Last week, I had the opportunity to visit two remarkable Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) facilities that serve Veterans and their families here in northeastern Minnesota: the Minnesota Veterans Home – Silver Bay and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth located in Saginaw. Although I have visited the Veterans Home many times, it was only my second visit to the State Veterans Cemetery and my first as a CVSO.
What struck me at both locations was the same thing—the exceptional care, professionalism, and attention to detail. From the beautifully maintained grounds/facilities to the welcoming staff, every aspect reflects a commitment to honoring those who served and caring for them and their families with dignity and respect.
These visits also reinforced a lesson I’ve shared in several recent articles: planning ahead matters.
None of us knows exactly what the future holds. As we grow older, many Veterans may eventually need skilled nursing care. Someday, every family will face decisions regarding final resting places and memorial benefits. Preparing for those moments in advance can make an already difficult time much less stressful.
Both the Minnesota Veterans Home and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery offer preneed application processes. Completing an application before services are needed allows eligibility to be reviewed in advance and helps families avoid unnecessary delays when their attention should be focused elsewhere.
If you have questions about admission to a Veterans Home or eligibility for burial in a Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, I encourage you to contact the dedicated staff at those facilities. They are the experts on their respective programs and can explain available services and answer location-specific questions.
Your County Veterans Service Officer can also help. We assist with completing applications, gathering required documentation, and submitting forms. Our goal is to help ensure everything is in place before the need arises.
While we are fortunate to have outstanding MDVA facilities nearby, Minnesota operates additional Veterans Homes and State Veterans Cemeteries throughout the state. You and your family may choose the location that best meets your needs.
Preparing today does not mean expecting the worst. It means giving yourself and your loved ones one less thing to worry about tomorrow.
Finally, I would like to thank the staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Silver Bay, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth, and my partners throughout the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for your continued communication, collaboration, and dedication to serving Minnesota’s Veterans and their families. Knowing these professionals stand ready to assist provides another reason to plan ahead with confidence.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or Vets@adarussell8
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@cookcountymn.gov
