Expanding our Reach

While the total number of Veterans in Minnesota has declined over the last 10 years, the needs of our Veterans has increased.

Veterans are aging, and while World War II Veterans are now among the smallest group, Korean and Vietnam War-era Veterans in their 70s and 80s are the largest group of Veterans in the state. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) anticipated this. In response, we built, opened and recently dedicated three new State Veterans Homes to provide skilled nursing care for almost 200 more elderly Veterans. The long waiting lists validate the need for this service across the state.

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June and July have been busy, eventful months for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Hundreds of guests turned out to celebrate the public dedication ceremonies of new Veterans Homes in Preston (June 27) and Bemidji (July 1).

Both events were overflowing with devoted community members, Veterans Service Organizations and advocates, business, civic and tribal leaders, volunteers and donors who worked tirelessly for more than a decade to secure funding for Veterans Homes that would serve those who served our country.

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For the 18th year, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls helped to shine a light on Independence Day by hosting a Stars and Stripes parade the weekend before the Fourth of July.

Cooler temperatures, cloudy skies and intermittent mist did not dampen the spirits of more than 125 individuals who attended the patriotic event on Saturday, June 29.

Guests enjoyed watching 41 entries travel the parade route, including businesses and organizations driving Kor-Kar Birak Shrine Indy cars, a Minnesota Army National Guard Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV, which replaced the Humvee), nine classic/muscle cars and one Ford Model A, plus people with their pets and one bottle calf named Bruce. Nearly two dozen volunteers helped to ensure that Residents and their families, as well as community members, had a memorable experience.

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On July 1, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay hosted its 31st annual Charter Fishing Trip on Lake Superior. After a wet and stormy week, Silver Bay Veterans Home participants had the perfect window to be on the lake: it was sunny and calm all day.

Nine boats transported 17 Residents for a four-hour trip that hooked a total of 41 fish. Participants enjoyed a food truck lunch donated by BoB-a-Q of Two Harbors, then savored the fruits of their labor during a July 2 fish fry at the Home.

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As their dedication ceremonies were completed over the past month, the three new Minnesota Veterans Homes also accomplished another significant milestone: passing their VA Recognition Surveys!

The skilled nursing facilities, located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, opened earlier this year but were limited to 20 Residents each until they passed these inspections or surveys conducted by the Federal VA. Successfully passing these surveys allows the Homes to begin collecting Federal VA per diem and to admit more Residents, as we work to recruit additional staff.

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Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. Sign-up to receive our monthly jobs bulletin.

We proudly offer competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.

To learn more and to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers and click Current Jobs.