minnehaha Drive; enter from the North on 46th Ave. S. and Godfrey Parkway&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;About Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In 2009, Delta Dental of Minnesota’s parent sold a company and used 100 percent of the proceeds to establish and fund Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports Delta Dental of Minnesota’s mission of improving the health of Minnesotans through oral health. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation works to expand access to dental care for Minnesota’s underserved populations across the state by primarily investing in programs and organizations that provide dental care to people in need.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>349132</id><pubdate>2018-08-21T18:46:01Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the month of July, 2018 to be “Hire a Veteran Month” in the State of Minnesota. Governor Dayton’s proclamation encourages all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year.</Description><Audience/><Title>Governor Dayton Proclaims “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Dayton Proclaims “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota</Title><title>2018-07-03-hire-a-veteran-month</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-345554&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-07-02T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the month of July, 2018 to be “Hire a Veteran Month” in the State of Minnesota. Governor Dayton’s proclamation encourages all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Proclamation recognizes 337,000 Minnesota veterans for their service, ahead of Veterans Career Fair in Brooklyn Park</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/345461&quot; title=&quot;Original Press Release&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Originally from the office of Governor Mark Dayton&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 2, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Caroline Burns
&lt;br /&gt;
651-201-3441 office
&lt;br /&gt;
651-955-4671 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:caroline.burns@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Caroline Burns&quot;&gt;caroline.burns@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST. PAUL, MN –&lt;/strong&gt; Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the month of July, 2018 to be “&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/gov-stat/pdf/2018_07_Hire%20a%20Veteran%20Month.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Click to follow link&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Hire a Veteran Month&lt;/a&gt;” in the State of Minnesota. Governor Dayton’s proclamation encourages all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Hiring a veteran is one of the best investments a business can make,” said Governor Dayton. “Veterans learn fast, and possess many invaluable skills, such as leadership, dedication, and strong work ethics. During ‘Hire a Veteran Month,’ I strongly encourage employers to hire highly-talented and well-trained Minnesota veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As part of “Hire a Veteran Month”, Governor Dayton encourages Minnesota veterans to attend the 12th Annual Veteran’s Career Fair taking place on Wednesday, July 18 from 2:00 – 6:00pm. Hosted by Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in Brooklyn Park, this event is the largest veterans career fair in Minnesota, and connects current or former veterans looking for a job or exploring new career options to employers. &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/events/veterans.jsp&quot; title=&quot;DEED&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;You can find more information about the 2018 Veteran’s Career Fair here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“More than 337,000 veterans call Minnesota home, and many are currently contributing to the state’s strong economy,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “Veterans are equipped to enter the workplace with the needed skills. In a time when Minnesota is projected to see workforce shortages all across the state, it becomes even more important to make sure all Minnesotans have access to quality, meaningful employment.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Hiring Minnesota veterans is good for business and helps support our heroes who have sacrificed so much for our state and nation,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito. “Veterans can perform at the highest levels under all kinds of pressures and conditions which make them valuable team members for Minnesota companies and organizations.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To read Governor Dayton’s full proclamation, &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/gov-stat/pdf/2018_07_Hire%20a%20Veteran%20Month.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Proclamation&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Connecting Veterans with Employment Opportunities&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Hire a Veteran Month” is part of a broader effort by the Dayton Administration to help Minnesota veterans find meaningful, well-paid work. Through recruitment and retention efforts, relationships with veterans organizations and advocates, support for deployed soldiers and their families, and reintegration training, Minnesota is getting our veterans back to work – one soldier at a time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Dayton Administration is also working to connect veterans here at home with employment opportunities. In 2012, Governor Dayton &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&amp;amp;f=SF1599&amp;amp;ssn=0&amp;amp;y=2012&quot; title=&quot;SF 1599&quot;&gt;signed a bill into law&lt;/a&gt; allowing private employers to implement their own veterans’ preference programs. DEED services for job-seekers serve more than 20,000 veterans every year. Together, these efforts are aimed at providing Minnesota veterans the help they need to find strong employment opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Resources for Veteran Job Seekers&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota veterans and military service members who are currently searching for a job can benefit from the following initiatives and resources:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DEED Veterans Services&lt;/strong&gt; – DEED provides specialized staff to assist eligible veterans with employment services to help them prepare for, find, and keep a job – no matter their era of service. &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/veteran-services/&quot; title=&quot;DEED&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;This one-stop website&lt;/a&gt; provides information and resources for all Minnesota veterans who are seeking employment, including tips on how to find a job, a list of career events for veterans, employment services, and more. Additionally, if you are an employer seeking to hire a veteran, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/veteran-services/hire-a-veteran/&quot; title=&quot;DEED&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;this website designed for Minnesota employers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Workforce Centers (WFC)&lt;/strong&gt; – Veterans seeking employment are encouraged to visit their local Workforce Center. All veterans of all ages and service eras receive Priority of Service in all Minnesota WFC’s. Each center has staff that can provide one-on-one assistance in job searches, provide guidance on resume and cover letter writing, conduct mock interviews, and provide referrals to support services. Each year, Minnesota Workforce Centers serve approximately 20,000 Minnesota veterans. A list of Minnesota Workforce Centers &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/workforce-centers/workforce-center-locations/&quot; title=&quot;Workforce Centers&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;is available here&lt;/a&gt;. Veterans can also find their local Workforce Center by calling (888) 213-1422.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MinnesotaWorks&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minnesotaworks.net/&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaWorks.net&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesotaworks.net&lt;/a&gt; is a website facilitated by DEED. Veterans can post their resumes there, and identify themselves as veterans so it is easier for employers to find them. Employers can post there open positions at this site at no cost, and can identify themselves as veteran friendly employers, so that veterans can easily find them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt; – The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/employment/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Emplyment Resources&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA has a website dedicated&lt;/a&gt; to helping Minnesota veterans connect to employment resources. The website also has links and helpful information for employers that want to hire veterans, as well as information about on-the-job training and apprenticeships, state veterans preference laws, and tips for veterans who own businesses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yellow Ribbon Company Program&lt;/strong&gt; – Throughout Minnesota, companies and corporations are making a commitment to military service members and veterans. The Yellow Ribbon Company Program is one example of how Minnesota companies go above and beyond. This program allows companies to make a formal and meaningful commitment to hiring veterans. More information about the Yellow Ribbon Company Program &lt;a href=&quot;http://mnbtyr.ng.mil/Pages/Yellow-Ribbon-Companies.aspx&quot; title=&quot;Beyond the Yellow Ribbon&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;can be found here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Office of Governor Mark Dayton, Communications Department
&lt;br /&gt;
130 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
&lt;br /&gt;
T: 651-201-3400 | &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Dayton.Media@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Dayton.media@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Dayton.Media@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>345554</id><pubdate>2018-07-03T22:18:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The media is invited to attend a special dedication in Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on June 13, at 10 a.m. The room will be dedicated to South Minneapolis native Wallace R. (Skip) Schmidt, a Vietnam Veteran, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient and member of the “The Twins Platoon.” The dedication will also honor Residents and families associated with the Vietnam War. The dedication will remember those who served in the Vietnam War, those who did not come home, or those who did not make it all the way home.  The event will include special music, a presentation to the Schmidt family and keynote address by “The Twins Platoon” author Christy W. Sauro Jr.</Description><Audience/><Title>Special Dedication at Minneapolis Veterans Home to Honor Vietnam Veteran Skip Schmidt &amp; Family </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Special Dedication at Minneapolis Veterans Home to Honor Vietnam Veteran Skip Schmidt &amp; Family </Title><title>2018-06-12-building-22-dedication</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-342053&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-06-12T11:30:30Z</Date><ShortDescription>The media is invited to attend a special dedication in Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on June 13, at 10 a.m. The room will be dedicated to South Minneapolis native Wallace R. (Skip) Schmidt, a Vietnam Veteran, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient and member of the “The Twins Platoon.” The dedication will also honor Residents and families associated with the Vietnam War. The dedication will remember those who served in the Vietnam War, those who did not come home, or those who did not make it all the way home.  The event will include special music, a presentation to the Schmidt family and keynote address by “The Twins Platoon” author Christy W. Sauro Jr.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 12, 2018&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The media is invited to attend a special dedication in Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on June 13, at 10 a.m. The room will be dedicated to South Minneapolis native Wallace R. (Skip) Schmidt, a Vietnam Veteran, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient and member of the “The Twins Platoon.” The dedication will also honor Residents and families associated with the Vietnam War. The dedication will remember those who served in the Vietnam War, those who did not come home, or those who did not make it all the way home.  The event will include special music, a presentation to the Schmidt family and keynote address by “The Twins Platoon” author Christy W. Sauro Jr.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Shellito
&lt;br /&gt;
MDVA Deputy Commissioner Douglas Hughes
&lt;br /&gt;
MDVA Minneapolis Home Administrator Tom Paul
&lt;br /&gt;
Twins Platoon Author Christy W. Sauro Jr.
&lt;br /&gt;
Vietnam Veteran Wallace R. (Skip) Schmidt’s Sister Shannon Monahan
&lt;br /&gt;
Department of Minnesota VFW Color Guard
&lt;br /&gt;
Vocalist John Wellvang&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wednesday, June 13 at 10 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Building 22 Community Room, Minneapolis Veterans Home Campus, 5101 Minnehaha Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/minneapolis/directions.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Directions&quot;&gt;*Please note: There is no Bridge access from Minnehaha Drive; enter from the North on 46th Ave. S. and Godfrey Parkway&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Should RSVP to Anna Long at 651-757-1536 or anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>342053</id><pubdate>2018-06-12T11:43:01Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Events-Archive</Title><Id>244368</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 27.</Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Memorial Day Events</Title><Id>226666</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls</Title><title>2018-05-27-little-falls-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-338853&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-05-27T18:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 27.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 15, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; class=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik Sogge
&lt;br /&gt;
(320) 616-2527
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:erik.sogge@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Erik Sogge&quot;&gt;erik.sogge@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls for a Memorial Ceremony &lt;strong&gt;Sunday, May 27&lt;/strong&gt;. Musical selections by the Richfield Symphonic Band will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by a program that will include the placing of ceremonial wreaths, music by the Grey Eagle Community Choir, a Fallen Soldier Display by the Korean War Veterans – Minnesota Chapter 1 and a rifle salute by the Memorial Rifle Squad. CSM Joseph Hjelmstad, Command Sergeant Major of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division will be the guest speaker.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In honor of Memorial Day, the Military Museum at Camp Ripley will also be open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Note: Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible. Also, as a reminder to families: the Cemetery floral policy allows for artificial flowers to be placed on gravesites from May 20 – June 9.  Any artificial flowers on gravesites before or after these dates will be removed. Fresh cut flowers may be placed at any time of the year. A full list of cemetery floral regulations are posted on signs throughout the Cemetery.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, families and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday May 27th, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
15550 Hwy 115
&lt;br /&gt;
Little Falls, MN 56345&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
For more information call: (320) 616-2527 or send an email to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cemlf@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email info.cemlf@state.mn.us&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;info.cemlf@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cemlf@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email info.cemlf@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>338853</id><pubdate>2018-05-29T14:45:45Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Events-Archive</Title><Id>244368</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 27.</Description><Audience/><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Memorial Day Events</Title><Id>226666</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Memorial Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston</Title><title>2018-05-27-preston-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-338861&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-05-27T18:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 27.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 14, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Robert Gross
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 765-7320
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 535-9041 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:robert.gross@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Robert Gross&quot;&gt;robert.gross@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a Memorial Ceremony &lt;strong&gt;Sunday, May 27&lt;/strong&gt;. Musical selections by 34th Infantry Division Band, M-Saxteen will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by a program and a Parade of Flags. Goldstar parents David and Kay Swenson will deliver the memorial address. U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) will deliver closing remarks.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Note: Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tri-State area Veterans, families, general public, representatives from Veterans Service Organizations and Congressman Tim Walz&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday May 27th, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston
&lt;br /&gt;
715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information call: (507) 765-7320 or send an email to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;info.cempr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>338861</id><pubdate>2018-05-29T14:46:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. </Description><Audience/><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants </Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants </Title><title>2018-05-22-sot-plate-fund-awards-grants</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-338866&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-05-22T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; May 22, 2018&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/logos-together_tcm1066-338870.png&quot; title=&quot;SOT Grant Recipient Logos&quot; alt=&quot;SOT Grant Recipient Logos&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;padding: 5px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2018-05-sot-logos-together&quot; /&gt; 
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community Action Partnership – Hennepin County: $90,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Every Third Saturday, Inc.: $50,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Freedom Flight, Inc.: $37,500&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: $100,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Congratulations to our most recent recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Community Action Partnership – Hennepin County&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Community Action Partnership will use this grant to provide case management assistance and rental subsidies for Veterans and their families who are at risk of eviction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Every Third Saturday, Inc.&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every Third Saturday will use this grant to provide case management assistance for Veterans and their families who have made recent positive changes in their life, such as exiting homelessness, or completing a mental health or a substance abuse program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Freedom Flight, Inc.&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Freedom Flight, Inc. will use this grant to purchase a mobility impaired/accessible hot air balloon basket, trailer, and other related equipment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will use this grant to purchase a handicapped accessible van to transport wheelchair bound Veterans, and other Veterans, to various US Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping Homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx&quot; title=&quot;local DMV office&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;your local DMV office&lt;/a&gt; or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants Page&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>338866</id><pubdate>2018-05-22T15:04:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, MN - Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Shellito and Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) Commissioner Matt Massman visited the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Hastings today to highlight urgently needed repairs and maintenance in the facilities that serve nearly 800 Minnesota veterans and spouses.  </Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Administration Highlight Urgently Needed Repairs for Minnesota Veterans Homes</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Administration Highlight Urgently Needed Repairs for Minnesota Veterans Homes</Title><title>2018-04-27-mdva-and-dept-admin-highlight-needed-repairs</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-337546&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-04-27T16:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, MN - Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Shellito and Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) Commissioner Matt Massman visited the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Hastings today to highlight urgently needed repairs and maintenance in the facilities that serve nearly 800 Minnesota veterans and spouses.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Governor Dayton’s Bonding Bill Includes $13.1 Million to fix and upgrade five State Veterans Homes across the state and the Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
April 27, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Curt Yoakum
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Administration
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 201-2771
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 231-6362
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:curtis.yoakum@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Curtis Yoakum&quot;&gt;curtis.yoakum@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, MN -&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner Larry Shellito and Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) Commissioner Matt Massman visited the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Hastings today to highlight urgently needed repairs and maintenance in the facilities that serve nearly 800 Minnesota veterans and spouses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Governor Mark Dayton has included $13.1 million in his public works proposal to cover the highest priority repairs for veterans’ facilities across the state. In addition to the Hastings Veterans Home, which provides domiciliary care to approximately 140 Minnesota veterans, MDVA operates 24/7 skilled nursing facilities in Minneapolis, Fergus Falls, Luverne and Silver Bay. In all, MDVA is responsible for 68 buildings around the state, spanning more than a million square feet.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Major repairs and upgrades of facilities and operating systems, such as heating and cooling systems, are essential to caring for veterans. On the Hastings campus critical needs include replacement of interior and exterior doors, roofing and water lines, along with HVAC controls and repair of crumbling walls in the tunnel system. In another example, Minnesota’s northernmost Veterans Home, located in Silver Bay, needs a new heating and cooling system and does not have a reliable back up. A heating system failure during the extreme winter months could have a devastating effect on veterans and spouses who live at the Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“These repairs are critical to our mission of caring for Minnesota Veterans and their families,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito. “This proposal will allow us to continue honoring our veterans in a manner which they so richly deserve.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Veterans Homes must meet the most stringent life safety standards for care facilities. Meeting those standards is increasingly more difficult in older facilities, and maintenance has been deferred due to inadequate funding. Maintenance issues get worse and more expensive the longer they are deferred. Additionally, the state’s four skilled care facilities have or are undertaking federal certification, which means higher standards. Existing budgets cannot meet these ever rising costs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Veterans Homes are only part of a growing list of required maintenance. Included in the request is funding to provide maintenance and updates at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Burial honors are often the only benefit veterans take advantage of,” said Shellito. “Military burial is a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice. This benefit is as much for the families and loved ones as it is for the veterans who are laid to rest. It is important that the grounds and facilities reflect the great honor bestowed on our heroes.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More than $500 million of identified repairs are needed just to fix state-owned buildings in the worst condition. Governor Dayton’s $1.5 billion public works proposal includes $542 million to maintain and improve Minnesota’s colleges and universities, and $998 million to repair state buildings and clean water infrastructure, and address affordable housing shortages and other critical infrastructure needs across the state. The Governor&apos;s proposal will reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance before the costs of these urgently needed repairs further escalates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The deferred repairs and upgrades at our state’s Veterans Homes is one more example of inadequate construction appropriations that negatively affects Minnesotans,” said Minnesota Department of Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “We need to repair and maintain the places our nation’s heroes call home. And, we need to do the same for hundreds of other state-owned buildings in poor and crisis condition that also serve Minnesotans. If we don’t take action now, the problem just gets worse while the price tag only gets bigger. Governor Dayton’s investment to take care of what we have is the fiscally responsible choice.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Administration&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Department of Administration manages real estate and construction services for state agencies. The department serves as the State&apos;s owner&apos;s representative on construction projects. In that role, the department manages over 350 construction projects and also 800 property leases annually.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>337546</id><pubdate>2018-04-27T15:45:00Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>Commissioners Shellito and Massman will highlight the importance of proposed projects on the Minnesota State Veterans Home - Hastings campus and at other Veterans homes, as well as the urgent need to tackle deferred maintenance at public buildings statewide. The Governor recommends $13.124 million for renovation and upgrades across the five Veteran Homes and Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The Department has an estimated $38.1 million in deferred maintenance needs.</Description><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Administration to Discuss Governor’s Bonding Recommendations in Hastings</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Administration to Discuss Governor’s Bonding Recommendations in Hastings</Title><title>2018-04-24-mdva-and-admin-to-discuss-governors-bonding-recommendations-in-hastings</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-336978&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-04-24T20:35:44Z</Date><ShortDescription>Commissioners Shellito and Massman will highlight the importance of proposed projects on the Minnesota State Veterans Home - Hastings campus and at other Veterans homes, as well as the urgent need to tackle deferred maintenance at public buildings statewide. The Governor recommends $13.124 million for renovation and upgrades across the five Veteran Homes and Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The Department has an estimated $38.1 million in deferred maintenance needs.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>The Governor recommends $13.124 million for renovation and upgrades across the five State Veteran Homes and State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito, Department of Administration Commissioner Matt Massman&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Press conference and tour&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, April 27, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE: 
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings
&lt;br /&gt;
1200 18th St East
&lt;br /&gt;
Hastings, MN 55033&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Commissioners Shellito and Massman will highlight the importance of proposed projects on the Minnesota State Veterans Home - Hastings campus and at other Veterans homes, as well as the urgent need to tackle deferred maintenance at public buildings statewide. The Governor recommends $13.124 million for renovation and upgrades across the five Veteran Homes and Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The Department has an estimated $38.1 million in deferred maintenance needs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RSVP:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Media are asked to RSVP by noon on Thursday, April 26, to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Anna.Long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Anna.Long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;. Please provide your full name and the names of others in your news organization who will be attending.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>336978</id><pubdate>2018-04-24T20:49:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – Today the Minneapolis Veterans Home celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art nursing care facility. The completion of Building 22 marks the final of a three phased construction project eight years in the making at the Minneapolis Home.</Description><Audience/><Title>Mpls Vets Home unveils final phase of 8 year project</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minneapolis Veterans Home Celebrates Grand Opening of New Nursing Care Facility</Title><title>2018-03-22-minneapolis-veterans-home-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-nursing-facility</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-330881&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-03-22T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minneapolis Veterans Home today celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art nursing care facility, Building 22. The new facility incorporates the industry standard of Resident-centered care with private rooms and bathrooms and community gathering spaces. Completion of Building 22 marks the end of a three-phase construction project, eight years in the making. The new building will be home to 100 Residents beginning the week of March 26.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
&lt;br /&gt;
March 22, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;St. Paul, Minn. – The Minneapolis Veterans Home today celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art nursing care facility, Building 22. The new facility incorporates the industry standard of Resident-centered care with private rooms and bathrooms and community gathering spaces. Completion of Building 22 marks the end of a three-phase construction project, eight years in the making. The new building will be home to 100 Residents beginning the week of March 26.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Minnesota Veterans put their lives on hold to answer the nation’s call. They have made great sacrifices and risked their lives to protect our freedoms,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “This new nursing center will help ensure Minnesota Veterans receive the care they need and deserve. I join all Minnesotans in expressing my gratitude and thanks for their service on behalf of all of us.”
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
State leaders, Residents, staff, community members, and Veterans Service Organizations came together to celebrate this milestone in honoring and serving Minnesota Veterans. 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Veterans and Residents will now live in a community they can call home that provides the highest quality of life and care they deserve.  I am very proud we are able to provide this new residential and care option for our heroes living at the Minneapolis Veterans Home,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Partners in this project included JE Dunn Construction, Nelson-Tremain Partnership, the Governor’s Office, the Minnesota State Legislature, the Minnesota Department of Administration, Minnesota Management and Budget, Minnesota IT Services, and multiple federal partners. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;With five levels, 100 spacious private rooms with bath, Building 22 encompasses just over 136,000 square feet, offering Residents a home-like environment. The community-based design aligns with the Minnesota Veterans Home&apos;s commitment to Resident centered care by providing cozy, neighborhood style dining and gathering spaces. The new residential building also provides common spaces for connecting, visiting and various activities. Additional highlights include Resident great rooms, balconies, gardens, a courtyard, a putting green and a walking path. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Highlights about the new nursing care facility project include: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;100 private rooms for Residents&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;60 different companies participated in the efforts on site&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;751 women and men builders and workers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;130,000 bricks were laid &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;4,200 cubic yards of concrete was used - enough to fill 46 standard backyard pools &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;514,000 pounds of rebar was installed, which is the equivalent weight of 19 dump trucks&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>330881</id><pubdate>2018-03-22T19:15:24Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has been awarded the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  This award recognizes outstanding state programs that support Veterans within their states.</Description><Audience/><Title>MDVA Receives Pillars of Excellence Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA Receives Pillars of Excellence Award</Title><title>2018-03-19-pillars-of-excellence</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-330268&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-03-21T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has been awarded the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  This award recognizes outstanding state programs that support Veterans within their states.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Agency receives Top Honor from US Department of Veterans Affairs for making it easier for Veterans to search and access secure military discharge information.</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 21, 2018&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; class=&quot;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has been awarded the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  This award recognizes outstanding state programs that support Veterans within their states.
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The 2018 awards were presented by Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin at a conference in Alexandria, Virginia. MDVA won for creation of a database of secure military discharge documents. The Discharge Access Database System (DADS) provides a searchable database used by County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) and MDVA staff to locate Veteran discharge documents, like DD214s, which are needed to access earned benefits. Although it is still expanding, it already houses discharge data for 82 of Minnesota’s 87 counties.
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“I am continually inspired by the commitment of our team here at MDVA, and I am very proud of this accomplishment,” said Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito. “This program would not have been created without the dedication of Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay and his staff, along with our partners. They exemplify our mission of caring for Minnesota Veterans and their families.”
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
Prior to the launch of DADS in 2016, there was no state-wide database of military discharge documents on record with the County Recorders. Staff working with Veterans had to know which of Minnesota’s 87 counties the discharge documents were recorded in before they could make contact and request a secure transfer of the documents. This process was slow, and did not always produce results. A comprehensive, searchable database was needed. To date there are more than 500,000 military records indexed in this database.
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
The DADS database is especially critical for Veterans who served before discharge papers were provided in an electronic format. In 1973, an infamous and disastrous fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri destroyed more than 16 million official military records. In cases like these, the military discharge on file in a county, possibly forgotten by the Veteran, is the only existing record of that Veteran’s service and often the missing key to earned benefits. With DADS, staff can now find and request records through a secure, but simple, online search. 
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>330268</id><pubdate>2018-03-21T13:07:32Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The media is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on Thursday, March 22 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will honor Residents and families, and marks completion of the third and final phase of project to modernize and update the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus. The updates incorporate the industry standard of Resident-centered care and private rooms and bathrooms. Additional highlights include Resident great rooms, balconies, gardens, a courtyard, putting green and a walking path.</Description><Audience/><Title>Grand Opening Dedication of the Minneapolis Veterans Home Building 22</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Grand Opening Dedication of the Minneapolis Veterans Home Building 22</Title><title>2018-03-20-building-22</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-330653&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-03-20T11:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The media is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on Thursday, March 22 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will honor Residents and families, and marks completion of the third and final phase of project to modernize and update the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus. The updates incorporate the industry standard of Resident-centered care and private rooms and bathrooms. Additional highlights include Resident great rooms, balconies, gardens, a courtyard, putting green and a walking path.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FORT IMMEDIATE RELEASE:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 20, 2018&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The media is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on Thursday, March 22 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will honor Residents and families, and marks completion of the third and final phase of project to modernize and update the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus. The updates incorporate the industry standard of Resident-centered care and private rooms and bathrooms. Additional highlights include Resident great rooms, balconies, gardens, a courtyard, putting green and a walking path.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony will feature a patriotic program including the VFW Color Guard, with remarks by members of the Veterans community and state leaders. Special music will be provided by Copper Street Brass Quintet, and refreshments and tours of the new space will follow the formal program. Residents are scheduled to begin moving into the new building the week of March 26.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Deputy Commissioner Douglas Hughes
&lt;br /&gt;
Vietnam Veteran and Keynote Speaker Kay Bauer
&lt;br /&gt;
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Administration Commissioner Matt Massman
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota IT Services Chief Operations Officer Aaron Call&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, March 22, 10 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE: 
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Building 19 Community Room, Minneapolis Veterans Home Campus, 5101 Minnehaha Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417 &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/minneapolis/directions.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Directions&quot;&gt;*Please note: There is no Bridge access from Minnehaha Drive; enter from the North on 46th Ave. S. and Godfrey Parkway&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>330653</id><pubdate>2018-03-19T22:50:54Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a non-partisan Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their joint 2018 legislative agenda. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 337,000 Veterans in Minnesota.</Description><Audience/><Title>2018 Minnesota Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>2018 Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</Title><title>2018-03-08-vets-day-on-the-hill</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-328487&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2018-03-08T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a non-partisan Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their joint 2018 legislative agenda. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 337,000 Veterans in Minnesota.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/vets-day-on-the-hill-logos_tcm1066-328486.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for the CTF, MACVSO, and UVLC&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for the CTF, MACVSO, and UVLC&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;vets-day-on-the-hill-logos&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left;&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 8, 2018
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right;&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jerry Kyser, UVLC
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 338-2717
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;colgroup&gt;
&lt;col style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; /&gt;
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&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a non-partisan Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their joint 2018 legislative agenda. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 337,000 Veterans in Minnesota. The CTF is represented by nine congressionally-charted Veterans Service Organization in Minnesota which include the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with their legislators. There will be park and ride available in the Metro and many buses offering free rides from greater Minnesota. Following the rally, Regional Rooms will be available throughout the Capitol Complex for use by Veterans and supporters to offer attendees a place to congregate, invite their lawmakers to visit and discuss Veterans issues specific to their region, and the state. Information on buses and Regional Rooms can be found at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-326946&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Day on the Hill Rally information&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, March 12&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;9:45 a.m. – CTF leadership and Veterans will march from the Veterans Services Building to the State Capitol, accompanied by an Honor Guard and bag pipes &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;10 a.m. – Rally in Capitol Rotunda&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;11 a.m. – &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-326946&quot; title=&quot;Regional Rooms&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Regional Rooms&lt;/a&gt; will be available throughout the Capitol Complex immediately following the rally
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, Elected Officials, Elected Officials, members of Veterans Service Organizations, County Veterans Service Officers and more. This year’s program will be emceed by the United Veterans Legislative Council Chair Jerry Kyser. Confirmed speakers include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Congressman Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Sen. Paul Gazelka, Majority Leader&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Sen. Bruce Anderson, Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Sen. Jerry Newton, Minority Lead of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Rep. Bob Dettmer, Chair of the Veterans Affairs Division&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Rep. Paul Rosenthal, Minority Lead of the Veterans Affairs Division&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;CTF Chair &amp;amp; DAV Commander Robert Saddoris&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MACVSO President Robby Robinson&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;UVLC Chair Jerry Kyser&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE: 
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td class=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF)&lt;/strong&gt; was created in 1988 and is comprised of elected commanders and appointed adjutants of the nine largest congressionally-chartered Veterans Service Organizations in the state of Minnesota. Key functions of this group include developing a united Veterans legislative agenda and actively advocating for it before state and elected officials; serving as a non-partisan advisory group to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Governor and legislators on Veterans’ issues in the state; and working to seek and form Veterans Service Organization partnerships in program development.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>328487</id><pubdate>2018-03-08T15:38:39Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting the 76th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This event is to acknowledge “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that inauspicious day. Bill Lunn of KSTP author of the book Heart of a Ranger will be the keynote speaker for the event.</Description><Audience/><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony</Title><title>2017-12-01-pearl-harbor-ma</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-319396&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-12-01T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting the 76th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This event is to acknowledge “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that inauspicious day. Bill Lunn of KSTP author of the book Heart of a Ranger will be the keynote speaker for the event.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; December 1, 2017&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
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&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting the 76th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This event is to acknowledge “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that inauspicious day. Bill Lunn of KSTP author of the book Heart of a Ranger will be the keynote speaker for the event. &lt;strong&gt;Please note: The location of the event has been changed to Historic Fort Snelling in the auditorium of the visitor’s center. Free parking will be available in the visitor center lot, and there is no cost to attend the ceremony.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-318109&quot; title=&quot;Event information&quot;&gt;For event location map or more information click here&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Confirmed Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Richard Thill, Pearl Harbor Survivor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Keynote by Bill Lunn of KSTP&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Red Bull Band Spirit of Minnesota Woodwind Quintet&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ft. Snelling Nat&apos;l Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, December 7&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;10 a.m. - Program. Refreshments will follow the program
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Notice of Change:&lt;/strong&gt; Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Drive, St. Paul, Minn. 55111
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>319396</id><pubdate>2017-12-01T17:14:24Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year the program will have a special spotlight on the service of Vietnam era Veterans. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., and participants will have a chance to meet a live eagle from the National Eagle Center. The bald eagle has served as an enduring symbol of the nation’s freedom since June 20, 1782.</Description><Audience/><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><title>2017-11-01-veterans-day</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-317048&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-11-01T17:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year the program will have a special spotlight on the service of Vietnam era Veterans. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., and participants will have a chance to meet a live eagle from the National Eagle Center. The bald eagle has served as an enduring symbol of the nation’s freedom since June 20, 1782.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; November 3, 2017&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MEDIA CONTACTS:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
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&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; text-align: left; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. &lt;strong&gt;Saturday, November 11&lt;/strong&gt; at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year the program will have a special spotlight on the service of Vietnam era Veterans. A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., and participants will have a chance to meet a live eagle from the National Eagle Center. The bald eagle has served as an enduring symbol of the nation’s freedom since June 20, 1782.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The program will feature a keynote address by Douglas Bradley and Craig Werner, authors of Rolling Stones’ 2015 best-selling music book, “We Gotta Get Out of This Place – The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War,” which delves into popular music at the heart of the American experience in Vietnam.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The program will also include remarks from members of U.S. Congress, MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito, and Luke Heikkila, TPT producer of Minnesota Remembers Vietnam. The Minnesota Remembers Vietnam initiative is a collaboration among the Minnesota PBS stations featuring an online Story Wall, various documentaries, and a series of public screenings and commemorative events to remember, honor, and understand the experience of the Vietnam War. The Story Wall is part of the Minnesota Remembers Vietnam initiative and is aimed at inspiring Minnesotans to remember and share stories, recognize bravery, express their reasons for dissent, and foster understanding around the lasting impact of war. Veterans are invited to &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnvietnam.org/share-your-story/&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Remembers Vietnam - Share Your Story&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;share their story online&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Due to another scheduled event at the Community Center on Nov. 11, parking may be limited. Overflow parking will be available at the nearby Inverhills Church on Babcock Trail. Boy Scout Troop 507 from Inver Grove Heights will be lining the route with American Flags. Shuttles will be available, courtesy of the Disabled American Veterans, Minnesota Foundation.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has compiled a list of &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/#/list/appId/2/filterType/Category/filterValue/Veterans%20Day%202017%20Events/page/1/sort//order/&quot; title=&quot;Veterans Day Events&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Veterans Day events&lt;/a&gt; happening in Minnesota.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff Mike McElhiney&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Senator Al Franken&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Betty McCollum
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Tom Emmer&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Jason Lewis
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inver Grove Heights Mayor George Tourville&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Anthem by Lt. Col USAF (Retired) Tim Swanson&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Authors Douglas Bradley and Craig Werner&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;TPT Minnesota Remembers Vietnam Producer Luke Heikkila&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain Col. Tim Martenson&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday, November 11, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.  – Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 – 11 a.m. - Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center
&lt;br /&gt;
8055 Barbara Avenue
&lt;br /&gt;
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>317048</id><pubdate>2017-11-07T14:19:03Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description>ST PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) today announced plans for construction of the first fixed dental clinic in the country on a State Veterans Home property. Through a unique public/private partnership with Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Minnesota Chapter, the Minneapolis Veterans Home will be able to better serve Veterans by providing critical restorative dental care and an enhanced focus on oral healthcare. </Description><Audience/><Title>Dental Clinic Planned for Minneapolis Veterans Home is Nation’s First</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Dental Clinic Planned for Minneapolis Veterans Home is Nation’s First</Title><title>2017-10-24-delta-dental</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-316020&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-10-25T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) today announced plans for construction of the first fixed dental clinic in the country on a State Veterans Home property. Through a unique public/private partnership with Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Minnesota Chapter, the Minneapolis Veterans Home will be able to better serve Veterans by providing critical restorative dental care and an enhanced focus on oral healthcare. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oct. 25, 2017
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long, MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Clarise Tushie-Lessard
&lt;br /&gt;
Delta Dental of Minnesota
&lt;br /&gt;
(612) 437-7191 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:ctushie-lessard@deltadentalmn.org&quot; title=&quot;Email Clarise Tushie-Lessard&quot;&gt;ctushie-lessard@deltadentalmn.org&lt;/a&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2017-10-25-logos-delta-dental-pr_tcm1066-316196.png&quot; title=&quot;Logos for Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota V4V Trust, and Disabled American Veterans&quot; alt=&quot;Logos for Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota V4V Trust, and Disabled American Veterans&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2017-10-25-logos-delta-dental-pr&quot; /&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ST PAUL, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) today announced plans for construction of the first fixed dental clinic in the country on a State Veterans Home property. Through a unique public/private partnership with Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund (V4V) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Minnesota Foundation, the Minneapolis Veterans Home will be able to better serve Veterans by providing critical restorative dental care and an enhanced focus on oral healthcare.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This first-in-the nation partnership will help Minnesota Veterans access high quality dental care,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “I thank Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation for their commitment to Minnesota Veterans and their families. Veterans make great sacrifices on behalf of our state and nation. This unique partnership will connect them with the care they need.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA received three major grants for this project, including $100,000 from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, $60,000 from V4V, and $50,000 from the DAV of Minnesota Foundation. Conversations began last year with the foundation and Dr. Bruce Templeton, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System Dental Chief. After hearing about the plans for their innovative solution, both V4V and the DAV also pledged financial support. Construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion estimated in the spring of 2018. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“When it comes to serving Veterans, I am continually inspired by the dedication of the leaders and staff on my team – and by the commitment from our partners. When we work together, all Veterans win,” said Larry Shellito, MDVA Commissioner. “This new dental clinic will bring more comprehensive oral health care right to our Veterans most in need.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the skilled nursing setting, most models, including the Minneapolis Veterans Home, rely on mobile clinic dentistry programs to provide care. Challenges with mobile clinics include limited procedures, cost and time for setup and teardown, adequate space, durability of equipment and infection control. This innovative program will address all of those challenges and more, including a special focus on an interdisciplinary team approach to oral health care, serving Veterans Homes Residents in a familiar environment with staff support, specialized equipment that better serves those with cognitive impairments and physical disabilities, and a dental staff with expertise in dementia care and challenging behaviors. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Meeting those in need where they are is a crucial factor in expanding access to oral health care across Minnesota, “said Joseph Lally, Executive Director of Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. “Because it can be difficult for this population to get to a dentist, we partnered with the Veterans Home to bring dentists to their Residents. We are pleased to help establish this first-of-its-kind fixed dental clinic, which will provide quality dental care to so many Minnesota Veterans who have served our country.”
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A very small portion of Veterans are eligible for dental benefits through the VA Health Care System due to strict eligibility criteria. Veterans must be 100% service connected disabled through the Department of Veterans Affairs, or have a documented dental injury from their time in service. Because of the significant private pay cost, most Veterans who reside at the Minneapolis Veterans Home rely on other benefits or privately pay for dental services. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This new dental clinic puts MDVA in a unique position to assist Veterans in need in the State Veterans Home, and in the community. In addition to Residents at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, this clinic is expected to serve Residents at the nearby Hastings State Veterans Home and Veterans referred through the VA Hospital system. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA is also considering similar projects for the Veterans Homes in Silver Bay, Fergus Falls and Luverne.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
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&lt;strong&gt;About Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation&lt;/strong&gt;
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In 2009, Delta Dental of Minnesota’s parent sold a company and used 100 percent of the proceeds to fund Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. The foundation supports Delta Dental of Minnesota’s mission of improving the health of Minnesotans through oral health. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation expands access to dental care for Minnesota’s underserved populations across the state by investing in programs and organizations that provide dental care to people in need. Since 2011, the foundation invested more than $25 million in grants to nearly 70 programs and organizations that provide care and promote oral health.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>316020</id><pubdate>2017-10-25T14:03:57Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minneapolis Veterans Home to Partner with St. Catherine University </Title><title>2017-09-28-st-catherine-university</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-313058&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-09-28T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today a new partnership between the Minneapolis Veterans Home (MVH) and St. Catherine University. Starting this month students from the University’s Henrietta Schmoll School of Health will work in the Home’s 24-hour skilled nursing facility to gain hands-on experience and awareness of Veteran’s healthcare issues, while learning more about future employment at MVH and caring for Minnesota Veterans.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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September 28, 2017
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&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
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&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) announced today a new partnership between the Minneapolis Veterans Home (MVH) and St. Catherine University. Starting this month students from the University’s Henrietta Schmoll School of Health will work in the Home’s 24-hour skilled nursing facility to gain hands-on experience and awareness of Veteran’s healthcare issues, while learning more about future employment at MVH and caring for Minnesota Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“This is a tremendous opportunity for both of our organizations to advance our commitment to high-quality healthcare for Minnesota Veterans. The vision of this partnership was not only to provide a valuable learning environment for students, but also to foster connections between students and Veterans, showcase the Home as an employer of choice to our next generation of healthcare workers, and provide increased care for our Veterans,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Providing high quality healthcare for Minnesota Veterans is a top priority for the state of Minnesota however, it is increasingly difficult to recruit nursing staff to the 24/7 environment of the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Today’s announcement represents the positive results from a careful, deliberate planning process intended to ensure the best strategic direction for the Minnesota Veterans. Public-private partnerships like this one play an increasingly critical role in the future development of Veterans’ healthcare in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Within this new partnership St. Catherine University faculty and students will also be conducting clinical research studies around known challenges in long-term care for Veterans, starting with the topic of sleep. University faculty and students will present their findings to Home leadership, along with recommendations designed to enhance sleep quality for Residents. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Leadership from MDVA and St. Catherine have been meeting on this partnership since the fall of 2016. The shared vision of this collaboration is to offer quality care for Minnesota Veterans while creating a learning environment with valuable hands-on experience, engaging students in the opportunities within long-term care, developing awareness and competency in working with Veterans, and highlighting the clinical work provided by MDVA staff. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;After a year of planning and hard work we are excited to have the first students at the Minneapolis Veterans Home this fall. We are grateful for this partnership to create an innovative learning community,&quot; said Dr. Penelope Moyers, St. Catherine University Associate Provost and Dean. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the next 12 months, the MDVA-St. Catherine University’s partnership will expand to involve students from other St. Catherine health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, exercise science, nutrition and public health. Under the direction of a new MDVA Clinical Education Liaison, staff will work with students to share knowledge and practices that prepare students to better serve aging adults, specifically in the areas of skilled nursing, dementia and mental health.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDVA provides care to Minnesota Veterans in five facilities throughout the state. The Minneapolis Veterans Home is the largest, and provides long term and skilled nursing services to nearly 300 Veterans and their spouses.  Also located on the Minneapolis campus is a domiciliary program that provides board and care level services to over 40 Veterans, and an Adult Day Health Care Program serving over 15 senior Veterans per day.  The Minneapolis Veterans Home has been awarded “Best in Class” for its exceptional nursing care and respect and dignity towards Residents and is currently rated as a four star facility through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid. MDVA is considering similar partnerships to address staffing shortages at the other Veterans Homes located in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne and Silver Bay. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>313058</id><pubdate>2017-10-23T20:34:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Purple Heart Day</Title><title>2017-08-04-purple-heart-day</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-305591&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-08-04T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Members of the community and the press are invited to attend a ceremony recognizing Combat Wounded Veterans Purple Heart Day on Monday, August 7 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home beginning at 11 a.m. 

Since 2001, Minnesota Statute 10.58 has designated the day of August 7 as Combat Wounded Veterans Day in honor of military Veterans who were wounded by enemy action while bravely serving their country against enemy forces, and whose sacrifices have entitled them to the Purple Heart decoration. Each year the Governor issues a proclamation honoring this observance. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
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August 4, 2017&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
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&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;Members of the community and the press are invited to attend a ceremony recognizing Combat Wounded Veterans Purple Heart Day on Monday, August 7 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home beginning at 11 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The ceremony will include remarks by Willie Pargo, Commander Military Order of the Purple Heart – Department of Minnesota, Mike McElhiney, Chief of Staff Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and other Purple Heart recipients. Residents at the Minneapolis Veterans Home who are Purple Heart recipients will also be recognized. The ceremony will be followed by refreshments and a celebratory cake.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The Purple Heart Medal is only presented as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with enemy forces,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito. “By observing Purple Heart Day, we can help raise awareness for what a Purple Heart represents and further honor the sacrifice of our Veterans right here in Minnesota.”&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;INTERVIEW OPS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Willie Pargo, Commander Military Order of the Purple Heart – Department of Minnesota &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mike McElhiney, Chief of Staff Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Purple Heart Recipients
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
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&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, August 7 at 11 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis
&lt;br /&gt;
Building 19 – Community Room
&lt;br /&gt;
5101 Minnehaha Avenue South
&lt;br /&gt;
Minneapolis, MN 55417&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>305591</id><pubdate>2017-08-04T15:55:49Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MACV to Hold 25th Annual Metro StandDown August 1 - 2</Title><title>2017-07-31-macv-standdown</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-304878&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-07-31T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) will be holding the 25th annual Metro Area Veterans’ StandDown August 1 – 2, at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling. Free, on-site assistance for homeless and underserved Veterans will include VA medical clinic, housing services, legal assistance (including court, federal and state tax assistance), hot meals, clothing, VA benefit information, employment assistance, mental health resources, DMV, haircuts, public benefits information, and more. There will be a free shuttle to and from the Fort Snelling Light Rail Station. Shuttles will also be picking up Veterans from local shelters. Efforts to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota remain a priority; the Federal government, Governor Dayton’s Administration, Mayor Hodges, and Mayor Coleman, along with more than eight Mayors from around the state, have committed to end Veteran homelessness.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 31, 2017&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nathaniel Saltz
&lt;br /&gt;
Program Director, MACV
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 224-0290 Office
&lt;br /&gt;
(612) 743-2891 Cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:nsaltz@mac-v.org&quot; title=&quot;Email Nathaniel Saltz&quot;&gt;nsaltz@mac-v.org
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/macv-logo-center_tcm1066-304880.jpg&quot; title=&quot;MACV Logo&quot; alt=&quot;MACV Logo&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;macv-logo-center&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) will be holding the 25th annual Metro Area Veterans’ StandDown August 1 – 2, at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling. Free, on-site assistance for homeless and underserved Veterans will include VA medical clinic, housing services, legal assistance (including court, federal and state tax assistance), hot meals, clothing, VA benefit information, employment assistance, mental health resources, DMV, haircuts, public benefits information, and more. There will be a free shuttle to and from the Fort Snelling Light Rail Station. Shuttles will also be picking up Veterans from local shelters. Efforts to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota remain a priority; the Federal government, Governor Dayton’s Administration, Mayor Hodges, and Mayor Coleman, along with more than eight Mayors from around the state, have committed to end Veteran homelessness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The first Veterans StandDown event was held in San Diego during the summer of 1988. Since then, the popularity of the event has steadily grown. Today, StandDown events are held in nearly 100 locations nationwide each year. It is estimated that more than 100,000 homeless Veterans have received assistance at StandDown events. In 2016, the Minneapolis StandDown drew over 800 Veterans seeking services from the 70 agencies present at the event. Veterans attending have access to a wide range of resources. A team dedicated to creating housing plans for every homeless Veteran will be available to assist Veterans throughout the event. StandDown Court will also be held at the event. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mac-v.org&quot; title=&quot;MACV&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.mac-v.org&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;MACV representatives, service providers, and Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;*Welcome Ceremony will take place Aug. 1, at 11 a.m.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Boy Scout Base Camp, &lt;em&gt;201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, Minn. 55111&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been assisting veterans for over 27 years. Each year MACV receives more than 25,000 contacts, inquiries, and requests from veterans across the state. In 2016, MACV comprehensively served over 1,700 veterans and their families throughout Minnesota who were homeless or experiencing a crisis that could lead to homelessness – and the need for services continues to rise. The mission of MACV is to provide assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homeless or experiencing other life crisis. It is estimated that 1% of the veterans in this state, or close to 4,100, will experience an episode of homelessness this year. MACV is there to assist. We have a passion for serving those in Minnesota who first served us.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>304878</id><pubdate>2017-07-31T16:14:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Fergus Falls Veterans Home welcomes new Administrator </Title><title>2017-07-21-fergus-falls-administrator</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-303460&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-07-21T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to announce the selection of Scott Buchanan as administrator of the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He will begin his role at the 106-bed skilled care facility Monday, July 24. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 21, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
Communications Director
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to announce the selection of Scott Buchanan as administrator of the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He will begin his role at the 106-bed skilled care facility Monday, July 24.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Buchanan has more than six years of experience as a skilled nursing home administrator, and his background includes both a focus on person-centered care and business operations. He will succeed Jon Skillingstad as the Fergus Falls administrator. Skillingstad retired last month after 20 years of service at the Home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Mr. Buchanan’s experience and background, along with his passion for helping Veterans, makes him a great match for the Fergus Falls Veterans Home,” said Douglas Hughes, deputy commissioner of Veterans Health Care at MDVA.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A native of Sioux Falls, Buchanan holds a degree in healthcare administration from the University of South Dakota. He and his wife, Chelsea, will be relocating to Fergus Falls from the Worthington area for his new role.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the Fergus Falls Veterans Home: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Fergus Falls Veterans Home is focused on creating the feel of “home” for Residents and includes a Veterans Village wing where each room is designed to look like a distinct cottage with a window, porch and rocking chair. Park benches and street lights bring the feel of the outdoors inside while helping create a sense of place for Residents with dementia. The Home also features a Snoezelen Room, which provides multi-sensory stimulation through fiber optic lights synchronized to music, and other sensory elements. Originally designed for children with developmental challenges, this same technology has been found to encourage activity and memory retention in aging adults, especially related to dementia and Alzheimer’s.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>303460</id><pubdate>2017-11-03T13:58:02Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Mark Dayton Proclaims July “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota</Title><title>2017-07-12-july-hire-a-veteran-month-gov-press-release</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-302672&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-07-11T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today provided remarks at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair in Bloomington. The Veterans Career Fair connected nearly 200 employers with approximately 1,000 former and current military members. Governor Mark Dayton also issued a proclamation declaring the month of July to be “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota. Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith encourage all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;h3 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lt. Governor Tina Smith thanks employers for investing in Minnesota Veterans ahead of Veterans Career Fair in Bloomington
&lt;br /&gt;
State of Minnesota offers a variety of services to help connect Veterans with employment opportunities&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today provided remarks at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair in Bloomington. The Veterans Career Fair connected nearly 200 employers with approximately 1,000 former and current military members. Governor Mark Dayton also issued a proclamation declaring the month of July to be “&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/assets/2017_07_Hire_A_Veteran_Month_tcm1055-300869.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Hire a Veteran Month proclamation&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Hire a Veteran Month&lt;/a&gt;” in Minnesota. Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith encourage all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Minnesotans are grateful for the service of the nearly 370,000 veterans who live here. And veterans make exceptional employees. The State of Minnesota offers excellent employment and educational services to help veterans find good jobs,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “During &apos;Hire a Veteran Month,&apos; and every month, I encourage Minnesota employers to look for ways to hire talented and experienced Minnesota veterans.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Veterans are a critical part of Minnesota&apos;s workforce,&quot; said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “As the demand for skilled workers in our state continues to rise, it is important that we tap into this existing workforce pool to make sure all Minnesota veterans have access to quality, meaningful employment.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Veterans Career Fair focused exclusively on connecting veterans and military service members with employment opportunities. This is the eleventh year DEED has hosted a Veterans Career Fair. On average about 40 percent of employers ultimately hire someone they met at the Veterans Career Fair.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Connecting Veterans with Employment Opportunities&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Hire a Veteran Month,” including the Veterans Career Fair today, is part of a broader effort by the Dayton-Smith Administration to help Minnesota veterans find meaningful, good-paying work. Through recruitment and retention efforts, relationships with veterans organizations and advocates, support for deployed soldiers and their families, and reintegration training, Minnesota is getting our veterans back to work – one soldier at a time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Dayton-Smith Administration also is working to connect veterans here at home with employment opportunities. In 2012, Governor Dayton &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&amp;amp;f=SF1599&amp;amp;ssn=0&amp;amp;y=2012&quot; title=&quot;SF 1599&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;signed a bill into law&lt;/a&gt; allowing private employers to implement their own veterans’ preference programs. DEED services for job-seekers serve more than 20,000 veterans every year. Together, these efforts are aimed at providing Minnesota veterans the help they need to find strong employment opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Resources for Veteran Job Seekers&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota veterans and military service members who are currently searching for a job can benefit from the following initiatives and resources:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DEED Veterans Services&lt;/strong&gt; – DEED provides specialized staff to assist eligible veterans with employment services to help them prepare for, find, and keep a job – no matter their era of service. &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/veteran-services/&quot; title=&quot;DEED - Veterans&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;This one-stop website&lt;/a&gt; provides information and resources for all Minnesota veterans who are seeking employment, including tips on how to find a job, a list of career events for veterans, employment services, and more. Additionally, if you are an employer seeking to hire a veteran, &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/veteran-services/hire-a-veteran/&quot; title=&quot;DEED - How to Hire a Veteran&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;visit this website designed for Minnesota employers&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Workforce Centers (WFC)&lt;/strong&gt; – Veterans seeking employment are encouraged to visit their local Workforce Center. All veterans of all ages and service eras receive Priority of Service in all Minnesota WFC’s. Each center has staff that can provide one-on-one assistance in job searches, provide guidance on resume and cover letter writing, conduct mock interviews, and provide referrals to support services. Each year, Minnesota Workforce Centers serve approximately 20,000 Minnesota veterans. A list of Minnesota Workforce Centers &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/workforce-centers/workforce-center-locations/&quot; title=&quot;Find a Workforce Center near you&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;is available here&lt;/a&gt;. Veterans can also find their local Workforce Center by calling (888) 213-1422.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MinnesotaWorks&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minnesotaworks.net/&quot; title=&quot;Minnesotaworks.net&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesotaworks.net&lt;/a&gt; is a website facilitated by DEED. Veterans can post their resumes there, and identify themselves as veterans so it is easier for employers to find them. Employers can post there open positions at this site at no cost, and can identify themselves as veteran friendly employers, so that veterans can easily find them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt; – The MDVA &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/employment/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MDVA - Employment&quot; target=&quot;_self&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Employment Intro&quot;&gt;has a website dedicated&lt;/a&gt; to helping Minnesota veterans connect to employment resources. The website also has links and helpful information for employers that want to hire veterans, as well as information about on-the-job training and apprenticeships, state veterans preference laws, and tips for veterans who own businesses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yellow Ribbon Company Program&lt;/strong&gt; – Throughout Minnesota, companies and corporations are making a commitment to military service members and veterans. The Yellow Ribbon Company Program is one example of how Minnesota companies go above and beyond. This program allows companies to make a formal and meaningful commitment to hiring veterans. More information about the Yellow Ribbon Company Program &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.btyr.org/yellow-ribbon-companies.html&quot; title=&quot;Yellow Ribbon Companies&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;can be found here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Read Governor Dayton’s full proclamation for &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/assets/2017_07_Hire_A_Veteran_Month_tcm1055-300869.pdf&quot; title=&quot;HIre a Veteran Month proclamation&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;“Hire a Veteran Month” here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information about “Hire a Veteran Month,” visit the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/deed/&quot; title=&quot;DEED&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://mn.gov/deed&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center; font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Office of the Governor &amp;amp; Lt. Governor, Communications Department&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
130 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
&lt;br /&gt;
T: 651-201-3400 | E: &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Dayton.Media@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email&quot;&gt;Dayton.Media@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>302672</id><pubdate>2026-05-11T19:04:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Media Day at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston</Title><title>2017-07-10-preston-media-day</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-302070&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-07-10T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Members of the press in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin are invited to gather at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a media day on Thursday, July 20. A recent news article generated a high number of inquiries from Veterans and spouses interested in future burial. This event is designed to build on that momentum and provide the media with information to further spread the word to Veterans and families in the tri-state area about burial options in the State Veterans Cemetery. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;July 10, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MEDIA CONTACTS&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Robert Gross
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 765-7320
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 535-9041 cell 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:robert.gross@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Robert Gross&quot;&gt;robert.gross@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Members of the press in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin are invited to gather at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a media day on Thursday, July 20. A recent news article generated a high number of inquiries from Veterans and spouses interested in future burial. This event is designed to build on that momentum and provide the media with information to further spread the word to Veterans and families in the tri-state area about burial options in the State Veterans Cemetery. Although State Veterans Cemeteries differ from VA national cemeteries, both work toward a shared goal of providing eligible Veterans and spouses with military burial honors within 75 miles of their home, nationwide. Thus, Iowa and Wisconsin Veterans may be eligible for burial at the Preston Cemetery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Media can tour the Cemetery, observe a simulated funeral honors by the Minnesota Honors team, view an abbreviated sample service, and shoot multiple photo ops. There will also be a chance to ask questions and learn more about burial options, pre-registration and eligibility. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices throughout history to establish and protect the freedoms we all enjoy. While the state and federal governments have a number of programs and services in place to assist and thank those who have served, burial is often the only benefit Veterans claim,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito. “This event is part of our commitment to honor our heroes. We want to continue to spread the word about these benefits to as many Veterans as possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston conducted its first services on Veterans Day in 2015 and is situated on 169 acres of rolling hills and scenic beauty in Fillmore County.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In addition to the Cemetery in Preston, a second State Veterans Cemetery is located in Little Falls, Minn. The closest VA National Cemetery to this site in Preston is Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn., which is approximately 120 miles away. The closest state cemetery in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wis., which is approximately 193 miles away.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;INTERVIEW OPS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Robert Gross, Preston Cemetery Administrator&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, July 20; 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Refreshments will be provided in the Administration Building. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston
&lt;br /&gt;
715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;For more information call: (507) 765-7320 or email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cemPR@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Preston Cemetery&quot;&gt;info.cemPR@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>302070</id><pubdate>2017-07-19T15:24:33Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Support Our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants</Title><title>2017-06-20-sot-grant-recipients</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-300105&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-06-30T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
June 30, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MEDIA CONTACT&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – $45,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fishing For Life - $20,000&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Last year, MDVA expanded the SOT grant program by offering a new competitive grant process which allows additional organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Making these SOT grants available to more organizations not only leverages our work, it also empowers our partners. Only together can we support and strengthen our community as a whole. Congratulations to our most recent recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/lutheran-social-services-logo_tcm1066-300124.png&quot; title=&quot;Lutheran Social Services Logo&quot; alt=&quot;Lutheran Social Services Logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 30%; height: auto;padding: 10px&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;lutheran-social-services-logo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota received $45,000 to provide in-home counseling, consultation and coaching for immediate family members caring for Veterans and/or Veterans caring for their family members. The term of this grant is one year.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/fishing-for-life-logo_tcm1066-300123.png&quot; title=&quot;Fishing for Life Logo&quot; alt=&quot;Fishing for Life Logo&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 25%; height: auto;padding: 10px&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;fishing-for-life-logo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Fishing for Life&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Fishing for Life received $20,000 to provide opportunities for Veterans (and/or family members) to participate in various outdoor recreation activities. The term of this grant is one year.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping Homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To purchase SOT plates, &lt;a href=&quot;https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx&quot; title=&quot;DMV Locations&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;visit your local DMV office&lt;/a&gt; or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Grants&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 MDVA Grants Intro&quot;&gt;the MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>300105</id><pubdate>2026-04-13T20:06:07Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Day Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston</Title><title>2017-05-16-preston-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-294703&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-05-22T14:11:52Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 28. Musical and vocal selections will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the Parade of Flags program at 2 p.m. State Captain, Craig Ugland of the Minnesota Patriot Guard will be the guest speaker.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
May 22, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Robert Gross
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 765-7320
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 535-9041 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:robert.gross@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Robert Gross&quot;&gt;robert.gross@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston for a Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 28. Musical and vocal selections will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the Parade of Flags program at 2 p.m. State Captain, Craig Ugland of the Minnesota Patriot Guard will be the guest speaker.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Note: Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, families and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN: &lt;/strong&gt;   
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday May 28th, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston
&lt;br /&gt;
715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information call: (507) 765-7320 or send an email to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Preston Cemetery&quot;&gt;info.cempr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>294703</id><pubdate>2017-05-22T14:12:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Memorial Day Ceremony at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls</Title><title>2017-05-16-little-falls-memorial-day</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-294716&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-05-22T14:11:37Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to gather at the State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls for the annual Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 28. An instrumental prelude by the Richfield Symphonic Band will begin at 1:30 p.m. The formal program will begin at 2 p.m. and will include a placing of memorial wreaths, a fallen solider ceremony by the Korean War Veterans Minnesota Chapter 1, and a rifle salute by the Memorial Riffle Squad. Command Sergeant Major James Kampsen will be the guest speaker. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; May 22, 2017&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Erik Sogge
&lt;br /&gt;
(320) 616-2527
&lt;br /&gt;
(320) 212-8450 cell 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:erik.sogge@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Erik Sogge&quot;&gt;erik.sogge@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to gather at the State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls for the annual Memorial Ceremony Sunday, May 28. An instrumental prelude by the Richfield Symphonic Band will begin at 1:30 p.m. The formal program will begin at 2 p.m. and will include a placing of memorial wreaths, a fallen solider ceremony by the Korean War Veterans Minnesota Chapter 1, and a rifle salute by the Memorial Riffle Squad. Command Sergeant Major James Kampsen will be the guest speaker. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In honor of Memorial Day, the Military Museum at Camp Ripley will also be open for visitors. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The program is sponsored by the Minnesota State Veterans Memorial Association. For more information on this event, visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Note: Due to the high number of attendees expected, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and carpool, if possible.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, families and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday, May 28; Prelude at 1:30 p.m. and Formal Program at 2 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
15550 Hwy 115
&lt;br /&gt;
Little Falls, MN 56345
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The cemetery is located adjacent to Hwy 371 and Hwy 115, seven miles north of Little Falls.     
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For more information call: (507) 765-7320 or send an email to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Little Falls Cemetery&quot;&gt;info.cempr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>294716</id><pubdate>2017-05-22T14:12:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Announces the 2017 Ellis Island Medals of Honor Recipients</Title><title>2017-04-24-neco-announces-2017-ellis-island-medals-of-honor-recipients</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-290892&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-04-24T15:51:34Z</Date><ShortDescription>March 27, NEW YORK, NY – Today, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), announced the recipients of the 2017 Ellis Island Medals of Honor. Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner and Retired Major General Larry Shellito of Woodbury, Minnesota along with legendary former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi, TV host and journalist Fareed Zakaria, CEO of HSN Mindy Grossman, former actress and film studio executive Sherry Lansing, chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, are amongst the one-hundred outstanding Americans in business, government, medicine, art, and education, as well as honorees from all branches of the military, who will receive the 2017 medal. 
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Commissioner Larry Shellito Among the Exceptional Americans Honored
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;March 27, NEW YORK, NY – Today, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), announced the recipients of the 2017 Ellis Island Medals of Honor. Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner and Retired Major General Larry Shellito of Woodbury, Minnesota along with legendary former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi, TV host and journalist Fareed Zakaria, CEO of HSN Mindy Grossman, former actress and film studio executive Sherry Lansing, chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, are amongst the one-hundred outstanding Americans in business, government, medicine, art, and education, as well as honorees from all branches of the military, who will receive the 2017 medal.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In its 31st year, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony will once again be held on Ellis Island on May 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. The ceremony, which will be followed by a black-tie Gala Dinner in the historic Great Hall, will take place in the original registry room, a symbolic and literal gateway for 12 million immigrants to the U.S.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Commissioner Shellito began his military career in 1968 when he enlisted in the United States Army, where his active duty service included serving in Vietnam as a Mobile Advisory Team Leader.  Commissioner Shellito retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard in 2010 after 37 years of service. During his seven years as Adjutant General, Major General Shellito helped build a national reputation for the Guard. He was instrumental in establishing the nation-leading &quot;Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program” in Minnesota to reintegrate service members following deployments. In his current position as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Shellito is charged with assisting the state’s 353,000 Veterans and their families. 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Ellis Island remains an iconic symbol of hope, new beginnings and freedom. NECO’s Medals of Honor stand to remind citizens to support ethnic inclusion, diversity and the pursuit of the American Dream for all, something especially needed today’s current political climate,” said Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of NECO.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The medal recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity with those less fortunate; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.  Since the Medal was founded in 1986, NECO has honored such distinguished and diverse Americans including: seven Presidents of the United States; Nobel Prize recipient Elie Wiesel; Generals Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell; Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; Secretaries of State Madeline Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton; Bob Hope; Muhammad Ali; Frank Sinatra; Rosa Parks; Mike Wallace and Mia Farrow. All of whom have distinguished themselves through their significant philanthropic and humanitarian contributions to this country.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Nothing compares to the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Not only is the award itself incredibly prestigious, but the recipients each year reflect America’s diversity, across background, ethnicity, occupation and more. The medal is such a reminder that we may have different backgrounds and stories, but we’re all united in this country together,” said NECO board member and legendary former congressman Charlie Rangel.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks among the nation’s most renowned awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To see the full list of 2017 recipients, please visit: &lt;a href=&quot;http://eihonors.org/&quot; title=&quot;eihonors.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.eihonors.org&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About NECO
&lt;br /&gt;
The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations - NECO- was created on the conviction of its founders that the diversity of the American people is what makes this nation great.  Its mission is to honor and preserve this diversity and to foster tolerance, respect and understanding among religious and ethnic groups. NECO is the sponsor of the Ellis Island Medals of Honor which are presented annually to American citizens, both native born and naturalized, who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life. For more information, visit: &lt;a href=&quot;http://eihonors.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://eihonors.org/&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>290892</id><pubdate>2019-11-08T16:57:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>April Recognized as Month of the Military Child</Title><title>2017-04-13-national-guard-momc</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-289676&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-04-04T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, Minn. – The month of April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child. Throughout the month there will be several opportunities to highlight the contributions of these children whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;ST. PAUL, Minn. – The month of April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child. Throughout the month there will be several opportunities to highlight the contributions of these children whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
“Military children make enormous sacrifices so that their family members can serve,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. “Their resilience in the face of uncertainty and hardship inspires our service members to accomplish their mission.”
&lt;br /&gt;
  
&lt;br /&gt;
An event to honor Minnesota’s “Hidden Heroes” will take place April 21, 2017, at the Mall of America rotunda from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Activities will include appearances by Nickelodeon characters and Minnesota sports players and mascots.
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
During the month, military children can participate in several contests including a poetry contest sponsored by Senator Al Franken. In addition, there is an art contest and photo contest for military kids. More information on each contest can be found at at the &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota National Guard - Month of the Military Child&quot; href=&quot;http://www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org/momc&quot;&gt;Minnesota National Guard&apos;s website&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
Parents can register to receive a letter from Governor Mark Dayton that recognizes military-connected children for their service and sacrifice. Letters from the governor can be requested by visiting the &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Register for a letter from Governor Mark Dayton&quot; href=&quot;http://minnesotaveteran.org/MilitaryChild&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs registration page&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
The Month of the Military Child was first celebrated in April 1986 under former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. This recognition reinforces to military-connected youth that they play an integral role in supporting their service member.
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
For more information on all military youth activities this month, visit the Minnesota National Guard&apos;s Month of the Military Child page. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>289676</id><pubdate>2019-11-08T17:16:25Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Southwest Minnesota Clears Waiting List For Homeless Veterans Within the State</Title><title>2017-03-21-sw-mn-clears-waiting-list</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-284555&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-03-21T11:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, Minn. – Today, 18 counties in Southwest Minnesota announced they have cleared their housing waiting list for homeless Veterans. In a letter to the Southwest Continuum of Care (CoC) region, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, HUD, and VA, determined these counties have effectively ended homelessness among Veterans, becoming the 40th community in the nation to do so. The Southwest CoC is Minnesota’s first region to reach this historic goal.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;img style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto; padding: 5px;&quot; alt=&quot;Southwest Minnesota Continuum of Care Logo&quot; title=&quot;Southwest Minnesota Continuum of Care Logo&quot; src=&quot;/mdva/assets/c-o-c-logo_tcm1066-284556.png&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;c-o-c-logo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 21, 2017&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;right&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Justin Vorbach, SW MN
&lt;br /&gt;
Continuum of Care
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a title=&quot;Email Justin Vorbach&quot; href=&quot;mailto:JustinV@swmhp.org&quot;&gt;JustinV@swmhp.org&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 530-2942&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Long, MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot; href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Southwest Minnesota Reaches Historic Goal&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;St. Paul, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Today, 18 counties in Southwest Minnesota announced they have cleared their housing waiting list for homeless Veterans. In a letter to the Southwest Continuum of Care (CoC) region, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, HUD, and VA, determined these counties have effectively ended homelessness among Veterans, &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Mayor&apos;s Challenge&quot; href=&quot;https://www.usich.gov/solutions/collaborative-leadership/mayors-challenge&quot;&gt;becoming the 40th community&lt;/a&gt; in the nation to do so. The Southwest CoC is Minnesota’s first region to reach this historic goal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;These counties include:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Big Stone&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chippewa&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cottonwood&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Jackson&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Kandiyohi&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lac Qui Parle&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lincoln&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lyon&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;McLeod
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Meeker&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Murray&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nobles&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pipestone&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Redwood&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Renville&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rock&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Swift&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Yellow Medicine
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“These 18 counties in Southwestern Minnesota are committed to honoring the men and women who have served our state and our country by establishing a strategic plan that prevents Veterans homelessness from occurring whenever possible. The plan also ensures that when homelessness does occur, it is rare, brief, and non-recurring,” said Cathy ten Broeke, State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This progress is the result of a joint statewide goal to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. The Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness – made up of Commissioners of 11 State agencies, the Chair of the Metropolitan Council, and Governor Mark Dayton’s office – have partnered with mayors from 10 Minnesota communities, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and private and public sector organizations as part of this commitment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2014 the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs and partners launched a &lt;a title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot;&gt;statewide Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt; focused on housing all Minnesota Veterans experiencing homelessness. This Registry has accelerated Minnesota’s progress toward the goal by creating individual housing plans based on each Veteran’s unique challenges and situation. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since December 2014, Minnesota has housed 856 previously homeless Veterans statewide. Today, the state knows of another 196 Veterans by name who are experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. Research demonstrates that the most lasting solutions are personalized for each individual or family experiencing homelessness. Once on the Registry, Veterans experiencing homelessness are typically housed within four months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Homelessness among Veterans is a problem that we can solve,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, MDVA. “Together with our partners we are committed to bringing our Veterans ‘all the way home.’”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Anyone who knows of a Veteran experiencing homelessness can also connect them with services by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About MDVA
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>284555</id><pubdate>2026-02-13T15:52:48Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>2017 Minnesota Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</Title><title>2017-03-17-veterans-day-on-the-hill</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-284464&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-03-17T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a joint Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their 2017 legislative agendas. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 350,000 Veterans in Minnesota. Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with legislators by appointment at the conclusion of the event.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; alt=&quot;UVLC, CTF, and MACVSO logos&quot; title=&quot;UVLC, CTF, and MACVSO logos&quot; src=&quot;/mdva/assets/v-d-o-t-h-logos_tcm1066-284469.png&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;v-d-o-t-h-logos&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 17, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Denise Milton
&lt;br /&gt;
CTF Chair
&lt;br /&gt;
(701) 799-1427
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a joint Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their 2017 legislative agendas. Veterans Day on the Hill is open to the public and is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice to represent the 350,000 Veterans in Minnesota. Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with legislators by appointment at the conclusion of the event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, State Legislators, members of Veterans Service Organizations, County Veterans Service Officers and more. This year’s program will be emceed by the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force Chair Denise Milton. Featured speakers include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;House Speaker Kurt Daudt
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senator Bruce Anderson
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senator Roger Chamberlain&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senator Jerry Newton&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Representative Bob Dettmer&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MACVSO President Jason Marquardt&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;UVLC Chair Ralph Donais&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, March 20 at 10 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE: 
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
For more information and to preview the 2017 Legislative Agenda visit the &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force&quot; href=&quot;http://www.mnctf.org/legislative/index.htm&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force website&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF)&lt;/strong&gt; was created in 1988 and is comprised of elected commanders and appointed adjutants of the nine largest congressionally-chartered Veterans Service Organizations in the state of Minnesota. Key functions of this group include developing a united Veterans legislative agenda and actively advocating for it before state and elected officials; serving as a non-partisan advisory group to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Governor and legislators on Veterans’ issues in the state; and working to seek and form Veterans Service Organization partnerships in program development.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>284464</id><pubdate>2017-03-17T14:34:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Receives LeadingAge Minnesota Innovation Award</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Receives LeadingAge Minnesota Innovation Award</Title><title>2017-02-21-leadingage</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-281209&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-02-21T18:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL – (Feb 20, 2017) – The Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Center in Minneapolis recently received a Stars Among Us Innovation Award from LeadingAge Minnesota for its Operation Sight and Sound project that brings together Veterans on a mission of artistic discovery.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; alt=&quot;LeadingAge Logo&quot; title=&quot;LeadingAge Logo&quot; src=&quot;/mdva/assets/leadingage-logo-2_tcm1066-281210.png&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;leadingage-logo-2&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
February 21, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;right&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Jodi Boyne
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 659-1430
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;SAINT PAUL – (Feb 20, 2017) – The Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Center in Minneapolis recently received a Stars Among Us Innovation Award from LeadingAge Minnesota for its Operation Sight and Sound project that brings together Veterans on a mission of artistic discovery.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“The Innovation Award recognizes programs that transform and enhance the experience of aging,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “Through Operation Sight and Sound, the Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Center gave our most honored citizens – our Veterans – the opportunity to continue to serve others, remain connected to their community and be validated for the contributions they continue to make today.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Operation Sight and Sound, conducted in collaboration with Minnesota artist and musician Charlie Maguire, is an interactive program that brings together Veterans ranging from World War II to the Vietnam area on an artistic mission. The program encourages self-expression, recognition and service by each Veteran on topics that personally interest them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the course of a few months, Veterans participated in group songwriting and photography sessions to help them communicate their stories. The photos were made into a flag as a movable art gallery The songs and flag were then taken on the road to various locations, including a live performance at the Minnesota State Fair. In the end, more than 500 people over the course of three months viewed the movable art gallery of Veterans’ stories.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Operation Sight and Sound gave participants a sense of purpose and increased self-confidence. The families of our Veterans continue to comment on the positive impact the program has had on their loved ones,” Jodi Kritzeck, Recreation Therapist, Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Center. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About LeadingAge Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging, LeadingAge Minnesota works alongside its members, caregivers, advocates and consumers to collectively shape the future of aging services and ensure older adults in every community live with dignity, meaning and purpose. Together with more than 50,000 caregivers, LeadingAge Minnesota members provide quality services and supports to 63,000 older adults every day in independent senior housing, assisted living communities, adult day, in-home care and skilled nursing facilities.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>281209</id><pubdate>2017-02-21T19:44:10Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Lt. Governor Tina Smith Recognizes State Government Innovation</Title><title>2017-01-30-governors-ci-awards</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-276108&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-01-30T22:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today honored state employees who have made state government more efficient, accountable, and effective for the people of Minnesota.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Lt. Governor Smith today announced the Better Government Award winners – highlighting cost savings, efficiencies, and improved customer service for Minnesotans</Subtitle><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(128, 128, 128);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Office of Governor Dayton &amp;amp; Lt. Governor Smith&quot; href=&quot;http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1055-275294&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;From the office of Governor Dayton&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;float: right; width: 45%; height: auto;&quot; alt=&quot;Luverne Veterans Home Staff with Lt. Gov. Smith&quot; title=&quot;Luverne Veterans Home Staff with Lt. Gov. Smith&quot; src=&quot;/mdva/assets/gov-cia-sharepoint2_tcm1066-276103.jpg&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;gov-ci-awards&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today honored state employees who have made state government more efficient, accountable, and effective for the people of Minnesota. A record 63 reform initiatives were nominated for Better Government Awards this year by teams from almost every state agency. Since 2010, the Governor’s Better Government Awards have annually celebrated individual and organizational accomplishments that have increased the efficiency and effectiveness of state government.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Our administration is committed to delivering accountable, effective, efficient government that meets the needs of Minnesotans,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “The 2017 Better Government Award winners are helping make government more responsive, while saving time and money. We are committed to building on this progress, and creating a culture of continuous improvement across state government.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Today’s awards highlight the commitment of state employees in delivering efficient and effective public services to Minnesotans,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “When provided the tools and opportunity, as demonstrated by today’s winners, our employees will do what it takes to serve our veterans, make state government more inclusive, and make our roads safer.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This year, winners were picked from three categories: Great Customer Service, Great Place to Work, and Great Results. Descriptions of the winning reforms are below.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Great Customer Service&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Dayton-Smith Administration has made improving the customer service provided by state government a priority over the past six years. They have led efforts to make government documents and forms easier to understand, reduce permitting times, and eliminate unnecessary and outdated statutes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Enhancing the Lives of Veterans Home Residents.&lt;/strong&gt; Research shows that approximately 50 percent of long-term care facility residents do not regularly have visitors, while 68 percent sit in silence for extended periods of time. To improve the quality of life enjoyed by residents, the Minnesota Veterans Home – Luverne implemented a Music and Memory program to engage residents with memory loss with playlists customized to their particular interests and memories. The facility also provides dual headphones that allow residents to listen together, making it a group activity. Veterans participating in the Music and Memory program have exhibited reduced agitation and anxiety and improved mood, memory, and socialization. In 2016, the Luverne Veterans Home earned 4.87 out of 5.00 on its annual customer satisfaction survey.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Great Place to Work&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota state government is expected to experience approximately 1,000 retirements a year over the next decade, as Baby Boomers exit the workforce. This had made employee recruitment and retention a top priority across state government.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Inclusion Campaign at Department of Revenue.&lt;/strong&gt; Creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace culture is critical to attracting and retaining the next generation of public servants. Through its “I am Revenue” campaign, the Minnesota Department of Revenue has offered inclusivity training to 381 employees. As part of the campaign, the agency also has created a poster campaign to help employees learn about one another. The department believes the campaign has helped create an environment where everyone feels a shared accountability for an inclusive workplace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Promoting State Employment Opportunities.&lt;/strong&gt; With a wave retirements expected across state government, Minnesota Management and Budget partnered with MAPE, the Middle Management Association, and AFSCME to lead an enterprise-wide effort to promote employment opportunities in state government in a diverse range of communities. In the past year, state government recruiters have used large events, including the Minnesota State Fair, the People of Color Job Fair, and the first ever State of Minnesota Career Fair to share employment opportunities with women, veterans, people of color, and other historically underrepresented groups in state government. As a result of these efforts, state government connected with over 4,000 people interested in becoming public servants.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Great Results&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith are committed to delivering great results by increasing accountability, transparency, and efficiency across state government. Their administration is delivering commonsense reforms that save time and money for hardworking taxpayers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Using Drones to Inspect Critical Infrastructure.&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Transportation inspects pipes and culverts across the state for failures that could cause major damage to roads. Historically, the inspection process has been a time and personnel intensive process, with agency employees entering culverts to inspect them. To reduce costs and save time, the department has started using a remote control inspection drone built with off-the-shelf parts to inspect pipes and culverts. The drone already has saved thousands of dollars, with an inspection of a culvert on Highway 26 revealing that only limited repairs, rather than full replacement, were needed. It also completed inspections of culverts around Highway 52, revealing major culvert failures that could not be seen using external visual inspection.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>276108</id><pubdate>2017-01-31T19:55:53Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>MACV Announces New President and CEO</Title><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Announces New President and CEO</Title><title>2017-01-12-macv-new-president-and-ceo</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-273067&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2017-01-12T19:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn – The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) Board of Directors announced today the selection of Maj. Gen. Neal Loidolt as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6. Loidolt currently serves full-time in the Minnesota National Guard.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;  &lt;img style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; alt=&quot;MACV Logo&quot; title=&quot;MACV Logo&quot; src=&quot;/mdva/assets/macv-logo-long_tcm1066-273193.png&quot; xlink:title=&quot;macv-logo-long&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
January 13, 2017
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nathaniel Saltz
&lt;br /&gt;
Interim Executive Director, MACV
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 224-0290 Office
&lt;br /&gt;
(612) 743-2891 Cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a title=&quot;Email Nathaniel Saltz&quot; href=&quot;mailto:Nsaltz@mac-v.org&quot;&gt;Nsaltz@mac-v.org&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn – The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) Board of Directors announced today the selection of Maj. Gen. Neal Loidolt as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6. Loidolt currently serves full-time in the Minnesota National Guard. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Neal Loidolt is a career military professional and public servant. He has a strong track record of Veteran advocacy in risk resiliency reduction, suicide prevention and Veteran employment efforts with the National Guard” said Board Chairman Don Allen. “I was also impressed by his commitment to those causes related to homelessness through his involvement as a board member at Vinland National Center and at Suicide Awareness Voice of Education. He is a dynamic leader who will lead MACV into the future and help end Veteran homelessness.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MACV works closely with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) in the joint effort of ending Veteran homelessness statewide. “Neal Loidolt is in high demand,” said Larry Shellito, Commissioner of MDVA. “I served with Neal for many years in the National Guard and know him to be a committed leader who enjoys solving complex problems and leading organizations to exceptional results. MACV has been a key partner in Minnesota’s efforts to end homelessness among Veterans, and since 2014 we have successfully housed 823 previously homeless Veterans through the &lt;a target=&quot;_self&quot; title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt;. We are happy to continue our partnership with Neal and the entire MACV team.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Loidolt will leave his full-time role with the National Guard for this position, but will continue his part-time military assignment as the Deputy Adjutant General. “It has been my great pleasure working with Neal Loidolt during my six year tenure as Adjutant General, as well as our service together in Iraq,” said Major General Rick Nash, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General.  “Neal has served with distinction and I am excited for his new opportunity, as well as our prospects to forge a new partnership with MACV. We are very fortunate that he is able to continue serving at our state headquarters.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Loidolt holds a Juris Doctorate from Hamline Law School and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science from St Cloud State University. He recently completed an assignment as Commander of the 34th Infantry Division, where he was responsible for establishing and implementing operational and strategic guidance throughout the division. During this time he also served as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on the employment of divisional units for state and federal missions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;His previous assignments include Director of the Joint Staff for the Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Commanding General for the 34th Infantry Division and Chief of Staff, 34th Infantry Division, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009-2010.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2006, Loidolt deployed as the deputy director of operations, Iraq reconstruction management office, United States Mission – Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been assisting veterans for over 26 years. Each year MACV receives more than 25,000 contacts, inquiries, and requests from veterans across the state. In 2015, MACV comprehensively served over 1,950 veterans and their families throughout Minnesota who were homeless or experiencing a crisis that could lead to homelessness – and the need for services continues to rise. The mission of MACV is to provide assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homeless or experiencing other life crisis. It is estimated that 1% of the veterans in this state, or close to 4,100, will experience an episode of homelessness this year. MACV is there to assist. Many homeless and veterans’ organizations recognize MACV’s transitional and permanent housing programs as a model for the nation. We have a passion for serving those in Minnesota who first served us.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>273067</id><pubdate>2026-02-13T15:52:46Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Wreaths for the Fallen Ceremony – State Veterans Cemeteries</Title><title>2016-12-08-ma-wreath-ceremony</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-265201&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-12-08T12:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries December 17 at 11 a.m. for a special ceremony honoring our fallen Veterans. Each December Wreaths for the Fallen honors Veterans by providing wreaths for the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; height=&quot;106&quot; width=&quot;1392&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: left; border-color: transparent;&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 8, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; text-align: right; border-color: transparent;&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries December 17 at 11 a.m. for a special ceremony honoring our fallen Veterans. Each December Wreaths for the Fallen honors Veterans by providing wreaths for the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Minnesota Veterans and their families&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls
&lt;br /&gt;
15550 Hwy 115
&lt;br /&gt;
Little Falls, MN 56345
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston
&lt;br /&gt;
715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(159, 159, 159); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>265201</id><pubdate>2016-12-08T13:30:40Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>75th Pearl Harbor Ceremony Live Streamed Across Minnesota</Title><title>2016-12-01-ma-pearl-harbor</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-265191&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-12-07T11:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad and Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs are hosting a special 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Ceremony at the Minnesota History Center on Dec. 7. This event is to acknowledge “December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who gave their lives that day, but also remember those who live on to tell the story of that inauspicious day. Survivor of Pearl Harbor, Richard Thill who was a Shipman on the USS Ward, will be an honorary guest for the event. Pearl Harbor Veteran Victor Paradis will also be in attendance. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/mdva-pearl-harbor-logos_tcm1066-265081.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA and Pearl Harbor 75th Logos&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA and Pearl Harbor 75th Logos&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2016-12-01-mdva-pearl-harbor-logos&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left;&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
December 7, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right;&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MEDIA CONTACT&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad and Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs are hosting a special 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Ceremony at the Minnesota History Center on Dec. 7. This event is to acknowledge “December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who gave their lives that day, but also remember those who live on to tell the story of that inauspicious day. Survivor of Pearl Harbor, Richard Thill who was a Shipman on the USS Ward, will be an honorary guest for the event. Pearl Harbor Veteran Victor Paradis will also be in attendance.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Please note: The location of the event has been changed to the Minnesota History Center this year.&lt;/strong&gt; Free parking will be available in the History Center lot, and there is no cost to attend the ceremony. The program will also be live-streamed at &lt;a href=&quot;http://mnhs.org/pearlharborevent&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota history Center - Pearl Harbor live-stream&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;mnhs.org/pearlharborevent&lt;/a&gt; – schools, Veteran posts and citizens from across the state are expected to watch live.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For more 75th Anniversary events at the History Center and around Minnesota, &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/#/list/appId/2/filterType/Category/filterValue/Pearl%20Harbor%2075th%20Anniversary/page/1/sort//order/&quot; title=&quot;MDVA Pearl Harbor 75th Event Calendar&quot;&gt;visit our event calendar&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Confirmed Speakers and Program Participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Richard Thill, Pearl Harbor Survivor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Remarks and Proclamation, Governor Dayton &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Remarks by Brigadier General (Ret.) Joseph Kelly&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ft. Snelling Nat’l Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Anthem, Chief Albright&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Red Bull Band—Brass Quartet
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wednesday, December 7, 10 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Notice of Change from previous year:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; 3M Auditorium, Minnesota History Center
&lt;br /&gt;
345 W Kellogg Blvd
&lt;br /&gt;
St Paul, MN 55102
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;OTHER EVENTS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Events at Minnesota History Center
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;75th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-259169&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tolling of the Boats: Pearl Harbor Edition&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
1 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
3M Auditorium, Minnesota History Center&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-259170&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Marc Wortman - Leading up to Pearl Harbor&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3:30 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota History Center&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-259171&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Dave Kenney, author of Minnesota Goes to War&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota History Center&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;color: rgb(159, 159, 159); font-size: 8pt;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>265191</id><pubdate>2016-12-07T09:00:12Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><title>2016-11-4-MA-State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-262099&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-11-07T17:52:14Z</Date><ShortDescription>The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country with bravery. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country with bravery. This year the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs selected the Minnesota State Veterans Day Program as an official regional site for 2016. The morning will feature a free community breakfast from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 10px;&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Governor Mark Dayton&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Senator Al Franken&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Tom Emmer&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Philip Winn, Jr  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Commander’s Task Force Chair Denise Milton&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Anthem by Lt. Col (Ret.) Tim Swanson &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;God Bless America sung by Miss Minnesota 2016, Madeline Van Ert &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pine Bend Elementary Students&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Friday, November 11&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul style=&quot;margin-left: 10px;&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Free Community Breakfast &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;10 a.m. - Program
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 40px;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, Minn. 55077 *Please enter through the West Doors&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt; 
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>262099</id><pubdate>2016-11-09T15:33:36Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>U.S. Military Veterans of Minnesota receive free IT training,  job placement assistance in high-tech industry</Title><title>2016-10-24-ibm-training</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-261009&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-10-24T13:34:48Z</Date><ShortDescription>St. Paul, MN – As the military downsizes, 15 Veterans in Minnesota planning to transition are now better prepared to enter the civilian workforce following a free, specialized national training opportunity provided by IBM and Corporate America Supports You (CASY), a national non-profit that helps veterans find employment. The training is part of a new Veterans initiative launched by IBM and CASY to help local Veterans translate their military experience into high-skilled jobs. The new Veteran Employment Accelerator Grant program will provide returning service members with hands-on training, certification, and job placement assistance in the fast-growing tech sector. More than 400 Veterans around the nation will participate in this program this year.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 24, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MEDIA CONTACT&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jennie Lemire, Program Manager
&lt;br /&gt;
(507) 253-4695
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:jdlemire@us.ibm.com&quot;&gt;jdlemire@us.ibm.com&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
St. Paul, MN – As the military downsizes, 15 Veterans in Minnesota planning to transition are now better prepared to enter the civilian workforce following a free, specialized national training opportunity provided by IBM and Corporate America Supports You (CASY), a national non-profit that helps Veterans find employment. The training is part of a new Veterans initiative launched by IBM and CASY to help local Veterans translate their military experience into high-skilled jobs. The new Veteran Employment Accelerator Grant program will provide returning service members with hands-on training, certification, and job placement assistance in the fast-growing tech sector. More than 400 Veterans around the nation will participate in this program this year.
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
“Our men and women are highly trained and some of the hardest workers out there,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “With that said, sometimes it’s difficult to seamlessly transition military experience into the civilian world. I thank IBM, and Corporate America Supports You for providing this training, and for helping us with our efforts to ensure our members remain successful outside of the military.”
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
The free week-long training and certification course focuses on data analytics software called i2 Analyst’s Notebook.  It will be held at the Burnsville WorkForce Center in Burnsville, MN.
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&quot;Veteran programs through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development served more than 4,500 Minnesota Veterans last year, ensuring service members have access to career guidance services,&quot; said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. &quot;I thank IBM for this unique partnership with the Burnsville WorkForce Center, and am honored to help provide Minnesota Veterans with the skills needed to advance our state&apos;s economy through this highly technical, in-demand field.&quot;
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“Our state has a large population of Veterans, and it is growing every year”, said Barry Mason, Senior State Executive for IBM in Minnesota.  “Veterans choose Minnesota as their home partly because of the opportunities that exist for them here. What we aim to do through this program is create a bridge to those opportunities along with resources to accelerate the process and qualifications for those coming out of their military service and looking to start careers. It is critical that employers, schools, and service organizations do their utmost to help. We are all in this together.&quot;
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&quot;IBM&apos;s commitment to helping Veterans transition to civilian life will help combat unemployment in the military community,” said Erin Voirol, Chief Operating Officer of CASY and the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network.  &quot;Veterans receive training directly linked to in-demand, skilled jobs. This program supports CASY&apos;s mission, in partnership with Soldier for Life, and IBM to ensure our returning soldiers are career ready.&quot;
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The Veterans program is part of IBM’s philanthropic Impact Grants that arm non-profits, government and education institutions with effective tools, skills, and expertise to strengthen their infrastructure, build leadership, and better serve their communities.
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&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;IBM i2 Analyst’s Notebook Training and Certification Class for Minnesota Veterans&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;October 24-28, 2016; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Burnsville WorkForce Center, 2800 County Road 42 West, Room 203, Burnsville, MN
&lt;br /&gt;
Opportunities available for on-site media coverage later this week – a separate media advisory will be sent&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/table&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>261009</id><pubdate>2016-10-24T15:01:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Public Information Day at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston</Title><title>2016-10-05-public-information-day-preston</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-259173&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-10-06T11:45:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston to view the beauty of the area fall colors and stop in during a Public Information Day to see the Administration Building and grounds, meet staff, ask questions, learn about the services provided and pre-register.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table border=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
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&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
October 6, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;right&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
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&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Information Day at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/preston-tree_tcm1066-259274.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Tree with fall colors at the Preston State Veterans Cemetery&quot; alt=&quot;Tree with fall colors at the Preston State Veterans Cemetery&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 40%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;preston-tree&quot; /&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs invites the public to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston to view the beauty of the area fall colors and stop in during a Public Information Day to see the Administration Building and grounds, meet staff, ask questions, learn about the services provided and pre-register.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston is situated on 169 acres of rolling hills and scenic beauty in Fillmore County. If guests are unable to attend the Public Information Day October 12, the regular staffed hours of the cemetery are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Veterans from the tri-state area and their families
&lt;br /&gt;
*&lt;em&gt;If pre-registering, Veterans and spouses should bring a copy of their discharge papers, DD214 or similar proof of military service and a marriage certificate if applicable.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Wednesday, October 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
Refreshments will be provided in the Administration Building
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td align=&quot;left&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;715 Highway 52
&lt;br /&gt;
Preston, MN 55965&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;For more information call: (507) 765-7320 or send an email to &lt;a title=&quot;Email Preston Cemetery&quot; href=&quot;mailto:info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;info.cempr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;info.cempr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>259173</id><pubdate>2017-11-03T14:09:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Support our Troops License Plate Fund Awards Grants to MN Companies</Title><title>2016-09-26-mdva-grants</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-257154&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-09-27T10:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the first recipients of the newly established Support our Troops (SOT) license plate fund competitive grant program.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/2016-09-26-mdva-grants-press-release-logos_tcm1066-257153.png&quot; title=&quot;MDVA PetsLoyal2Vets and Ars Bellum Foundation logos&quot; alt=&quot;MDVA PetsLoyal2Vets and Ars Bellum Foundation logos&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2016-09-26-mdva-grants-press-release-logos&quot; /&gt;
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&lt;table style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sept. 27, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; bgcolor=&quot;transparent&quot; align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
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&lt;strong xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the first recipients of the newly established Support our Troops (SOT) license plate fund competitive grant program.
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pets Loyal 2 Vets - $65,000 grant
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ars Bellum Foundation - $18,515 grant&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since 1993 MDVA has provided over 90 grants annually to Minnesota Veteran organizations. Historically these grants were awarded to legislatively directed organizations in Minnesota to assist Veterans and their families. This year, MDVA expanded the SOT grant program by offering a new competitive grant process which now allows additional organizations to apply for funding. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Making these SOT grants available to more organizations not only leverages our work, it also empowers our partners. Only together can we support and strengthen our community as a whole. Congratulations to both Pets Loyal 2 Vets and the ARS Bellum Foundation for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pets Loyal 2 Vets&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Pets Loyal 2 Vets (PL2V) received $65,000 to provide highly trained companion, service and therapy dogs - free of cost -to Minnesota Veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or sexual assault trauma. Veterans enrolled in the program will be matched with a highly individualized trained service dog trained to decrease depressive episodes, decrease anxiety, and social avoidance caused by their PTSD and/or TBI. PL2V advocates that Veterans report an increase in independence, communication skills, and general quality of life after being matched with their service dog. The program focuses on emotional peace and well-being. For Veterans who are experiencing this sort of trauma, reducing anxiety and stress is essential for facilitating integration back into civilian and family life. Veterans who have used this type of program self-reported a decrease in PTSD and TBI symptoms and the ability to better handle them. Additionally, Veterans report better integration into family and society, an increase in communication skills and a decrease in depressive episodes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For the fiscal year 2017-2018 grant period, PL2V plans to provide more than 40 unique Veterans with Companion, Therapy or Service dogs. They are working to develop as many as 20 foster home trainers who will assist in training dogs and puppies in preparation for assignment to Veterans. PL2V was one of the first service dog organizations in the state dedicated exclusively to serving Veterans.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
PL2V will use Veteran feedback and exit interviews to provide metrics in an on-going effort to expand and improve services. The data gathered will closely gauge progress in areas like sleep patterns, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, communication skills and general well-being. PL2V recently expanded to six of the larger metropolitan cities throughout Minnesota, and will serve Veterans in all areas of the state through this grant.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Ars Bellum Foundation&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ars Bellum Foundation (ABF) received $18,515 to provide, at no cost to Veterans, eight week Art Therapy Sessions with a certified art therapist to help reduce symptoms of (PTSD). ABF recently expanded its partnership with Adler Graduate School and Metro State University to further develop the initial assessment tools and provide deeper data analysis for therapists who are working with Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/ars-bellum_tcm1066-257675.png&quot; title=&quot;Artwork display from the ARS Bellum Foundation&quot; alt=&quot;Artwork display from the ARS Bellum Foundation&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ars-bellum&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&quot;Expanding access to effective art therapy options for Veterans with PTSD and related mental health conditions is an important part of Ars Bellum Foundation&apos;s mission. The Support Our Troops grant will enable us to increase the number of art therapy sites for Veterans and their families, and we look forward to bringing our programs throughout the state.&quot; said Bridget Cronin, CEO, Ars Bellum Foundation.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
By the end of the 2016-2017 grant period, ABF is planning to have established art therapy sites throughout the state that are accessible to most Veterans and their families, with a regular program cycle, consistent attendance, and measurable improvements in mental health. One of the areas of focus will be to ensure that Veterans and their families know about these programs, have opportunities to experience art therapy and have access to program sites. ABF will evaluate the effectiveness of their newly expanded art program by collecting data to measure if the initial successes will be replicated. Early findings showed an average of 25% reduction in key symptoms such as anxiety attacks, exaggerated startle response, depression, emotional and social isolation, and general stress coping skills.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Thanks to this innovative public-private collaboration more Minnesota Veterans are getting needed support to tackle depression, anxiety, and other trauma,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “On behalf of all Minnesotans, I want to extend our collective gratitude to those who serve our country, and to Pets Loyal 2 Vets and the Ars Bellum Foundation for serving all of them.”
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;About the SOT License Plate Program:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a Support our Troops License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in the following ways:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Grants through Support Our Troops program&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Benefits the CORE program, which provides family counseling, with specialty services available for children; financial counseling, debt management and mental health counseling.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Emergency financial assistance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Helping Homeless Veterans secure shelter and access to benefits&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Outreach to diverse communities across Minnesota, helping provide Veterans with access to earned benefits &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community seminars on health conditions associated with military service&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
To purchase SOT plates, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/locations/Pages/find-office-locations.aspx&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;your local DMV office&lt;/a&gt; or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, or to learn more about how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;000 MDVA Grants Intro&quot; target=&quot;_self&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 MDVA Grants Intro&quot;&gt;MDVA grants page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>257154</id><pubdate>2026-04-13T20:06:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Upcoming Gold Star Family &amp; Women Veteran Events</Title><title>2016-09-16-ma-gold-star-and-women-veteran-events</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-255981&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-09-16T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs will be hosting two separate upcoming events for Gold Star Families and Women Veterans on Saturday, Sept. 17. Gold Star Families and Women Veterans are invited to attend these events and connect with fellow Women Veterans and Gold Star Families.  The morning Women Veteran event will feature a breakfast, Eco-Therapy, a fall hike and questions and discussion. The Gold Star Family event in the afternoon will feature lunch, Eco-Therapy, a fall hike and questions and discussion.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
September 15, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top; text-align: right;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Upcoming Gold Star Family &amp;amp; Women Veteran Events
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs will be hosting two separate upcoming events for Gold Star Families and Women Veterans on Saturday, Sept. 17. Gold Star Families and Women Veterans are invited to attend these events and connect with fellow Women Veterans and Gold Star Families.  The morning Women Veteran event will feature a breakfast, Eco-Therapy, a fall hike and questions and discussion. The Gold Star Family event in the afternoon will feature lunch, Eco-Therapy, a fall hike and questions and discussion.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“On behalf of all Minnesotans, I want to express our gratitude to our women veterans and Gold Star families for their service and sacrifice,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “These events will provide these Minnesota heroes to connect with fellow veterans and Gold Star families, and gain access to valuable resources. I encourage all eligible Minnesotans to attend.”
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For More information and to register for events visit:
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-244289&quot;&gt;Salute to Women Veterans Event&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a target=&quot;_self&quot; href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp?id=1066-226322&quot;&gt;Gold Star Family Event&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Women Veterans and Gold Star Families&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Saturday, September 17&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Women Veteran Event: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Gold Star Family Event: 1 - 4 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 40px;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Both events will be held at the Quarry Hill Nature Center
&lt;br /&gt;
701 Silver Creek Road Northeast, Rochester, MN 55906&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>255981</id><pubdate>2016-09-16T14:26:06Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>HUD Secretary Julián Castro to Highlight Minnesota&apos;s Progress Toward Ending Veteran Homelessness</Title><title>2016-08-02-macv-standdown-pr</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-250883&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-08-02T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today in Minneapolis, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro will attend a Minnesota event to highlight the Obama Administration’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness. The Secretary will join Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman for a visit with Minnesota Veterans and homeless service providers at the Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016, an annual event hosted by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) to connect Veterans with critical services.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 2, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot; href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HUD SECRETARY JULIÁN CASTRO TO HIGHLIGHT MINNESOTA’S PROGRESS TOWARD ENDING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; – Today in Minneapolis, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro will attend a Minnesota event to highlight the Obama Administration’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness. The Secretary will join Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman for a visit with Minnesota Veterans and homeless service providers at the &lt;em&gt;Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016&lt;/em&gt;, an annual event hosted by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) to connect Veterans with critical services.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;We have an absolute duty to ensure those who&apos;ve worn our nation&apos;s uniform have a place to call home,&quot; said &lt;strong&gt;HUD Secretary Julián Castro&lt;/strong&gt;. &quot;While we&apos;ve made remarkable progress toward ending veteran homelessness, we still have work to do to make certain we answer the call of our veterans just as they answered the call of our nation.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in close partnership with local agencies, have made significant progress to reduce homelessness among veterans, &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;HUD.gov Press Release&quot; href=&quot;http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2016/HUDNo_16-117&quot;&gt;announcing today that the rate has been slashed nearly in half nationwide&lt;/a&gt;. In Minnesota the number of homeless Veterans has decreased by 57 percent during the same time period, and by nearly 30 percent among unsheltered Veterans in the past year alone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Progress is monitored through HUD’s annual Point-in-Time (PIT) estimate of America’s homeless population. In addition, in Minnesota, public and private service providers collaborate to house Veterans using a shared by-name list that monitors progress in real time. Today, 219 Veterans remain on the list. Of these, 94 (43 percent) have a housing plan, 56 (26 percent) were identified within the past 60 days, and the remaining 69 (31 percent) have declined multiple options. The rate of housing Veterans has climbed from 10 per month initially to over 35 Veterans per month on average.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This progress is the result of a joint statewide goal to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. The Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness – made up of Commissioners of 11 State agencies, the Chair of the Metropolitan Council, and Governor Mark Dayton’s office – have partnered with mayors from 10 Minnesota communities and private and public sector organizations as part of this commitment.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Approximately four months after we meet a Veteran facing homelessness, they have a place to call home. We want every Veteran facing a housing crisis to reach out by calling 1-888-LinkVet,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, MDVA. “Together with our partners we are committed to bringing our Veterans ‘all the way home.’”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;*For more information on Minnesota’s efforts to end Veteran Homelessness, visit &lt;a target=&quot;_self&quot; title=&quot;MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndHomelessness&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/index.jsp&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Homelessness and Prevention Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndHomelessness&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Details:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Secretary Julián Castro will attend the Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016, an annual event to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with critical resources and services. Secretary Castro will deliver remarks and meet with MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota veterans and local service providers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Secretary Julián Castro, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
&lt;br /&gt;
Mayor Chris Coleman, City of St. Paul&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2016&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot;&gt;Boy Scout Base Camp, 201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NOTE: Media interested in attending please RSVP to &lt;a title=&quot;Email Heather Fluit&quot; href=&quot;mailto:Heather.L.Fluit@hud.gov&quot;&gt;Heather.L.Fluit@hud.gov&lt;/a&gt;. Photography and b-roll video will be limited inside the venue to respect the veterans’ privacy. A media availability will be held outside the venue at the end of the program.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>250883</id><pubdate>2026-02-13T15:52:45Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016</Title><title>2016-08-02-macv-standdown-media-advisory</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-250884&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-08-02T13:23:37Z</Date><ShortDescription>Secretary Julián Castro, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will attend the Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016, an annual event to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with critical resources and services. Secretary Castro will deliver remarks and meet with MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota veterans and local service providers.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
August 2, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a title=&quot;Email Anna Long&quot; href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Twin Cities Standdown for Veterans 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; text-align: left; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Secretary Julián Castro will attend the Twin Cities StandDown for Veterans 2016, an annual event to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with critical resources and services. Secretary Castro will deliver remarks and meet with MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota veterans and local service providers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Secretary Julián Castro, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
&lt;br /&gt;
Mayor Chris Coleman, City of St. Paul&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;3 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2016&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: middle;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Boy Scout Base Camp, 201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, MN&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NOTE: Media interested in attending please RSVP to &lt;a title=&quot;Email Heather Fluit&quot; href=&quot;mailto:Heather.L.Fluit@hud.gov&quot;&gt;Heather.L.Fluit@hud.gov&lt;/a&gt;. Photography and b-roll video will be limited inside the venue to respect the veterans’ privacy. A media availability will be held outside the venue at the end of the program.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>250884</id><pubdate>2016-08-02T14:08:44Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MACV to Hold 2016 Metro StandDown August 2 - 3</Title><title>2016-07-14-ma-macv-metro-standdown</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-249422&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-07-29T12:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) will be holding the 24th annual Metro Area Veterans’ StandDown August 2 – 3, at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling. Free, on-site assistance for homeless and underserved Veterans will include VA medical clinic, hot meals, clothing, VA benefit information, hygiene kits, legal assistance (including court, federal and state tax assistance), housing and employment assistance, mental health resources, DMV, haircuts, chaplaincy, public benefits information, and more.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
July 29, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right; vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nathaniel Saltz
&lt;br /&gt;
Interim Executive Director, MACV
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 224-0290 Office
&lt;br /&gt;
(612) 743-2891 Cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a title=&quot;Nathaniel Saltz&quot; href=&quot;mailto:nsaltz@mac-v.org&quot;&gt;nsaltz@mac-v.org&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;2&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) will be holding the 24th annual Metro Area Veterans’ StandDown August 2 – 3, at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling. Free, on-site assistance for homeless and underserved Veterans will include VA medical clinic, hot meals, clothing, VA benefit information, hygiene kits, legal assistance (including court, federal and state tax assistance), housing and employment assistance, mental health resources, DMV, haircuts, chaplaincy, public benefits information, and more. There will be a free shuttle to and from the Fort Snelling Light Rail Station. Shuttles will also be picking up Veterans from local shelters. Efforts to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota remain a priority; the Federal government, Governor Dayton’s Administration, Mayor Hodges, and Mayor Coleman, along with more than eight Mayors from around the state, have committed to end Veteran homelessness.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The first Veterans StandDown event was held in San Diego during the summer of 1988. Since then, the popularity of the event has steadily grown. Today, StandDown events are held in nearly 100 locations nationwide each year. It is estimated that more than 100,000 homeless Veterans have received assistance at StandDown events. In 2015, the Minneapolis StandDown drew over 1,000 Veterans seeking services from the 70 agencies present at the event. Veterans attending have access to a wide range of resources. A team dedicated to creating housing plans for every homeless Veteran will be available to assist Veterans throughout the event. StandDown Court will also be held at the event. For more information visit &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://www.mac-v.org&quot;&gt;www.mac-v.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;MACV representatives, service providers, and Veterans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
*Welcome Ceremony will take place Aug. 2, at 11 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;border-color: transparent; vertical-align: top;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Boy Scout Base Camp, 201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, Minn. 55111&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been assisting veterans for over 26 years. Each year MACV receives more than 25,000 contacts, inquiries, and requests from veterans across the state. In 2015, MACV comprehensively served over 1,950 veterans and their families throughout Minnesota who were homeless or experiencing a crisis that could lead to homelessness – and the need for services continues to rise.The mission of MACV is to provide assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homeless or experiencing other life crisis. It is estimated that 1% of the veterans in this state, or close to 4,100, will experience an episode of homelessness this year. MACV is there to assist. Many homeless and veterans’ organizations recognize MACV’s transitional and permanent housing programs as a model for the nation. We have a passion for serving those in Minnesota who first served us.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>249422</id><pubdate>2016-07-28T18:03:55Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>New Deputy Commissioner announced for MN Veterans Home</Title><title>2016-06-29-pr-new-deputy-commissioner</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-247383&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-06-30T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs named Douglas Hughes as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Health Care. Starting July 5 Hughes will oversee operations for Minnesota’s five State Veterans Homes and Health Care Division.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; June 30, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top; border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;strong xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. –&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs named Douglas Hughes as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Health Care. Starting July 5 Hughes will oversee operations for Minnesota’s five State Veterans Homes and Health Care Division. 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Hughes has leadership experience in both the military and business sectors, in health care related areas. He is a retired military Veteran who served in the Army’s Special Forces for a majority of his career, with several international and instructor assignments. He joined 3M in 2001 as an Advanced Regulatory Associate (Latin America), ultimately moving up to the position of Regional Business Manager (Latin America). For the past five  years he has worked at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System to provide VA oversight of over 60 private nursing homes for Veterans receiving VA funded nursing home care and oversight of over 100 private home care agencies providing VA paid home care.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Mr. Hughes’ focus on process improvement and achieving results will be a great fit for our Veterans Homes,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “He has an exceptional balance of data-driven operations and Veteran-focused environments. We are pleased to have him join our team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing the best care possible to this country’s heroes.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In his new role Deputy Commissioner Hughes will be responsible for operations that include a variety of care levels and locations. The Homes provide person-centered care delivered according to the individual needs of each Resident. The 24/7 facilities provide a combination of skilled nursing care, special care units for dementia and Alzheimer&apos;s, domiciliary care, rehabilitation services, recreational therapy, adult day services and work therapy programs. Minnesota&apos;s five state Veterans Homes are located in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“Working with Veterans, their families and the dedicated staff at the Minneapolis VA created a passion in me for Veteran centric heath care that I will definitely carry over to MDVA,” Hughes said.
&lt;br /&gt;
 
&lt;br /&gt;
Hughes holds a Masters in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University and Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas. His nursing coursework was completed through the University of St. Catherine.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes,  MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>247383</id><pubdate>2016-07-06T15:49:53Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>Dedication Planned for Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston</Title><Publisher/><Subject>Preston Cemetery</Subject><Subject>Cemetery Dedication</Subject><Subject>Veterans Cemetery</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Dedication Planned for Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston</Title><title>2016-05-13-MA-dedication-planned-for-minnesota-veterans-cemetery</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-231731&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-05-13T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>A dedication ceremony is planned for Minnesota’s newest State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn. The second State Veterans Cemetery in Minnesota is located on 169-acres, which were donated by Fillmore County. Construction was complete in late 2015, and the first Veterans were laid to rest on Veterans Day, 2015. The dedication event, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, will include special music by the Red Bull Brass Quintet, a flag line by the Rochester Patriot Guard, flyovers of World War II aircraft, a rifle salute, special speakers and more.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; border-color: transparent; background-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: left;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; May 13, 2016  
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent; text-align: right;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;    &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A dedication ceremony is planned for Minnesota’s newest State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn. The second State Veterans Cemetery in Minnesota is located on 169-acres, which were donated by Fillmore County. Construction was complete in late 2015, and the first Veterans were laid to rest on Veterans Day, 2015. The dedication event, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, will include special music by the Red Bull Brass Quintet, a flag line by the Rochester Patriot Guard, flyovers of World War II aircraft, a rifle salute, special speakers and more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;* Limited seating is available; guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO: &lt;/strong&gt;   &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;U.S. Representative Tim Walz&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MN Dept. of Administration Commissioner Matt Massman&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;NCA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, Director George Eisenbach&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cemeteries Director Dave Swantek&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cemetery Administrator Robert Gross&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Red Bull Brass Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Military Funeral Honors Team  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN: &lt;/strong&gt;   &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;Sunday, May 29, 2016. Prelude music at 1:30 p.m., program at 2 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:&lt;/strong&gt;    &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;border-color: transparent;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery—Preston, 715 Highway 52 Preston, MN 55965
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;**Visit the &lt;a target=&quot;_self&quot; href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/index.jsp#/list/appId/2/filterType/Category/filterValue/Memorial%20Day%20Events/page/1/sort//order/&quot;&gt;MDVA website for more information on Memorial Day events around the state&lt;/a&gt;, including the annual Memorial Day weekend ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, and events at the Minnesota State Veterans Homes. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information visit www.mdva.state.mn.us or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>231731</id><pubdate>2016-05-16T14:00:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>Minn expands access to benefits for homeless and at-risk Veterans</Title><title>2016-03-31-Minn expands access to benefits for homeless and at-risk Veterans</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226269&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-03-31T15:14:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a new effort to provide Minnesota’s homeless and at-risk Veterans with expanded access to Social Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/MA-Logos_tcm1066-226384.png&quot; title=&quot;MA-Logos&quot; alt=&quot;MA-Logos&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;MA-Logos&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn. -&lt;/strong&gt; Today the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a new effort to provide Minnesota&apos;s homeless and at-risk Veterans with expanded access to Social Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;SOAR, which stands for SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery, is a nationwide program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SOAR helps people with disabilities gain access to SSI and SSDI by identifying people who may be eligible, assisting in preparing high-quality applications, compiling necessary documentation, and supporting individuals throughout the application process. In Minnesota, DHS already collaborates with counties, Tribal governments and non-profit organizations to provide individuals with advocacy and services when applying for SSI/SSDI. This state-federal partnership builds on DHS&apos;s work by implementing a SOAR approach to connect Veterans with SSI/SSDI benefits more quickly. Homeless and at-risk Veterans in Minnesota will be provided with a personal SOAR advocate to guide them through the federal application process and help alleviate factors which typically lengthen the time needed to determine a disability claim. These factors often include access to military medical records and other critical documents or verifications.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&quot;We are excited to work together with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to help connect Veterans to the services they need and deserve. Too many of our men and women - who have sacrificed so much of their personal health - now find themselves literally out in the cold,&quot; said Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper, DHS.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Homeless and at-risk Veterans applying for benefits face a variety of barriers, including lack of a permanent address, contact information or transportation. For those with a mental illness, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders that impair cognition, the application process is even more difficult - yet accessing these benefits is often a critical first step in recovery. The income from SSI/SSDI could also help homeless and at-risk Veterans secure stable housing.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&quot;We&apos;re all in this together, with a shared goal of helping Veterans with disabilities gain more direct access to benefits. Connecting Veterans with an experienced advocate will not only help them navigate the process, it will help ensure applications are complete, resulting in faster determinations,&quot; said Area Director Jay Druckrey, SSA.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Outreach is also an important part of this pilot. MDVA will work closely with partners in the Veterans community, including Veteran Service Officers in all 87 counties around the state, the federal VA, and Veteran Service Organizations, to identify and connect with homeless and at-risk Veterans who may be eligible for SOAR.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&quot;I am proud of the work we have done in Minnesota,&quot; said Commissioner Larry Shellito, MDVA. &quot;Since 2010 we have cut Veteran homelessness in half, something we could only accomplish with help from our valuable partners. Together we can - and will - bring our Veterans all the way home.&quot;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Veterans who would like to connect with a SOAR advocate should call 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) or visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.minnesotaveteran.org&quot;&gt;MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About MDVA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.minnesotaveteran.org&quot;&gt;www.MinnesotaVeteran.org&lt;/a&gt; or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;About DHS&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides health care, economic assistance, social services and other supports to more than one million Minnesotans. For more information, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/dhs/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;DHS website&lt;/a&gt; (&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/dhs/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://mn.gov/dhs/&lt;/a&gt;).
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;About SSA&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors&apos; benefits. For more information, visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.socialsecurity.gov&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.socialsecurity.gov&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226269</id><pubdate>2016-04-28T14:57:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>State agencies expand benefits to homeless and at-risk Veterans</Title><title>2016-03-28-MA: State agencies expand benefits to homeless and at-risk Veterans</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226270&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-03-28T15:14:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>There will be a press conference outlining a new pilot program in Minnesota that will help connect eligible Veterans with better access to Social Security benefits. This program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Department and the Human Services (DHS).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/MA-Logos_tcm1066-226384.png&quot; title=&quot;MA-Logos&quot; alt=&quot;MA-Logos&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;MA-Logos&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; width=&quot;100%&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody valign=&quot;top&quot;&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 28, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 cell
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;State agencies expand benefits to homeless and at-risk Veterans&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h4 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;New SOAR program partnership will provide Veterans with better access to Social Security disability benefits&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Representatives from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Human Services, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper, Minnesota Department of Human Services&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Area Director Jay Druckrey, Social Security Administration
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A press conference outlining a new pilot program in Minnesota that will help connect eligible Veterans with better access to Social Security benefits. This program is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The SOAR program, which stands for Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI and SSDI), Outreach, Access and Recovery, is a national initiative that receives funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. DHS currently works with Tribal governments, counties and non-profit groups around the state, but this announcement marks the first time in Minnesota that another state agency is partnering in this effort. The program will allow Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to work with a dedicated SOAR advocate and quickly complete the application process. Speakers at the press conference will outline the program, explain the impact to Minnesotans and Veterans, and answer questions on the process. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;*Media should RSVP to Anna Long at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; and allow extra time to get through building security protocols.&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday, March 31 from 1-1:30 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, ground floor common area outside MDVA offices.
&lt;br /&gt;
1 Federal Dr., St. Paul, MN 55111&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226270</id><pubdate>2016-04-28T16:08:03Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>2016 Minnesota Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</Title><title>2016-03-14-2016 2016 Minnesota Veterans Day on the Hill Rally</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226271&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-03-14T15:14:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a joint Veterans Day on the Hill event Wednesday, March 16 to announce their joint 2016 legislative agenda. This year’s Rally will be held at the Cedar Street Armory and is open to the public. It is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice, and Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with their legislators by appointment at the conclusion of the event.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; width=&quot;100%&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td valign=&quot;top&quot; rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;March 14, 2016
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;Greg Remus
&lt;br /&gt;
CTF Chair
&lt;br /&gt;
(701) 446-7651
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:gremus@co.hubbard.mn.us&quot;&gt;gremus@co.hubbard.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force (CTF), together with the United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC) and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSOs) will be holding a joint Veterans Day on the Hill event Wednesday, March 16 to announce their joint 2016 legislative agenda. This year&apos;s Rally will be held at the Cedar Street Armory and is open to the public. It is a day when Veterans of all eras in Minnesota unite as one common voice, and Veterans from around the state are encouraged to participate and meet with their legislators by appointment at the conclusion of the event.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Veterans, State Legislators, members of Veterans Service Organizations, County Veterans Service Officers and more.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This year&apos;s program will be emceed by MACVSO President Lisa Klenk, and will also include a presentation of colors and invocation by the Rev. Richard Jenkins. Featured speakers include:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Sen. Tom Saxhaug&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Rep. Bob Dettmer&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Rep. John Persell&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Commander Greg Remus, CTF Chair&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ralph Donais, UVLC Chair
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wednesday March 16 at 10 a.m. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Cedar Street Armory - 600 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.leg.state.mn.us/graphics/capitol_complex_01.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Map and Parking
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information and to preview the 2016 Legislative Agenda visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mnctf.org/legislative/index.htm&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;the Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force website&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force (CTF)&lt;/strong&gt; was created in 1988 and is comprised of elected commanders and appointed adjutants of the nine largest congressionally-chartered Veterans Service Organizations in the state of Minnesota. Key functions of this group include developing a united Veterans legislative agenda and actively advocating for it before state and elected officials; serving as a non-partisan advisory group to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the Governor and legislators on Veterans&apos; issues in the state; and working to seek and form Veterans Service Organization partnerships in program development.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226271</id><pubdate>2016-04-28T15:57:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Building 21</Title><title>2016-03-02-Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Building 21</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226272&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-03-02T16:14:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>The media is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of Building 21 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on Monday, March 7 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will honor Residents and families, and marks completion of the second phase of a three-phase project to modernize and update the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus. The updates incorporate the industry standard of Resident-centered care and private rooms and bathrooms.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For Immediate Release&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
March 2, 2016&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt; 
&lt;br /&gt;
   Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Anna.Long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Anna.Long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contacts:
&lt;br /&gt;
   &lt;/strong&gt; Sandy Larson 
&lt;br /&gt;
(612) 548-5993 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Sandy.Larson@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Sandy.Larson@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;The media is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of Building 21 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on Monday, March 7 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will honor Residents and families, and marks completion of the second phase of a three-phase project to modernize and update the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus. The updates incorporate the industry standard of Resident-centered care and private rooms and bathrooms.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With four levels, Building 21 includes just over 155,000 square feet, including three Resident levels and a lower level. The main three floors will house a state-of-the-art 100 bed skilled nursing facility in private rooms for individualized care, as well as provide common spaces for visiting and community activities.
&lt;br /&gt;
The ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony will feature a patriotic program including the VFW State Color Guard, with remarks by members of the Veterans community and state and federal leaders. Special music will be provided by the Lake String Quartet, and refreshments and tours of the new space will follow the formal program. Residents are scheduled to move into the new building in late March.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To learn more about the multi-phased renovation at Minneapolis Veterans Home Campus visit our &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/Minneapolis-Veterans-Home-Renovation-Phases_tcm1066-195982.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Minneapolis-Veterans-Home-Renovation-Phases&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Minneapolis-Veterans-Home-Renovation-Phases&quot;&gt;renovation information page&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Commissioner Larry Shellito and distinguished guests, including &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Senator Amy Klobuchar &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Congressman Keith Ellison &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Representative Jim Davnie &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;State Representative Bob Dettmer &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minneapolis Veterans Home Residents&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Monday, March 7, 10 a.m.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Building 19 Atrium, Minneapolis Veterans Home Campus, 5101 Minnehaha Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Directions&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/homes/minneapolis/directions.jsp&quot;&gt;*Please note: There is no Bridge access from Minnehaha Drive; enter from the North on 46th Ave. S.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226272</id><pubdate>2016-04-28T16:13:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>State to Activate &apos;Veteran Rapid Response Team&apos;</Title><title>2016-01-27-PR-State to Activate &apos;Veteran Rapid Response Team&apos;</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226409&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-01-27T14:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>SAINT PAUL, Minn. –  A new initiative will provide immediate assistance to homeless Veterans during the 2016 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, the annual one-day count to identify everyone experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. This year the PIT count will be conducted January 28, and for the first time the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is organizing a Veteran Rapid Response Team and crisis shelter to assist any homeless Veterans identified through this outreach. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;State to Activate &apos;Veteran Rapid Response Team&apos;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tasked to provide shelter and find housing for homeless Veterans identified in statewide Point-in-Time count
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SAINT PAUL, Minn.&lt;/strong&gt; –  A new initiative will provide immediate assistance to homeless Veterans during the 2016 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, the annual one-day count to identify everyone experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. This year the PIT count will be conducted January 28, and for the first time the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is organizing a Veteran Rapid Response Team and crisis shelter to assist any homeless Veterans identified through this outreach. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The PIT count works by dispatching outreach workers all over the state to identify and count Minnesotans experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered. PIT counts are organized around the country at the same time every year. In Minnesota the number from this count provides measurement of our progress toward the goals of Heading Home: Minnesota’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, including the goal to end Veteran homelessness statewide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Ending homelessness does not mean that Minnesotans will never face housing instability or homelessness again.  Rather, it means that every community in Minnesota will have a response to homelessness that prevents homelessness from occurring whenever possible, and ensures that when homelessness does occur, it is rare, brief, and non-recurring,” said Cathy ten Broeke, State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, made up of Commissioners of 11 State agencies and Lt. Governor Tina Smith, will announce updates to the Heading Home plan at a &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://www.mnhousing.gov/get/MHFA_1036858&quot;&gt;press conference Thursday, Jan. 28 from 11-11:30 a.m. at the Wellstone Center; 179 Robie Street in Saint Paul&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In collaboration with the state’s plan to end homelessness, over the last several years communities and mayors from around the state have unified toward the goal of ending Veteran homelessness statewide. As part of this commitment, in 2014 MDVA and many community partners launched a &lt;a title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot;&gt;statewide Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt; focused on housing all Minnesota Veterans experiencing homelessness. This Registry has helped accelerate Minnesota’s progress toward the goal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During Thursday’s PIT count a Veteran Rapid Response Team will be standing by for all homeless Veterans.  Outreach workers who identify unsheltered homeless Veterans will connect with social workers who specialize in finding housing solutions for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Those social workers will invite the Veterans to join the Registry and develop a personalized housing plan.  Within the seven-county Twin Cities metro area Veterans will be offered transportation to a temporary crisis shelter, where they can connect with these social workers in person. They will also be given a warm place to sleep, food and a “sleep kit” to keep. In greater Minnesota, these connections will occur over the phone. The response team will operate continuously through mid-afternoon on Friday, Jan. 29 and is a collaboration between MDVA, the American Red Cross, the federal Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Minnesota, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), the Minnesota National Guard, the City of Saint Paul, and other partners.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“Having a housing plan is key,” said Eric Grumdahl, who serves as Special Advisor on Ending Veteran Homelessness for MDVA and Minnesota Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. “Homelessness is a problem that we can solve. The best, most lasting solutions are personalized for each individual or family experiencing homelessness.” With a housing plan in place, Veterans experiencing homelessness are typically housed within four months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The search for landlords willing to rent to Veterans also remains a priority; although many Veterans currently on the Registry have the income or assistance to pay for housing and maintain stability, one of the surprising struggles has been identifying landlords willing to give these Veterans a second chance. If you are a landlord and would like to join the database, please call 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Anyone who knows of a Veteran experiencing homelessness can also connect them with services by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226409</id><pubdate>2026-02-13T15:52:43Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Coast Guard Tribute Painting Displayed at Duluth Depot</Title><title>2016-01-21-PR-Coast Guard Tribute Painting Displayed at Duluth Depot</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226298&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2016-01-21T18:55:08Z</Date><ShortDescription>DULUTH, Minn. - The Veterans Memorial Hall in the Duluth Depot, will unveil Minnesota artist Charles Kapsner’s Coast Guard tribute painting, the third painting in a series of five honoring each military service. Kapsner, who was commissioned by the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association to create artwork for the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota, has developed the “Looking to the Past, Present, and Future: A Veterans Educational Historic Project,” commonly referred to as the Veterans Art Project. The temporary exhibit will display the large-scale 8 by 10 foot oil painting and host appearances by the artist and members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard throughout the weekend. The exhibit goes through Monday, January 25, after which the painting will be sent to Little Falls for permanent display at the State Veterans Cemetery.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/assets/Coast-Guard-Painting_tcm1066-196517.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Coast-Guard-Painting&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Coast-Guard-Painting&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdva/assets/Coast-Guard-Painting-Thumb_tcm1066-194898.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Coast Guard Painting - click for full size image&quot; alt=&quot;Coast Guard Painting - click for full size image&quot; style=&quot;width: 40%; height: auto;&quot; class=&quot;photoRightNoBorder&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Coast-Guard-Painting-Thumb&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;DULUTH, Minn. - The Veterans Memorial Hall in the Duluth Depot, will unveil Minnesota artist Charles Kapsner&apos;s Coast Guard tribute painting, the third painting in a series of five honoring each military service. Kapsner, who was commissioned by the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association to create artwork for the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota, has developed the &quot;Looking to the Past, Present, and Future: A Veterans Educational Historic Project,&quot; commonly referred to as the Veterans Art Project. The temporary exhibit will display the large-scale 8 by 10 foot oil painting and host appearances by the artist and members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard throughout the weekend. The exhibit goes through Monday, January 25, after which the painting will be sent to Little Falls for permanent display at the State Veterans Cemetery.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Charles Kapsner will be at the Veterans Memorial Hall 10 p.m. -3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 12 p.m. -3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Kapsner is an artist from Little Falls selected for his unique talent and use of live models wearing authentic uniforms to ensure that his paintings are as historically accurate as possible. Kapsner has real service men and women sit for hours to draw each detail and diverse element that makes up each person and each branch, both past and present. Kapsner has already created tribute paintings for the Army and Navy. They are on permanent display in the committal service building in Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery. The two remaining paintings in the series will pay tribute to the Air Force and Marine Corps. For more in-depth commentary from the artist and a follow-along photo gallery visit: &lt;a href=&quot;http://vetsart.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://vetsart.org/&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls will be the final showcase for the five works of art. &quot;Collectively, I think this project creates a unique experience and space to honor Veterans and their families; this iconic tribute to their service and sacrifice really makes the Little Falls Cemetery special and gratifying to all those who visit,&quot; said Dave Swantek, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Manager.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Unlike any other state cemetery monument, these paintings are all unique and originals dedicated to the men and women who have served in each branch and their families that served along with them. If unable to attend the temporary exhibit in Duluth, the paintings can be seen at the Little Falls Cemetery. For more information, including cemetery hours and information visit our &lt;a href=&quot;/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-little-falls.jsp&quot; title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls&quot;&gt;Little Falls State Veteran Cemetery Page&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226298</id><pubdate>2025-10-31T14:37:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony</Title><title>2015-12-02-MA: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226268&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2015-12-02T16:14:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad and Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs are hosting the 74th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day program.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad and Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs are hosting the 74th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day program. This event is to acknowledge &quot;December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,&quot; and honor those who perished on that day, but also remember those that live on to tell the history of that fateful day. Survivor of Pearl Harbor Richard Thill, will be the guest speaker for the event. Governor Dayton will be in attendance and share remarks. New to the ceremony this year is the Kerkhoven - Murdock - Sunburg (KMS) Marching Saints Band. This elite group has been selected to represent Minnesota and perform in a mass band at the 75th Anniversary commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in December 2016.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*Please note: The location of the event has been changed to the Cedar Street Armory this year. Please see the link below for parking details.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a data-unresolved=&quot;tcm:367-175686&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; title=&quot;Pearl-Harbor-Day-2015-Flyer&quot; xlink:data-unresolved=&quot;tcm:367-175686&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Event location map and more information&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Confirmed Speakers and Program participants:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Richard Thill, Pearl Harbor Survivor&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Governor Mark Dayton&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;KMS Marching Saints Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ft. Snelling Nat&apos;l Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday, December 7
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m. - Program
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;*Notice of Change:&lt;/strong&gt; Cedar Street Armory, 600 Cedar St., St. Paul, Minn. 55101
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet&lt;/em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;.&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226268</id><pubdate>2016-04-28T16:27:34Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MDVA Announces Veteran Housing Rental Incentive</Title><title>2015-11-11-PR-MDVA Announces Veteran Housing Rental Incentive</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226297&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2015-11-11T18:53:07Z</Date><ShortDescription>One of the biggest struggles in the State’s race to end Veteran Homelessness has been identifying landlords willing to give homeless Veterans a second chance.  The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that landlords who rent to Veterans currently listed on the Minnesota Homeless Veterans Registry could be eligible for a $1,000 incentive.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
651-757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
651-263-2640
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the biggest struggles in the State&apos;s race to end Veteran Homelessness has been identifying landlords willing to give homeless Veterans a second chance. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that landlords who rent to Veterans currently listed on the Minnesota Homeless Veterans Registry could be eligible for a $1,000 incentive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Communities and mayors from around the state, together with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and partners, jointly committed to end Veteran homelessness statewide by the end of this year. As part of this commitment, in early 2015 the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and many community partners launched a statewide &lt;a title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot;&gt;Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt; focused on housing Veterans experiencing homelessness. Since that time more than 200 Veterans on the Registry have been housed. Still, there are over 148 Veterans on the Registry in the Twin Cities today. Although Veterans on the Registry have the income or assistance to pay for housing and maintain stability, one of the surprising struggles has been identifying landlords and available housing units.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&quot;We are committed to bringing our Veterans &apos;all the way home.&apos; The Twin Cities Metro area has an extremely tight rental market. In Minneapolis the vacancy rate is less than 3 percent. This incentive for our partners who own and manage rental property is intended to support their ability to take a chance on someone with a limited rental history and other potential barriers. The only way we can end Veteran homeless in Minnesota is to work together, and this program brings us one step closer to the finish line,&quot; said MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This landlord incentive is mirrored off similar programs launched in New York City and the greater Denver areas earlier this year. In Minnesota the incentive is part of a larger initiative called Keys for Heroes, where Minnesota landlords can join a database to be considered for future rental opportunities. This program also highlights benefits of renting to a homeless Veteran, including guaranteed rent, tenant screening and working with a single point-of-contact or case manager.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now through the end of January any landlord or property owner who signs at least a 12-month lease with a Veteran currently on the Registry is eligible for $1,000 lease-signing incentive, paid directly to the landlord or property owner. For a complete list of criteria and eligibility, and to learn more, please visit the &lt;a title=&quot;Keys for Heroes&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homes-for-veterans.jsp&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Homes for Veterans&quot;&gt;Keys for Heroes Landlord Incentives Page&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&quot;The goal of ending Veteran homelessness in Minnesota is within our reach,&quot; said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Mary Tingerthal. &quot;Let&apos;s show our Veterans we support them as much as they&apos;ve supported us. If you have available rental housing, please call the LinkVet line to help us reach this goal together.&quot;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Landlords and property owners interested in joining this effort can indicate their interest in doing so by calling LinkVet (888-LinkVet or 888-546-5838) and indicating their interest in participating. LinkVet will collect basic information. Once a Veteran is identified, the Veteran or a staff person will reach out to the landlord.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226297</id><pubdate>2026-02-13T15:52:42Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Mayors to Host &apos;Keys for Heroes&apos; Event</Title><title>2015-11-04-MA-Mayors to Host &apos;Keys for Heroes&apos; Event</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226296&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2015-11-04T18:50:25Z</Date><ShortDescription>Landlords, property owners and the media are invited to attend a reception with Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges to learn more about the important role landlords play in housing Veterans in our community.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;h3 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Landlords needed to help end Veteran Homelessness statewide&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Landlords, property owners and the media are invited to attend a reception with Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges to learn more about the important role landlords play in housing Veterans in our community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Communities and mayors from around the state, together with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and partners, jointly committed to end Veteran homelessness statewide by the end of this year. As part of this commitment, in early 2015 the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and many community partners launched a statewide &lt;a target=&quot;_self&quot; title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot; href=&quot;/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jsp&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Homeless Veteran Registry&quot;&gt;Homeless Veterans Registry&lt;/a&gt; focused on housing Veterans experiencing homelessness. Since that time more than 200 Veterans on the Registry have been housed. Still, there are over 160 Veterans on the Registry in the Twin Cities today. Although Veterans on the Registry have the have income or assistance to pay for housing and maintain stability, one of the surprising struggles has been identifying landlords willing to give these Veterans a second chance.&lt;/p&gt;
At the &lt;strong&gt;Keys for Heroes&lt;/strong&gt; reception landlords will be able to learn more about renting to Veterans on the Registry, including the benefits of guaranteed rent, tenant screening, working with a single point-of-contact or case manager, and how to join this effort. There will also be a chance to answer questions about funding sources, talk with other landlords and hear directly from Veterans who are on their journey home. The goal of ending Veteran homelessness in Minnesota is within reach, and landlords are they key to make it to the finish line.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;Speakers will include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Previously homeless Veterans and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Multi Housing Association and HousingLink&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11
&lt;br /&gt;
6 - 7:30 p.m.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr valign=&quot;top&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: top;&quot;&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, Minn. 55104&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;**The event is free, but landlords must RSVP to &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Stephen.Perry@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Stephen.Perry@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226296</id><pubdate>2026-02-13T15:52:40Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><metadata_type><Description/><Title>MDVA-News</Title><Id>226266</Id><Key/></metadata_type><Title>State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</Title><title>2015-10-30-MA: State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration</title><url>&lt;tcdl:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1066-226267&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2015-10-30T15:14:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country with bravery.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1066</publication><BodyText>&lt;table cellspacing=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
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&lt;td align=&quot;right&quot; style=&quot;text-align: right;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Media Contact&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Anna Long
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 757-1536
&lt;br /&gt;
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
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&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:anna.long@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;anna.long@state.mn.us
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&lt;td&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHAT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;The official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Minnesota Commanders&apos; Task Force invite Veterans, families, elected officials, and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country with bravery. WCCO will have the More Than Names Flag on display recognizing support for military members and their families. American Red Cross will be distributing holiday cards to Veterans at the event, as well as asking for signatures on cards being sent to active military personnel through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Also new this year, two 5th grade students from Inver Grove Heights will read their winning essays on Veterans during the program. This year the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs selected the Minnesota State Veterans Day Program as an official regional site for 2015. The morning will feature a free community breakfast from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;td&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHO:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chief of Staff, Minnesota National Guard, Brig. Gen. Jon Jensen&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Letter from U.S. Senator Al Franken&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Letter from U.S. Representative John Kline&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Anthem by Minnesota Veterans&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pine Bend Elementary Students&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Chaplain (Maj) Philip Winn, Jr
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHEN:
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;Wednesday, November 11&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Free Community Breakfast
&lt;br /&gt;
10 a.m. - Program&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WHERE:    
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, Minn. 55077&lt;/td&gt;
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&lt;p style=&quot;font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(159, 159, 159);&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran&apos;s preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>226267</id><pubdate>2016-04-28T16:29:40Z</pubdate></list></results>