Cook County Veterans Services is launching a new support group for women veterans. The group’s mission is to provide a supportive and welcoming space where women who have served in the military can connect with one another, share their experiences, and build a lasting community. The first meeting is Tuesday, April 28, from 5:30-6:30 pm. It will be held in room 214 at the offices of Cook County Higher Education, 300 W 3rd Street, in Grand Marais.
All women veterans in Cook County and the surrounding area are welcome to participate.
Cook County Veterans Services helps local veterans and their families navigate government systems. The County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) assists with applying for federal benefits, including VA disability compensation, pensions, and healthcare, as well as Minnesota-specific programs, and helps with the “State Soldiers Assistance Program” (SSAP) for dental, optical, and financial aid. The Cook County Veterans Service Officer, Karen Christianson, is there to provide direct, local, personalized assistance. In addition, her office helps disabled veterans access property tax exclusions administered by the Cook County Assessor’s office.
She said the new support group is to recognize the different health issues of women veterans. One of her goals is to help dispel misconceptions people might have about what level of service constitutes a veteran.
Chritianson is a retired Navy veteran. Minnesota law requires that every CVSO be a service veteran.
By state law, every county in Minnesota must appoint and fund a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). This means the Cook County Board of Commissioners is legally responsible for ensuring the office exists, is staffed, and has a sufficient budget to operate.
The CVSO position in Minnesota is tied directly to the end of World War II. The Legislature passed a law on March 12, 1945—just months before the end of the war in Europe—authorizing counties to appoint a specialized officer to help returning service members navigate their new benefits in the original GI Bill.
Initially, the law stated that counties “may” appoint an officer. On March 28, 1978, the legislature made having the office mandatory in every county. The CVSO, Karen Christianson, and any support staff are county employees, not federal VA employees. Under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the Cook County Board, all expenses and administrative costs are paid for by Cook County property taxes.
Veterans make up a significant portion of the North Shore’s population, with more than 300 veterans residing in Cook County. The Cook County CVSO helps bring in roughly $4 to $5 million annually in federal VA expenditures, money that goes directly into the local economy through veteran spending and healthcare.
Unlike the Veterans Administration, which can sometimes feel impersonal and challenging to navigate, the local CVSO offers direct, personal support. This connection often helps ensure that aging or struggling veterans continue pursuing their earned benefits.
If you are a woman veteran interested in joining the new Women’s Support Group or know someone who might benefit, please reach out today. Contact Karen Christianson at 218-387-3639 or karen.christianson@cookcountymn.gov to get involved and take the first step toward connecting with fellow women veterans.
