April is here and with it comes spring weather. While the past winter has been relatively mild for Minnesota, the coming of spring lightens the hearts of all Minnesotans. Also comes the release of /mdva/about/reports.jspMDVA's Annual Report. The purpose of the report is to show the progress made in caring for our Veterans. The Annual Report highlights activities that MDVA is doing to ensure that we are bringing our Veterans "all the way home." I'm extremely proud of the team here at MDVA. They are focused, disciplined, and care about all Veterans. Whether it be those in great need such as the homeless, to those who come back and quietly blend into society and build their families into strong citizens within our state.

April is noted as Month of the Military Child. Military children have unique ways in which they express their pride, fears, and strengths. Since Minnesota does not have a large military base within the state, most citizens don't understand the impact a deployment has on a family. While we have activities such as the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program where the communities reach out and honor our service men and women, it's after the ceremonies when the family is home alone when they miss their loved one the most. Let us all give thanks to all who have served to include the family left back home.

April 9th is "Former POW Day!" My most vivid memory of this day was during a visit to a gathering of POWs held at the St. Cloud VA. Before the 'official' ceremony began, I made a point of walking around visiting several of the POWs who were there along with their families. I remember three tables in particular and asked the POWs who they served with and a little bit of their background. Two were Army (WWII and VN) and one was Air Force (WWII). In my brief discussions, it was very clear to me that each could have written a book on their experiences that would leave lasting impressions on us all. Each was quiet; each was humble; and each had the memories of where they were when. If you know a POW give them a hug and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Recently, Minnesota also said Farwell to a great hero. This past month we laid to rest Elizabeth "Betty Wall" Strohfus who served in World War II in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS). She was a true icon for all Veterans, women and men. Her passing is another reason why we all must reach out to our Veterans to thank them for their service to this great nation. Betty was a role model to us all.