This April is turning out to be a welcome relief from the cold winter weather. In my neighborhood, it's also seeing a number of snowbirds returning from their winter hiatus to the southern states.

April is also the Month of the Military Child. While the title is seemingly innocent, we all need to pause and reflect on the impact deployments have had on the children as well as all members of the military family. During the heavy days of deploying Minnesota troops all across the world, I made a point of visiting local communities and four 'centers of influence' that I felt could help make deployments easier on the families. These four included the clergy, schools, employers, and the community as a whole. The Month of the Military Child focuses on the youth. In Minnesota, without large military bases, I found that the military child was an exception rather than a rule in the classroom. We also found out, that some kids were being teased because of the parents' deployment. Fortunately, through our visits, we had the opportunity to speak with key decision-makers who strongly emphasized the importance of ensuring that the sons and daughters of our military were treated with respect and support. When a parent is deployed, the entire family is deployed. Don't just thank the Veteran, thank their family also.

Another event that occurred recently was the reopening of the Vietnam Veterans of America Office at the Whipple Building in St. Paul. This office works with other Veterans Service Organizations and MDVA's Claims Division to ensure that all Veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned through their service. As a Vietnam Veteran myself, I was very pleased to see how young and vibrant we all continue to look after these many years. But like all Veterans of all eras each and every one of us carry the memories of what became one of the most significant emotional events of our lifetimes. I'm extremely proud of Minnesota and its support of our Veterans. What we seemingly expect to be the norm is not necessarily so in other states.

And finally, as I look out my office window I see trees with leaves opening up, plants starting to pop out of the winter's crust to begin their bloom, and the lack of snow and ice on the roads. As an old Minnesota saying emphasizes - make sure you take time to enjoy the summer weather - all three days of it.

Thank you for your service and your support!