With fall upon us, and the elections fast approaching, we are busily getting ready for the next legislative session here in St. Paul. Much has happened these past few months, especially receiving the federal matching dollars which enables us to complete the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus renovations. Also, several of our senior leaders, Michael Gallucci and Reggie Worlds, have moved on. Michael has retired and has moved to Florida while Reggie has accepted a position with Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development in Mankato. Both are doing well and are excited about the opportunities they have in their new roles. This agency values the service they provided and know they will continue to serve Veterans in all their endeavors.

At the present time, we have two acting Deputy Commissioners, Robin Gaustad, who is overseeing our Veterans Homes, and Brad Lindsay, who is overseeing our Programs and Services. Both have been with the agency for an extended period of time, and both were in deputy level positions in their respective areas. The transition has been very smooth, and with the elections coming up, gives this agency greater flexibility, especially in the area of personnel management.

The annual Gold Star Family retreat takes place in early October. This retreat enables Gold Star families to gather together and share the experiences they have gone through. I have had the privilege of attending all prior retreats and personally attest to the impact they have in supporting the families. These retreats validate the importance of honoring and never forgetting those who served and their families.

Finally I want to talk about what's happening on the State Capitol Mall. Over the past several years you may have heard about establishing a Minnesota Military Family Tribute (MMFT). Well, the money has been raised, the Lower Capitol Mall is being groomed, a memorial walkway constructed, and a Gold Star Table being placed. The walkway, surrounded by trees, serves as a symbol of the roles the families (and that includes extended families) and the love for those who were called to serve our nation in time of war. The tribute will include a Gold Star Table, recognizing the ultimate sacrifices that were made and the impact it had on their family. Another component to the memorial will be the 87 boulders, representing the 87 Minnesota counties. Each stone will have an inscribed saying taken from correspondence between families and their loved ones during times of war. It will remind all who read them of the sacrifices families make when their loved ones are sent off to war.

Go to http://www.militaryfamilytribute.org/ for more information.