After several years of working to recognize and provide limited benefits to Minnesotans who served with Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) or other irregular forces in the Secret War in Laos, the Minnesota Legislature passed an SGU bill, and the Governor signed it into law during the 2026 session.

The new law establishes the eligibility determination process for SGU Veterans and lays out specific benefits following verification.

“We are honored to recognize the service of those who supported the United States during the Vietnam War,” says Ben Johnson, Deputy Commissioner of Programs and Services at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and co-chair of the state’s SGU Task Force. “Now, we will begin the process of helping Minnesotans determine their eligibility and connecting them with the benefits they have earned.”

Verified Veterans with certificates of eligibility issued by MDVA may receive a limited number of State benefits:

• SGU Veteran designation on Minnesota drivers’ license and Minnesota ID cards.
• Honor Guards from Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service Organizations can be reimbursed by MDVA for providing services at the funeral of a deceased Veteran.
• Burial privileges at State Veterans Cemeteries if verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as eligible for burial.
• Eligibility to request a permanent Veterans grave marker through County Veterans Service Offices or Veterans Service Organizations, provided by MDVA as funds are available.
• Veterans Preference provides Veteran job applicants a limited preference in hiring and promotion for public employment jobs. Permissive preference is available to non-public jobs.
• Copies of vital records, in some cases, provided without charge to any Veteran, surviving spouse or next of kin.

SGU Veterans and their families are encouraged to connect with MDVA or their County Veteran Services Officer. These groups are best able to help apply for the new benefits.

To learn more about who is eligible and how a Veteran can receive a certificate or eligibility, please visit MDVA’s Veterans of the Secret War in Laos web page.

/mdva/assets/2026-07-7-sgu_tcm1066-758668.jpg