Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Veterans Day on the Hill 2023: Mar. 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
State Veterans Service Building
20 West 12th Street
St. Paul, MN
Join many State level Veteran organizations at the Capitol to have your voice heard regarding Veteran related issues. Free pre-rally coffee and lunch at the St. Paul Armory (600 Cedar Street, St. Paul).
Month of the Military Child Art Contest: Apr. 2023 (Entry must be received by April 30, 2023)
Art Contest is open to military children (K-12th Grade) of active or retired military personnel and siblings of active service members. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in four categories (K-2nd Grade, 3rd-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, and 9th-12th Grade). Artwork must depict the artist's military pride. To apply, submit entry form with artwork by April 30th.
Month of the Military Child Photo Contest: Apr. 2023 (Entry must be received by April 30, 2023)
Photo Contest is open to military families. Photo must capture what life looks like for their military-connected child and have at least part of a military uniform in the photo. Professional photographer photos are not eligible. To apply, view flier for more information.
Twin Cities Auto Show Military Appreciation Night: Apr. 4
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
Free admission to the Twin Cities Auto Show for all active military and veterans on April 4th. Family and friends who accompany a veteran will receive $7 off admission.
PACT Act Education Seminar: Apr. 12, May 10, and Jun. 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
St Cloud VA Health Care System
4801 Veterans Drive, Building 48, Room 14
St Cloud, MN
The St Cloud VA Health Care System is offering monthly PACT Act Education Seminars for Veterans to learn about how the PACT Act has expanded access to VA care for toxic-exposed Veterans and added new presumptive conditions for radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War toxins, and burn pit exposures. Call to reserve your spot (320-252-1670 ext. 7627).
Month of the Military Child Open House: Apr. 14, 2023, at 12:00-6:00 p.m.
Mall of America
Level 3 - Culinary on North
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, MN
Mall of America welcomes military families for an afternoon of activities for military-connected children, including: face painting, photo booths, air brush tattoos, character appearances, free give-a-ways.
Operation Welcome Home Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt: Apr. 27-30, 2023
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch
7291 County Road 6 SW
Stewartville, MN 55976
This retreat is for Veterans who have become disabled as a result of their sacrificial service to our country. To apply, send an email to tracy@ironwoodsprings.com and ask to apply. A $50 deposit is required but will be refunded once you show up to the retreat.
Veteran's Turkey Hunt Getaway: May 19-21, 2023 (Registration due Apr. 14, 2023)
Camp Bliss
6150 Camp Fish Road NW
Walker, MN 56484
Veterans are welcome to the annual Turkey Hunt at Camp Bliss. All hunters are required to have a valid Minnesota turkey license and be partnered with a volunteer. Take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of 48 acres of incredible pine and hardwood forest. All Camp Bliss Getaways & Retreats are alcohol free. Cost is $75 per person for the weekend and includes lodging and all meals. To register, fill out the registration and return to Lori at Independent Lifestyles (contact info on flier).
5K Trail Run & Norwegian 30K Foot March: Apr. 15, 2023
Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS)
4761 Hamline Ave S
Arden Hills, MN
The Norwegian Foot March is an annual event hosted by the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Battalion. This year there is a 5K and 30K Trail Run open to the general public.
Veterans in Recover Retreat: Apr. 28-30
The Retreat
1221 Wayzata Blvd
Wayzata, MN
Free retreat for veterans in recover to connect with other veterans in recovery. The retreat will help build recovery knowledge, resources, and resiliency.
Operation Welcome Home Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt: Apr. 27-30, 2023
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch
7291 County Road 6 SW
Stewartville, MN 55976
This Wild Turkey Hunt retreat is for people who have become disabled as a result of their sacrificial service to our country. An inspiring weekend to give hope, encouragement, and the promise of a bright future. Activities include a "Wild Turkey Hunt" sponsored by the National Wildlife Turkey Foundation. To apply, send an email to Matthew Van Dixon with some basic information about who you are, where you served, etc.
Operation Welcome Home Summer Family Camp: Jul. 29 - Aug. 1, 2023
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch
7291 County Road 6 SW
Stewartville, MN 55976
Serving military members and families, Ironwood's Operation Welcome Home program is a series of retreats for active military, veterans and their families. Retreats are provided free of charge, providing a place for the military community to come together, strengthen their faith, build relationships and support each other. Activities include horseback riding, zipline, wagon rides, campfires, team challenge course, swimming, minigolf, and more. For more information, contact Matthew Van Dixon by phone or email.
REOCCURRING EVENTS
St Cloud VA Medical Center Caregiver Support Group: (Every 1st Wednesday of the Month) at 12:00-12:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join the St Cloud VA Caregiver Support Program for 30 minutes to focus on YOU through relaxation, stress management and skill-building. Learn and practice skills like mindfulness, journaling, breathing exercise, affirmations, and more. Attend online at https://tinyurl.com/AMomentForYou or by calling 404-397-1596 (access code 2765 931 7546).
Dementia Support Group: (Every 2nd Thursday of the Month) at 3:30 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church
400 SW Franklin Street
Hutchinson, MN
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Caregiver Support & Respite Services is providing a support group for individuals who are caring for older adults with a chronic illness. Groups also provide participants with access to information, training, and tools in a supportive and trusting environment. To register, please call: 320-221-3747 or email: Barbara.Alsleben@lssmn.org.
For more information, please click here.
St Cloud VA Medical Center Coffee Talks: (Every 2nd Friday of the Month) at 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Virtual & In-Person
St Cloud VA Medical Center - Bldg. 29, Room 20E
4801 Veterans Drive
St Cloud, MN
Topics covered at these monthly meetings include enrollment for health care, VA health care benefits, using VA health services, VA wellness programs, and getting started on your Whole Health journey. To enroll for the in-person meeting, please call 320-252-1670 extension 7271. To attend virtually, please call 1-833-558-0712 or visit the website at tinyurl.com/svh2ymwr.
Support Group: (Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month) at 10:30 a.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
1040 S Grade Road SW
Hutchinson, MN
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Caregiver Support & Respite Services is providing a support group for individuals who are caring for older adults with a chronic illness. Groups also provide participants with access to information, training, and tools in a supportive and trusting environment. To register please call: 320-221-3747 or email: Barbara.Alsleben@lssmn.org.
For more information, please click here.
St Cloud VA Medical Center Women Veterans Educational Series: (Every 4th Wednesday of the Month) from 1-2:00 p.m.
Virtual
Women Veterans served by the St. Cloud VA are invited to join them for a wide range of classes. See class schedule for each month's topic. Join online at https://tinyurl.com/52rrcxtm or by phone 872-701-0185 (Access code 226 001 995#).