Veterans Continue Their Service Through State Government and MAPE By Statewide MAPE Vice President Maureen Dunaway

This Veterans Day, MAPE proudly honors those who served in the United States Armed Forces, especially the many veterans who continue their commitment to service as state employees and union members. 

The values that define military service, dedication, sacrifice, integrity and teamwork are the same values veterans bring to their work serving Minnesotans every day. Across state government, veterans play vital roles strengthening communities, protecting natural resources, supporting economic development, maintaining transportation systems and caring for fellow veterans in Minnesota's veterans’ homes and through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. 

For many veterans, public service is a continuation of a lifelong commitment to helping others. 

I come from a long line of military service members and joined the Wisconsin National Guard and then the U.S. Army to serve my country while earning money for college. I served as a combat medic, was stationed in Germany, deployed during Operation Desert Storm and later completed my active-duty service at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience and service to something larger than yourself. Skills that have served me well in my career at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  

Now, MAPE veterans are working to strengthen connections among those who have served. The union is developing the Veterans Resource Group to create opportunities for veterans in state service to connect, share resources and build a stronger voice within the union. 

The Veterans Resource Group will help identify issues affecting veterans in the workplace, provide information to ease the transition from military to civilian careers and ensure veterans have a forum to raise concerns and advocate for improvements. Whether through contract negotiations, agency-level discussions or peer support, the goal is simple: make sure veteran voices are heard. We will be hosting a listening session for veterans on Dec. 1 at noon. 

Our veterans have valuable perspectives and experiences to contribute. We want to build a community where veterans feel supported, connected and empowered within MAPE. 

MAPE veterans have already begun turning those values into action. Earlier this fall, members partnered with Local 801 to organize a supply drive benefiting the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), an organization dedicated to ending veteran homelessness. The drive collected essential items for move-in and hygiene kits that help veterans transition into stable housing. 

Veterans have answered the call to serve our country. Today, they continue answering the call to serve Minnesota. This Veterans Day, MAPE proudly thanks all veterans for their service, honors the sacrifices made by military families, and commits to standing in solidarity with those who have served both in uniform and in public service. 

Veterans interested in learning more about MAPE's Veterans Resource Group can contact me at mdunaway@mape.org.