In response to feedback from the community about gaps in services for local veterans, UWNEMN recruited Wilder Research to help determine the most critical issues and opportunities for change.  Wilder Research spent the better part of 2014 conducting Key Informant Interviews with veterans, their family members, and service providers in our service area.

Veterans expressed their biggest challenges were related to healthcare services, citing long wait times, long distance travel, few qualified providers that understand, and concerns with social stigma and confidentiality. A family member expressed concern regarding their father: “There is such a stigma around mental health and seeking out help…. They are trained to be strong, they are trained to shut off that emotional part of them….” Additional struggles expressed were issues with financial stability and employment as well as the culture shock when returning to civilian life. One veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) stated: “Emotional bonding levels are challenging. They want to know exactly what happened, what I did, but I get frustrated telling the story over and over again…”

UWNEMN is focusing on the most critical issues at hand with the support of a committee comprised of local veterans whose mission is: "To create an environment of honor and respect for all fellow comrades in Northeastern Minnesota, while developing opportunities, supporting those in need and empowering veterans."   UWNEMN’s vision is that all veterans in Northeastern Minnesota will have access not only to health care, financial stability, and employment but to high quality and culturally competent support. This access and support will allow veterans, their families, and our communities to flourish, grow, and thrive.