Planning ahead has become a recurring theme in these articles, and for good reason. A little preparation today can save family members considerable stress later. Thanks to RA for suggesting this week’s topic and providing another reminder that being organized is one more way Veterans can take care of their families
Every Veteran should consider creating a secure folder or information packet containing important military, benefit, medical, and legal documents. Start with a copy of the DD-214 or other discharge document. This record may be needed for burial benefits, military funeral honors, cemetery eligibility, survivor benefits, and other programs.
A current VA Benefits Summary and Service Verification Letter is also useful. It may show the Veteran’s disability rating, permanent and total status, pension information, and other benefit details. Veterans receiving military retirement should include current retirement and survivor benefit information. Life insurance policies, beneficiary information, and contact information for financial institutions may also help family members know where to begin.
Veterans may also wish to include cemetery preferences, military funeral honors wishes, and contact information for their County Veterans Service Officer. If a pre-need burial eligibility determination has been completed for a national or state Veterans cemetery, keep that documentation with the other records.
Power of Attorney documents and Health Care Directives may also belong in this packet. These are important legal documents, and Lake County Veterans Services does not provide legal advice. Veterans should consult a qualified attorney or other appropriate professional when creating or updating them.
The documents should be stored securely, but the appropriate trusted person should know where they are and how to access them. A perfectly organized folder that nobody can find is only slightly more useful than paperwork stored in a classified military bunker. Advance planning cannot remove every difficulty, but it can give families a clear starting point during a stressful time.
Community Event: The Minnesota Veterans Home – Silver Bay will host a Car Show on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 56 Outer Drive in Silver Bay. The event includes classic cars, free lunch, an open house, career fair, Veteran resources—including Lake County Veterans Services—and virtual dementia tours. Bring family and friends for an afternoon of cars, community, and honoring those who served.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or Vets@LakeCountyMN.gov
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@cookcountymn.gov
