I am proud to announce our Adult Day Center on the Minneapolis Veterans Home Campus recently received a LeadingAge Minnesota Innovation Award. This award recognized their Operation Sight and Sound program, of which we are very proud. The Quality and Innovation Awards recognize and showcase exceptional progress in aging services, serving as a platform to share promising programs and new ideas with other Leading Age Minnesota members to help advance and transform the way they serve older adults. Operation Sight and Sound is an innovative program that brings together Veterans, ranging from WWII to Vietnam eras, on a mission of artistic discovery in songwriting, photography and performance. This program demonstrates the mission the Minnesota Veterans Home - to serve those who proudly served. To read more about the program click here.

I would also like to share a new interactive video – /mdva/resources/iamaveteran/videoandquiz.jspWhat is a Veteran? We often hear what appears on the surface to be a simple question, “What is a Veteran?” There are many interpretations of the word Veteran, and state and federal laws differ as well. In some cases, an individual may not meet the state or federal criteria, but may still be eligible for some benefits. I invite you to watch the short video to gain a better understanding of this complex topic.

Monday, March 20th is Veterans Day on the Hill at the State Capitol Rotunda starting at 10 a.m. This event is sponsored by the Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force, the United Veterans Legislative Council and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. This is a day Veterans will come together and deliver a unified message to energize the legislature on Veteran related issues and advocate for their 2017 legislative agenda. The event is open to the public and Veterans are encouraged to attend and meet with their legislators, by appointment, at the conclusion of the rally. This day will reflect a powerful image of Veterans in action and with a united front we can tell our story and ask for support on initiatives that impact Minnesota Veterans and their families. For more information on this event click here.

Our mission remains the same and that is caring for our Veterans.