Native Americans have one of the highest records of military service per capita of any ethnic group. In fact, 25 percent of able-bodied adult Native Americans enlist in the armed forces, compared to 3 percent of the general population. Yet less than 50 percent of eligible American Indian Veterans apply for benefits they have earned. The MDVA Tribal Veterans Service Officer initiative operates in partnership with the Governmental and Tribal agencies, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota State Legislators and the Minnesota Native American Nations. Working with Veterans in areas such as Red Lake and Grand Portage, MDVA staff recognized a need for culturally connected service representatives, leading to the development of this program.

The Tribal Veterans Service Officer’s mission is to provide community outreach to locate and advocate for Native American Veterans and their dependents who might have barriers gaining benefits due to geographical locations. We assist with the preparation and monitoring of both federal and state Veterans benefit claims and ensure the ongoing education and information dissemination to Tribal Veterans and dependents throughout the process.