As a 24-year veteran of the Minnesota National Guard, I know that when you raise your hand to serve, you’re not just sacrificing your time. You’re sacrificing your health, safety, personal freedoms, and time with family in service to your country.

Minnesota is home to more than 285,000 veterans who have put their lives on the line to defend their state and country. I can’t think of a more noble cause. Now, with over half of Minnesota’s veterans over the age of 65, it’s time for us to serve them.

When veterans serving our nation finally take their uniform off and return home, we’ve made the bipartisan commitment in Minnesota to provide them the support and care that properly honors the sacrifices they make, and that their families make.

That’s why I’m proud to say that this year Minnesota became the first state in the nation to build and open three veterans homes simultaneously. These homes, located in Bemidji, Preston, and Montevideo, will serve nearly 200 veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.

This is a huge step forward in our work to support those who have answered the call to serve. Because as our veterans age, we have a responsibility to ensure they live in a supportive community and receive the care and services they need.

To the communities of Preston, Montevideo, and Bemidji – thank you for taking on this responsibility, as the five other Minnesota communities where veterans homes are located have proudly for decades. To the local health care providers, caregivers, and county veterans service officers — thank you for embodying what it means to give back and care for our veterans.

I was grateful to take time this summer to dedicate each home and celebrate the years of work that have gone into planning, building, and opening these homes.

While I’m incredibly proud of this effort, I want to be clear that the work continues to support our veterans and military families.

Last month Hennepin County took a critical step toward the goal I set to end veteran homelessness in the state — becoming the 9th of 10 geographic areas in Minnesota to achieve the goal. This is collaborative, bipartisan work to provide the best services and care for our veterans.

We’ve also laid the groundwork for a fourth State Veterans Cemetery in northwest Minnesota. We’ve expanded service bonuses for post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families. We’re working collaboratively to ensure our veterans are better served than they have ever been in Minnesota.

As long as we have veterans, we’re here to care for them. Let’s keep up the good work.

— Tim Walz is the governor of Minnesota