Veterans Home in Bemidji dedicated

ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz and other elected officials joined veterans and community leaders to officially dedicate the new Bemidji veterans home July 1.

In addition to Bemidji, MDVA opened two other Minnesota Veterans Homes in Montevideo and Preston earlier this year. The three new homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.

“We have an obligation to meet the needs of our veterans and the opening of the Bemidji Veterans Home is a reflection of our commitment to fulfill that obligation,” said Governor Walz. “Together with MDVA we are providing necessary support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of veterans across Minnesota. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has worked around the clock to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to build and open three veterans homes simultaneously.”

“We are grateful so many elements came together to make this a reality,” says Brad Lindsay, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). “We wouldn’t be here today at this new veterans home without the hard work and support of the Bemidji community, the funding from the State as well as the Federal Veterans Administration, and collaboration with many institutions, organizations and businesses.”

“Our residents and their families deserve the very best,” says Bemidji Veterans Home Administrator Kevin Gish. “This dedication marks an important day for Bemidji and Northern Minnesota. It’s helping fulfill our mission to serve veterans and their families with the benefits they’ve earned.”

To be accepted for admission, residents must be:

• Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty

• The spouse of an eligible veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.

• Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.

County Veterans Service Officers are available to assist future residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed to NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us

To learn more about joining the employee team and working with veterans in Bemidji, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers