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March Events & Beyond...

​​NOW through May 2023: Donations and/or Support for the VSN's annual Heroes at Home & VSAP May 20th

We've started planning and the VSN Event Committee Meetings are the 4th Wednesday at RMMMH, 2975 General Foster Ave. (BLDG T-316) at 3pm. OR if you're not able to join the CMTE but want to help, here are our VSN Leadership organizations:

  • Event Site: Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (MAIL to P.O. Box 7263, Missoula, MT 59807 https://lnkd.in/dedhkwq) If you enjoy our exhibits and programs as much as we enjoy bringing them to you, we would welcome you to the ranks of our sustaining members. Questions: Tate (406) 239-7738, militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

  • Heroes at Home (For our 10th Annual we're looking into a pig roast or catering / BBQ): Check donations - Make out to "VFW Post 209" and note "Heroes at Home" - Drop off or mail to 245 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802

  • SILENT AUCTION: Contact Rebecca - MHA for questions or pick up, rstancil@missoulahousing.org

  • TABLING (must bring own canopy, table, and chairs): If you'd like to show your support by tabling as a Veteran Service Provider (VSP), Veteran Friendly Employer (VFE), or Veteran Owned Business (VOB), please RSVP to Shannon - DVOP, snoble@mt.gov

  • Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) – Register to RUN, WALK or RUCK: runsignup.com/VSAP

  • VSAP - DONATE ONLINE: https://lnkd.in/dqa45EY  Questions: Erick, kahilaem@gmail.com

  • VSAP – VOLUNTEER (food service, medical, road guards, parking, water tables, etc.): https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MT/FtMissoula/VSAPVeteranSuicideawarenessandprevention

  • Xsports4Vets: http://xsports4vets.org Questions: Anton (406) 396-8390

For more information, please visit the HEROES & VSAP page: https://www.vsnmontana.org/vsap

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Upcoming March Observances

  • National Women’s History Month (March 1-31)

  • Daylight Savings Time Begins (Mar 12)

  • National Medal of Honor Day (March 25)

  • National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29)

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3/4 BUTTE: SW Montana Veteran Resource Fair, American Legion Post 1, 3201 Wynne St., Butte, 10am – 4pm

Resources and Service providers: Employment, Housing, Healthcare Enrollment, Education Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, Legal Services, Mental Health and Wellness, Claims, and much more…AML, DAV, VFW, and MCL have confirmed, and the Mobile Vet Center in Missoula has been invited – please support this open house by sharing with Veterans in Southwest Montana.

Questions: Dave Haulman - Butte Legion Post 1 (406) 491-1709, buttepost1@hotmail.com

OR Shannon Ray – Navy Vet & DVOP in BUTTE AMERICA (406) 494-0313, Shannon.Ray@mt.gov

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3/6 – 3/10 ONLINE: Montana SAFETYFEST

SafetyFestMT is a collaborative effort between the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and businesses/entities across the state who donate their time to present various topics. This collaboration allows SafetyFestMT to provide FREE quality training to employers and their workers throughout Montana. REGISTER: https://dlierdsafety.regfox.com/safetyfest-virtual-march-2023

Questions: Meaghan, meaghan.mulcahy@mt.gov

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3/10 DEADLINE: Registration for City of Missoula Police Department TESTING

A career in law enforcement provides you the opportunity to pursue different specialties within the field. There are many benefits to working for the Missoula Police Department including a generous benefit package, retirement after 20 years, and a starting wage just under $30.00 an hour. Missoula Police Department will be holding an initial testing which includes a written and physical test for those interested. Plan to wear your physical testing clothing to the morning written test. Bring a government-issued photo identification card. 

DETAILS: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/896/Register-for-the-next-testing

Questions: Recruiter (406) 552-6289, pottonr@ci.missoula.mt.us

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3/11 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown Missoula, 12pm

Parade route goes from Spruce & Higgins to Grizzly Grocery at Beckwith & Higgins https://www.facebook.com/events/8522466137826495

FLYER / ENTRY FORM: https://www.missoulachamber.com/uploads/1/3/2/9/132949788/aoh_st._pat_parade_entry_form_2023.docx__23000504x97475_.pdf

Questions: Ron Bender – AOH (406) 721-3400 OR Missoula Chamber of Commerce (406) 543-6623, info@missoulachamber.com

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3/13 – 5/16 ONLINE: Veterans Upward Bound ~ Spring Enrollment

FREE COLLEGE PREP + trades, apprenticeships, workshops, social events, and much more!

  • Hamilton: Computer Skills March 13 – April 21 Mon & Wed 10:30am – 12pm

  • Missoula (ONLINE EVENING): April 3rd - May 12th (Computer Skills April 4 – May 12 TuTh 5pm; Intro to Math/Algebra April 4 – May 12 TuTh 6:45pm; Intro to Writing & Grammar April 3 – May 11 MW 6:30pm

  • Kalispell: April 17th - Ending May 16

REGISTER for SPRING ENROLLMENT (STATEWIDE): https://vubmt.com/

Questions: 800-356-8387, admissions@vubmt.com

Alan Parsons – Director (406) 794-3063, aparsons@vubmt.com

Michael Wolff - Assistant Project Director & Technology Manager (406) 794-3053, mwolff@vubmt.com

LOCAL: Pat Beckwith - Director, UM Military and Veteran Services Office (MVSO) 1000 E Beckwith Ave., Missoula (406) 243-5744, patrick.beckwith@mso.umt.edu

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3/15 – 3/17 Museums Association of Montana Conference

Emily Rolston of Destination Missoula, who was key to the success of the Buffalo Soldiers at RMMMH is helping with Fort Missoula’s hosting of the March 2023 Museums Association of Montana Conference: https://montanamuseums.org/

Questions: Tate – Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History (406) 239-7738, militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

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3/15, 4/12, 5/10 & 6/14 ONLINE: Leidos, Military OneSource and MFLC Briefings, 12pm (MT)

Leidos counseling support from Military OneSource and MFLC. MSEP employer, Leidos is hiring Licensed Behavioral Health Professionals across the country and around the globe including Japan, Korea and Guam to support United States military service members and their families. Additionally, Leidos will be holding virtual briefings on these positions and its Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program.

Please email MFLCRecruiting@leidos.com to follow up on any specific applications or positions with this program. 

Questions: Janene Felter - Military OneSource Consultant / Contractor (406) 781-4986, janene.felter@militaryonesource.com

OR 800-342-9647 (MOS: www.militaryonesource.mil)

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3/15 DEADLINE: AARP Community Challenge Grant, 3pm (MT)

The 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program funds quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more. READ MORE: https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/aarp-accepting-2023-community-challenge-grant-applications/

Questions: AARP Montana, mtaarp@aarp.org OR Jim Higgins – Brig Gen (Retired), AARP & NW Montana Veterans Coalition (406) 291-0356, higginsjw.1@gmail.com

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3/18 Rock Lotto "1984" Obey Every Rule, ZACC, 216 W Main St, Missoula, 7pm

Big Brother is watching. Seven bands will perform music from 1984 in a one-night-only night of unforgettable unforgettableness. Proceeds benefit Missoula Community Radio (501c3). Advance tickets ($15) will be available on the ZACC website. Find more details on the Missoula Rock Lotto Facebook page. Obey every rule! https://www.facebook.com/events/958988805390998

TICKETS: https://showroom.zootownarts.org/events/

Questions: ZACC (406) 549-7555, info@zootownarts.org

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4/1 DEADLINE: Montana Guard Kids SCHOLARSHIP INFO

Fort Harrison Thrift Shop College Scholarship for Montana Military Kids is now open (deadline 4/1): https://www.facebook.com/montanaguardkids/photos/a.177598875932100/1801170746908230/; Download application: https://classroom.google.com/c/NDc4MDk5NTA3Mjg0?cjc=uagfiaq

Questions: Montana National Guard Family Programs (406) 324-3232, mtngyouthprograms@gmail.com

OR Missoula: Kristen – Soldier & Family Readiness (406) 324-5121, C (406) 465-8455, kristen.l.monroy.civ@army.mil

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4/1 - 4/30 (TBA - DIXON): Grand Opening Month Party

Mission Music Academy (lessons) will be opening in Dixon sometime in April: http://missionmusiclessons.com/

Connect with Douglas on LinkedIn for more information / invite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasmiller316/

Questions: Douglas Miller – Music Academy Director, me@douglasjasonmiller.com

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4/1 RAFFLE DEADLINE: Montana Veterans Meat Locker

African Safari Hunt - Who wants tickets for this awesome fundraiser?? $20 per ticket or 6 for $100. Call (406) 860-9683 or message our page: https://www.facebook.com/vetmeatlocker

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4/5 & 4/6 ONLINE: Homeword’s Statewide Financial Skill Building Class, 6pm

FREE and open to the public. We believe financial resilience comes from having the financial judgement and decision-making skills to dodge pitfalls and make the right money moves for your future..learn about the 8 essential topics of your complex financial world. https://www.facebook.com/HomewordMT/events/

REGISTER: https://homeword.org/financial-skills/

Homeword ~ “NeighborWorks” Facebook events: https://www.facebook.com/NeighborWorksMT/events

Questions: Erin (406) 532-4663 x10, info@homeword.com

OR Katie Sadowski - Financial Education Coordinator (406) 532-4663 x23, katie@homeword.org

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4/11 HAMILTON: Ravalli County Job Fair

If you’d like to participate as an employer, please contact DeLynn Gardner – Job Service, Direct Work Cell phone - (406) 560-1689, Direct Office phone – (406) 542-5766, DGardner@mt.gov

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4/15 KALISPELL: Cowboy UP Auction

This year we are offering assigned seating so you can make sure you're enjoying the night right next to your fellow cowboy or cowgirl! Annually our event sells out so make sure you grab em' while you can. This  premier fundraiser supports our mission of providing shelter and basic needs to the homeless while fostering self-respect and human dignity. Help us empower change and provide shelter! https://www.cowboyupmt.com/

Questions: Samaritan House (406) 257-5801, info@samaritanhousemt.com

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4/22 PLAINS: Pig Roast FUNdraiser, Sanders County Fairgrounds, 30 River Rd, Plains, 2pm

Mark your calendars for MTSFW's 12th Annual Pig Roast FUNdraiser coming up in April! Games, raffles, prizes, dinner, kids fishin' pond--how much more fun could a person have? Bring the whole family! Don't forget to purchase your gun raffle tickets, as the drawing will take place at the event! FLYER: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=548882480608209&set=a.542819564547834

Learn more about Montana Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife: http://www.mt-sfw.org/

Questions: sfwmontana@gmail.com OR JR Strand (406) 546-9873, jrstrand1@gmail.com

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5/4 DEADLINE: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

 As a part of ongoing efforts to prevent and end Veteran homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs is announcing $30 million in grant funding for organizations to help formerly homeless Veterans maintain their independence and housing stability. This funding opportunity will give organizations the funding they need to hire case managers, who will help Veterans search for, obtain, and successfully transition to permanent housing; troubleshoot challenges and barriers to maintaining permanent housing; connect with services to address issues such as poor credit history, rent arrears, and legal issues; and more. VA anticipates awarding 100 Case Management Grants for up to $300,000 each to support approximately 150 case manager positions nationwide. Awards will fund two years of operations, starting on Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2025. Eligible entities, as described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, may apply for these Case Management Grants. Grant applications must be received by the GPD Program Office by 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 4, 2023. INFO “GPD Notice of Funding Opportunity”: https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp; Questions: GPDGrants@va.gov

If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Questions: Kimberly Mitchell - Senior Advisor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs (202) 738-2944, Kimberly.Mitchell5@va.gov

LOCAL VSN Leadership: Erick Kahila, MSW – HUD VASH Case Manager, David J Thatcher CBOC (406) 493-3706, C (406) 202-5640, Erick.Kahila@va.gov

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5/20 The VSN's 10th Annual Heroes at Home BBQ & 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run/Walk or RUCK!

The VSN invites service providers, Veteran-friendly employers, and Veteran Owned Businesses table at this event (FREE, but you MUST bring your own canopy, table & chairs) – it’s always on Armed Forces Day, and set up is at 9am. More info (past 2022 event): https://www.vsnmontana.org/vsap

RSVP: snoble@mt.gov


Summer 2023 ~ AFSP Overnight Walk

Save your spot for the 2023 Overnight Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: theovernight.org/saveaspot Be the first to know the location, date, and more! If you have any questions, please email Coaches@TheOvernight.org

Remember, depression is treatable, and suicide is preventable – Call “988” Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

LOCAL: Nancy (406) 855-5267, nyates633@gmail.com

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6/4 – 7/21 NATIONWIDE: Warrior-Scholar Project ~ Summer Academic Boot Camps

We cannot wait to kick off another round of high-impact academic boot camps for enlisted service members and veterans, run in partnership with our outstanding partner colleges and universities. Eligibility: https://warriorscholarproject.my.site.com/public/s/student-veteran-interest

APPLY: https://www.warrior-scholar.org/apply/

Questions: Cassie Elder (202) 796-8777, celder@warrior-scholar.org

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JUL-AUG (TBA) – HELENA/BOZO/BILLINGS: PGA HOPE

You'll all be proud to know we're also going to be hosting PGA HOPE in Helena, Billings, and Bozeman this year, so we'll need to get all the Vets we can signed up! PGA America ~ PGA HOPE: https://www.pga.com/things-to-do/events/pga-hope

We introduce golf to Veterans at no cost to them - taught by PGA Professionals. All Veteran Class open to all eras and all branches of Service; No disability rating required, however, if a Veteran has a unique ability, we can accommodate him/her. No equipment or prior golf history required.

Questions: Brandy (704) 578-8289, bcain@pgahq.com

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AUG SAVE the DATE: Beartooth Haven RETREAT, RED LODGE in August 2023 (near Beartooth Pass)

Applications are now available for our August 2023 retreat in Red Lodge, Montana. This retreat is composed for Police, Fire, Corrections, First Responders, Veterans, and Active Military. Our retreat is all expenses paid; including travel, lodging, activities, and meals. The retreat will help build a support network among peers, working together, to overcome trauma and hardships experienced by those who have worked the front lines. "Fighting for those who fought for us" For an application or more information, please email info@beartoothhaven.org or send us a direct message: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087526010123

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8/12 & 8/13 BILLINGS: Yellowstone International Air Show ~ Blue Angels, Logan Int’l Airport, 1901 Terminal Circle, Billings

An action-packed event lineup that will keep your eyes on the sky and your adrenaline soaring high. Yellowstone International Air Show is not just an airshow. It's a spectacle-scale, family-friendly event that merges awe-inspiring feats of aviation with patriotism, the enticing thrill of sports, entertainment, art, technology and more. It's a truly unique experience! Taking place over two days, the Air Show has an action-packed lineup of events featuring the Navy's best aviators in the air with the World-Famous Blue Angels. https://www.facebook.com/events/686714489695410

Learn more https://yellowstoneairshow.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/yellowstoneairshow/

Questions: (406) 318-9773, jodeeetchart@gmail.com

OR Billings Logan International Airport (406) 247-8609

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8/18 – 8/19 HELENA - WEST YELLOWSTONE: 10th Annual Montana Ride to Remember, US 287 – POW/MIA Memorial Highway

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 $𝟐𝟎/𝐛𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞.

  • 𝐁𝐁𝐐 - 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡: Registration 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Memorial Park, Helena; 50/50 & raffles - No alcohol

  • 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 - 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡: Registration 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Memorial Park, Helena; Opening ceremony promptly at 9:30 a.m. - Safety meeting to follow the ceremony; Ride out promptly at 10:15 a.m.; Law enforcement escort out of town

𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: This Ride is an annual event – 183 easy miles; Always on the 3rd Saturday of August; Rain or shine – be prepared! Open to all – camaraderie and patriotic inspiration; Emphasis on safety and respect; Experienced riders in front – new riders to follow; Personal vehicles/cages travel at the back of the pack; Two fuel/rest stops: I 90 Interchange by Three Forks (Town Pump); Ennis, MT (Fuel at Town Pump or Cenex, rest stop at Ennis school); Ride patch, 2023 rocker, Ride T-shirt, and other merchandise available for purchase.

Learn more about the Montana POW/MIA Awareness Association: https://mtridetoremember.org/

Questions: info@mtridetoremember.org

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9/14 Western Montana’s Largest Career Fair, Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, 3-6pm (Veterans admitted at 2:30pm)

  • EMPLOYERS ~ EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: TBA Summer 2023

  • JOB SEEKERS: Job Service Missoula’s career fair is the place to be. With 80+ employers who are hiring, we will be packed with opportunities. Bring a resume and be ready to introduce yourself to employers with jobs available in health care, technology, education, manufacturing, and more. Register for a chance to win the Treasure State Basket, containing: TBD 

  • CAREER FAIR WORKSHOPS: Two free workshops at Job Service Missoula will help you prepare for the event

  • Veteran Service Providers (VSP): If you are a Service Provider (You are NOT hiring but provide a service / resource for Veterans, service members, or their families / caregivers) and would like a free table in the VETERAN SECTION of the lobby, please RSVP to: snoble@mt.gov

Employers will not be able to register until summer 2023; however, they also host monthly online job fairs which should be starting back up soon

Questions: Job Service (406) 728-7060, MissoulaJSC@mt.gov

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​****** END of EVENTS ******

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*** IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL FLYER and/or INFO TO vsn.msla@outlook.com

Events: March & Beyond: Welcome
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