Minnesota Veterans and their families received ongoing support from the 2025 Legislature, ensuring that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) can continue to provide the highest quality programs and services to those who served our country. We are grateful for this support, detailed in the MDVA 2025 Veterans Legislative Summary. From supporting the launch and operations of our three newest Veterans Homes to expanding statewide efforts to prevent Veteran suicide, and from investing in programming to end Veteran homelessness to addressing Veteran food insecurity, the fourth annual Veterans Omnibus Bill made one thing unmistakably clear: Minnesota Veterans remain a top priority.

The State Legislature convenes its 2026 session on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and MDVA will once again be fully engaged at the State Capitol in the months ahead. While last year’s legislative session focused on establishing the state budget for the biennium, this year’s session is expected to focus on building a public works infrastructure (bonding) bill, targeted policy changes and a limited supplemental budget.

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Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes will again benefit from a generous $80,000 donation from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This marks the fourth consecutive year the post has contributed this significant level of support, providing $10,000 to each Home in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay.

Leadership from both the VFW and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) came together for the donation presentation during the VFW Midwinter Conference in January.

Each Home decides how the funds will be used to improve quality of life for the Veterans who live in the Homes. For example, a Home can develop or enhance activities and programming, purchase new equipment or install memorials.

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Black history is foundational to Minnesota’s history, deeply influencing the state’s growth and direction. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes the Black community’s rich and varied culture that continues to shape Minnesota’s vibrancy and shared prosperity. Each year, Black History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on Minnesota’s past, present and future while honoring the achievements and leadership of African Americans in our state.

Black Minnesotans have made immeasurable contributions across medicine, law, education, politics, business, the arts, the military and beyond. At MDVA, we strive to recognize those who are dedicated to serving Veterans and their families.

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During Black History Month in February, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly honors the military achievements and experiences of Black Americans. Last year, MDVA shared stories of two Black American Veterans in Minnesota, who both served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era. Read more about updates on Jay Lowman and William E. Randolph.

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The Vietnam War ended more than 50 years ago. But before the fall of Saigon in 1975, the United States recruited tens of thousands of Southeast Asians to fight in Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) in what became known as the Secret War in Laos. The war’s end displaced hundreds of thousands—and many who served in the SGUs found their way to Minnesota.

Fast forward to 2025, when the Minnesota Legislature passed the Veterans and Military Affairs Omnibus bill. Sections of the new law established the definition of a Veteran of the Secret War in Laos and made these Veterans eligible for specific State Veterans benefits.

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Life is often filled with what many people refer to as happy coincidences.

More than 30 years ago, David Smith was a member of the Luverne Chamber of Commerce when the State of Minnesota was trying to decide on a location for a new Veterans Home.

David attended that timely legislative session and lobbied representatives to vote for Luverne as the ideal site for the next state Veterans Home. One of his strongest selling points was that “this town always gives” and would consistently be willing to support the facility, no matter what. It only took one round of voting and Luverne was selected to provide an environment for Veterans where life was truly worth living – offering activities and interactions that Residents would find meaningful and enjoyable. David had the opportunity to tour during the campus’ construction process and was present at the ribbon cutting.

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Once again, local Veterans organizations are supporting the Fergus Falls Veterans Home and its Residents through generous donations.

For several years now, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fergus Falls Chapter 25 has funded the cost of Wi-Fi and cable television at the Home, allowing Residents to enjoy connections to the online world and the expanded cable TV programming. The 2025 annual pledge of more than $30,000 was recently fulfilled with a final donation of more than $15,000.

Boots on the Ground, founded in 2014 to honor Veteran Residents at the Home, recently donated $40,000. The organization raises funds through a sole event which takes place on the third Saturday of September each year at the Fergus Falls VFW.

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Preston is the only city in Minnesota with both a State Veterans Home and a State Veterans Cemetery. And Preston and surrounding communities continue to demonstrate their support for Minnesota Veterans through special events, volunteering and both in-kind and cash donations.

During the last few months, two donors have made significant cash donations to both the Home and the Cemetery. The Kaye D. Nelson Trust donated $20,000 to the Preston Veterans Home to support ongoing programming and activities by our Recreation Therapy team. And the Trust also donated $10,000 to the Preston State Veterans Cemetery to be used for equipment that will assist in the ongoing care and beautification of the site.

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Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. Sign-up to receive our monthly jobs bulletin.

We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To learn more and to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers and click Current Jobs.