Chapter One Federal Government - Minnesota State Legislature

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
State Agencies Chapter Five
Law provides: The department was established to furnish services and benefits to veterans and
their families. (Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 196, 197, 198)
Commissioner: Michael Pugliese Appointed: 2004
Salary: $108,400
Veterans Services Bldg., St. Paul 55155
(651)296-2562
Web site: http://mdva.state.mn.us
Claims Division advocates for veterans and dependents seeking veterans benefits from the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans Assistance Supervisor: James Kelly
Fargo Claims Office advocates for veterans and dependents in northwestern Minnesota seeking
veterans benefits from the U. S. department of veterans affairs (VA).
Veterans Claims Branch Office Supervisor: Roger Bengtson
State Veterans Cemetery provides burial services to veterans and eligible dependents who wish to
be buried at this cemetery near Little Falls. For information, call (320)616-2527.
Cemetery Administrator: David Swantek
Benefits Division provides temporary financial assistance, information, referral services, education
programs, and discharge locator services.
Veterans Assistance Supervisor: Paula Plum
Veterans Preference Division provides enforcement of state veterans preference statutes
pertaining to the rights of veterans in hiring and dismissal actions.
Education Program Officer: Clint Bucher
Minnesota State Approving Agency provides administrative oversight and approval of
schools/programs to enable veterans to use G.I. Bill educational benefits.
Education Program Supervisor: Clint Bucher
Veterans Program Division provides veterans benefits and claims services and also provides
functional supervision and assistance to the 87 county veterans service offices.
Director of Veterans Services: Clark Dyrud
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Chapter
Five
State Agencies