Happy Holidays to you and yours! I hope this season brings time for you to gather with loved ones, enjoy some rest and relaxation, and look forward to the coming year.

Later this month, I will have the opportunity to reflect on the past year during an interview on Minnesota Military Radio where I will be joined by Governor Tim Walz. Governor Walz, a Veteran himself, is a staunch supporter of our Veteran community and an advocate for ensuring that our Veterans receive the care and support they have earned.

One of the biggest accomplishments of the last year was the successful passing – for the second year in a row – of the Veterans and Military Affairs Omnibus Bill. This legislation consolidated a number of Veteran funding requests that included:

• Expanded eligibility for the Post-9/11 Service Bonus
• Increased benefits under the Minnesota GI Bill that supports education
• Support for ongoing efforts to end Veteran homelessness
• Ability to maintain current levels of service at the Minnesota Veterans Homes and State Veterans Cemeteries
• Funding the State’s share of the cost for predesign, design, demolition and construction of the Hastings Veterans Home campus

After years of advocacy, planning and construction, MDVA completed four major construction projects:

• The Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery was dedicated in August when the first interments were held.
• Three new Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston completed construction and prepared to admit Residents in January.

I’m proud that the MDVA team was able to balance these major projects with our ongoing mission of serving Minnesota Veterans and their families and ensuring these receive the benefits they have earned.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we are strengthening our efforts to prevent Veteran suicide through partnerships and expect to celebrate another milestone in ending Veteran homelessness in early 2024.

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!