Tag Archive for: County Veterans Service Officers

The SOAR Program: Helping Veterans Navigate SSI and SSDI

The SOAR Program: Helping Veterans Navigate SSI and SSDI

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the SOAR program help eligible Veterans and family members navigate the Social Security disability process.

Guests:

SOAR—SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery—is a nationally recognized advocacy model adapted by MDVA for the Veteran experience. The program is free and available to eligible Minnesota Veterans and their families, including National Guard and Reserve members—even without a deployment. Eligibility may be based on Minnesota residency, military service, being a spouse or surviving spouse of someone who served, if you have a disability expected to last at least 12 months, or are experiencing or being at risk of homelessness. There are no barriers based on discharge status, and every eligible applicant receives the same offer of support.

SOAR advocates can assist Veterans at any stage, from an initial claim through reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge. They help determine which benefits to pursue, gather medical and military records, and translate a person’s functional limitations—such as challenges with lifting, standing, concentration, pace, or attendance—into information relevant to Social Security’s review.

The episode also features a Marine Corps Veteran who connected with SOAR through a VA community outreach clinic after experiencing years of untreated needs, job loss, and homelessness. After an initial denial, SOAR provided representation through the hearing process and ultimately helped the Veteran secure their benefits that are being used to help cover household expenses and repay family members who provided support.

The message is simple: Don’t let fear of a denial keep you from applying.

Veterans can self-refer at MinnesotaVeteran.org/SOAR or connect through their County Veteran Service Officer or LinkVet at 1-888-546-5838. SOAR also works with partners including the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, Homeless Veteran Registry, Every Third Saturday, Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul, and the St. Cloud VA.

Through patient, Veteran-to-Veteran advocacy, SOAR is helping Minnesota Veterans and their families pursue stable income while working toward housing and other support. It’s never too late to reach out.

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Previewing Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair

Previewing Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we preview Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair and the resources available to service members, Veterans, and families. This conversation highlights how Minnesota’s military community, Veteran support organizations, and state partners come together to honor service and help people connect with benefits they have earned — before we record live from the Fair beginning next week.

Guests:

During the show, we discuss the history and planning behind Military Appreciation Day, now more than 15 years in the making. The Minnesota National Guard coordinates the event for all branches and Veteran-supporting organizations, with day-long programming at Dan Patch Park from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, September 1st. Fairgoers can expect Veteran support organizations, entertainment, and military community partners throughout the park. In addition to those activities, a 10 am military program at Luther Auto Bandshell (formerly the Leinie Lodge Bandshell) includes an Honor Guard, a military fly over, and entertainment by the 34th Red Bull Band, with a Veterans parade at 2 pm. Eligible service members and Veterans can purchase discounted $15 admission tickets and receive additional discounts on rides and food throughout the Fair with a military ID. Minnesota Military Radio will record two shows live from the Fair on Military Appreciation Day. Next week’s episode will feature the first of those live recordings.

We also take a closer look at the work of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and County Veterans Service Officers across all 87 Minnesota counties. MDVA’s field operations team supports tribal Veteran services, women’s Veteran coordination, Gold Star families, incarcerated Veterans, Veteran Service Officer training, and on-site assistance at VA medical centers and State Veterans Homes. Together with MACVSO, the agencies share a booth in the Education Building throughout the Fair from 9 am to 9 pm to answer general questions, share local County Veterans Service Officer contact information, and point families toward follow-up help in a private setting. Listeners will hear about state programs such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, including dental and optical support for low-income Veterans and a once-in-a-lifetime Veteran relief grant that can help households facing a financial crisis.

Through collaboration, outreach, and a continued commitment to service, organizations like the Minnesota National Guard, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and MACVSO are making it easier for Minnesota Veterans and their families to find the support they have earned — at the State Fair and in their home communities. Veterans who have never spoken with a County Veterans Service Officer are encouraged to start with LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet or LinkVet.org, or visit MACVSO.org to find their local office.

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2025 Veterans Day in Mankato & USMC 250th Anniversary

2025 Veterans Day in Mankato & USMC 250th Anniversary

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we sit down with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to preview the Official 2025 State Veterans Day Celebration in Mankato. Then, hear from the MCL-Dept of Minnesota as they mark 250 years of the USMC and invite you to their November 15 cake-cutting celebration. Guests include:

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Veterans Day on the Hill 2024

Veterans Day on the Hill 2024

This week we discuss the upcoming Veterans Day on the Hill co-hosted by the Legislative Director of the DAV Department of Minnesota with special guests from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Guest include:

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Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers

Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers

This week we are recorded live from the Fall Conference of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. We meet with the President of the MACVSO’s and Roseau County Veteran Service Officer to find out how CVSO’s around the state help Veterans in need, discuss Veteran Legislative Issues and learn how other Veteran Service Organizations in the state provide resources. Guests include:

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