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Desk of the Commissioner - November

Commissioner Lindsay

During this season of Thanksgiving, many Veterans may hear “Thank you for your service.” Those words are often expressed on Veterans Day, November 11.

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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Veterans Day is Nov. 11: Let’s Celebrate Our Heroes

from Yesterday, Today and Always

Veterans Day Flyer

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is proud to host the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the National Guard Armory in Mankato.

The day will begin with a free community breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the official program from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Attendees are also welcomed to stay for a 90-minute World War II documentary screening hosted by the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum. The event is free and open to the public.

For the first time, the state’s hosted event is moving outside of the Twin Cities—landing in Mankato where many Veterans call home. This marks the beginning of a statewide rotation, giving more communities the chance to host this meaningful celebration in the years ahead. This year’s gathering is expected to welcome 300 to 400 Veterans, their families and supporters for a day of honor and reflection.

 

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Veterans Cemetery Provides Decorated General

with Final Resting Place Near Family

Maj. Gen. Norris

Most U.S. generals and senior military leaders are buried at Arlington National Cemetery or other national cemeteries across the country. So, how did Maj. Gen. William C. Norris—who was born in New York, was never stationed in this area of the United States and was, in fact, spending his retirement years in Florida—come to be laid to rest in the Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery?

The answer is simple. His daughter, Kathleen (Kate) Norris Tucker of Spicer, Minnesota, wanted her father to be closer to her home so the family could visit regularly to recall their special times together.

 

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Two Minnesota War Heroes Who Died Far from

Home Honored This Fall

Gresens and Bianchi

The remains of two highly decorated U.S. Army service members were recognized in September for their actions and sacrifices.

According to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Rosslyn Gresens, 22, killed during the Korean War, were interred at his final resting place Sept. 19 at the Macville Cemetery in Hill City, Minnesota.

This Sept. 19 – the Pentagon’s annual POW/MIA Recognition Day – the U.S. Defense Secretary identified the remains of Minnesotan, U.S. Army Capt. Willibald Bianchi. Bianchi was a Medal of Honor recipient who was declared missing in 1945. He received the Medal of Honor in 1942 for his heroic actions in Bataan, during which he sustained significant wounds. He returned to the battlefield, later becoming a prisoner of war and caring for fellow soldiers during the Bataan Death March. He was killed in 1945 aboard a Japanese POW “hell ship,” and his remains were not recovered at that time.

 

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November Holds Meaning for Tribal Veterans

Service Officers

Native American Heritage Month

November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, so all can celebrate the history, rich cultures and vast contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians across what is now known as the United States.

Minnesota, or Mni Sóta Makọce, is located on the ancestral and contemporary lands that have been called home by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. Today, 11 sovereign Tribal Nations share geography with Minnesota – four Dakota and seven Ojibwe. Minnesota is also home to robust and resilient urban Indigenous communities made up of citizens and descendants from Tribal Nations.

 

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MDVA Welcomes New Assistant Commissioner - Healthcare

Diane Lynch-deCombhs

Diane Lynch-deCombhs has joined the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) in a new position of Assistant Commissioner - Healthcare Division effective Nov. 3.

Diane is a seasoned healthcare operations leader with more than 20 years of experience. She is deeply committed to serving Veterans and ensuring high-quality, person-centered care. Most recently, Diane held the role of Division Administrator of Veterans Homes for the State of Wisconsin where she oversaw multiple campuses driving transformational change and promoting a strong culture of quality and accountability.

 

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Fergus Falls Veterans Home Welcomes

New Administrator

Kalie Crayton

Kalie Crayton joined the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as the new Administrator for the Fergus Falls Veterans Home on Oct. 27, 2025.

Kalie is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Licensed Health Services Executive (LHSE). She most recently provided Interim Administrator and Executive Director coverage and consulting services for long-term care facilities in multiple states. Kalie supports organizations to achieve goals, improve Resident care, monitor regulatory requirements and improve performance.

 

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Community Support Enhances Veterans Experience

Donate

Minnesotans have a reputation for supporting many causes and organizations, and the Veterans of our state enjoy the benefits of a caring and generous community.

The Minnesota Veterans Homes are honored to receive support through volunteerism, activities and events, supplies and monetary donations that all enhance the experience of our Veteran Residents and spouses. The four State Veterans Cemeteries also receive donations from both individuals and Veterans Service Organizations. And special initiatives such as ending Veteran homelessness or preventing Veteran suicide are also recipients of community support.

 

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MDVA is Hiring

MDVA now hiring

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 [ [link removed] ] 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 [ [link removed] ] and click Current Jobs.




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