Minnesota recognizes Secret War veterans with new state benefits
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Minnesota is recognizing veterans of the Secret War for the first time. During the Vietnam War, the CIA recruited tens of thousands of Hmong soldiers to carry out covert operations in Laos in support of U.S. efforts. Many later resettled in Minnesota, but they were not eligible for state veterans benefits.
A new state law that took effect Aug. 1 changes that, allowing eligible Secret War veterans living in Minnesota to apply for state veterans benefits. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is holding its first benefits clinic to help veterans navigate the application process.
MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with State Sen. Susan Pha, the DFL lawmaker who authored the legislation, about what the change means for Minnesota's Hmong veterans.
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