The roots of this skilled nursing facility were planted as early as 2013 through the dedication of local veteran advocates and volunteers. The Preston Veterans Home Committee was established in the summer of 2015. Co-chairs and Vietnam veterans Don Gildner and Ron Scheevel began with little more than a dream. Over time with the help of volunteers/advocates and numerous trips to St. Paul the goal of a veterans home in Fillmore County looked more and more possible. Gildner recognized the contribution of then Preston EDA director, Cathy Enerson toward the achievement of this goal. Scheevel said she was laser focused on this project. Gildner credited her with the times she testified at the state capital, noting that “we can’t say enough about her.” Scheevel added that then city administrator, Joe Hoffman also contributed to the success of this project. Many others also made trips to St. Paul to testify before committees.
Originally, there were two veteran home committees, one in Preston and the other in Spring Valley. Without the committees’ early efforts, today’s dedication may never have happened. Representative Greg Davids noted the Fillmore County board was tasked with making a decision between the two cities, which each made a case for their city to be the location of the veterans home. After an initial 3-2 vote in favor of Preston, commissioner Duane Bakke moved on a resolution in support of Preston for the veterans home site, which was approved unanimously. When asked for comment, Bakke stated on behalf of the commissioners, “We are proud to have been a part of it.”
State Senator Jeremy Miller credited the partnership of local community, state, and federal governments for the success of this venture in the support of our veterans. This involved people working together and across the political aisle. Miller noted that this project would not have happened without the support of the governor; he also thanked those who supported it at the federal level. Miller said we honor veterans that have sacrificed so much defending our rights and freedoms.
Davids thanked all those that contributed, including local people who made donations. He recognized the efforts of then 7-year-old Carter Keim who raised and contributed $2,500 from egg sales. Davids said, “Veterans have taken care of us, now it is time to take care of them.” He thanked all who helped along the way making this facility a reality.
Local funding from community members and businesses, the 2018 public works construction bill signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton, additional state funding approved in 2022 and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, and federal funding provided through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act together provided the necessary funding for the veterans home. The total cost of the veterans home was about $42 million (about $23 million federal and $18 million state, and $1.2 million local).
Preston was one of three Minnesota locations receiving state and federal funds for a veterans home, including Bemidji and Montevideo. With the opening of all three new homes, the state now has eight veteran homes. Preston/Fillmore County is the only location with both a veterans home and a veterans cemetery. It is estimated that about 33% of Minnesota veterans live in the 15 southeast Minnesota counties.
On June 26 the Preston State Veterans Home received “good news;” it passed its federal Veterans Administration certification survey. The home currently has 22 residents. Now that it has been certified, it can work toward filling the home to its capacity of 54 residents. First, it will need to increase staff numbers by 30 or more to serve the additional residents. Brad Lindsay, commissioner of MDVA, said getting certified is a “huge milestone.” Minnesota veterans homes provide the highest quality care.
Groundbreaking for the 55,000-square-foot facility was in 2021; the first residents were welcomed into the new facility in January 2024. Admittance into the skilled nursing facility is on a first come first served basis for those meeting eligibility requirements. It is a permanent home for residents, not for temporary recovery. The home has three 18 resident households named Fillmore, Mower, and Olmsted.
The Chatfield Brass Band entertained the crowd with patriotic music before the dedication program began. The Fillmore Central Choir Men’s Ensemble sang the National Anthem and performed a musical composition, “Tell My Father.” David Dunn, administrator Minnesota Veterans Homes, gave opening remarks and introduced speakers.
Charles Sparks welcomed everyone on the behalf of the city of Preston. He called attention to the efforts of the Veterans Home Committee and of both former city administrator Joe Hoffman and EDA director Cathy Enerson, especially for their meetings in St. Paul with legislators. The city of Preston purchased the property the home is located on and transferred ownership to the state. Sparks encouraged visitors to also visit the veterans cemetery and to enjoy the many tourism opportunities available to them in historic Bluff Country.
Governor Tim Walz, who is veteran, thanked all who have worked hard to get it done. He said in his recent visit to Normandy, France on the 80th anniversary of D-Day he met a French woman who commented, “America Never Forgets.” He stated we will never not care for our veterans. Walz quoted Winston Churchill, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms…” We need to take care of military affairs and veterans first. This is a beautiful facility, and it is staffed and funded as it should be. The veterans cemetery is the eternal guardian of those remains. He concluded speaking of Vietnam vets, “We should always separate the conflict from the warrior and never disparage a veteran again.”
Tamar Gronvall, commissioner of Minnesota Department of Administration, said this multi-year project employed over 100 construction workers, many from local communities.
Eric Meittunen, deputy commissioner healthcare division, noted local advocacy is so important in making this facility a reality. Care is provided with respect, dignity, and honor.
Dunn introduced Gildner and Scheevel, praising them for their efforts to bring a veterans home to southeast Minnesota. Residents can be closer to their families, so they can visit. Scheevel recognized Gabby Kinneberg for coordination of this day’s event. Scheevel thanked local contributors and those that accompanied Gildner to service clubs and district meetings. This is a result of years of planning and the work of local officials and volunteers,” he shared.
Rev. Mark Woodward, Preston United Methodist Church, in his prayer of dedication said the veterans home is a way of saying thank you to our veterans.
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