1/15/2025 10:30:00 AM
After more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction, three new State Veterans Homes opened their doors one year ago. Located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, the three Homes continue to receive strong support from their local communities during this first year.
Dedication events were held in late spring/early summer 2024 to celebrate the openings with hundreds of attendees taking tours and furthering their engagement with the Homes. Since then, the Homes’ Residents have enjoyed an outpouring of community support through donations, volunteers, sponsored activities and special events.
“Living here has been a great experience. I’ve made some wonderful friends and built strong relationships with good buddies. The staff is top-notch, and their support has made a big difference.”
– Bill Homan, Montevideo Veterans Home First Resident and WWII-era Army Veteran
“I moved here because I knew I would have something in common with everyone who lives here. I enjoy meeting new Veterans and playing 500 (Rummy) with my friends here.”
– Walt Hanson, Preston Veterans Home First Resident and Korean War-era Veteran
“My favorite place is the therapy gym. I love to go down and exercise. We listen to music in the gym and visit with other Veterans. It is just a wonderful place to live.”
– Jim Larson, Bemidji Veterans Home First Resident and Korean War and Vietnam War-era Air Force Veteran
“The Bemidji Veterans Home has incredible care, standards, and exceptional staff commitment…Our Veterans get the top of the line, excellent care that they deserve…My favorite part of my job is the Veterans; they're each so special and getting to know everyone has been incredible. They each have their own story. The camaraderie between the Veterans is truly sacred and almost unbelievable. It is an honor to witness.”
– Annmarie Vold, Certified Nursing Assistant, Bemidji Veterans Home
“I chose to apply at the Veterans Home because I wanted to give back to the Veterans who gave everything for our country. I stay because it is a privilege to be able to take care of them and their families; this has become my second home…My favorite thing about the Veterans Home is all the amazing opportunities they have to offer to the Residents, such as fishing, fall color drives, bowling, going to State parks and every Resident getting their own birthday cake and party.”
– Rachel Vigen, Certified Nursing Assistant, Bemidji Veterans Home
“I have made countless memories with the Veterans and my coworkers. It truly feels like everyone is family.”
– Amanda Tell, Health Information Specialist, Montevideo Veterans Home
“The guys that live here are so special and I am grateful to have a role where I get to spend so much time with them and get to know them and their families. I love being a part of being able to improve their quality of life.”
– Jordan Bornhorst, Physical Therapist/Rehab Coordinator, Montevideo Veterans Home
“It’s unlike any other long-term care facility that I have entered. We don’t refer to it as a facility. It’s truly a home…I love the team atmosphere and the culture we create.”
– Gabby Kinneberg, Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, Preston Veterans Home
“Favorite thing about the Home? The Residents! The staff is very dedicated. And the facility and grounds are beautiful!”
– Meg Sovers, RN, Preston Veterans Home
MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare Eric Meittunen sums it up: “We work together in order to help one another and achieve our mission to serve those who have served, their families and our communities.”
Check out a video tour of each of Minnesota's new Veterans Homes:
