History | ND Department of Veterans Affairs

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1927:

Nucleus of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) originates with Chapter 281 of the 1927 Legislative Assembly establishing a Veterans Commissioner. SB 109
April, Mr. Torger O. Kraabel appointed first Commissioner. Appointed by Governor Arthur G. Sorlie from list of 5 names provided by the Executive Committee of the ND American Legion. Per SB 109
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