Veterans
Special Announcement: A grateful nation thanks and honors you.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
Congressional Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act directed the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The official Vietnam War Commemoration continues through Veterans Day 2025 as it supports federal, state and local government programs and activities.
I look forward to meeting and honoring Vietnam veterans with a presentation of the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, created by the official Vietnam War Commemoration to serve as a lasting recognition of our nation’s gratitude.
All living United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time between November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service are eligible to receive this lapel pin.
To identify eligible veterans, an individual or veteran’s family member may complete this form to submit. You may provide additional information, including a DD-214.
Please return the form to my district office. It may be sent by email to: mn04submissions@mail.house.gov ; by fax to 651-224-3056 or by mail to 661 LaSalle Street, #110, Saint Paul, MN 55114.
A printable form may also be found here.
Veteran resources may be found here:
The links, numbers and addresses below offer resources and assistance for veterans and their families. If you have further questions or are seeking help with a specific situation, please call my St. Paul district office or email me for Help With a Federal Agency.
Veterans Information Portal - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors
Veterans Linkage Line: 1-888-LinkVet (1-888-546-5838)
County Veterans Service Offices:
Every county in Minnesota has a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) to assist you, your dependents and your survivors. These are the offices in the Fourth District:
Click here for a list of all County Veterans Service Offices in Minnesota.
LinkVet is a toll-free, one-stop customer sevice line for all Minnesota veterans.
- Ramsey County - 651-266-2545
- Washington County - 651-430-6895
National Resources:
USA Jobs
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers many job federal job opportunities.
DOD Military Transitioners Portal
This is a Department of Defense website designed specifically to assist Service members leaving active duty. This site should be used as part of a comprehensive program of transition and employment assistance.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DFAS handles military pay, retired pay, and other financial matters.
Department of Labor
The Department of Labor's webpage for veterans.
Beware: Claim Predators Want to Prey on Your Benefits
Many Veterans seek support and help with filing VA benefits claims for the payments they deserve. Be cautious of "claim predators" - unaccredited companies or individuals targeting Veterans' benefits for profit.
How to identify claim predators:
- Charging High Fees: Predatory companies charge absurd fees or require you to pay a portion of your VA benefits. Never pay anyone a fee to file an initial claim for benefits.
- Making Dishonest Promises: Don't trust anyone who claims they can help accelerate the claims process and obtain a 100% disability benefits evaluation. Remember, only VA has the authority to determine disability ratings.
- Requiring Binding Contracts: No one should ever charge a fee to file an initial claim for VA benefits. Never sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized individual/company a percentage of your benefit payment in exchange for help with your VA claim.
Protecting Veterans from fraud
VA accredited disability representative
Veterans Administration (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers many national and local resources. Useful links include:
- A database where you can find and download any VA form
- The St. Paul VA Regional Office (VARO) - 1-800-827-1000
- The Minneapolis VA Medical Center - 612-725-2000 or 1-800-414-5058
- St. Paul Veteran Resource Center - 651-644-4022
550 County Road D, Suite 10
New Brighton, MN 55112
(Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for family members for military related issues. All services are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. Click here for the national Vet Centers page.)- Military OneSource- 1-800-342-9647
- VA's Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK
Employment Assistance:
Many organizations provide employment assistance for veterans.
Veterans Employment Representatives - (1-888-GET JOBS)
Veterans Employment Reps work with businesses and veterans throughout Minnesota to provide training and employment services, including transitional workshops and more.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
This Department of Defense organization works to help resolve conflicts between Guard or Reserve members and their civilian employers that arise from employees' military commitments. It also promotes cooperation and understanding between employers and employees.
Key to Career Success Campaign
"The Key to Career Success campaign connects veterans and transitioning service members with high quality career planning, training, and job search resources available at local One-Stop Career Centers."
VetJobs.org - 1-877-VET-JOBS