The Minnesota Women Veterans Initiative is now accepting applications for its annual Minnesota Women Veteran of the Year Award. Residents of Blue Earth, Faribault, Jackson, Le Sueur, Martin, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties are invited to nominate outstanding female veterans who have honorably served in the United States Military and have displayed leadership within their civilian community.

“I hope everyone will think about the strong, fearless women veterans in their lives and consider nominating them for this prestigious award,” said Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center). “This is how we shine a brighter light on the important contributions female veterans are making to their communities.”

The Women Veterans Initiative’s mission is to improve the lives and well-being of women who have served in the military through access and innovative programs and services.

Submissions are due February 28. The nomination form can be found at https://mn.gov/mdva/assets/2019-02-23-nomination-form_tcm1066-363150.pdf

The award will be presented at the 2019 Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Conference at the YMCA Maplewood Community Center on March 23.

Details on the application process:

• Anyone may nominate a Minnesota resident female veteran.
• Submissions from Minnesota veterans, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) or veterans groups are encouraged and welcomed.
• Nomination forms must include the nominee’s general information along with a narrative explaining why the veteran is being nominated for the award. Nominations not selected may be retained for future award consideration.
• Nominations may be forwarded to womenveteransinitiative@gmail.com OR mailed to: Women Veterans Initiative, Minnesota Humanities Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106.