Did you know when you buy the “Support Our Troops” (SOT) License Plate, you are helping Minnesota Veterans and their families?

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) distributes funds raised by the sale of SOT license plates to numerous organizations that support Minnesota Veterans and their families. Learn more about the SOT grant program on our MDVA website .

The Carver County Veterans’ Council County Veteran Assistance Program (CVAP) was awarded a $4,950 SOT/Fast-track grant to host a “Resilience and Strength Summit” for Veterans and their families in 2021. The Summit featured guest speaker Jack Zimmerman and a presentation by Paula Newinski, MDVA Suicide Prevention Coordinator, who shared local suicide data, MDVA’s outreach efforts including the “Governor’s Challenge Project” and other resources to help raise suicide awareness.

Jack Zimmerman’s Story
Jack was raised in a small town in Minnesota, joined the U.S. Army and became an Airborne Infantryman. He deployed in 2010 with the legendary 101st Airborne Division. After spending nine months in heavy combat, Zimmerman, while on a foot patrol, stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and suffered catastrophic injuries. As he lay there, his own life flashed before his eyes while the platoon medic and teammates worked to save him, and the rest of his team engaged the enemy. Zimmerman was not expected to survive that day, but 20 surgeries and two years later, he left the San Antonio Military Medical Center and medically retired from the U.S. Army. Back home, his friends, family and community rallied around him to offer their support. Zimmerman tackled many hurdles in his first months home and struggled to find his purpose after leaving the military. Through many opportunities to serve, both personally and professionally, Zimmerman found his passion in speaking to others and inspiring through his unique and valued perspective. Today, Zimmerman is a devoted husband and father and is a strong part of his community.

Veterans Testimonials
"Thank you very much for hosting the Strength and Resilience Summit for the Carver County vets and their families. The program and dinner were excellent (many thanks to the sponsors), and Jack Zimmerman’s message was both captivating and inspirational. I wish my children and teenage grandchildren would have been there to hear his message. Thanks again to everyone who helped to put on the summit!”

“First and foremost, thank you for the invitation. I enjoyed the evening. Jack Zimmerman had a great message for us and a perfect example for us to follow. His experiences even though tragic were so interesting to hear. His positive inspiration is over the moon and a great example for us all. Also, the conversations I had with fellow veterans and the meal were great.”

“The program was great, and I appreciate you putting on the event. I feel better because of it.”

For more information about Carver County Veterans’ Council, visit their website.

For more information about purchasing a SOT license plate, visit our MDVA website.