During this season of Thanksgiving, many Veterans may hear “Thank you for your service.” Those words were certainly expressed numerous times during our official State of Minnesota Veterans Day event held Monday, Nov. 11 at the National Guard Ben Franklin Readiness Center in Arden Hills.

While we may appreciate the kind words, I don’t think most of us joined the military to be thanked. We felt a calling to serve. It may have been a family tradition, a chance to learn a trade or prepare for a career, or simply an opportunity to change our lives – for the better in most cases. Our service is most certainly life changing.

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Eva Mae Cleator is 104 years old and has chased adventure for most of her life.

Born Oct. 26, 1920 in Worthington, Minnesota, Eva Mae Wellhausen graduated from Anoka High School in 1938. Growing up in “the little town of Anoka, I hadn’t experienced very much,” she said.

In the summer of 1943 at age 23, Eva Mae sought adventure and headed to Minneapolis with a friend to apply for jobs in Alaska. Instead of waiting for job interviews, the friends headed into a Marine Corps recruiting office. Thinking of the recruiters’ reaction, she says, “They were a little surprised to see us, but they were very cordial and accommodating.”

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Veteran Claims Advocate Jennifer Shumaker might be relatively new to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, but she isn’t new to speaking up for women Veterans and service members. The prestigious Minnesota Women’s Press recently talked to Jennifer about her life’s work to serve Veterans, women and anyone who needs help.

Take a moment learn more about Jennifer and her work by reading “Building Trust: The People Who Try to Help Veterans Access Benefits,” in the November issue of Minnesota Women’s Press.

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The campus at Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis is the largest in the state, with several buildings. A popular and convenient way for team members to move between buildings is by tunnel. While speed and climate control are perks to the tunnel, it’s devoid of natural light and felt somewhat drab.

Just one way to support employee well-being, a new mural was unveiled in the tunnel on Oct. 22 by local artist, Jendayi Berry. The vibrant, floor-to-ceiling mural:

• Captures how team members connect to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) mission and vision
• Reflects the unique diversity of the team on the Minneapolis campus
• Brings life and color to a space that’s used regularly by employees
• Sparked positivity and conversation as it was being created — staff members saw the artist working on it daily

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Hundreds gathered in Arden Hills Monday, Nov. 11 for the Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Ceremony. At a new location this year, the message was one of gratitude, progress and unity. Elected leaders focused on Minnesota’s dedication to its Veterans through priorities such as healthcare, housing, education and support while highlighting progress like ending Veteran homelessness in Hennepin County and opening three new Veterans Homes in one year.

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National recognition has been awarded to several Minnesota Veterans Homes! During the last month, both Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report magazines have announced “America’s Best Nursing Homes” for 2025. And Minnesota Veterans Homes were on the list:

• The Fergus Falls Veterans Home was named a “Best Nursing Home” for the third year in a row by U.S. News & World Report
• The Luverne Veterans Home was recognized by both publications
• The Minneapolis Veterans Home was recognized by both publications

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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.