Local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts fanned out across Carver and Wright counties this month, honoring roughly 150 veterans at three nursing homes and sharing living history with students at two high schools in a week of Veterans Day outreach.
Over several days following Nov. 11, volunteers from American Legion Post 400 of Waconia and VFW Post 1816 of Norwood Young America visited Waconia Health and Rehabilitation Center, Auburn Village in Waconia, and Elim Home in Watertown. They delivered care kits, raised flags, and spent time swapping stories with residents. At Watertown-Mayer High School and Waconia High School, veterans led assemblies, fielded questions, and handed out awards for student essays.
“These visits aren’t just ceremonies—they’re lifelines,” said Post 400 Commander Lisa Thompson. “Veterans like Hal deserve to know their stories still matter, especially in homes where isolation can be the real enemy.”
Bringing recognition into nursing homes
At Waconia Health and Rehabilitation Center, volunteers presented a handmade quilt to World War II veteran Harold “Hal” Erickson, 98, and pinned a buddy poppy to his lapel as he recalled his service in Europe. Similar scenes played out at Auburn Village and Elim Home, where residents received care kits stocked with snacks, puzzle books, small flags, and information on veterans benefits. Organizers said kits were valued at about $75 each and funded by community donations and small state grants.
A highlight at Auburn Village was a performance by the Waconia High School band, which brought residents and families to their feet. “Mom hasn’t smiled like that since Dad passed,” one relative told organizers after the event.
According to organizers, about 75 Legion and VFW volunteers took part across the sites, with no incidents reported. Facilities said the events followed current infection-control guidance for visitors.
Students meet living history
Beyond the nursing homes, the outreach also aimed to connect younger Minnesotans with veterans’ stories. At Watertown-Mayer High School, Korean War veteran and VFW Post 1816 Adjutant Mike Reilly described the brutal winter at the Chosin Reservoir and urged students to keep veterans’ experiences alive. “Seeing kids light up when they hear about Chosin—it’s why we do this,” Reilly said. “Our veterans built this country; now we’re building the next generation’s gratitude.”
Schools tied the events into social-emotional learning time, and students read essays about what service means to their families and communities. “Our students wrote 300 essays—it’s hands-on history,” said Watertown-Mayer Superintendent Mark DeWalt. “This honors vets while teaching empathy.”
Why it matters
Minnesota officials estimate about 16,000 veterans live in nursing homes statewide, many of them managing complex needs tied to aging and service. Social connection is a growing focus. After pandemic-era lockdowns, visits to long-term care plummeted, and advocates have pushed programs that rebuild community ties as a way to support mental health.
“Minnesota’s nursing home veterans face unique challenges like dementia tied to service trauma,” said Dr. Jen Carlson, who directs community services for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “Events like these bridge gaps in care, reducing suicide risks by 25% through social ties.”
How it came together
The weeklong effort was supported by microgrants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs totaling about $5,200, plus in-kind donations from local businesses. Organizers said they plan to expand next year with more sites and a virtual component for families who can’t attend in person.
Volunteers also used the visits to connect residents and families with VA benefits counseling, noting that many older veterans are still unaware of services available to them. The groups encouraged more community members to get involved as the region’s veteran population ages.
“We’ll be back,” Thompson said. “The gratitude goes both ways.”
