As we enter the all elusive Minnesota summer season, there’s been a number of activities that have occurred. Most recently, I had the opportunity to be the Memorial Day speaker in Pelican Rapids. This was special for me because when I was a young lad, I spent summer ‘vacations’ in the Pelican Rapids area. The Memorial Day ceremony was well attended and I got reacquainted with a number of people from my early childhood years. Thank you Pelican Rapids Veterans for a job well done!

When I returned to the cities I had the opportunity to meet with some of Minnesota’s Korean War Veterans as they were assisting a Korean writer/researcher who was traveling the country. Her goal was to visit all of the memorials dedicated to those who served in the Korean War.  Her visit also brought back memories of the war. Theirs was a generation who gave much for this country yet were never given the recognition they so richly deserved. If you know a Korean War Veteran be sure to thank them for their service also!

There has also been a number of things happening that reflect well on MDVA.  Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services Brad Lindsay and his team just received another prestigious recognition. Ben Wilson and Paul Williams, members of our staff, accepted the Outstanding Member Award at the annual National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) Conference in Washington, D.C.  This national award recognizes the work our agency has been doing in ending homelessness for our Veterans. Thank you to our entire team who is helping care for our Veterans.

June has also been designated as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. While PTSD has been associated with Veterans who’ve experienced combat stress, I believe it is not an issue unique to the military. People from all walks of life have memories that can remain for many years. When it comes to military stresses and traumatic events, however, there are number of programs set up to help Veterans. Call 1-888-LinkVet for more information on how to connect with help. 

And finally, with Minnesota now in the summer season, I encourage you to get out and enjoy the beautiful summer days of Minnesota. In all my travels, most people associate Minnesota with snow and cold weather. But if they were to experience the summer of Minnesota they would understand why we love this state so much. Just be sure to use a lot of suntan (or is it ‘mosquito’) lotion!