The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is grateful to our more than 1,500 employees who have chosen a career serving those who have served. The month of May offers an opportunity to recognize all of our staff through several special weeks.

The week of May 7, we acknowledged our team during Public Service Recognition Week as proclaimed by Governor Tim Walz who noted: “Public Service Recognition Week honors those who serve as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees…Public servants throughout the state show tremendous dedication working every day to solve challenges and create opportunities for everyone in Minnesota.” MDVA is proud to be among the State agencies serving the citizens of Minnesota.

Nurses are critical members of our teams in the Veterans Homes, and we recognized them May 6 - 12 during Nurses Week.

And we celebrate all of our Veterans Homes’ staff the week of May 14 - 20 during the annual Minnesota Veterans Homes Week. Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967 and known nationally as Skilled Nursing Care Week, this week recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Veterans Homes have continued to be recognized and rewarded both regionally and nationally. The commitment of our staff ensures the highest quality care for our 600 Residents. Check out our quality ratings on our website.

“We offer special thanks to our employees for caring for our 600 Residents and their families in our five – and soon to be eight – State Veterans Homes,” said MDVA Interim Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “From our Administrators to our front-line staff, we know that they all believe that working at the Veterans Homes is truly an honor. The staff takes such pride in their work.”

“The annual Veterans Home Week celebration is an opportunity to recognize our staff for the joy they bring and the sense of extended family they create for our Veteran Residents,” added MDVA Healthcare Division Senior Director Simone Hogan. “Our staff are committed to honoring Minnesota Veterans through compassionate, respectful, high-quality care every day.”