 As I write this article to bring 2018 to a close, I do so with mixed emotions. First of all this has been a year of changes, hard work, and drive. It’s the year that the agency has ended with a renewed sense of mission and strong forward movement. It is a year of endings, and promises of new beginnings.
2018 marks my eighth and final year serving as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the state. Representing the nearly 330,000 Veterans has truly been a privilege for me these past eight years. I thank Governor Mark Dayton for giving me the honor of being the Commissioner and the opportunity to work alongside so many of Minnesota’s and America’s heroes. This is not something that I could’ve done alone. It takes a whole team and I want to thank all the partners in the Veterans community in bringing our Veterans all the way home!
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Minnesota's own World War II Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Richard Thill and others gathered on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to remember and honor that day which will live in infamy.
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The Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston received a new Moto Electric vehicle in early November of this year. The Moto Electric vehicle was provided to the Preston Veteran Cemetery from funds raised by the 1st District American Legion and local donations. The electric vehicle will be used by state employees for tours, gravesite visits by family, and grounds transport.
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The Fergus Falls Veterans Home received a generous donation October 29th from Boots on the Ground. The donation was from proceeds that came from the Boots on the Ground Veterans Motorcycle Fun Run totaling $53,482.98. Since Boots on the Ground started five years ago, their efforts have grown tremendously. In their first year they raised $1,000 in comparison to this year’s $53,000.
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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced a $2.8 million donation from the estate of late Vietnam Veteran, Steven Williams, for construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home. This is the largest single private gift benefiting a State Veterans Home in Minnesota.
“This is an exciting announcement, and we are honored to accept this donation on behalf of the Veterans of Minnesota,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Shellito. “Not only did Mr. Williams serve in the military during his life, he is continuing to serve after his passing through this generous gift. This donation will make a tremendous impact on Veterans for years to come.”
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Now that cold weather is here, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is offering the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helping Veterans in low-income households pay for their heating bills. Veterans that may struggle to pay for their heating bills are encouraged to apply.
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