Veterans Center. From the Director. Important Dates. Events attended. Volume 6 Issue 1 JULY July 3 Last day to drop eight week summer course

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1 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR VETERAN STUDENTS OF MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY Veterans Center Volume 6 Issue 1 JULY 2018 From the Director YOUR SERVICE IS APPRECIATED! Happy Independence Day! Summer is quickly slipping by as the days are already getting shorter. Workshops, webinars and the upcoming school certifying official s training as well as the daily Veterans Administration paperwork are keeping us busy as usual this summer. Hope everyone is enjoying some summer weather, whether they are taking classes or taking a little time for themselves and family before the start of the school year. The office will be closed on Thursday 19 July as we will be attending the North Dakota School Certifying Officials Veterans Affairs workshop in Grand Forks, ND that day. Andy Heitkamp, Veteran Services director Events attended June 1 Orientation 5 Retention webinar 6 Safe Communities committee BIT team meeting 7 Military Affairs meeting 8 Recruit, Retain, Onboard and Build Culture Training by The Village Business Institute 11 Student affairs individual meeting ND Suicide Prevention Coalition project 6 conference call Homecoming reunion meeting 12 School Certifying Officials education service webinar 13 Campus Grill and Games event 14 Campus Flag Day event with Minot DAV Chapter 4 18 North Dakota Suicide Prevention Coalition project 5 meeting Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI) on campus Association of Veteran Education Certifying Officials training 20 North Dakota Suicide Prevention Coalition Executive Committee conference Important Dates July 3 Last day to drop eight week summer course 4 Independence Day observed (university closed) 11 Veterans Affairs Vocational rehabilitation on campus 19 Office Closed State SCO training 24 Military Day at the North Dakota State Fair 25 Final exams for summer eight week courses 26 Final exams for summer eight week courses 3 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Dakota National Guard TA and State reimbursement help in Dakota Hall on campus Aug 4 Northern Neighbors Airshow Day OFFICE HOURS 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 500 University Ave. W. Minot, ND /

2 22 Staff Senate meeting Military Day at the Zoo 25 Student Affairs individual meeting ND Cares information share with NDSU 27 PTSD event on campus with Minot Vet Center 28 Orientation 29 - Orientation US Armed Forces dates July 4 Independence Day 29 Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps Ann s Corner Greetings, Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. August is right around the corner. Don t forget to register for your Fall classes and please complete your semester worksheet as soon as possible. Also, please notify me of any changes to your class schedule. My office number is Ann Bougard, Veterans Education Benefits Coordinator Check out the MSU Veterans Center Facebook page and give it a like to stay current with events. PTSD Awareness Day For many, even in times of trauma, we try to maintain a sense of normality until we no longer can that my friends is called SURVIVING NOT healing! We never become whole again, we become survivors. If you are here today YOU are a survivor! Those who have made it thru hell and are still standing, they bare a different name: WARRIORS PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone has been exposed to a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Symptoms of PTSD include persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that indicate additional danger or trauma re-occurring. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD was created in 1989 by a congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. The center s mission is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America s veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. We must do everything we can to ensure that everyone with PTSD receives the support, understanding, and respect they deserve. Together we must fulfill our obligation to care for those who have stepped forward to protect us all. Thanks to ROBERT SIMPSON for the donation of photos displayed in the computer room, Veteran Center, Dakota Hall! VA Home Loans and Housing- Related Assistance Take stock of your options on the home front with VA home loan guaranty and housing-related assistance. source=govdelivery&utm_medium= &utm_ campaign=june-home.loan-monthly_6.15&utm_term=bodytext-page&utm_content=home.loan-application-all-testa Application link about/feature?feature=cert-of-eligibility-home-loan Minot State Flag Day 2018 DAV Chapter 4 provides Flag Day ceremony You are the makers of the flag and it is well that you glory in the making. Franklin Knight Lane

3 THE FLAG Hello. Remember me? Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but whatever they call me, I am your flag, the flag of the United States of America. Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you because it is about you and me. I remember some time ago, people would line up on both side of the street to watch the parade, and naturally I was leading every one, proudly waving in the breeze. When your Daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his hand was directly over his heart remember? And you, I remember, were standing there, straight as a soldier. You didn t have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you with her right hand over her heart remember? What happened? I m still the same old flag. Oh, I ve added a few more stars since you were a boy, and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago. But now, somehow I don t feel as proud as I used to feel. When I come down the street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets. You may give me a small glance, and then you look away. I see children running around you shouting; they don t seem to know who I am. I saw one man take his hat off, then he looked around, and when he didn t see anybody else take off his hat, he quickly put his on again. Is it a sin to be patriotic today? Have you forgotten what I stand for, and where I have been? Anzio, Guadalcanal, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq! Take a look at the memorial honor rolls, and see the names of those patriotic Americans who gave their lives to keep this republic free. When you salute me, you are actually saluting them! So when you see me, please stand straight and place your hand over your heart, and I ll know that you remembered. I ll salute you by waving back!

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5 From ND CARES ndcares.org (701) Veteran Service Officers (VSO) Did you know there are 3 different types of VSO s? TRIBAL TRIBAL VSO S are your local resource for dedicated and professional assistance in obtaining federal and state veterans benefits. They provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs. Tribal VSO s handle inquiries and applications regarding veterans health care, compensation, pension, longterm care and other benefits for veterans of all ages. Burial benefit assistance is provided to the survivors of veterans. Widows and widowers of veterans are eligible for many state benefits, and in limited cases, federal benefits. Tribal VSO s are there to assist them as well. Most of the programs veterans utilize are offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Tribal VSO s are in contact with these agencies on a regular basis. They also work with the National Service Officers of various veterans organizations when filing VA benefit claims. Tribal VSO s also interact with several other tribal, state, and federal government agencies that also provide resources or assistance to veterans. The Tribal Veterans Service Officer and staff are employees of their respective tribe. These services are provided at NO CHARGE to Veterans COUNTY COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER (VSO S) are your local resource for dedicated and professional assistance in obtaining federal and state veterans benefits. They provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs. County VSO s handle inquiries and applications regarding veterans health care, compensation, pension, long-term care and other benefits for veterans of all ages. Burial benefit assistance is provided to the survivors of veterans. Widows and widowers of veterans are eligible for many state benefits, and in limited cases, federal benefits. County VSO s are there to assist them as well. Most of the programs veterans utilize are offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. County VSO s are in contact with these agencies on a regular basis. They also work with he National Service Officers of various veterans organizations when filing VA benefit claims. County VSO s also interact with several other county, state, and federal government agencies that also provide resources or assistance to veterans. The County VSO s and staff are employees of their respective counties. Each County is required by law to appoint and pay the expenses of a VSO as provided by NDCC and NDCC Funding is provided by county property tax per NDCC and NDCC (18) These services are provided at NO CHARGE to Veterans and their dependents. NATIONAL/STATE NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS (NSO), to include those that represent the state, work as a liaison between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the County Veterans Service Officers to determine the best plan for veterans and their dependents to receive benefits. Veterans and their dependents may work directly with an NSO also. NSOs are employed by and work for Veterans Organizations or the state. NSOs act as power-of-attorney, at the request of the veteran, and represent veterans and/ or their dependents with benefits claims submitted to the US VA. A veteran IS NOT required to be a member of the organization to have them serve as their representative. These services are provided at NO CHARGE to the veteran and their dependents. Find your supporting VSO at nd.gov/veterans/service-officers Mirta s corner Hello! Another beautiful summer month to enjoy the outdoors full of activities. One significant event during the month of July is our historic 4th of July celebration. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event. With celebrations, especially on the 4th of July, fireworks are one included in almost every household. For that reason, if your state does allow fireworks, remember that even legal fireworks can cause injury if they re not used properly. Consider following safety tips when planning your Independence Day fireworks fun. The same could be found at Before using fireworks, find out what s legal in your state by checking the state law summary for your state by clicking here. Military Appreciation Day in Medora Sunday 8 July Honor our nation s warriors in the most patriotic town in North Dakota! Celebrate our veterans and armed forces on this special day. Veterans and active-duty service members get into the Medora Musical FREE, enjoy a Keg social in the afternoon and will be treated to something special to kick-off the night s show!

6 When you hear the entire amphitheatre sing the National Anthem at the start of the show, you ll understand why this is one of the best nights to see the Medora Musical! NEED TO KNOW: 4:30 p.m. MDT : FREE Keg Social at the Tjaden Terrace, home of the Pitchfork Steak Fondue 5:30 p.m. MDT: Pitchfork Steak Fondue 7:30 p.m. MDT: Medora Musical starts (Free for Veterans and active-duty service members.) Tickets to the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue, along with ALL tickets for spouses and family members must be purchased in advance. All veterans are encouraged to wear their service caps to honor their branch of service. Please call in advance to make reservations. If you make reservations for the Badlands Motel, the Elkhorn Quarters, or the Rough Riders Hotel, the most convenient time in the schedule for check-in is at 5 p.m. MDT. Team RWB July 4th run org/event/2018-eagle-charge-presented-by-walmart/ e180923?utm_source=adaptiv er&utm_ medium= &utm_campaign=eagle%20charge Celebrate Military Appreciation Day at the Fair July 24 The ND State Fair, along with the Military Affairs Committee of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce, will offer special discounts to members of the military with a special coupon Tuesday, July 24. Logistics Health Care on campus LHI a VA contracted benefit group was on campus providing services to area Veterans June The day includes a free lunch (sponsored by the ND Beef Commission, the ND Stockmen s Association, and the ND Cattlewomen) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free carnival rides from 1 to 3 p.m., 50% off NPRA Championship Bull Riding admission, and 50% off the carnival wristbands, and 50% off gate admission with a Pepsi product for active military, reserve and National Guard members. Coupons are required to receive the rodeo discounts and may be picked up at the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce office, th Ave. SW.

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