Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is celebrating Minnesota Veterans Homes Week May 12-18. This annual event honors our dedicated staff who care for Veteran Residents and their families as well as each other. We’re proud to recognize their ongoing efforts to ensure an optimal quality of Residential life and a workplace of choice for all.

Making beautiful memories that bring joy to Residents is what our employees do every day. During Minnesota Veterans Homes Week, our goal will be to further bolster those warm, welcoming settings through a variety of activities, including staff contests, gratitude walls, special meals and treats, dress-up days and giveaways.

“These are just a few ways to say thank you to our employees for consistently showing up to deliver award-winning care and honor our Veterans’ legacies,” said Simone Hogan, Senior Director, Healthcare.

Eric Meittunen, MDVA Deputy Commissioner, Healthcare, noted that, “Our employees take every possible opportunity to make memories with Veterans, be it at mealtime, during onsite activities or community outings, or just sitting and relaxing after a long day. While we are grateful for their commitment 52 weeks a year, during this week in particular, we shine the light on the sense of extended family they create and the way they deliver a safe, respectful environment for our Residents.”

Brad Lindsay, MDVA Commissioner, shared that talented, compassionate employees are essential to serving the needs of state Veterans and their families. “We’re grateful that our team members have found their purpose with us; Minnesota Veterans Homes Week is a great opportunity to say thank you to them for going above and beyond to meet the healthcare needs of our nation's heroes.”

If you’d like to participate in the celebration, follow MDVA’s social media channels to see what is happening on our eight campuses in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay or send a personalized note to these Homes acknowledging employees’ contributions to Residents and their families as well as their communities.