With the state’s legislative body working hard to wrap up the details of this year’s legislative session, I find the agency busy preparing for the unexpected. The two key areas this year which impact our agency have been two-fold. Our major focus this year is on asset preservation. Asset preservation funding is needed to take care of the facilities that we currently have, especially our five Veterans Homes. Like any home, it requires tender loving care to ensure the elements are kept out and is safe for those we care about – our Veterans and their spouses Read more here about a recent visit I made to our Hastings Veterans Home with Admin Commissioner Matt Massman.

Also of note, April was Month for the Military Child in Minnesota. We were pleased to have more than 230 letters requested for children of our service members. It is often been said that we are fortunate to have Minnesota’s men and women volunteer to serve our country but less clear is that we often don’t take time to thank the families. It’s the service member who volunteers; it’s the rest of their family who get drafted. So please continue to thank our service men and women and their families!

In closing, as I was writing my comments, I came upon a listing of Minnesota service members who died overseas. Freedom is not free! Helping others overseas obtain their freedom is not free! So, as we all prepare to enjoy Minnesota’s summer months, please take a moment to embrace your loved ones and thank those who have served our country. Be safe!!