November started with the Veterans Day ceremony at the Inver Grove Heights Armory which continues to be our state’s official location in honoring our Veterans. In addition to that ceremony, my wife and I were also able to attend the ceremony over at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Again, there is something special being surrounded by Veterans at the Home. The service they have provided this nation is special. The generations are changing with the passing of the World War II generation.  

The activity at the Capitol and here at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has been quite active. As we prepare for the change in administrations at the Governor level we don’t anticipate overly significant changes for new leadership. Governor-Elect Tim Walz will come to us after his years at the national level and most specifically, with his service on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

We are also in the process of finalizing our Annual Report which will be presented to the legislature when they reconvene in January. Of note, as an example, we have had over 5,800 applications for financial assistance this past year. This assistance includes special needs, dental and optical care, subsistence assistance and Veteran education. It is the goal of this fund to provide in-need Veterans and their dependents with assistance. 

Another service provided is what I refer to as “below the radar screen” which is our nationally recognized CORE program.  MN CORE, a program that just celebrated 10 years of assisting individuals and families, helps with counseling, financial, and debt management assistance. It is offered in partnership with the Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota and is available to Veterans and their families in eleven different locations across Minnesota.

We, as an agency, are preparing for our new administration and feel very comfortable that we will be able to demonstrate our stewardship in caring for Veterans and continue the work that the Department has given to our Veterans over the years. And, as always, thank you for the deeds and acts of kindness you do in caring for our Veterans!