Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes will again benefit from a generous $80,000 donation from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. This marks the fourth consecutive year the post has contributed this significant level of support, providing $10,000 to each Home in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston and Silver Bay.

Leadership from both the VFW and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) came together for the donation presentation during the VFW Midwinter Conference in January.

/mdva/assets/2026-hutchinson-vfw-donation_tcm1066-724413.jpg

Each Home decides how the funds will be used to improve quality of life for the Veterans who live in the Homes. For example, a Home can develop or enhance activities and programming, purchase new equipment or install memorials.

“We know these funds will go a long way to support the overall health and well-being of our Veterans,” says VFW Minnesota State Commander Ed Koegh. “The Hutchinson VFW Post 906 has been an outstanding supporter of our Minnesota Veterans Homes and VA hospitals for several years. Their generosity has greatly improved the lives of our Minnesota Veterans at these wonderful facilities, and they are a prime example of Veterans supporting Veterans.”

Post 906 Gambling Manager Doug Johnson and Assistant Charitable Gambling Manager Jerry Tews have led fundraising initiatives for many years through support by the local community and gambling activities. For the past four years, they have been committed to raising and directing this size of funds to the Homes and hospitals where they believe they’re needed most.

“As long as people keep coming in and supporting our post, we’ll keep supporting our Veterans this way,” says Mike Barry, Hutchinson VFW Post commander. He knows it’s the local community connection to the VFW that is key to their successful fundraising efforts. “We’re one of the largest donors to Veterans at this amount and I’m proud that we can give this much money away. It makes me happy.”

“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.”

MDVA extends its gratitude to the Department of Minnesota VFW and Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson. Their commitment and collaboration are essential to MDVA’s mission of supporting and serving those who have served.

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, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.