As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we’ve learned the importance of supporting one another through partnerships and relationships. MDVA alone cannot serve Minnesota Veterans. It is through our connections with others that together we can ensure Minnesota Veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned.

MDVA leaders recently met with one of our strongest partners, the Minnesota Commanders Task Force (CTF). The CTF is comprised of the leaders from the nine congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organizations in Minnesota:

• American Legion
• AMVETS
• Disabled American Veterans
• Jewish War Veterans
• Marine Corps League
• Military Order of the Purple Heart
• Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Vietnam Veterans of America

At the annual Leadership Summit, MDVA leaders had an opportunity to brief the CTF on the agency’s operations and priorities for the coming year. The CTF plays a vital role in sharing MDVA news and information with their respective organizations’ members. Most CTF member organizations have numerous chapters that create strong connections in their local communities. MDVA relies on the CTF to cascade updates to thousands of Veterans across the state.

Governor Tim Walz kicked off the Leadership Summit with a recorded greeting, echoing the importance of partnership among Minnesota’s military and Veteran communities. “As a 24-year Veteran of the Minnesota National Guard, I know the only way we face great challenges is together,” Walz said. “We have a duty as a state to better serve the people who choose to serve their country.”

During the two-day meeting, we discussed many issues facing Veterans including the passage of the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, ending Veteran homelessness and preventing Veteran suicide. As the Governor noted in his remarks: “We face some great challenges. Every effort is only moving forward because of people working together.”

MDVA was joined at the Leadership Summit by a number of other partners including:

• Veterans Benefits Administration St. Paul Regional Office
• VISN-23
• Minneapolis and St. Cloud VA Health Care Systems
• Minnesota Military Radio
• Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers
• Minnesota Military Museum
• Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)
• Minnesota Congressional Delegation representatives
• Minnesota Legislature Veterans Affairs Committees leaders
• Minnesota United Veterans Legislative Council (UVLC)

Thanks to the participation and engagement of all these partners, I have renewed confidence in the ability of MDVA to serve Minnesota’s 300,000+ Veterans in the years ahead.

As always, if you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service!