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 third year in a row that a donation at this significant level specifically was provided to our eight State Veterans Homes located in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay; each Home will receive $10,000.

We were pleased to have leadership from both the VFW and MDVA onsite for the presentation and to be able to extend our gratitude and remarks during the VFW Midwinter Conference on Jan.10, 2025.

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Funding will be used to:

1. Create a memorial wall on the grounds of the three newest Minnesota Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston where current and future Residents will be recognized,
2. Develop and deliver new Resident activities and enhance existing programming, or
3. 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, but we know these funds will go a long way to support the overall health and wellbeing of our Residents.

VFW State Commander David Staehlin shared that supporting the Minnesota Veterans Homes is an integral part of the VFW’s mission, and that their commitment--specifically from Post 906--is unprecedented. Commander Staehlin expressed sincere appreciation to the Post as well as to the team representing our Homes for their exceptional efforts.

Post 906 Gambling Manager Doug Johnson and Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Jerry Tews have led fundraising activities for many years; however, in the past three years, they were able to ensure consistent support was provided to the Minnesota Veterans Homes. A special acknowledgment to Tews, who has extended his substantial support to the MDVA mission; we deeply appreciate his care and attention to our Homes and Residents.

“Our Homes are dedicated to making sure Veterans truly feel at home,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “A donation of this size is essential in helping to ensure our heroes are provided the best in recreational programming and quality services, an enhanced physical environment and improved daily experiences with their fellow Veterans.”

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 supporting and serving those who have served.

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.