Tag Archive for: veterans

VA Vet Centers and the Debt Management Center

VA Vet Centers and the Debt Management Center

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we start with a flu shot reminder from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, then explore two Department of Veterans Affairs resources Veterans and families may not know well: Vet Centers and the VA Debt Management Center.

Guests:

During the show, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System encourages Veterans to get a flu shot at a regular appointment or walk in from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, October 29, and November 5 at the medical center and all community based outpatient clinics. The Director also introduces the Twin Cities Vet Center after its recent ribbon cutting in Eagan.

We also take a closer look at Vet Centers. Established in 1979 by Vietnam Veterans for Vietnam Veterans, they remain community-based clinics focused on connection, community, and camaraderie. Minnesota has three: Duluth, Anoka with a Saint Cloud outstation, and the Twin Cities Vet Center now in its permanent home at 2113 Cliff Drive, Suite 100, Eagan. Eligibility includes combat or deployment, support of combat missions, military sexual trauma, current use of VA education benefits, and current Reserve or National Guard members whose mental health is affecting duty. Once eligible, a Veteran remains eligible. Services include individual, group, couples, and family counseling, plus referrals and community activities. Call the local center, visit vetcenter.va.gov, or reach the 24/7 line at 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387). Twin Cities appointments: 612-243-7920.

The VA Debt Management Center works with Veterans, beneficiaries, caregivers, and family members when a change in compensation, pension, or education benefits results in money owed back to VA. The Center does not create the debt; it collects and manages the balance after VA has already established the overpayment. Common causes include a change in dependency, National Guard or Reserve pay that overlaps with VA compensation for the same days, or a dependent later using education benefits. Official notice comes by mail, and Veterans signed up for electronic notices can also see a debt on VA.gov. Unexpected callers asking for a credit card are not the Debt Management Center. Options include payment in full, a payment plan, an adjusted offset, or a hardship waiver. The fastest step after a letter arrives is to call or use Ask VA. Review balances at va.gov/manage-va-debt. Staff also refer callers in hardship to nearby Vet Centers and other community partners.

Next week we observe Suicide Prevention Month with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and learn about the steps the agency is taking to help prevent Veteran suicide.

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Supporting Military Families in Crisis: The 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic

Supporting Military Families in Crisis: The 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we are recorded live from the 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic at Bunker Hills Golf Course. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation continues its mission of providing timely financial assistance to currently serving Minnesota military personnel and their families—active duty, National Guard, and Reserve—who face a financial crisis not covered by existing state or federal programs.

Guests:

Co-hosted with Chaplain (COL, Retired) Buddy Winn.

Since its founding in 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than 2,700 grants totaling $7.5 million. It defines a military family financial crisis as a situation requiring a year or more of strict financial discipline to resolve, bringing anxiety, marital strain, and uncertainty into the home. By quickly bridging that gap, the Foundation helps service members stay focused on the mission and return home safely while showing families that their sacrifices are recognized and supported by the community.

As a 100% volunteer organization with extremely low overhead, nearly every donated dollar goes directly to grants. The annual Golf Classic is a key fundraising event that makes this work possible. The episode also highlights long-standing partnerships, including support from BOB FM, the 3M Military Support Network (a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company), Shooting for the Troops, and the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network.

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Voting Access for Service Members and the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day

Voting Access for Service Members and the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we focus on two important topics for Minnesota’s military community: ensuring service members, Veterans, and their families can fully participate in elections, and connecting retirees with the resources and support they need.

Guests:

The conversation with the Secretary of State’s office covers Minnesota’s strong record of high voter turnout, the simple process to register or update voter registration, the 46-day early voting period, and special options available to active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and those who are deployed—including the ability to receive a blank ballot electronically. The discussion also addresses election security, the role of election judges, and practical tools available at mnvotes.gov.

In the final segment, the Navy Retired Activities Office shares how its volunteer team supports military retirees, Veterans, spouses, and survivors across all branches of service. The conversation highlights assistance for “gray area” retirees and provides details on the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day, taking place September 12 at Treasure Island Resort and Casino. The full-day event will feature more than 40 exhibitors, educational presentations, and dedicated virtual appointments with Defense Finance and Accounting Service representatives. Registration is required by August 28 at raominneapolis.com.

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Celebrating 850 Shows: A Milestone Edition of Minnesota Military Radio

Celebrating 850 Shows: A Milestone Edition of Minnesota Military Radio

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we mark a significant milestone as the program airs its 850th show. For more than 15 years, Minnesota Military Radio has served as a dedicated platform sharing the stories of Minnesota’s service members, Veterans, families, and the organizations that support them.

Guests:

This special milestone edition takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the program’s beginnings in 2010 and the partnerships that have sustained it. Listeners will hear shout-outs from key leaders and partners, including the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and iHeartMedia. Producers from each partner organization join the conversation to discuss their roles, memorable moments, and the ongoing work of informing and connecting Minnesota’s military community.

From early support that helped launch the show to the growth that now reaches dozens of stations across the state and a national audience, this episode highlights the collaborative effort behind every broadcast. It also looks ahead, celebrating the mission that continues to honor Veterans, support current service members, and share important resources with listeners.

Through consistent storytelling, community partnerships, and a commitment to those who serve, Minnesota Military Radio has become a trusted voice for Minnesota’s military community. This 850th show is both a celebration of that legacy and a reminder of the work still ahead.

Thank you for listening and for supporting Minnesota’s Veterans every week.

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Supporting Veterans Through Corporate Connection and Canine Companionship

Supporting Veterans Through Corporate Connection and Canine Companionship

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we highlight two organizations making a meaningful difference for Minnesota’s military community. First, we explore Medica and its Medica Salutes Veterans Employee Resource Group, which supports Veterans and allies through connection, professional development, and community service. In the second half, we meet the team from Believet Canine Service Partners, which builds life-changing service dog partnerships for disabled Veterans and their families.

Guests:

The show opens with John Zillhart and Matt Eich discussing their military careers and how those experiences shape their work at Medica. They share how Medica Salutes Veterans creates a supportive network through monthly meetings, guest speakers on topics like PTSD, suicide prevention, and military spouse experiences, and active participation in Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiatives. The conversation offers valuable insights for Veterans transitioning to civilian careers — including translating military leadership, teamwork, and communication skills — and advice for companies seeking to recruit and retain Veteran talent.

Listeners will also hear about real-world impact through volunteer efforts, community partnerships, and upcoming events that extend support beyond the workplace.

In the second half, Sam Daly and Scott Listberger from Believet Canine Service Partners discuss how highly trained service dogs help disabled Veterans regain independence, reduce medication reliance, and rebuild family and community connections. They share inspiring success stories of Veterans who transitioned from years of isolation to active lives, along with details on their matching process, ongoing support, and the critical role of volunteers in puppy raising and training. The organization operates without government funding and maintains lifelong commitment to every Veteran they serve.

Through corporate allyship and dedicated nonprofit work, these organizations demonstrate powerful ways to honor and support Veterans long after their service.

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