It is nearly time for the gift shops

VA&R is probably the Auxiliary program that touches the lives of our veterans and military and their families the most.  It is also one of the American Legion’s Four Pillars.  It is an important reason we exist — to support our veterans and our military.

Part of our mission statement reads, “honor the sacrifice by enhancing the lives of our veterans” and that is exactly what the VA&R program does.

When someone mentions this program, our first thought is probably the eight veterans’ homes in Minnesota and the four VA Medical Centers where our veterans receive services.

We have 12 Auxiliary members that volunteer their time throughout the year at these facilities. They help with activities, special events and distributing personal care items.

The second thing you may think about is the annual “gift shop” at all 12 of these facilities.  Each home and medical center sets aside one or two days in December to distribute Christmas gifts to all residents.

Residents are also given the opportunity to select a gift for their spouse or caregiver.

Both programs are supported by the American Legion Auxiliary through dues and donations. We need to remind prospective members how their dues will help enrich the lives of our veterans.

Other parts of the VA&R Program:

Honor Flight flies our veterans to Washington DC to visit the monuments.  This is President Robin (Minnesota’s) project.

The Fisher House is a place for families to stay while their veteran is receiving services.

The Quilts of Valor wrap our veterans with a homemade quilt to show our veterans how much they are loved.

Wreaths Across America honors our veterans by placing a wreath on their grave.

Creative Arts gives all veterans (living independently or in a residence) a chance to show off their talents.

Visit our website at mnala.org for more information on this and other programs.

2025-26 VA&R Home and Hospital reps

Bemidji Veterans Home: Denise Milton, Bagley Unit 16
Fergus Falls Veterans Home: Doris Lafayette, Barnesville Unit 153
Hastings Veterans Home: Darlene Wondra, Montgomery Unit 79
Luverne Veterans Home: Jeannette Mertens, Redwood Falls Unit 38
Minneapolis Veterans Home: Sandy Gibson, White Bear Lake Unit 168
Montevideo Veterans Home: Sandy Wersal, New London Unit 537
Preston Veterans Home: Wanda Prescher, Stewartville Unit 164
Silver Bay Veterans Home: Tamara Martin, Duluth Unit 71
Fargo VA Health Care System: Becky Olson, Moorhead Unit 21
Minneapolis VA Health Care System: Janet Thompson, Apple Valley Unit 1776
Sioux Falls VA Health Care System: Diane Strassburg, Adrian Unit 32
St. Cloud VA Health Care System: Jan Benson, Waite Park Unit 428
and Deputy Carol Kottom