Veterans Day is coming up on November 11, and in southern Minnesota, it’s a reminder of our neighbors who served and the people who continue to help them build a life after they return.
One of the clearest examples is Bravo Zulu House, which opened in Winnebago in May 2025. It’s the first all-military sober living home in the country focused on veterans dealing with both PTSD and substance use. Data from the VA shows 75-95% of veterans with PTSD exhibit substance abuse issues. However, most vets discharging from inpatient substance use treatment don’t have a plan to address their PTSD. This gap in treatment can lead to relapse, homelessness, and suicide.
Residents at Bravo Zulu House have private rooms, peer support from other veterans, structured recovery, and access to therapy through partnerships including Mayo Clinic. Earlier this year, the house added a kennel and welcomed its first dog. Bravo Zulu has also secured a location in Mankato for a women’s house, with construction expected to begin soon.
Places like Bravo Zulu fill a real gap. Too many veterans leave treatment with nowhere to go that understands both their military experience and the challenges that can follow. Having this resource in our district gives families and county veterans service officers (CVSOs) another option close to home.
CVSOs are still the best starting point for most benefits and referrals. All 87 counties in Minnesota have a CVSO and they provide no-cost service to help with VA claims, healthcare enrollment, and connecting vets to local support. The Mankato VA Clinic provides primary and mental health care for enrolled veterans.
At the state level, we still have unfinished work on housing affordability for disabled veterans. Minnesota’s market value exclusion lets qualifying veterans reduce the taxable value of their home, which functions as a property tax discount. Right now, the exclusion is $150,000 for those rated 70% disability or higher, and $300,000 for those who are 100%. These amounts have not been meaningfully updated in years, even as home values have risen. The Senate included a modest increase last session, but it did not make it into the final tax bill. Updating this benefit remains a priority.
In the meantime, the practical help is often local. If you or a veteran you know is looking for recovery support, benefits assistance, or just someone who understands the transition home, start with your CVSO. They can point you toward resources like Bravo Zulu House and other resources already operating in our area.
Thank you to every veteran and to the families, neighbors, and organizations who continue to support them when they come home.