With the legislative session over, and activity around the capitol quiet, I thought that now would be a good time to settle back and enjoy the Minnesota summer. My wife however, reminded me on Father’s Day, that it was also the point in time in which days will start getting shorter.  I’m not sure why, but for some reason I found that somewhat depressing.

Aside from that, however, a lot of activity has been occurring at MDVA that keeps us on our toes. Most recently I presented to the Governor’s Council on Ending Homelessness. According to the statistical ‘point in time’ count, we found a 50 percent decrease since 2010 in Veteran homelessness in Minnesota.

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PetsLoyal2Vets is a Veteran-run, nonprofit, outreach organization which connects therapy and companion dogs with U.S. military Veterans suffering from service related traumas.

PetsLoyal2Vets says that their mission is, “to connect disabled Minnesota Military Veterans diagnosed and treated for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), or physical assault traumas with specially trained companion, therapy, and psychiatric service dogs.” The organization partners with supporting animal shelters, breeders, and rescue organizations at no cost to the Veteran.

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On June 18 Residents, families and community members gathered to bury a time capsule filled with artifacts preserved for future Veterans. The time capsule is to be opened Memorial Day 2065. This burial ceremony signifies the halfway mark of a three-phase campus redevelopment at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Recently the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs received the final $38 million in federal funding to complete the final phase of construction. A few of the items included were an iPhone & charger which was used to take a video of the ceremony, newspapers, Veterans Home rate sheet, energy bills, brochures and much more.

View photos from the event >>