The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, MN. This is the second year in a row that the donation specifically was provided to our eight State Veterans Homes; each location will receive $10,000.

VFW State Commander Dan Meyer; Charles McLaughlin Post 906 Commander Colby Mickolichek; Post 906 Charitable Gambling Manager Doug Johnson; and Post 906 Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Jerry Tews presented the checks to MDVA senior leadership and Homes’ Public Affairs Coordinators at the VFW Midwinter Conference on Jan. 12.

Funding will be used to:

1. Develop and deliver new Resident activities and enhance existing programming, or
2. Purchase equipment designed to elevate Residents’ quality of life. Each Home will determine how to apply the funds to best serve their respective Veterans’ needs.

Post 906 Commander Mickolichek shared that this donation reflects the VFW’s commitment to preserve and strengthen comradeship. “Our Veterans have served and sacrificed; now, those living in our skilled nursing care Homes deserve to enjoy a fulfilling, welcoming environment every day. Post 906 in Hutchinson is blessed to be able to go above and beyond in assisting our Veterans statewide with these donations. Our senior Veterans have done so much for our country, our state, and our local communities and it is our honor and privilege to help them in return.”

State Commander Meyer noted that the purpose of the VFW is to take care of all Veterans in Minnesota. “Post 906 has the ability to help Veterans and does so proudly. All of our VFW posts are nonprofit and use their money wisely to support Veterans.”

“A gift of this magnitude could not be accomplished without the generosity of patrons who visit the Post and support our charitable gambling activities; the efforts of our staff who serve at our events, including meat raffles, sport boards, and bingo; and citizens of McLeod County and surrounding areas,” said Charitable Gambling Manager Johnson. “Thank you to everyone for helping make this donation a reality.”

Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Tews shared that the community’s participation level has exceeded all expectations. “Since the end of the pandemic, we’re seeing a significant increase in contribution activities. And what better place to give those funds than our Veterans?” Note: In addition to the $80,000 donation given to the eight State Veterans Homes, Post 906 also donated $10,000 each to the VA Healthcare Systems in St. Cloud, MN and Sioux Falls, SD.

MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay noted the significant positive impact this contribution will have on Minnesota State Veterans Homes. “Our Homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care to our nation’s heroes. A donation of this size for the second time in a row is remarkably generous and very helpful in helping to bolster the daily quality of life for these heroes. Whether it means being able to deliver expanded quality programming or add to the Homes’ pleasing, peaceful surroundings, the end result will be an improved experience for Veteran Residents and their families.”

Once again, MDVA extends its gratitude to the Department of Minnesota VFW and Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. Your commitment and collaboration are essential to our mission of serving those who have served.