Tag Archive for: veteran benefits

Military Appreciation Day Live from the Minnesota State Fair

Military Appreciation Day Live from the Minnesota State Fair

This week, we are recorded live from Dan Patch Park at the Minnesota State Fair for the first of two special shows from Military Appreciation Day. This episode highlights Veteran benefits through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the grand opening of the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, community support from Every Third Saturday, and care at Minnesota’s State Veterans Homes.

Guests:

During the show, MDVA outlines benefits available from the day of discharge, including education support, the State Soldier Assistance Program, eight Veterans Homes, adult day programs, and four state cemeteries. Listeners learn how to connect through a county Veteran Service Officer, LinkVet at 888-LINK-VET, MinnesotaVeteran.org, or the MDVA and Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSO) booth in the Education Building throughout the Fair. MDVA also shares details on a free construction apprenticeship preparatory program through Building Strong Communities, with recruiting underway now and classes starting in February at BuildingStrong.org.

The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum previews its new 40,000-square-foot facility on 30 acres at Camp Ripley. The campus includes galleries from the Civil War through the Global War on Terror, outdoor exhibits such as the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul sail and rudder, an F-16, tanks, a Veterans plaza, and a parade ground. Timed-entry gallery tickets should be reserved in advance at mnvetmuseum.org. The three-day grand opening runs September 11–13 and includes a September 11 ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Every Third Saturday discusses community-based Veteran support near the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, including practical help, referrals, and its Stay in the Fight walk on September 26 at Vikings Lakes. More information is available at everythirdsaturday.org. The MDVA Health Care Division covers nationally recognized care at Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes, eligibility for Veterans and spouses, waitlist resources such as adult day programs, and open staff positions across the state.

Through these partnerships, Minnesota Veterans and families can find benefits, history, community, and quality care. Next week we air the second recorded live show from Military Appreciation Day at Dan Patch Park.

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

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.

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Navigating Veteran Benefits and Honoring Service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Navigating Veteran Benefits and Honoring Service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into how the VA Benefits Administration helps Veterans and their families access earned benefits — from disability compensation and education to home loans and survivor support. We also explore the vital mission of the National Cemetery Administration and the services available at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Guests:

Charles Martin discusses VBA operations, improved claims processing times, backlog reductions, the PACT Act, and free resources lto lean on when filing a claim like County Veteran Service Officers. Marcus Syverson and Jason Cassellius cover burial eligibility, pre-registration,the Veterans Legacy Memorial,  committal services with honors, various burial options, and long-term space availability at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery complex.

This episode provides practical guidance to help Veterans secure the benefits and honors they’ve earned.

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Inside the American Legion: Veteran Support, Advocacy, and Leadership

Inside the American Legion: Veteran Support, Advocacy, and Leadership

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham sits down with leaders from the American Legion to discuss Veteran support, advocacy, leadership, and the organization’s ongoing impact at the national and local levels.

Guests include:

Listeners will hear about the American Legion’s four pillars — Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth — and how Legion posts across Minnesota and the nation serve as cornerstones in their communities. The conversation also explores key initiatives including the Legion’s Be The One campaign to reduce Veteran suicide, legislative advocacy on behalf of disabled Veterans, and programs that provide direct assistance to Veterans and their families.

The episode also highlights:

  • The American Legion’s role in Veteran disability claims and advocacy
  • Efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health
  • Support for Veterans through Minnesota’s Fund 85
  • Preparing for America’s 250th anniversary
  • Why Legion membership matters for strengthening Veterans’ voices
🎧 Listen to the show:
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