Tag Archive for: Minnesota veterans

Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events

Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we’re joined by leaders from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss career opportunities, Veteran mental health resources, and Memorial Day weekend events across the state.

Guests include:

  • Ray Douha, Director, CareerForce Veterans Employment Program
  • Shannon Sprouse, Senior Veterans Employment Representative
  • Krysta Stanenas, Community Health Analyst, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Chase Arden, Veterans Community Health Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Tim Uecker, Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Segment 1: Minnesota Veterans Career Fair

Ray Douha and Shannon Sprouse discuss the 20th Annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, taking place on May 20, including what Veterans can expect and how to prepare.
https://careerforce.mn.gov/VeteransCareerFair2026

Segments 2 & 3: Veteran Mental Health Resources

Krysta Stanenas and Chase Arden share insight into Veteran mental health, suicide prevention efforts, and statewide resources available to Veterans and their families.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the Veteran Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/mhawarenessmonth.html

Segment 4: Memorial Day Events at State Veterans Cemeteries

Tim Uecker outlines Memorial Day weekend ceremonies taking place on Sunday, May 24, at Minnesota’s State Veterans Cemeteries.
https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/
https://minnesotaveteran.org/cem

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MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill

MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill

 

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we get an in‑depth update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on Veteran care, advocacy, and support services available to Veterans and their families across Minnesota. Commissioner Brad Lindsay joins the show to discuss current priorities, statewide initiatives, and how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs continues to serve Minnesota Veterans through healthcare, benefits, outreach, and community partnerships.

Featured Guests

The conversation highlights critical Veteran care programs, including the Minneapolis Adult Day Center, also known as the Vets Club, where Veterans receive supportive, social, and medical care while providing much‑needed relief for caregivers. Ann Rostratter and Emily Miene share how the Vets Club improves quality of life for Veterans, supports families, and helps aging Veterans remain engaged, active, and connected to their community.

The show also focuses on Veterans Day on the Hill, taking place on April 23rd, an annual advocacy event that brings together hundreds of Minnesota Veterans, Veterans service organizations, and community leaders at the State Capitol. Barry Henriksen and Janet Lorenzo discuss the role of the Commanders’ Task Force and how Veterans service organizations work together to advocate for key legislative priorities impacting Minnesota Veterans, including benefits, property tax relief, and long‑term Veteran support.

Learn more about Veterans Day on the Hill and how to get involved here:

👉 https://mnctf.org/veterans-day-on-the-hill-2026/

Listen Now:

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Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero and Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community

Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero and Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we honor the extraordinary legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Captain Willibald “Bill” Bianchi, a New Ulm native whose courage during World War II exemplified valor above and beyond the call of duty. Wounded multiple times while leading an assault against enemy positions during the Battle of Bataan, Captain Bianchi refused medical treatment and continued fighting—actions that saved countless lives and earned our nation’s highest military honor. Joining us in the studio are his niece and nephew, Susan Marti and Steve Marti, who share powerful family stories, personal memories, and the emotional journey of bringing their uncle home more than 80 years after his death.

We also highlight the Think Great Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting military spouses through education scholarships and recognizing the sacrifices made on the homefront. Erik Therwanger, founder of the Think Great Foundation, and board member Kathie Boe join the program to discuss the foundation’s mission and impact.

Rounding out the show, we check in with the Minnesota Patriot Guard as Craig Ugland shares insight into the organization’s ongoing mission to honor fallen service members, veterans, and their families with dignity, respect, and unwavering support across Minnesota.

Related Links

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Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements

Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA's Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for an in-depth look at advancements in Veteran care.

Guests include:

The episode opens with an update from Minneapolis VA Medical Center Director Pat Kelly, who shares news of a recent ribbon-cutting for the Polytrauma System of Care, ongoing efforts to combat Veteran suicide and an upcoming Resource Fair and Claims Clinic in Chippewa Falls on March 24th.The main focus shifts to VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization. Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Bayer explain how this modern, 21st-century platform will create a seamless, shared health record across federal systems. Benefits for Veterans include:

  • Real-time access to records
  • Elimination of paper copies, CDs, faxes, and duplicated tests
  • Improved scheduling, standardization of care across sites
  • A more modern patient portal with better secure messaging and apps

Dr. Bock joins to discuss the exciting integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ambient AI scribe. This HIPAA-compliant technology documents clinical appoints, with patient consent, so clinicians can focus more on the Veteran and less on the computer. AI output is reviewed by the provider, ensuring accuracy. This episode highlights how the Minneapolis VA is modernizing to deliver even better, more efficient, and compassionate care to Minnesota’s Veterans.

 

To learn about upcoming events visit https://www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/events/. For more information on the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization visit https://digital.va.gov/ehr-modernization/about/. For more on AI in the clinic rooms visit https://news.va.gov/143486/powered-by-ai-improving-veteran-care-experience/.

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Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook

Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook
This week on Minnesota Military Radio: Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook.
We open with a tribute to Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and their families every day.
The program features an in-depth conversation with Diane Lynch-deCombs, Assistant Commissioner of the Health Care Division at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. She oversees the state’s eight veterans homes and discusses supporting administrators, workforce challenges in long-term care, attracting younger workers, adapting to evolving veteran health care models like community care and choice options, and ensuring these facilities remain strong and sustainable for the future.
Next, Jon Kelly, Director of Government Affairs at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, provides an update on the department’s 2026 legislative priorities. Topics include policy bills, bonding requests for veterans homes and cemeteries, ongoing progress in ending veterans homelessness and suicide prevention, and efforts to recognize and provide benefits to Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans from Laos.
Hosted by Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham, Minnesota Military Radio is a production of iHeartMedia, the Minnesota National Guard, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
For more information on Minnesota’s veterans homes, visit: https://www.mn.gov/mdva/homes/ To learn about legislative updates and resources, check the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website: https://www.mn.gov/mdva/
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