History

1927:

• Nucleus of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) originates with Chapter 281 of the 1927 Legislative Assembly. SB 109

• April, Mr. Torger O. Kraabel appointed first Commissioner.

• Record of ND Citizens serving in World War act passed. SB 115. resulting in WWI Book of ND Veterans

1937:

• July, Mr. Kraabel resigns to accept a position with the National Rehabilitation Commission of the American Legion in Washington, D.C.
• Mr. Romanus J. Downey appointed Commissioner

1943:

• The Legislature establishes the Veterans' Aid Commission.  The Commission is authorized to grant emergency loans in an amount not to exceed $50.00 a month for a period not in excess of six months for a total of $300

1945:

• NDVA was created along with the Advisory Committee of Veterans Affairs (ACOVA)

• An Act authorizing the counties to appoint a part-time or full-time County Veterans' Service Officer is passed

• Emergency loan amount increased to $500

1947:

• April 23, Mr. Downey dies

• Mr. Floyd E. Henderson is appointed Commissioner

1961:

• December, Mr. Henderson resigns to become Commandant of the North Dakota Soldiers Home

• Mr. Lloyd F. Zander is appointed Commissioner

1981:

• Legislative Assembly establishes the Veterans Postwar Trust Fund SB 2271

1985:

• June 30, Mr. Zander retires

• July 1, Mr. Milton W. Kane appointed Commissioner

• Soldiers Home name changed to Veterans Home SB 2089

• National Guard Tuition Trust Fund established HB 1411

1989:

• North Dakota Veterans Cemetery established SB 2381

1992:

• July, North Dakota Veterans Cemetery opens

1993:

• Hardship Assistance Program established

1994:

• January 31, Mr. Kane retires

• February 1, Mr. Ray Harkema appointed as Commissioner

2001:

• Honorary Veterans High School Diploma program established SB 2283

2004:

• April 30, Mr. Harkema retires

• September 1, Mr. Bob Hanson appointed as Commissioner

2008:

• April 1, Mr. Lonnie Wangen appointed as Commissioner