Remembering and Honoring Those Who Fought for Our Freedoms
The following words are from the memorial service printed program for Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, who after 80 years, on May 2, 2026, was finally interred at the New Ulm Cemetery in his hometown of New Ulm, Minnesota. Bianchi's remains, along with those of 430 other Americans, were buried as “unknowns” at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, until his remains were positively identified through DNA analysis in August 2025. This is a somber reminder of the cost of war. I was honored to attend Bianchi’s memorial event in April and shared a proclamation from Governor Tim Walz that declared May 2, 2026, as “Captain Willibald C. Bianchi Day” in Minnesota.
Read More >>
|
 |
Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the start of summer in Minnesota. However, Memorial Day has its true origins honoring the men and women who died while in military service. Minnesota’s four State Veterans Cemeteries will commemorate those who gave all for their country. These programs are always a meaningful way to remember those who have served our country and sacrificed so much.
Read more >>
|
|
Sarah is a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard, serving as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. She had recently been laid off from her civilian job and was unemployed when she attended last year’s Veterans Career Fair.
Read more >>
|
|
 |
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We celebrate our diverse Asian community that represents a long history in our state and brings a cultural richness that includes dozens of different nationalities.
Three MDVA team members talked about the significance of this month in their lives.
Read More >>
|
Updated Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan Takes a Comprehensive Approach
Minnesota continues to lose approximately 100 Veterans each year to suicide. Behind every number is a family, a community and a life defined by service.
Together, for more than seven years, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has remained steadfast in its commitment to preventing Veteran suicide risk across our state. MDVA has built strong partnerships with numerous Veteran advocates and organizations, delivered hundreds of suicide prevention trainings, distributed thousands of gunlocks, and advanced strategies to improve Veteran mental health and reduce suicide risk.
Read More >>
|
Ardell Johnson could easily be called a man of the world. Between his military service and professional career assignments, Ardell has traveled to, and lived or served in, more than a dozen states nationwide as well as Puerto Rico, Guam and the Marshall Islands in Micronesia. At age 92, where is he choosing to spend his golden years? The Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji.
Read More >>
|
During a week of advocacy for older adult services led by LeadingAge Minnesota, four Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes were selected to participate in an art exhibit held at the State Capitol. The third annual event held in early May featured over 80 pieces created by older adults from across Minnesota.
“The exhibit served as a moving reminder of who advocacy efforts ultimately serve, adding a personal and creative dimension to the day,” shared Ben Hansen, LeadingAge Minnesota Communications Director.
Read More >>
|
|
Lisa Frey-Tykward has been named as the new Administrator for the Silver Bay Veterans Home effective April 8.
Lisa is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) with experience managing and improving healthcare facilities across the Twin Cities, South Dakota, North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Her leadership includes oversight of a variety of settings, from a 140-bed nursing home to comprehensive senior living campuses featuring 65-bed and 58-bed nursing homes, multiple assisted living residences and independent living options.
Read More >>
|
|
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.
|
|
