Minnesota "Month of the Military Child" - April 2011
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.
2011 Veterans Day on the Hill
The 2011 Veterans Day on the Hill was held on February 15th. More information.
Governor Dayton appoints retired General to lead MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs
St. Paul, MN (January 12, 2011) - Governor Mark Dayton today announced the appointment of retired Major General Larry Shellito, who recently retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, to lead the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Major General Shellito is widely regarded as a strong and dynamic leader who is respected for his dedication to our nation’s service men and women. During his seven years at the helm of the Minnesota National Guard, Major General Shellito helped build a national reputation for the Guard, which is the nation’s fifth largest National Guard formation with more than 14,000 members, operating 63 facilities across Minnesota. He was instrumental in establishing the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program" - a project on which he worked cooperatively and closely with then-United States Senator Dayton. "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" is a nationally-recognized program to reintegrate National Guard and Reserve military service members following deployments.
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/
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.