The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recently announced Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe as one of the recipients of the competitive Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. With this $100,000 grant leaders purchased a new handicapped accessible van that will be used to transport Veterans to various US Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. A ceremonial check was presented to leaders of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe by MDVA Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay as they unveiled their new van to the community.

“The van we received from the SOT Grant is invaluable, we are transporting Veterans that we were unable to transport until now with our handicapped accessible van that we were awarded from the MDVA grant,” said Robert Budreau, Executive Director for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. “It makes life easier for our wheel chair bound Veterans, plus we get to connect to another population that we support and serve. A special ‘Thank You’ goes out to MDVA and the SOT Grant Program.”     

“Congratulations to our most recent recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito, MDVA. “And I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.” 

The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of Veterans and their families. Deployments and military service can put a strain on families, finances and health. Purchasing a SOT License plate helps Minnesota military, Veterans and families in many different ways.

To purchase SOT plates, visit your local DMV office or call (651) 4Troops (487-6677). SOT plates are also available from auto dealerships. Be sure to ask about SOT plates when you purchase your next new or used vehicle.

To receive a notice when the next grant cycle opens, to learn more about SOT grants, or how to apply for an SOT grant, visit the MDVA Grants page. View pictures from the check presentation here.