June and July have been busy, eventful months for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Hundreds of guests turned out to celebrate the public dedication ceremonies of new Veterans Homes in Preston (June 27) and Bemidji (July 1).

Both events were overflowing with devoted community members, Veterans Service Organizations and advocates, business, civic and tribal leaders, volunteers and donors who worked tirelessly for more than a decade to secure funding for Veterans Homes that would serve those who served our country.

The ceremonies included presenters and program features that reflected each Home. Tours were offered so that guests could experience and appreciate the commitment to using design elements and natural materials reflecting the unique resources available from respective local areas. Live music and refreshments added a fun feeling to the festivities.

Federal, State, and Local elected officials – along with MDVA leaders and key community stakeholders – united to honor the sacrifices that Veterans and their families have made over the course of their lives to our nation. In-person speakers and performers included:

Preston

• Gov. Tim Walz
• Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller
• Minnesota State Representative Greg Davids
• Preston Mayor Pro Tempore Charles Sparks
• MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay
• MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare Eric Meittunen
• Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston Administrator David Dunn
• Department of Administration Commissioner Tamar Gronvall
• Preston Veterans Home Committee Co-chairs Don Gildner and Ron Scheevel
• Rev. Mark Woodward
• Donor Carter Keim
• Veteran Dave Wissing
• Spring Valley Color Guard, Fillmore County Central Choir Men’s Ensemble, Chatfield Brass Band and the Minnesota Patriot Guard

Bemidji

• Gov. Tim Walz
• U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
• U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber
• Former Minnesota State Representative Bob Dettmer
• Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince
• MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay
• MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare Eric Meittunen
• Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji Administrator Kevin Gish
• Department of Administration Commissioner Tamar Gronvall
• Beltrami County Commissioner Richard Anderson
• Beltrami County Veterans Service Officer Shane Gustafson
• Former Beltrami County Commissioner Joe Vene
• Bemidji Veterans Home Committee Member Scotty Allison
• Northern Minnesota Color Guards
• Aazhoomon Singers

“Our Residents deserve the very best,” says Brad Lindsay, Commissioner, MDVA. “The Preston and Bemidji facilities are absolutely beautiful and are the embodiment of our mission to serve Minnesota Veterans and their families. The dream we had to open three new Veterans Homes in the state (including our new Montevideo location) is now a reality.”

Note: If you or someone you know is interested in a career opportunity with any of our Veterans Homes, visit /mdva/about/work-for-mdva/index.jspMinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers.