Happy New Year! As 2026 gets underway, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is already working on our priorities for the 2026 Legislative session that will begin on February 17.

2026 is also the final year of our seven-year strategic plan created in 2019 that identifies our four goal areas. Over the years, we have focused our efforts on these strategies:

• Strategic Goal #1: ​Ensure a seamless continuum of support through collaborative relationships at a federal, state and community level that addresses the evolving needs of Veterans and their families.
• Strategic Goal #2: ​Increase Veteran awareness and participation in MDVA healthcare, programs and services.
• Strategic Goal #3: ​Be exemplary stewards of natural resources, financial resources and technology resources to improve our service to Veterans and families.​
• Strategic Goal #4: ​Develop, sustain and retain the quality of our workforce.​

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On Nov. 11, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) hosted the official State Veterans Day event at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Mankato. The event drew between 300-350 Veterans, families, elected officials and community members from the Twin Cities and the greater Mankato area to pay tribute to those who served. The program began with a community breakfast, followed by a formal ceremony featuring remarks from MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay, Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Consul General of Canada Beth Richardson, along with attendance by more than ten state and local officials.

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Who among us hasn’t heard the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive?” For Kevin Renneke, Resident, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Montevideo, it’s more than just a saying. It’s been a way to live each and every day.

This past December, encouraged by a strong holiday spirit, Kevin withdrew twenty $50 bills from his personal bank account, donned an elf hat and other Christmas apparel, traveled to the Walmart Supercenter in Montevideo and gave away $1,000 to surprised—and lucky—shoppers.

The generous effort allowed him to spread kindness in his community; calling this experience something from his own life’s “bucket list” and saying this was exactly how he wanted to spend Christmas, Kevin made the holiday season extra special for local shoppers.

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Two years ago, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) did what no other state has ever done: opened three new Veterans Homes at the same time. Located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, the three Homes have established themselves in their local communities as desired skilled nursing facilities for Veterans and worthwhile recipients of support from volunteers and donors during these first two years.

We have created strong community partnerships with local Veteran Service Organizations such as American Legion posts and VFW posts and others, as well as community organizations such as Chambers of Commerce. Our on-site events attract many local community members who help out and create fun times for the Residents.

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For many Veterans, burial benefits are often the only VA benefit they utilize—making the care of these sacred grounds deeply meaningful for the families and friends who visit. Loved ones come to these cemeteries seeking quiet moments of remembrance, and the condition of the landscape directly shapes their experience.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Duluth, one of four state Veterans cemeteries operated by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), spans 104 acres and serves as a final resting place for more than 1,000 Veterans, spouses and dependents. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, 228 individuals were laid to rest there.

The daily operation and maintenance of such an expansive space falls to the dedicated MDVA staff of eight but is supported annually by companies who volunteer with the nonprofit, Saluting Branches. “Throughout the year our team is responsible for this important work and Saluting Branches allows our team to collaborate with our community in a meaningful way,” said Duluth Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson.

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Caring for Veterans provides a unique opportunity to identify any and all service-connected health issues. Minnesota Veterans Homes’ Residents are benefiting from a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Healthcare and Programs & Services Divisions.

For example, a recent Resident of the Silver Bay Veterans Home had battled a health condition for many years, but the condition had not been recognized as service related. After learning more about the Resident’s situation, the MDVA team worked with the Federal VA to establish the connection between the health issue and the Resident’s military service. They were successful and the Resident was grateful to have the Federal VA recognize the service connection.

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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.