https://mn.gov/ en-us https://mn.gov/ https://mn.gov/ 2026-05-07T14:15:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-746330 Lisa Frey-Tykward has been named as the new Administrator for the Silver Bay Veterans Home effective April 8. Lisa is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) with experience managing and improving healthcare facilities across the Twin Cities, South Dakota, North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Her leadership includes oversight of a variety of settings, from a 140-bed nursing home to comprehensive senior living campuses featuring 65-bed and 58-bed nursing homes, multiple assisted living residences and independent living options. Throughout her career, Lisa has specialized in performance improvement initiatives, consistently focusing on enhancing both staff satisfaction and the Resident experience to achieve and exceed operational goals. 2026-05-07T14:00:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-746328 During a week of advocacy for older adult services led by LeadingAge Minnesota, four Residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes were selected to participate in an art exhibit held at the State Capitol. The third annual event held in early May featured over 80 pieces created by older adults from across Minnesota. “The exhibit served as a moving reminder of who advocacy efforts ultimately serve, adding a personal and creative dimension to the day,” shared Ben Hansen, LeadingAge Minnesota Communications Director. “This art display is a great way to demonstrate to legislators that our members are serving tens of thousands of older adults who are living with dignity and purpose every day.” 2026-05-07T13:00:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-746323 Ardell Johnson could easily be called a man of the world. Between his military service and professional career assignments, Ardell has traveled to, and lived or served in, more than a dozen states nationwide as well as Puerto Rico, Guam and the Marshall Islands in Micronesia. At age 92, where is he choosing to spend his golden years? The Minnesota Veterans Homes - Bemidji. 2026-05-05T14:00:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-745826 Minnesota continues to lose approximately 100 Veterans each year to suicide. Behind every number is a family, a community and a life defined by service. Together, for more than seven years, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has remained steadfast in its commitment to preventing Veteran suicide risk across our state. MDVA has built strong partnerships with numerous Veteran advocates and organizations, delivered hundreds of suicide prevention trainings, distributed thousands of gunlocks, and advanced strategies to improve Veteran mental health and reduce suicide risk. 2026-05-05T13:00:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-745804 The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We celebrate our diverse Asian community that represents a long history in our state and brings a cultural richness that includes dozens of different nationalities. Three MDVA team members talked about the significance of this month in their lives. 2026-05-04T14:30:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-745692 Sarah is a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard, serving as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. She had recently been laid off from her civilian job and was unemployed when she attended last year’s Veterans Career Fair. “I remember walking into the event feeling both excited and nervous. I knew it was a large event based on the number of participating organizations on the flyer, but I don’t think I was fully prepared for just how many employers were present,” said Sarah about her experience at the 2025 Veterans Career Fair. “It was incredible to have so many positive interactions with employers who were genuinely interested in learning about me, my background and my experiences—both in the military and in my civilian career.” 2026-05-04T14:00:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-745688 Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the start of summer in Minnesota. However, Memorial Day has its true origins honoring the men and women who died while in military service. Minnesota’s four State Veterans Cemeteries will commemorate those who gave all for their country. These programs are always a meaningful way to remember those who have served our country and sacrificed so much. 2026-05-04T13:00:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-745672 The following words are from the memorial service printed program for Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, who after 80 years, on May 2, 2026, was finally interred at the New Ulm Cemetery in his hometown of New Ulm, Minnesota. Bianchi's remains, along with those of 430 other Americans, were buried as “unknowns” at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, until his remains were positively identified through DNA analysis in August 2025. This is a somber reminder of the cost of war. I was honored to attend Bianchi’s memorial event in April and shared a proclamation from Governor Tim Walz that declared May 2, 2026, as “Captain Willibald C. Bianchi Day” in Minnesota. 2026-04-08T14:45:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-739447 Lanesboro, Minnesota, is often referred to as the "Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota" and “One of the 20 Best Cities in America to Visit.” But Residents at Minnesota Veterans Homes - Preston talk about Lanesboro as the home of the local American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), Post 40, a group who consistently volunteers their time and talent to ensure that Veterans are supported in many ways. They typically stop by on a monthly basis, and sometimes even more often depending on the number of scheduled activities that might benefit from volunteer participation. The group has been showing up since shortly after the Home opened for admissions in January 2024. As of March 2026, they have donated nearly 300 volunteer hours! 2026-04-08T14:15:00Z https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/index.jsp?id=1066-739445 Dorothy Aho loves to volunteer! She’s been a part of the fabric of Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis for almost 20 years, caring for and supporting Veteran Residents in countless ways. Since July 2006, she has volunteered over 5,000 hours of compassion, talent and energy serving those who have served. Currently, Dorothy spends her time volunteering for a weekly shift escorting Residents to the fitness gym. She also volunteers regularly with the very full Recreation Therapy activity schedule including bingo, special meals, musical performances, Veterans Day and Memorial Day programs, the annual Fishing Opener, the State Fair on-site event, holiday parties, shopping trips and community outings. The Home’s team members appreciate that they can contact Dorothy at the last minute to assist with Resident needs.