April 2026

April 2026

Article 1:     CVSO Office Updates
Article 2:     Women Veterans Spotlight
Article 3:     Veteran Service Office Snapshot
Article 4:     PTSD Support Group
Article 5:     Historic Low Numbers for Homeless Veterans
Article 6:     VA Health and Benefits Mobile App
Article 7:     VA Math: How it Works
Article 8:     Faster Community Care Appointments
Article 9:     VFW 1215 Reveille
Article 10:   Tax Day Spaghetti Feed
Article 11:   Mcleod County Women Veterans Event
Article 12:   Learn What You’ve Earned
Article 13:   Boots to Business with the SBA
Article 14:   ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
Article 15:   DD214: What You Need to Know
Article 16:   Camp Bliss Events
Article 17:   JOBS
Article 18:   Olmsted County Veterans Organizations
Article 16:   Local Service Organization Meetings

CVSO Office Updates

April Showers Bring MAY flowers!! Welcome to April, Olmsted County’s finest!

This month we will be exploring care for our Aging Veterans. The VA does a great job making sure all demographics of veterans are covered, so we are bringing awareness to the wide range of services in place to support our aging Veterans and their families. These services include: financial assistance, health care, caregiver support, and long-term care options.

Financial Benefits:

Veterans Pension

A needs-based benefit for Veterans who:

• Served during a qualifying wartime period
• Are age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled
• Meet income and net worth limits

Aid and Attendance

Additional monthly payment for Veterans who:

• Need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating), or
• Are bedridden, in a nursing home, or have severe vision loss

Housebound Allowance

Available to Veterans who:

• Have a permanent disability
• Are largely confined to their home

Health Care and Long-Term Services

The VA provides comprehensive care for aging Veterans, including:

• Geriatric and extended care programs
• Home-based primary care and home health aide services
• Adult day health care programs
• Nursing home and community living center care
• Dementia care services
• Hospice and palliative care

Caregiver Support

A caregiver is someone who helps a Veteran with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating.

Available Support Includes:

• Training and education
• Mental health counseling
• Respite care (temporary relief for caregivers)

Some caregivers may qualify for:

• A monthly stipend
• Reimbursement for certain expenses
• Health care coverage through VA programs

Fiduciary Program

The VA Fiduciary Program helps protect Veterans who cannot manage their finances due to injury, illness, or age.

• A fiduciary is appointed to manage VA benefits on the Veteran’s behalf
• VA oversees fiduciaries to ensure funds are used appropriately

How to Apply

Veterans and families can apply for benefits by:

Contacting our office at 507-328-6355 and scheduling your appointment today!

What You May Need to Apply

• DD214 or separation documents
• Medical evidence from a physician
• Completed VA forms (such as VA Form 21-2680 for Aid and Attendance)

Additional Resources

• VA Telehealth: Access care remotely from home or a community clinic
• Burial Benefits: Includes burial in a national cemetery, headstone, and memorial items

The VA provides critical support to aging Veterans and their caregivers, including financial assistance, health care, and long-term care services. Veterans and families are encouraged to connect with a VSO or the VA directly to explore eligibility and apply.

We look forward to hearing from you this month!

Tiffany Canfield
County Veteran Services Officer (CVSO) & Manager
tiffany.canfield@olmstedcounty.gov
507-328-6358

Women Veterans Spotlight

Women Veterans Spotlight

This month, we are excited to hear from Kris Vonberge, the Morrison County Veteran Services Officer, and the first-ever Women’s Technical Assistance Coordinator (TAC) for the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Services Officers. As a pioneer in this role, Kris is creating a sustainable model to provide education both to County Veteran Service Officers across the state and directly to women veterans. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Kris several times about women’s issues, and she has quickly become someone I deeply respect, and consider a friend and ally.

Kris is doing truly inspiring work, and I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of her story with you. In the coming months, you’ll see some exciting opportunities she’s leading, including gatherings, retreats, and workshops specifically for women veterans.

Kristina Vonberge

Army & Army National Guard | 22.5 years| Flight Operations (Army/E4 ), Air Traffic Controller (Army E4 & MNARNG E5), Recruiter (St Cloud – ARNG – E5-E7), Specialty Branch Officer Recruiter (2 LT – CPT), Personal & Community Activities, Camp Ripley, MNARNG CPT, Training Support Commander ARNG CPT, Bosnia Iraq Deployment CPT , S1

Current Chapter: Morrison County CVSO

I currently serve as the Veterans Service Officer for Morrison County, where my purpose is to assist veterans in obtaining service-connected benefits, accessing healthcare, and increasing awareness of available resources for veterans and their families.

I belong to local Military organizations as a member:  DAV Chapter 12, Randall VFW, Little Falls American Legion.

Why I Served

I grew up in East St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended Harding High School. I joined the military with a desire to serve something greater than myself, not realizing the lifelong path it would create in both service and continued advocacy for veterans.

My Time in Uniform

During my military career, one of my most meaningful roles was recruiting, where I found purpose in educating individuals and families about military service and helping them make informed decisions. The challenge for me was medical students, Doctors, Dentists, and those with the opportunity to serve as an officer with a Direct Commission.  I brought my work ethics with me from enlisted recruiting to officer recruiting and won the National Guard Bureau for the ” Chiefs 50 award”, which is the win for all of the States in Specialty Branch Recruiting.  I have always enjoyed learning, so I completed a couple of Degree’s, and my favorite is Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University.

What I Loved Most

I have always enjoyed being a part of a team, as the leader or as a member to get things done, which in turn help veterans. 

What Challenged Me Most

One of my greatest challenges was deploying to Iraq and stepping into an S1 role after many years away from that function, managing accountability for approximately 1,600 personnel.

Life After Service

After transitioning out of the military in 2011, I focused on raising my three young daughters before serving for 10 years as a nonprofit executive director in Little Falls. Today, I continue my service by supporting veterans in my community.  I found myself mentoring young employees at the Tourism office for “Visit Little Falls”.

What Still Stays With Me

The military instilled in me strong values—leadership, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others. I carry forward an optimistic mindset focused on solutions and mentorship.

Sisterhood Beyond the Uniform

While I miss the camaraderie and shared purpose, I remain connected through my work and interactions with fellow veterans.

What I Miss — and What I Don’t

I miss long meaningful missions and the team concept to accomplish the mission.  I do not miss 3 drill weekends monthly and the AGR Status of we work 365 days a year, while I was in the MNARNG.  We work when we need to get things done.

The Lesson I Live By

The lessons I live by are to be transparent, sincere, and honest in all that I do. I believe in taking on challenges one step at a time, always focusing on how we can help others—whether that be families, friends, or our community. I also strive to be well-rounded, finding balance so I can truly enjoy both my life and my work each day.

Words for the Next Generation

My advice to the next generation, especially women, is that military service offers incredible opportunities for growth, leadership, and purpose. If given the chance again, I would absolutely choose to serve.

Thank you Kris, for sharing your story.

*******

I want to close with a heartfelt and sincere thank you to Master Sergeant Nicole Amor, who lost her life in service to our country on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. While I did not have the privilege of knowing Nicole personally, reading her story and the many tributes shared about her, I feel a deep sense of connection. She was a woman who answered the call to serve while also being a mother, balancing the demands of military life, family, and everything in between. In that way, she reflects so many women veterans, those who carry the weight of service alongside the responsibilities of home and career. I imagine that, had we crossed paths, we would have shared honest conversations about the challenges of juggling it all, and the quiet pride that comes with wearing the uniform.

Her sacrifice is a powerful reminder not to take a single day for granted. To Master Sergeant Nicole Amor—thank you for your service, your strength, and your sacrifice. We honor you, and we hold your family in our hearts.

*******

Thank you to all of my other sisters who wore the uniform, bear the weight, figure out a way to carry on, and complete the mission at all costs, no matter what it is. I see you, I hear you, and I’m forever grateful for the sacrifice each and every one of you made.

-Tiffany

“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??

Veteran Service Office Snapshot

February 2026

Total claims submitted to VA:

• Compensation:  112
• VA Healthcare:  11
• DIC:  2
• Burial:  8
• Survivor’s Pension:  2
• CHAMPVA:   0
• Records Request:  7
• Special Monthly Pension:  1

Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.):    302

Veterans in office:   96
Outreach visits:    3
Total phone calls:   202
Average number of calls per day:   7
Average call length:  2 minutes and 48 seconds

PTSD Support Group

Historic Low Numbers for Homeless Veterans

New data from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs reports that the number of homeless veterans in the state is the lowest it’s ever been.

According to the department, only 150 veterans remain homeless in Minnesota, a 25% decrease from last year and a 41% decrease from two years ago. The MDVA started monitoring veterans experiencing homelessness in 2015.

Veterans were given more resources through the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR), a tool designed to support Minnesota veterans who need housing and are currently experiencing an episode of homelessness

“This is an unprecedented milestone for the state,” said Paul Williams, MDVA Deputy Director of Veteran’s Programs. “This is an incredible partnership between state, federal, and local governments with non-profits, community groups, and Veteran service organizations and shows the power of community and working together to reach this incredible achievement.”

Resources, including the HVR, to assist a veteran experiencing housing instability or homelessness are available on the MDVA website

VA: Health and Benefits Mobile App

VA Math – How it Works

Understanding VA Math is critical because it helps set realistic expectations and prevents frustration when combined ratings don’t equal simple addition. When Veterans understand how ratings are calculated, they can make more strategic decisions when filing claims—especially when pursuing increases or additional conditions that meaningfully impact their overall rating. This knowledge ultimately helps Veterans advocate for themselves more effectively and maximize the benefits they’ve earned.

Most Veterans think “VA Math” is wrong—but it’s not. It’s just not what we consider “normal” math. The VA views each Veteran as a 100% “whole person,” like a fully charged battery. Every service-connected condition reduces what remains of that battery—not the original 100%.

For example, if you have a 70% rating and then receive an additional 30% rating, that 30% is not taken from the original 100%. Instead, it’s applied to the 30% you have left.

30% of 30 = 9  70 + 9 = 79, which is then rounded to 80%

That’s why a 70% + 30% rating equals 80%—not 100%.

It’s also important to understand that a 10% rating doesn’t automatically bump you to the next level.

For example:  If you’re already at 90%, you only have 10% of your “battery” remaining. A new 10% rating would be calculated like this:

10% of 10 = 1  90 + 1 = 91, which rounds down to 90%

In VA Math, 10% of 10% is just 1%—not a full 10-point increase.

Faster Community Care Appointments

Technology that will help the Department of Veterans Affairs schedule community care appointments faster than ever before is now up and running at all VA facilities, and VA will be expanding its use in 2026 so Veterans can more easily choose the health care they’ve earned.

The External Provider Scheduling system gives VA employees instant access to the scheduling systems of all community care providers who participate in this program. With that information, VA can immediately book appointments for Veterans that fit their schedules.

Without EPS, VA employees often have to make multiple calls to multiple community care providers and relay that information back to Veterans before a single appointment can be booked. Under this traditional method, a single VA employee can only book a handful of community care appointments per day, and it can take days or even weeks to book a single appointment.

But EPS enables VA employees to book as many as 25 appointments per day, a vast improvement that means less waiting time for Veterans.

Today, 27,000 community care providers are participating in the EPS program covering 78 medical specialties. VA’s goal is to sign up thousands of additional community care providers in 2026 as part of VA’s ongoing effort to deliver timely, Veteran-centered care. It costs nothing for providers to participate in EPS

VFW 1215 Reveille

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1215
2775 – 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN  55901
507-289-6818

Tax Day Spaghetti Feed

Mcleod County Women Veterans Event

Learn What You’ve Earned

Boots to Business with the SBA

ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic

VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:

May 21, 2026
July 16, 2026
September 17, 2026
November 19, 2026

Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.

*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.

Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.

DD214:  What You Need to Know

From healthcare to home loans, education to employment, nearly every veteran benefit starts with one document: Your DD214.

What Is a DD214 Form?

Your military discharge papers are officially known as DD Form 214, or just DD214. All veterans receive this Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty once they are out of the military.

In a nutshell, the DD214 is proof of your military service. All branches use this same form. There may be no more important document, as it serves as the key to unlocking benefits of all kinds.

What Is a Reserve DD214-1?

In recent years, the military’s reserve components have also begun issuing departing reservists a new standard service record: Form DD214-1, the Certificate of Uniformed Service, Reserve Component Addendum. This form summarizes their periods of active and inactive service as well as the “points” they’ve earned toward retirement.

Unlike active-duty members — who may receive only a single DD214 covering one continuous service commitment — reservists can accumulate many DD214s over a career, one for each activation and release, whether for full-time National Guard duty, a mobilization, or another contingency operation.

Read More: All Services Now Issue Form DD214-1 to Departing Reservists

Why Your DD214 is So Important

Treat your DD214 like gold, as this piece of paper is vital to many aspects of your life in the civilian world.

The DD214 — DD stands for Defense Department — provides veterans with an accurate and complete summary of their active military service. It usually lists dates of service, any commendations or medals received, the reason for separation and the type of discharge.

Related: Dishonorable Discharge: Everything You Need to Know

You are entitled to your military records free of charge, unless for whatever reason, you simply prefer to pay someone to help you obtain them. Be aware of advertisements that claim you have to pay to get your DD214, or that they can get it more quickly (they can’t).

Information the DD Form 214 May Include

• Active-duty information, including entry date
• Place of entry into active duty
• Home address at time of entry
• Mailing address after separation
• Last duty assignment and rank obtained before getting out
• Military occupational specialty (MOS)
• Military education
• Decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign awards
• Service length
• Any foreign service
• Separation information (type, character of service, authority/reason for separation, eligibility codes)

Why Is a DD214 Important?

This separation document contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veteran organizations.

This form also gives civil and government agencies the information needed to apply any federal and state laws relevant to members who separate from the military.

A DD214 generally is needed for the following:

• Home loans
• Civilian employment
• Veteran organizations membership
• Social Security
• Burial/flag
• Education
• Homeless veteran services
• Medical services
• Deals and discounts for veterans (sometimes)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses the form to determine eligibility for specific benefits.

The Department of Labor uses DD214 to determine eligibility for unemployment compensation. Additionally, the form will be used to determine reemployment rights. Inaccurate information on the DD Form 214 could result in a delay or denial of benefits.

The surviving spouse of a military veteran also needs to know how to access the DD214 in order for the service member’s funeral service to receive patriotic honors. These include the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag; and the sounding of taps, at no cost to the family.

Related: Why Your DD 214 Form Is Vital to Landing a Civilian Job

How to Get Your DD214

There are several ways to request a copy of your DD214:

• Via the federal government’s eVetRecs website.
• Visit the VA website for instructions on how to access your records via milConnect.
• By mail: Download the Form SF 180 here — the Request Pertaining to Military Records — and mail it to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at 1 Archives Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63138. (Detailed instructions on the Form SF 180 can be found here.)
• By fax: Fax the completed Form SF 180 to the NPRC at 314-801-9195.
• Visit the National Personnel Records Center in person.
• Contact your state or county veterans agency (click here to search for a VA facility near you).
• Hire an independent researcher.

Your request may take 4-6 weeks or longer.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get a DD214?

To receive a DD214 as quickly as possible, visit the eVetRecs website and, as you go through the dropdown menus, select “Emergency Request” in the dropdown menu under: “Which of these categories best describes why you’re requesting the records?” You won’t see this option until you begin going through the records request process and get to the “Service and request details” section.

You may also fax a record request using Form SF 180 to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at 314-801-9195. Make sure to specify the emergency in the “Purpose” section of Form SF 180 before faxing it. If you have any questions, you may call 314-801-0800, but note that hold times can be long.

Related: Requesting Military Personnel Records

What If My DD214 Needs to Be Corrected?

​​Correcting a DD214 ensures that veterans’ benefits, awards, and service history are accurately documented. If veterans find an error on their DD214, they can request an official correction, which will be issued on a DD215 form.

The DD215 serves as an addendum to the DD214 and should be kept with it as part of the complete service record. Visit the DoD Forms Management Program page for more information on how to obtain a DD215 form.

Why You Should Keep Your DD214 as Private as Possible

The DD214 includes personally identifying information that could put you at risk for identity theft. Someone with nefarious intent could apply for a credit card in your name or otherwise try to impersonate you.

“Identity thieves could use your personal information to obtain fraudulent credit, identification cards and other items,” according to the U.S. Army‘s Human Resources Command. “To protect yourself, treat your documents as you would a valuable personal possession. Store your documents only in a safe location not accessible to strangers.”

Should I File a Copy of My DD214 at the Courthouse?

Over the years, experts have suggested that veterans file a copy of their DD214 at their local county courthouse, in order to make it easily accessible should the need arise.

However, before taking such a step, consider there may be a risk of identity theft if your DD214 would become publicly available, as many court records are.

Many municipalities have taken steps to ensure the privacy of veterans’ records, either by preventing the general public from accessing discharge papers, or by blacking out some identifying information. So do your research before filing a copy of your paperwork at the courthouse.

Know All Your Legal Rights and Benefits

Be aware and get what you are entitled to. Keep up with all the legal benefits available to you as a service member, veteran or spouse and get updates delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing to Military.com.

Camp Bliss Events

2026 Camp Bliss Retreats for Veterans, Law Enforcement and People with Disabilities!

Located in the heart of northern Minnesota, Camp Bliss is a year-round, wheelchair-accessible retreat and private rental destination set on 48 acres of pine and hardwood forest. Surrounded by the peaceful waters of Long Lake, Lake 3, and Lake 4, our property offers a unique setting for vacations, weekend getaways, weddings, conferences, and special events.

With lodging options designed for all abilities, Camp Bliss is committed to creating inclusive experiences for everyone. Each private rental helps support our mission of providing low or no-cost retreats for Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

From canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer to snowshoeing and fireside relaxation in the winter, Camp Bliss invites you to slow down, explore the outdoors, and make lasting memories…and find your bliss!

• We will not be charging a registration fee for Veteran getaways for the next two years, we have secured funding from the MDVA.  For non-qualifying Veterans there will be a fee of $100 per person to attend a getaway or retreat.  If you have questions about the guidelines, please call Lori at (320) 281-2016.
• We will now be allowed to get reimbursement for spouses, children, and active-duty service members!

You may come up to two retreats per year!!!! MDVA Calendar Year September 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026. We have added many exciting retreats due to this!!  A complete list of 2026 Retreats and Getaways are listed below! **Because there will not be a registration fee, you will still be required to submit the appropriate documentation, DD214 (Member 4) and Driver’s license or state ID.  If a spouse is attending and has a different last name, you will be required to show proof of marriage before you are considered “registered.”  Once you are, please commit fully to attending your retreat as there are limited spots for each one and if you do not show up, that is a Veteran’s spot that you have eliminated

If a Retreat/Getaway says FILLED, please email or call Kirsten to be put on a waiting list: Register@campbliss.org or call 320-281-2016

2026 Upcoming Camp Bliss Retreats.             

Veterans Turkey Hunt Getaway: April 24 – 26, 2026
Register by March 30, 2026

Veterans & Family Getaway: May 8 – 10, 2026
Register by April 3, 2026

Veteran & Child Turkey Hunt Getaway: May 15 – 17, 2026
Register by April 10, 2026

Guided Veterans Fishing Tournament: June 5 – 7, 2026
Register by May 1, 2026

Veterans & Family Retreat June 12 – 14, 2026
Register by May 8, 2026

**All of the above events are filled.  To be placed on a waiting list, please see above

JOBS