Veterans Affairs Commissioner Dyrud retires, Governor Pawlenty appoints Pugliese to lead agency
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that Clark Dyrud, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is retiring from state service effective April 14. Governor Pawlenty also announced the appointment of current Deputy Commissioner Michael Pugliese as the incoming Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, effective the same date.
Minnesota "Month of the Military Child" - April 2010
Children of service members deal with many issues unique to their situation. Some move frequently, worry about a loved one in harm’s way or just feel the stress of being separated from a parent for extend periods of time. All of these issues can make normal childhood activities, such as going to school, watching TV and playing with friends more difficult. It is estimated that over 15,000 children in Minnesota have been affected by a parent’s deployment.
During the month of April, the State of Minnesota takes time to recognize the Month of the Military Child in order to emphasize the important role military children play while a parent or important adult is serving. Governor Tim Pawlenty will send military children a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice.
Minnesota Vets – Home & Hope program
The MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs and TPT Public Television teamed up on a new project titled, Minnesota Vets – Home & Hope. This hour-long program looks at the challenges facing all of our Minnesota Veterans. The program premiers Sunday April 18 at 8 p.m. on tptMN and will run again on April 25 at noon on tptLife. tptMN and tptLife have nearly statewide coverage through various cable and satellite services.
Agent Orange Forum
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs holds the first statewide Agent Orange Forums on April 21, 2010. This community event will allow Veterans and service providers to ask questions and explore issues surrounding Vietnam service, Agent Orange exposure and the programs, benefits and financial compensations available.
Agent Orange was a herbicide used before and during the Vietnam War to remove foliage in the dense jungle terrain of Vietnam. Over the years, research has revealed that Agent Orange contains TCDD or dioxin, a chemical associated with many cancers and other health problems. Some of these conditions include type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and more. There are an estimated 147,000 Vietnam era Veterans in Minnesota.
More information at www.mdva.state.mn.us/Events/AgentOrange/
Minnesota Veterans Career Fair
A Veterans Career Fair is being held on May 5, 2010 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN. The event is free and open to all Veterans.
More information at www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/Veterans/Minnesota_Veterans_Career_Fair/
2010 Veterans Day on the Hill
The 2010 Veterans Day on the Hill was held on February 9th. More information.
Brig. Gen. John Cox
It is with sadness that we pass along the news that Brig. Gen. John Cox (Retired), the American Legion Legislative Chairman, passed away Monday. Visitation was held Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center; 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN (Highway 36 and Highway 5). The funeral service was Friday August 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with the internment to follow at Fort Snelling.
Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/startribune/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=131270822
Minnesota Military & Military Dependents Absentee Voting
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently launched a new Web service to make it easier for all Minnesota voters in the military and overseas voters to participate in the fall election. The Military and Overseas Voter Service is a one-stop Web site, providing easy-to-follow instructions to assist eligible military personnel and overseas voters in registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots.