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January Events & Beyond...

 

OBSERVANCES, Awareness & MORE:

  • January 1st ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  • January 16th ~ U.S. Enters Persian Gulf War (1991)

  • January 20th ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

  • January 27th ~ Signing of Vietnam Peace Accord (1973)

  • January 28th ~ U.S.-Vietnam Cease-Fire (1973)

  • January 31st ~ Fire on Ice (See event info below)

  • February 1st ~ National Freedom Day

  • February 12th ~ Lincoln's Birthday

  • February 14th ~ Valentine's Day

  • February 15th ~ Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine (1898)

  • February 17th ~ Washington's Birthday (Observed)

  • February 23rd ~ Flag Raised on Iwo Jima (1945)

  • February 27th ~ Battle of the Java Sea (1942)

  • March 5th ~ Ash Wednesday

  • March 9th ~ Daylight Savings Time Begins

  • March 14th ~ Hamilton VA Clinic GRAND OPENING

  • March 17th ~ St. Patrick's Day

  • March 29th ~ Vietnam War Veterans Day

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Montana Minimum Wage Increases to $10.55 effective January 1, 2025 

The minimum wage in Montana will increase to $10.55 per hour on January 1, 2025. Montana statute requires the minimum wage be adjusted annually based on changes in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

You can visit the Employment Standards webpage here to review the determination letter or download the minimum wage poster for 2025.

FREE POSTER - MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY

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NOW: Veterans Long-Term Care Needs Assessment

Montana Veterans, Your Long-Term Independence Is Our Priority: Your service to our country is unparalleled. Now, it’s our turn to serve you. We are working to improve Montana’s long-term care services network. Beyond traditional care, we’re talking about personalized support — from in-home assistance to community connections, all designed to uphold your independence as you age.

Survey extended: https://veteransurvey.mt.gov

Learn more about Montana DPHHS: https://dphhs.mt.gov/detd/mtap/

Questions: Nann Parrett - Research Analyst, Montana DPHHS Senior and Long-Term Care Division (406) 444.1956, Nann.Parrett@mt.gov

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NOW through 1/17/2025: JSEC Employer of Choice Awards - Nominate a Business Today!

Do you work for an Employer of Choice? Do you have a great boss or workplace where you are fully engaged and love your job? Does your boss provided innovative opportunities for training that increase employee participation and motivation? Or do you know of a business that has done something exceptional for its employees or the community and think it is an Employer of Choice?

The Missoula Job Service Employers' Council (JSEC) recognizes businesses that create great workplaces in our community by presenting them with the Employer of Choice Award. Download the application and nominate an Employer of Choice today!
Deadline for nominations is Friday, January 17, 2025. Employer nominations must have an active business in Missoula, Mineral or Ravalli County. Contact Deborah Gass at (406) 218-7488 or dgass@mt.gov for additional information.

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NOW through 1/22/2025 (DEADLINE to REGISTER): Veterans Upward Bound ~ Winter Workshops

Veterans Upward Bound is offering a series of FREE workshops focused on Computer Skills, College is Possible, Writing and Communications, Basic Math Skills, and Financial Planning. If you need a laptop, we have refurbished ones that we can provide through our laptop loaner program.

  • 1/27 & 1/29/2025 ONLINE: Creative Writing, 10:30am - 12pm ~ If you enjoy writing and want to enhance your skills in a fun way, please check out this workshop.

  • 1/27 - 2/6/2025 ONLINE: Math Refresher, 5 - 6:30pm ~ This quick 2-week refresher will help you brush up on Pre-Algebra and Algebra skills.  This refresher is a great starting point if you are thinking about going back to school.  It will also help you ease into an online class with a live online instructor. 

  • 1/28/2025 ONLINE: Communicate with Gmail & Stay Organized, 10am - 12pm ~ Learn how to use your Gmail account work to your advantage, stay organized using Google Calendar, learn how to organize a study group with Google Meet, organize classmate contacts, and organize files using Google Drive. 

  • 1/29/2025 ONLINE: Basic Budgeting & Financial Planning, 2 - 3pm ~ With nearly 20 years of experience in the financial field, Heidi Davey with Altana Federal Credit Union will be with us to discuss some basics around financial literacy. Topics that will be covered include saving, budgeting, credit, goal setting and some conversation around the differences between banks and credit unions.

  • 1/30/2025 ONLINE: Searching the Internet for Information, 10am - 12pm ~ Learn how to search for information on the internet, narrow your search to specific information, and search safely with the right tools.

  • 2/3 & 2/5/2025 ONLINE: Public Speaking, 10:30am - 12pm ~ Come learn how to put a speech together and deliver it!  These skills will help you in college and in future jobs.

  • 2/4/2025 ONLINE: Computer Safety:  Keeping You and Your Computer Safe, 10am - 12pm ~ Learn how to protect your computer from viruses and malware, identify computer risks from the internet, and know what to do if your computer and information has been compromised.

College is Possible Workshops: 

  • 1/28/2025 ONLINE: College Admissions, 8:45 - 9:45am ~ Which college is the right fit and what are the admission requirements?  Receive assistance applying to college.

  • 1/30/2025 ONLINE: Scholarship Workshop, 8:45 - 9:45am ~ Learn where to look for scholarships and how to apply.

  • 2/4/2025 ONLINE: Military Benefits, 8:45 - 9:45am ~ Receive Information on VA Education and Training Benefits.

  • 2/6/2025 ONLINE: FAFSA Help Session, 8:45 - 9:45am ~ Learn about the different types of federal aid and get assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

VUB is a TRIO program funded through the Department of Education and is administered through MSU Northern.

​REGISTER: https://vubmt.com/ OR contact Michelle Watson - Coordinator of Educational Services & Enrollment (MSUN Center for VETS) 406-272-6492, mwatson@vubmt.com

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1/6/2025 (First Monday): Missoula College CDL Orientation, Missoula College Campus, 2795 37th Ave (Room 108), 6 – 8pm

CDL Training at Missoula College is an 8-week course (IN-Cab, Pre-trip, Backing, and Driving). CDL Test consists of 3 parts: Pre-trip and In-Cab Inspection; Backing; Straight (Offset & 90 Degree); Driving in Town. A student has 3 chances to pass the CDL Test. If they fail 3 times, it invalidates their CDL Permit, and they are unable to test again for 3 years. Learn more: Commercial Driver's License Training | University of Montana (umt.edu) Orientations are also offered at Bitterroot College Campus!

Questions: Larry Reinholz (406) 243-7643, Cell (406) 550-7450, larry.reinholz@umontana.edu

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1/8/2025 (2nd Wednesday): Missoula “Hell Gate Elks” Lodge 383 ~ Lodge Night, 112 N Pattee St. (2nd Floor Member’s Lounge), 5 - 8pm

Join us in the members lounge upstairs on the 2nd Wednesday for dinner & drinks 5-6:30pm ($5 donation appreciated for dinner). Members meet in a separate room at 6:30pm, but you're welcome to stay in the lounge.​ 

JOIN the Elks: https://www.elks.org/ and/or follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elkslodge383

Questions: Dave (406) 549-0542, hellgateelks@gmail.com

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1/9/25 (2nd Thursday) ONLINE: Montana JCF ~ Leadership Team Meeting, 12:30pm

(*In-Person Location: First Interstate Bank - 2728 Colonial Dr., Helena)

AGENDA: Introductions and announcements; Leadership / VA / Military / Congressional Updates, etc.

JOIN the Montana JCF Zoom Meeting ID: 861 3398 2881; Passcode: 610623; Call 1-669-900-9128 if device not available. 

​Questions: Steve 406-461-7971, leadership@montanajcf.org

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​​1/13/2025 (2nd Monday) ONLINE: VHA / VBA / Veterans Forum Meeting (Fort Harrison Community Care), 10am

Monthly update on what Montana VHA / VBA is doing as well as “need to know” information for stakeholders and Veterans. JJ’s goal is to have every organization that helps Veterans or families be involved. Download TEAMS and join on your computer, mobile app or room device (Meeting ID: 210 898 690 858 - Passcode: rfLYw3) OR call in (audio only) +1 872-701-0185,,109583933#  United States, Chicago; Phone Conference ID: 109 583 933#

Questions: Jonathan "JJ" Elm, MS - Montana VA Congressional Liaison, Montana VA Health Care (Fort Harrison) 406-439-2989, Jonathan.elm@va.gov

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1/13 - 1/23/2025 ONLINE: Veteran Showcase Events

Here's another opportunity to find to job you're looking for: REMOTE/HYBRID, DOD SKILLBRIDGE/INTERNSHIP, EXECUTIVE/SUPERVISORY, PROJECT /PROGRAM MANAGMENT, TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION, AVIATION, MEDICAL, MAINTENANCE, EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP, LEGAL, TRANSPORTATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY, MECHANICAL, WAREHOUSE/LOGISTICS, HUMAN RESOURCES,CONTRACTING, ENGINEERING, AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, SCHEDULING, TECHNICIANS, MANUFACTURING, ACCOUNTING , ENTREPRENEURSHIP and MORE!!!!!  

Questions: Rodney L. Washington - Marketing Specialist, Texas Veterans Land Board, 1-737-330-4458, Rodney.Washington@glo.texas.gov

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1/14 - 1/16/2025 ONLINE: SafetyFestMT

SafetyFestMT will be held January 14-16, 2025, and will be fully virtual. This popular event provides free education, awareness, and connection to positively impact the safety and health of Montanans in the workplace! All sessions are free, although registration is required. Registration

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1/14/2025 (2nd Tuesday) ONLINE: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) ~ Suicide Prevention Training, 5:30pm

FREE and open to the public. Learn to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts and how to intervene in an empathetic and effective way with QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) class - REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkdempqTsjEtKAAx5AlyWdsvlIKh178AHR​

Questions: Project Tomorrow Montana (800) 273-8255 OR Rosie - United Way, rosieayers@missoulaunitedway.org

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1/14/2025 (2nd Tuesday): Marine Corps League (MCL) Meeting, Knights of Columbus Hall, 312 E. Pine St., Missoula, 6pm

Calling all Marine Corps Veterans & Navy Corpsmen! Please join us to learn more about MCL Montana: https://montanamcl.org/

Questions: Bill Drew (516) 782-5017, billsbug@gmail.com OR Chris (406) 493-9083, Spartans.honour@yahoo.com

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1/31/2025 Fire on Ice Charity Competition, Glacier Ice Rink, 6pm

10th annual Urban Interface-off featuring the Missoula Firefighter L271 BomBEARos vs the Wildlanders.

Event is Free: https://www.facebook.com/events/546843641419774/

Questions: ckovatch@ci.missoula.mt.us or MESSAGE: https://www.facebook.com/missoulafireonice

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2/4, 4/1 & 7/1/2025 (Every Tuesday): Job Skills Workshop Series, Salvation Army, 355 S Russell St, Missoula, 10am - 2pm

This program will create new opportunities, possibilities, skills, knowledge, and career advancement for you! A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all participants who complete the 4-week series. Learn more: Missoula Corps (salvationarmy.org)

Questions: (406) 549-0710, missoulacorps@usw.salvationarmy.org​

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3/2 - 3/5/2025 AND 6/20 - 6/22/2025 American Legion of Montana​

  1. 65th Annual Washington Conference ~ Join us from March 2-5, 2025, at the Washington Hilton Hotel. This is your opportunity to meet lawmakers, hear from VA leadership, and engage with the National Commander on our legislative priorities.

  2. American Legion Department of Montana Convention will be held in Helena, MT from June 20-22, 2025! Join us for a weekend filled with camaraderie, inspiring speakers, and important updates as we come together to honor our veterans and strengthen our community. More to come: https://www.facebook.com/MontanaDepartment

Questions: Erin Carpenter - Office Manager, American Legion of Montana 406-324-3990, amlegmtsec@gmail.com

OR Alex Vogel – District #5 Commander 406-303-1567, alexv1@hotmail.com

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Spring 2025 Missoula: Farmer Veteran Coalition HIVE Program

FVC will be hosting the Holistic Impactful Veteran Engagement (H.I.V.E.) program, a 12-day course. This program is designed to give Veterans and service members the skills to begin in farming and ranching as well as having behavioral health support. Future seminars will be in spring 2025 in Missoula, Montana, and fall 2025 in Bozeman, Montana. Space is limited! Click the link to apply: https://shorturl.at/bf1AD

We also recommend listening to Recovery Talks' podcast to learn more about the program: https://shorturl.at/OmxRQ

Learn more by visiting our website: https://shorturl.at/2XKTX

FB flyer: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=954720180025616&set=a.239736368190671;

Questions: +1 855-382-3276, support@farmvetco.org

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3/31 - 4/5/2025 COLORADO: National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

From March 31–April 5, 2025, Veterans from across the nation will gather in beautiful Snowmass Village, CO to experience 'Miracles on a Mountainside'. Veterans with TBIs, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, amputations and other severe disabilities are challenged to overcome perceived limitations through adaptive skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, rock wall climbing, education and other activities. Check out National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic for more information! Questions: Jason Strickland - VISN 19 Chief Communications Officer, VHAV19CCO@va.gov

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4/2/2025 University of Montana Career Fair

The University will be doing a big career fair April 2, 2025 – The Job Service will not be having another one until Spring 2026, so you might want to keep this one in mind: Attend Career Fairs and Events | University of Montana

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4/5 & 5/10/2025 BUTTE & DILLON

Two Resource Fairs are in the works for the spring. One in Anaconda, at the American Legion on April 5th and the other one in Dillon, at the MT National Guard Armory on May 10th. If you and your organization would like to attend, please contact me and I will add you to the participants list. Shannon Ray - Disabled Veterans Outreach Coordinator/Workforce Consultant, Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Workforce Services Division- BUTTE 406.494.0313, Shannon.Ray@mt.gov

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4/11/2025 Project Community Connect at MPL, 455 E. Main St., Missoula, 10am - 3pm

Rebecca, “The date is set for April 11, at Missoula Public Library.  PCC is a one stop shop event that offers a variety of services for community members in need.  All services are free, and the event typically has approximately 200-300 attendees.  We need help in overseeing service areas for the upcoming event.  I am reaching out to you to share this awesome opportunity to assist in planning this much needed community event.  Our planning committee did an amazing job last year, but we need your help.  The areas in need of coordinating would be Public Benefits, Child, Youth & Family Services, Haircuts, ID's & Birth Certificates, Vision, Personal Hygiene.  We will provide information on what is required to coordinate these areas, as well as what organizations participated last year.  The event will also offer volunteer opportunities on the day of. Please let me know if you have any questions or have a contact that would be interested in overseeing a service area or co-coordinating.”

AND "I am organizing the Veteran services area again. We may have to consolidate tables this time in order to accommodate more providers from other service areas. I plan to invite the same departments and nonprofits that participated last year. If you can think of any other groups that would be able to provide a service let me know. If you have questions, please reach out."

VSN Leadership Team & Housing Services Leader: Rebecca Stancil, MHA Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Director (406) 549-4113 ex 106, Rstancil@missoulahousing.org

OR if you, or someone at your organization, has the capacity to be on the Project Community Connect planning committee, please be in touch:

Selya Avila - Community Engagement Specialist, Missoula Public Library, 406-370-8538, selyaa@missoulapubliclibrary.org

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5/17/2025 The VSN hosts the ANNUAL Heroes at Home BBQ & VSAP on Armed Forces Day!

Heroes at Home BBQ: https://www.vsnmontana.org/vsap

Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) Run / Walk / RUCK: runsignup.com/vsap

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9/12 - 9/13/2025 UM Military Reunion & Appreciation Game

The University of Montana proudly invites you to join us in honoring and thanking our alumni and UM-affiliated Veterans — those who have served in the past and serve our country today — and their families. Reunion activities will take place Sept. 12-13, 2025. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on registration. Be sure to confirm your military affiliation to stay connected!

  • Friday, Sept. 12: Check-in, campus tour & reunion reception.

  • Saturday, Sept. 13: Reunion tailgate; Football game - Military Appreciation; Participation in pre-game and in-game honoring of Veterans​​​

Questions: ​(406) 243-5211 Toll Free: (877) 862-5867 OR alumni@umontana.edu

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​****** END of VSN 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

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