 ANNUAL MEETING - Sat., Jan. 7 | Friday, December 23, 2011, 7:36 PM
DFL VETERANS CAUCUS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
This meeting and caucus membership are open to all veterans and active military, their family members and supporters.
Note: Annual dues of $10 (or request a waiver) must be mailed to the
Caucus Membership Secretary by Dec. 29, 2011 in order to vote at this meeting.
Mail to Wayne Wittman at 1498 Fremont Ave, St. Paul MN 55106.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Call to Order 8:30 a.m.
Adjourn no later than 10 a.m.
Washburn High School
201 West 49th Street
Minneapolis
Room 109
(Use Entrance #10 near the corner of
Wentworth and 50th St S)
Proposed Agenda
Welcome
Consideration of changes to the Constitution
Election of Officers
Chair
Associate Chair (different gender from Chair)
Affirmative Action Officer
Directors-at-large (2)
Congressional District Chapters
New Business
Veterans for Obama
Visibility
Parade Brigade |
| Deficit Reduction Plan Impacts Military Retirees | Wednesday, December 07, 2011, 7:18 PM
DEFICIT REDUCTION PLAN IMPACTS MILITARY RETIREES WITH PLANS TO INCREASE ENROLLMENT FEES AND PHARMACY CO-PAYS
The Administration announced its deficit reduction plan that was submitted to the new Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (“Super Committee”) that attempted to develop a plan to reduce government spending by at least $1.2 trillion in over 10 years. The Administration proposed creating a new $200 TRICARE For Life (TFL) enrollment fee effective 2013. This fee would be increased annually based on an index of health care inflation. The proposal also increases pharmacy co-pays for military retirees and dependents by requiring the beneficiary to pay a percentage (10% for generic and 15% for non-generic) of the prescription rather than the current dollar amount ($3 for generic, $9 for brand name drugs and $22 for non-formulary drugs).
A planned reduction in reimbursement to TRICARE providers could cause the spouse or children of deployed members to be rejected as new patients.
Please click the Take Action link to send a message to your US Senators and US Representative to communicate with them on this new fee for military retirees, and planned provider reimbursement reductions that may impact family members of deployed military members.
Take action here with your zip code: http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=57348501 |
| Volunteers Needed - DFL Week of Service | Saturday, July 30, 2011, 9:17 PM
The state DFL office is putting together a new initiative, the DFL Week of Service. The basic idea is to get DFLers out in their local communities and volunteering together during the second week of August. As part of the week there are two main events in Minneapolis and St. Paul that they are actively seeking volunteers for. There are flyers for both events below, but the basic info for each event is as follows;
Habitat for Humanity Project
Wednesday August 10th
8.30am - 4pm
870 Burr Street, St. Paul
(requires full day commitment)
People Serving People
Friday August 12th
1pm - 4pm
614 South Third Street, Minneapolis
Both events do require that volunteers RSVP ahead of time to participate. They can do so by contacting:
Spencer McGinnis
DFL Communications Intern
smcginnis@dfl.org
651.251.6337
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| | Vets Caucus Annual Meeting - Sat., February 5th |  |
Agenda
1. Recap of 2010
2. Amend Constitution
a. Place Recording Secretary and Treasurer on Executive Committee
b. Create position of Affirmative Action Officer for Executive Committee
c. Regional Directors renamed “Congressional District Directors”
d. Stagger officer elections so that the Chair, Associate Chair, Affirmative Action Officer, and two At-large Directors are elected at the even-year annual meeting, and the Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and two At-large Directors are elected at the odd-year annual meeting.
e. Require resignations to be written and submitted to the Caucus Chair in order to be effective
3. Election of Officers
a. Recording Secretary - two-year term
b. Treasurer - two-year term
c. Affirmative Action Officer - one-year term this year; thereafter two-year term
d. At-large Directors (2) - each two-year terms
4. Future Plans
Note: Voting members in good standing have paid Annual Dues of at least $10 (or requested and received a waiver) by the time the meeting is called to order.
Dues may be paid immediately prior to the meeting. |
| Veterans Round Table With Mark Dayton | Sunday, October 10, 2010, 10:05 PM
As Veterans and those who serve Veterans I wanted to personally invite you to a round table with Mark Dayton. WE have been working for a while to get in front of our Gubernatorial Candidates to ensure that they hear from us on Veteran Issues and Issues affecting our veterans. Please consider joining me at a round table with Candidate Mark Dayton and please invite other Veterans and Families. Together our voices are strengthened.
Hopkins VFW,
George R. Wolff Post #425
100 Shady Oak Rd S
Hopkins, MN 55343-3201
Saturday October 16th 2-3 pm.
(This is NOT a fundraiser but, a chance to talk to Mark Dayton about our issues.)
Trista Matascastillo
Veterans Advocate
Ph: 612-845-7036
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FRONT & CENTER | Thursday, August 26, 2010, 10:33 PM
Veterans Caucus Newsletter - 2010 State Fair Edition
Welcome Home!
And, Welcome to the Fair
The DFL Veterans Caucus wants to “Welcome Home” all of our service members that served in Vietnam and other conflicts. Veterans bring a unique perspective to our society as a result of their service and sacrifice. We are especially proud of our newest veterans that have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Stop by the DFL Booth at the Fair and meet us. We're proud to have served with you. |
Veterans Caucus Endorses Candidates Statewide | Thursday, August 26, 2010, 10:50 PM
The Veterans caucus has been busy screening and endorsing candidates around the state in races from County Sherriff to Governor and everything in between. Candidates are screened on their knowledge of veteran's issues, willingness to learn our issues and their commitment to serving our active duty military, veterans and their families.
“We have found that there are some very strong candidates for our veterans and are excited by their willingness to make our issues their issues,” said Trista Matascastillo, Chair of the DFL Veterans Caucus
Candidates Endorsed to date:
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie
Congressman Tim Walz, Congress CD1
Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Congress CD4
Senator Tarryl Clark, Congress CD6
Senator Linda Higgins, MN Senate SD 58
Representative Paul Gardner, MN House, 53A
Representative John Lesch, MN House, 66A
Representative Jerry Newton, MN House 49B
Hal Kimball, MN Senate SD 18
Dave Hoden, MN House SD 32A
Mike Germain, MN Senate SD 37
Derrick Lindstrom, MN House 37A
Laurie Olmon, MN House SD 48A
Kim Kang, MN House, SD 43A
Jim Meffert, Congress CD3
Jen Peterson, MN House SD 57A
Audrey Britton, MN House SD 43A
Matt Bostrom; Ramsey County Sherriff
John Choi; Ramsey County Attorney
Mike Freeman: Hennepin County Attorney
Peter Orput: Washington County Attorney |
Veterans Caucus Affirms Dayton for Governor | Thursday, August 26, 2010, 11:44 PM
The DFL Veterans Caucus has affirmed Mark Dayton for Governor of Minnesota based on his long history, dedication and continued commitment to serving our active duty military, veterans and their families.
As a US Senator Mark Dayton pioneered the Minnesota National Guard's “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program in Congress and passed the first $3 million in appropriation for the program in Minnesota which is now expanded nationwide helping thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mark Dayton continuously pressed military leaders to accelerate the manufacture and distribution of armored and up-armored vehicles for our troops.
As Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Minnesota National Guard, Mark Dayton is committed to expanding services to veterans and their families under the “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program, supporting our County Veterans Service Officers and appointing an experienced, well-qualified Veteran to head the MN Department of Veterans Affairs.
To Learn more about Mark Dayton for Governor and his Veterans Platform go to www.markdayton.org or visit the DFL Veterans Caucus at http://mndflvets.com
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Caucus Forming District Committees | Thursday, August 26, 2010, 11:50 PM
Veterans Caucus Forming Congressional District Committees
Veterans across the state are forming DFL Veterans Caucus congressional district committees that will represent DFL veterans' interests and support actions that assist our active duty military service members and their families.
Committees form, with a minimum of 10 members, to ensure that all veterans from around the state are being heard. These committees endorse congressional and local candidates for office within the district.
Individuals who are interested in serving on DFL Veterans Caucus congressional district committees are asked to contact Trista Matascastillo by mail through the DFL Party Headquarters 255 E Plato Blvd, St. Paul MN 55107 or by E-mail at: trista2000@msn.com |
Veterans To Republicans: Do The Right Thing | Thursday, August 26, 2010, 11:53 PM
Veterans ask those Minnesotans who took fraudulent charity's money to donate funds to the Minnesota Military Appreciation fund.
July 23, 2010- Veterans called on candidates and political organizations who received money from the fraudulent United States Navy Veterans Association (USNVA) to donate it to an organization that actually helps those who have served the country.
“People around the country are grateful for the sacrifice that so many men and women have made to serve our nation and want to donate to organizations that help our veterans,” said Trista Matascastillo, Chair DFL Veterans Caucus. “The fact that candidates refuse to give up the money intended to help our nation's veterans is disgraceful.”
Tom Emmer refused to disclose whether or not he accepted money from the USNVA, a fraudulent charity that collected money for veterans and gave it to Republican candidates instead. Emmer joins his fellow right-wing Republicans benefitting from these funds intended to help veterans: Michele Bachmann refuses to give up the money she received from the USNVA and the Republican Party of Minnesota is still funneling the $10,000 they received from the fraudulent charity to its candidates around the state.
“It's time to send these donations to the place they were intended,” said Matascastillo. “It's time for the Republican Party of Minnesota and any other candidate who received USNVA funds to donate that money to an organization that actually helps those who have served our country. I suggest they give it to the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund.”
Nearly 35% of USNVA's more than $100,000 in federal donations over the past four years have gone to Minnesota Candidates-primarily Republicans-and causes. |
Minnesota Gets Veterans Court | Thursday, August 26, 2010, 11:56 PM
The Hennepin County Veterans Court pilot program provides a coordinated response to the needs and risk of veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Veterans court will utilize a multidisciplinary team and create a seamless referral process from the Fourth Judicial District Court and Hennepin County Veterans Service to VA hospitals and local treatment and probation services. Veterans Court is designed to promote access, improve the quality of, and removes barriers to a broad range of effective services for veterans.
Veterans Courts are intended for Veterans who have served and are experiencing treatable behavioral and chemical health issues such as PTSD, TBI, anger management/domestic violence and/or substance abuse or chemical dependency. Defendants MUST be willing to take responsibility for their crimes.
The DFL Veterans Caucus is encouraging candidates for office to continue to support and work toward the expansion of more Veterans courts in Minnesota. |
Veterans Gain Free Entrance to State Parks | Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:00 AM
The Omnibus Environment & Natural Resources Bill (SF 3275) contains a provision that modifies a program which provides free entrance to state parks for Veterans. Currently, any Veteran with a total and permanent disability can receive a free annual park permit. Under the new law, the program is extended, giving any resident Veteran with any level of service-connected disability a daily park pass. To utilize this program, Veterans must present a copy of their determination letter to a park attendant. |
Business Loans Available for Returning Vets | Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:01 AM
Thanks to the hard work of Representative Jerry Newton, of Coon Rapids and Senator Linda Higgins, of Minneapolis during the 2010 Legislative session, the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will provide up to $20,000 interest free loan for start-up businesses for returning military veterans who want to launch their own businesses in Minnesota. The Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program will make loans of up to $20,000 available to veterans recently separated from military service who are seeking financial help for starting small businesses.
Further Details on the program, including eligibility requirements, are available on the DEED website at www.tinyurl.com/veteransloanprogram . |
A Question About Congress' Support for Vets | Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:03 AM
A Question Regarding Congress' Support to
Active Duty / Veterans
I think most members of Congress don't understand what it's like to serve in the armed services. How many members of Congress have served in the military?
The numbers of veterans in Congress has significantly diminished over the years. From the 70's to today the number of veterans in Congress has dropped by 75 percent according to a recent report published by the Congressional Research Service. The solution is to elect more veterans into office. The DFL Veterans Caucus has proudly supported and endorsed veterans running for elective office since its formation five years ago |
| Veterans Affairs Resolutions for DFL Convention | The following are the Veterans Affairs Resolutions. If you are a delegate, we hope you will talk up these action agenda resolutions with your fellow DFLers. If you not a delegate please email or call your delegates and ask them to support these resolutions.
Veterans Affairs
106. State and local government to provide programs to assist returning veterans seeking employment.
107. Use competitive rates for paying providers in Minnesota providing counseling services to military veterans and their families via the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs CORE program to consider the provider's credentials and level of licensure.
108. Tri Care health care plan for retired military personnel also be available to active duty and military veterans.
109. Hmong veterans who served as U.S. allies in the Vietnam War and settled in Minnesota be given the right to a burial with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
110. Provide new GI Bill of Rights for veterans to cover post-secondary tuition and housing allowance.
111. Establish parity to provide equal benefits to National Guard and Reserve military personnel equal to that provided to active duty military for the National Guard and Reserve that were deployed in Federal Service.
112. Priority for state funding of care for elderly or disabled veterans should be home based services rather than institutionalized services.
In addition to the 5pm Veterans Caucus Meeting at the DECC Pioneer Room the DFL Veterans Caucus will have a hospitality room at the Sheraton Duluth Hotel, location is 301 East Superior Street on Friday from 7:30 to 9:30. We will leave word at the desk, as to room. All are invited.
Please support Veterans Cheryl Poling and John Wexler who will be candidates for the State Executive committee
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Congratulations and Welcome to Our New Vets Caucus Leadership! | Election results of the DFL Veterans Caucus annual meeting
- Chair: Trista Matascastillo
- Associate Chair: Daniel Fanning
- Secretary: Sue Rego
- Director-at-Large: Wayne Wittman
- Officers still serving who were elected last year: Directors Ken Kalish, Jeff Johnson, and John Wexler
Please give them your congratulations and full support for growing the caucus and the DFL and building our presence in Minnesota!
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| DFL VETERANS CAUCUS ENDORSES MEFFERT FOR 3rd CD |
DFL Veterans Caucus
255 East Plato Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55107-1623
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2010
DFL Veterans Caucus
Contact: Trista Matascastillo
612-845-7036
trista2000@msn.com
Jim Meffert for Congress
Contact: Kate Monson
612.860.7962
kate@jimmeffert.com
Jim Meffert receives the DFL Veterans Caucus Endorsement
(Saint Paul, MN) – The DFL Veterans Caucus has endorsed Jim Meffert for Congress.
“We are excited about announcing the endorsement of Jim Meffert for Congress,” said Trista Matascastillo, military veteran and Chair of the DFL Veterans Caucus. “It is obvious that Jim Meffert has a strong commitment to serving our veterans and advocating on their behalf,” added Matascastillo, who has served in the Navy, Marines and MN Army National Guard.
Meffert said, “Our veterans have served our country and ensured our freedoms. Now it's my turn to repay them for their sacrifices by being the advocate they need in Congress and making sure all veterans and their families receive the benefits and care they have earned.”
Jim Meffert will advocate to Recognize Title 32 Duty in Post 9/11 GI Bill, the establishment of Veteran Courts nationwide and ensuring our veteran service providers accurately represent our veteran population, to include more women veterans as service providers and resources for women veterans.
“I am dedicated to truly honoring and serving our veterans and ensuring that their needs are being met. Supporting our veterans means much more than attending a ceremony or creating a postage stamp in their honor. What matters more is what we do to help when the TV cameras are off,” said Jim Meffert.
The mission of the DFL Veterans Caucus is to serve as a voice for the 415,000 Minnesota Veterans in the political process, advise the DFL Party and candidates on veterans' issues, and advocate for veterans and their families. The DFL Veterans Caucus regularly holds public forums to discuss public policy issues relevant to active duty, guard and reserve, military veterans, their families and survivors and has been screening and endorsing candidates for Governor and other Congressional race.
Trista Matascastillo
DFL Veterans Caucus, Chair
Ph: 612-845-7036 |
DFL VETERANS CAUCUS ENDORSES CHOI FOR RAMSEY COUNTY ATTORNEY |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2010
DFL Veterans Caucus
Contact: Trista Matascastillo
612-845-7036
trista2000@msn.com
Choi Campaign
Contact: Cory Tennison
612-396-1684
cory@votejohnchoi.com
(Saint Paul, MN) – The DFL Veterans Caucus has endorsed John Choi for Ramsey County Attorney.
“We are excited about announcing the endorsement of John Choi for Ramsey County Attorney,” said Trista Matascastillo, military veteran and Chair of the DFL Veterans Caucus. “It is obvious that John Choi has a strong commitment to serving our veterans,” added Matascastillo, who has served in the Navy, Marines and MN Army National Guard.
“Our Veterans have made a tremendous commitment and personal sacrifice to ensure our safety. As public safety professionals, I am honored to have earned their endorsement,” said John Choi.
After years of war, today's troops are serving multiple combat tours and significant numbers are returning home bearing injuries, both visible and invisible, that prevent them from getting on with their lives. This is particularly true when injuries bring them into contact with the criminal justice system. Tragic numbers of traumatized veterans of past conflicts spent the balance of their lives imprisoned, homeless or chronically addicted. John Choi is committed to addressing these issues by breaking down stigmas associated with mental illness and training county staff to recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD and know where to call for help.
"All suspected mental health issues, including PTSD, should be brought to the attention of the courts and not solely left up to the defense,” said Choi. “Mental illness diagnoses should not absolve an individual of guilt, but mitigating factors should potentially be taken into consideration to ensure those with mental illness get the treatment they need."
John Choi supports ongoing permanent funding for specialty courts that are proven to be effective and is committed to working with Minnesota Veterans Organizations and advocates to establish Veterans Courts in Ramsey County.
Recognized for distinguished public service by his International Municipal Lawyers Association colleagues across the country, Choi has also been endorsed by the St. Paul Police Federation, Firefighters Local 21, St. Paul Regional Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), St. Paul Building Trades, Teamsters Local 120, Teamsters Joint Council 32, Laborers Local 132, the Pipe Trades, Stonewall DFL, Minnesota Nurses Association, and AFSCME (including the attorneys currently in the County Attorney's Office.)
The mission of the DFL Veterans Caucus is to serve as a voice for the 415,000 Minnesota Veterans in the political process, advise the DFL Party and candidates on veterans' issues, and advocate for veterans and their families. The DFL Veterans Caucus regularly holds public forums to discuss public policy issues relevant to active duty, guard and reserve, military veterans, their families and survivors and has been screening and endorsing candidates for Governor and other Congressional race.
DFL Veterans Caucus
255 E Plato Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55107
www.mndflvets.org
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DFL VETERANS CAUCUS ENDORSES BOSTROM FOR RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2010
DFL Veterans Caucus
Contact: Trista Matascastillo
612-845-7036
trista2000@msn.com
Bostrom Campaign
Contact: Connie Wiegel
651-329-3776
conniewiegel@comcast.net
(Saint Paul, MN) – The DFL Veterans Caucus has endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff.
“This was a difficult choice because both the DFL candidates have strong records of public service,” said Trista Matascastillo, military veteran and Chair of the DFL Veterans Caucus. “But Matt Bostrom stood apart with a strong commitment to serve our veterans.” added Matascastillo, who has served in the Navy, Marines and MN Army National Guard.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the DFL Veterans Caucus,” said Matt Bostrom. “In law enforcement, we have benefited from the skills of returning veterans and we should consistently recognize them for their extraordinary service.”
After years of war, today's troops are serving multiple combat tours and significant numbers are returning home bearing injuries, both visible and invisible, that prevent them from getting on with their lives. Everyday we are revealing tragic mistakes in the way our society and law enforcement has dealt with psychologically injured veterans. “Matt Bostrom is committed to training line officers to recognize and identify someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis and ensuring that anyone who has served in the military is identified and connected with appropriate services” said Matascastillo. "This includes mental and physical health services, shelter and chemical dependency services.”
Matt Bostrom said "I believe that we best serve our veterans, our criminal justice system and our entire community when we are intentional about breaking down barriers which prevent service members and veterans from accessing fair housing and employment. I recognize that this could provide a second chance for a veteran to achieve a healthy, productive life."
Many veterans are serving or have served in roles that are similar to that of law enforcement officers. The veterans experience and ability to work under extreme stress to make strategic decisions makes them strong candidates for jobs in law enforcement. “As Sheriff, Matt Bostrom plans to partner with veterans organizations at job fairs in order to recruit from this strong pool of qualified candidates.” Said Matascastillo
Veterans are supported in Saint Paul through strong programs available to those recovering from mental illness, homelessness, and addictions. Unfortunately, veterans are a significant proportion of the homeless population. Specific highlights from the U.S. Interagency Council on the Homeless report that
* 23% of the homeless population are veterans;
* 33% of the male homeless population are veterans;
* 79% reside in central cities; and
* 76% experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems.
The mission of the DFL Veterans Caucus is to serve as a voice for the 415,000 Minnesota Veterans in the political process, advise the DFL Party and candidates on veterans' issues, and advocate for veterans and their families. The DFL Veterans Caucus regularly holds public forums to discuss public policy issues relevant to active duty, guard and reserve, military veterans, their families and survivors and has been screening and endorsing candidates for Governor and other Congressional race
DFL Veterans Caucus
255 E Plato Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55107
www.mndflvets.org
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| DFL and Veterans to Quist: Then What Did You Really Mean? | MINNESOTA DEMOCRATIC–FARMER–LABOR PARTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristin Sosanie (651-251-6315, ksosanie@dfl.org)
DFL and Veterans to Quist: Then What Did You Really Mean?
St. Paul (January 12, 2010) — Republican candidate Allen Quist defended his statements attacking Representative Tim Walz and equating America's leaders with radical terrorists, drawing rebukes from DFL Chair Brian Melendez and veterans in Minnesota.
“Instead of spewing partisan rhetoric, Allen Quist should be thanking Representative Walz for passing the some of the most significant legislation for veterans in history,” said Chair Melendez. “Mr. Quist is backtracking and saying that his comments were taken out of context. Well, then what did he mean when he called Representative Walz and our country's leaders a bigger threat than terrorists?”
Quist has said that in the video of his speech, which has drawn national attention and outrage over the past week, he was discussing Democrats' efforts to health-insurance reform.
“I can't imagine a context in which Allen Quist's comments about Representative Walz would be appropriate, acceptable or in any way defendable — the video doesn't lie,” said DFL Veterans Caucus Chair Trista Matascastillo. “Representative Walz has steadfastly served our country; he rose to the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major over his 24-years of service in the National Guard and now is a leader in Congress. Allen Quist needs to apologize for his inexcusable comments rather than trying to explain away his views.”
You can view Quist's entire speech at the Wabasha Republican Christmas Party on December 7, 2009, here.
Quist: Defeating liberals a bigger battle than defeating terrorism. “Our country is being destroyed. Every generation has had to fight the fight for freedom… Terrorism? Yes. That's not the big battle,” he said. “The big battle is in D.C. with the radicals. They aren't liberals. They are radicals. Obama, Pelosi, Walz: They're not liberals, they're radicals. They are destroying our country.” [MN Independent, 01/04/10]
Quist defends statements on battle against terrorism, Democrats. “Quist tells MnIndy he was taken out of context.” [MN Independent, 01/12/10]
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Chair Brian Melendez, Associate Chair Donna Cassutt
255 East Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55107 www.dfl.org
Phone: (651) 293-1200 Toll Free: (800) 999-7457 Fax: (651) 251-6325 |
| Welcome |  This is the new web home of the Minnesota DFL Veterans Caucus. The caucus is an organization of veterans within the Democratic Farmer Laborer Party (DFL)--Minnesota's Democratic party. If you have questions or suggestions about the Vets Caucus or the website, please feel free to contact us at: info@mndflvets.com |
| Candidate Screening Process | | In the last two election cycles, the DFL Veterans Caucus has endorsed Democratic candidates for elective office deemed to be favorable from the perspective of veterans, active military, and their families. But, the screening process is in need of review and improvement. The Screening and Endorsement Committee needs members who are interested in making this a fair and thorough process, and in using it to screen candidates throughout all of Minnesota. | | Screening and Endorsement Committee |
| | Join the caucus | Are you a member of the DFL Veterans Caucus? Interested in joining?
To join now, go to the sign-up page and fill in the caucus member data. | | Join the DFL Vets Caucus |
| Visitors |  |
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|  | |  | | DFL Vets Caucus on Facebook | |
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| | | | Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Information for Veterans | Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of living veterans were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials during military service.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected medical condition. | |
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| | | | Military Education Benefits | ONLINE-EDUCATION.NET
Connecting You With Hundreds of Online Courses and Online Degree Programs
Major military education benefits and tuition assistance programs include:
* Post 9/11 GI Bill
* Montgomery GI Bill
* Montgomery GI Bill Buy-Up Program
* Veterans Educational Assistance (VEAP)
* Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
* Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB)
* Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program
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| | | | Here She Is: USS New York |  | | USS NEW YORK (LPD-21) is coming home to her namesake city and state on November 2, 2009 for her commissioning ceremony. See the photos in our gallery. | |
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| | | | VA Launches New Post-9/11 GI Bill Website | | The Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Information and application forms available on website. | |
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| | | | MN Army Reserve Unit First with Program on YouTube |  "The Army Reserve, like the other armed services, has recently started to embrace new media and is beefing up its presence on Facebook and other social networking sites on the Internet.
"The Army hasn't made much use of online journalism. One Minnesota soldier is trying to change that, with the first Army Reserve news show to be posted on YouTube"
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| | | | Banner Art Needed | Sunday, February 08, 2009, 9:17 PM
We're looking for photographers, amateur or professional, to contribute artwork for the banner at the top of our web pages. We'd like to keep the content on this new website fresh and vibrant. Depending on the number of contributors, and the number and frequency of submittals, we hope to change our banner art quarterly, monthly, or even weekly.
Here's what we'd like to see: panoramic shots with a height to width ratio between 1:4 and 1:5. You don't have to crop the image yourself. Just make sure that the image you send can be cropped to those dimensions.
The theme should be any one or combination of the following: veteran or military related, scenes distinctly Minnesotan, and seasonal.
Send your artwork as an e-mail attachment in JPEG or GIF format, or your questions, to info@mndflvets.com. |
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| | | | Join the caucus! | If you'd like to join the DFL Veterans Caucus, please follow the link below to the sign-up page and provide as much information as you can:
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; popup.document.open();popup.document.write( '<html><head><link rel=\'stylesheet\' href=\'../_frame/site.css\' type=\'text/css\'></head><body style=\'background-color:#FFFFCC;background-image:url(../_frame/blank.gif);\' bgcolor=#FFFFCC oncontextmenu=\'return false;\'><script language=\'JavaScript\' type=\'text/javascript\'>var clickmessage=\'Right click disabled on images!\';function disableclick(e) {if( document.all ) { if( event.button == 2 || event.button == 3 ) { if( event.srcElement.tagName==\'IMG\' ) {if( clickmessage != \'\') alert( clickmessage );return false;} } }else if( document.layers ) { if( e.which == 3) { if( clickmessage != \'\') alert( clickmessage ); return false;} }else if( document.getElementById ){ if (e.which == 3 && e.target.tagName == \'IMG\' ){if( clickmessage != \'\' ) alert( clickmessage );return false;} } }function associateimages(){for(i=0;i<document.images.length;i++)document.images[i].onmousedown=disableclick;}if( document.all ) { document.onmousedown=disableclick; } else if (document.getElementById) { document.onmouseup=disableclick; }else if (document.layers) associateimages();</script><center><img src=\'bv000004.jpg\' alt=\'\'><br><br><table class=\'wg-paragraph\' style=\'border:none\'><tr><td><a href=\'javascript:close();\'>close window</a></td></tr></table></center></body></html>' );popup.document.close(); "Click to zoom the image")
; popup.document.open();popup.document.write( '<html><head><link rel=\'stylesheet\' href=\'../_frame/site.css\' type=\'text/css\'></head><body style=\'background-color:#250E95;background-image:url(../_frame/blank.gif);\' bgcolor=#250E95 oncontextmenu=\'return false;\'><script language=\'JavaScript\' type=\'text/javascript\'>var clickmessage=\'Right click disabled on images!\';function disableclick(e) {if( document.all ) { if( event.button == 2 || event.button == 3 ) { if( event.srcElement.tagName==\'IMG\' ) {if( clickmessage != \'\') alert( clickmessage );return false;} } }else if( document.layers ) { if( e.which == 3) { if( clickmessage != \'\') alert( clickmessage ); return false;} }else if( document.getElementById ){ if (e.which == 3 && e.target.tagName == \'IMG\' ){if( clickmessage != \'\' ) alert( clickmessage );return false;} } }function associateimages(){for(i=0;i<document.images.length;i++)document.images[i].onmousedown=disableclick;}if( document.all ) { document.onmousedown=disableclick; } else if (document.getElementById) { document.onmouseup=disableclick; }else if (document.layers) associateimages();</script><center><img src=\'bv000015.jpg\' alt=\'\'><br><br><table class=\'wg-panel\' style=\'border:none\'><tr><td><a href=\'javascript:close();\'>close window</a></td></tr></table></center></body></html>' );popup.document.close(); "Click to zoom the image")
