Tag Archive for: Veterans Affairs

Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into critical topics for Veterans and their families: protecting against frauds and scams, maximizing education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill, and transitioning military skills into rewarding public service careers with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Guests:

In the first segment, we focus on frauds and scams targeting Veterans and military families. Kindahl Larsen shares why Veterans are often targeted, common scam types including imposter, romance, investment, phishing, and employment scams, warning signs to watch for, and practical prevention strategies such as using a family safe word and maintaining radio silence with suspected scammers. She also highlights reporting resources and recovery options through the FBI’s IC3, Minnesota Attorney General’s office, Department of Commerce, and more.

Next, we explore education benefits and career pathways. Ed Godfrey and Charles Egerstrom explain the federal and Minnesota GI Bill programs, emphasizing their role as transition assistance—not just for college but for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, licensing, and certifications. They discuss how these benefits support Veterans entering new fields, including partnerships with organizations like Xcel Energy and the Minnesota State Patrol.

In the final segment, Sergeant April Bogart from the Minnesota State Patrol discusses the Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) Program, how Veterans can leverage military experience and GI Bill benefits in the application and training process, the academy experience, and the diverse career opportunities within the Patrol.

This episode equips Veterans with actionable knowledge to safeguard their finances, pursue education and training opportunities, and explore meaningful civilian careers that build on their service.

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/.

VA Women's Health and National Cemetery Administration

This week we discuss Women’s Health with a doctor from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, meet with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and get an update from our Senior Enlisted Advisor. Guests include:

MNNG Active Duty and Under Secretary for Benefits

This week we meet with the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard and discuss their state mission, talk to the Undersecretary of Benefits for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include:

Legislative Update and Blue Star Mothers

This week we get a legislative update from State Representative and 2 State Senators, meet with Blue Star Mothers and get an update from the Minnesota Patriot Guard. Guests include: