The great Minnesota get-together is almost here and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will be there.

Our state is home to almost 300,000 Veterans and thousands more family members. The Minnesota State Fair provides an opportunity to connect with many of you.

Through your military service, Minnesota Veterans have earned many federal and state benefits. Sometimes, the only benefit used by a Veteran is their right to be interred at a Veterans Cemetery. MDVA strives to inform and educate all Minnesota Veterans and their families about the many programs and services at their disposal.

And this year, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Military leaving Vietnam, the State Fair is paying special recognition to Vietnam-era Veterans on Tuesday, August 29, State Fair Military Appreciation Day. That day will include a morning program of appreciation held at 10 a.m. at the Leinie Lodge, followed by a march to Dan Patch Park where numerous organizations will be on hand to support all Veterans and their families. Booths will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include MDVA, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Beyond The Yellow Ribbon, Veterans Resilience Project, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and many more.

MDVA will also staff a booth throughout the 12 days of the State Fair in the Education Building daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

We hope to see you at the Fair!

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!