Veterans Service Building
20 West 12th Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
Steven McCarthy, Assistant Communications Director
952-237-4618
Steven.McCarthy@state.mn.us
Anne Sonnee, Communications Director
(651) 263-2640 (Cell)
Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us
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2/5/2025 8:00:00 AM
Media Contact:
Steve McCarthy
952-237-4618
steven.mccarthy@state.mn.us
St. Paul, Minn. – 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 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,” says Bill Homan, Montevideo Veterans Home first Resident and WWII-era Army Veteran. “The staff is top-notch, and their support has made a big difference.”
Eric Meittunen, MDVA Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare says it’s all about serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. “We work together in order to help one another and achieve our mission to serve those who have served, their families and our communities.”
“I moved here because I knew I would have something in common with everyone who lives here," says Walt Hanson, Preston Veterans Home first Resident and Korean War-era Veteran. “I enjoy meeting new Veterans and playing 500 (Rummy) with my friends here.”
“My favorite place is the therapy gym,” Jim Larson exclaims. The Bemidji Veterans Home Resident and Korean War and Vietnam War-era Air Force Veteran adds, “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.”
To see the new Homes, watch these video tours on the MDVA website:
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About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.
