I am pleased to announce that Mr. Douglas Hughes has been selected to serve as the agency’s Deputy Commissioner overseeing our five State Veterans Homes. His first day will be July 5, and his office location will be on the Minneapolis Veterans Homes campus. Doug is a successful and experienced leader in both the military and business sectors, with solid business acumen in the health care industry. He is a military Veteran who served in the Army’s Special Forces for a majority of his career, with several international assignments. He joined 3M in 2001 as an Advanced Regulatory Associate, rising to Regional Business Manager position. Most recently Doug has had the privilege and responsibility to serve Veterans and families in the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Doug is respected, well known and liked with a consistent history for process improvement and achieving results. I am confident he will be an excellent addition to our team as we work to continue to provide the best possible care for our nation’s heroes.

I also want to take a moment to publicly thank Andrew Burnside, Veterans Home Administrator – Hastings, for his invaluable contributions to our Veterans and MDVA staff while serving as the interim Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Health Care.  When asked to take on the challenge of the additional duties of the Deputy Commissioner of the Health Care Division during recruitment of a new Deputy, Andrew did not hesitate.  It was a huge undertaking to serve simultaneously in two leadership capacities. Yet, under Andrew's guidance and expert hand, the Veterans Health Care Division continued to thrive and move forward. Andrew will return full time to his Administrator position at the Veterans Home in Hastings on July 5, 2016.

We are now starting the second half of 2016.  So far it has been a historic year. The upcoming elections and the political turmoil occurring within the European Union should have our attention as we gather for summer family gatherings.   The main event will be the 4th of July and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  The Declaration sent the message to England that this emerging nation had inalienable rights.  Today we honor this act of courage with family gatherings, fireworks, and relaxation.

On somewhat of a personal note, I am also preparing for a trip to Croatia along with Gov. Dayton and a large group of past and present National Guard personnel and the Serving Our Troops contingent. The purpose of the visit is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Minnesota/Croatia partnership. This partnership started after the fall of the former Soviet Union. The program called ‘Partners for Peace’ matched U.S. States with the satellite countries of the former Soviet Union.  Minnesota partnered with Croatia, in part due to then Gov. Rudy Perpich having Croatian heritage.  Croatia is a beautiful country and known for its long coastline and warm climate. It is also been known as the country where the Popes and Emperors of Italy vacationed. The significance of this partnership is that this program had grown steadily and to the point where Minnesota National Guard soldiers teamed with Croatian soldiers in doing missions in Afghanistan.  It also strengthened Croatia’s standing internationally.  Croatia sought and is now a member of the European Union.
Again, enjoy the 4th of July, be safe, and take time to reflect on the sacrifices of many who make our nation great.