Minnesota Veteran - May

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Desk of the Commissioner - May

Commissioner Herke new

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has traditionally recognized Memorial Day with events at our three State Veterans Cemeteries and at our five State Veterans Homes. Like last year, we are marking this special day in a different way in 2021, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed. 

Earlier this year, at the State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth, we had the honor of laying to rest Veteran Scott James McMaster. Scott had been working with MN Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), a non-profit dedicated to helping Veterans, which helped him find housing when he had been homeless. Sadly, Scott had no connection to any living relatives.

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Memorial Day 2021

memorial day 2021

While COVID restrictions are beginning to ease, MDVA made the decision several months ago to hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. We look forward to hosting our traditional in-person Memorial Day Program next year.

MDVA is again partnering with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31 and again on Sunday, June 6 at 8 a.m. We will also have a link on our website to view the program online any time. Our three State Veterans Cemeteries remain open and visitors are welcome to visit every day, and especially on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the Cemeteries. 

Community Support Enhances Veteran's Experience

donations

Minnesotans have a reputation for supporting many causes and organizations, and the Veterans of our state enjoy the benefits of a caring and generous community.

The Minnesota Veterans Homes are honored to receive support through volunteerism, activities and events, supplies and monetary donations that all enhance the experience of our Veteran Residents and spouses. The three State Veterans Cemeteries also receive donations from both individuals and Veterans Service Organizations. And special initiatives such as ending Veteran homelessness or preventing Veteran suicide are also recipients of community support. 

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Detailed information about giving opportunities can be found on our website at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate.

Sharing the Importance of Service – One Veteran at a Time

steve guider

We all know someone in our community who has a passion for Veterans. Meet Steve Guider, an education technology paraprofessional, assistant football coach and head hockey coach at Blaine High School. When talking with Steve Guider, one central theme continues to resonate – his passion to honor Veterans.

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*Photo caption: Steve Guider pictured with Stan Nelson, a WWII Omaha Beach D-Day Veteran.

Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans Heritage Month

API month

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly recognizes May as Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans Heritage Month to celebrate this diverse community that has a long history in our state and brings a cultural richness that includes over 40 different nationalities.

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Meet SOT Grant Recipient: Fishing for Life, Inc.

fishing for life

Did you know when you buy the “Support Our Troops” (SOT) License Plate, you are helping Minnesota Veterans and their families?

Fishing for Life, Inc. was awarded a $20,000 SOT grant to help launch their new “NextGen Program.” The NexGen Program is a youth-oriented program which matches the children of Veterans with Fishing for Life volunteer “guides.” The goal of program is to help to broaden youth’s view of the world by introducing them to fun and educational experiences. Special emphasis is given to enlisting youth whose parent has been incapacitated or killed in action.

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Legislative Update

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Visit our Legislative Affairs page for the most recent:

You can also see the status of this session's Veteran-related legislation with our State Bill Tracker - updated throughout the week to provide you with the most up-to-date information.
News updates and press releases from Minnesota.

Updates will be provided throughout the session on the Legislative Affairs page.

MDVA Legislative Updates >>

MDVA COVID-19 Update

sleeves up masks off

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) remains committed to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. We are following CDC, CMS and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance. Changes in our operations continue to provide a safe environment for both the Veterans and families we serve and our employees.

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Additional Resources for COVID-19 >>