Prior Lake, Minnesota - Traditionally, the Dakota honored warriors who fought to protect the people and their way of life. As the United States was formed, warriors continued that fight which today is in the form of serving in the United States Armed Services. Indian people traditionally serve in the military at the highest rates of any ethnic group in this country. Their willingness to serve to protect the people of this continent is held in high regard by all Indian people. Recent data indicates that there are approximately 71,000 to 90,000 veterans living on tribal lands alone, and that over 10,000 of these veterans are in the Dakotas. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community today announces nine grants to support veterans' organizations.

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Kit Fox Society received $20,000 for a new van. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Color Guard travels extensively throughout the United States presenting the colors and are well known in Indian Country. These Veterans have participated in many SMSC events throughout the years. They assist with funerals, wakes, honorings, and ceremonies.

The American Indian Veterans of Standing Rock received $15,000 for a van to take veterans to appointments at the VA hospital. They provide veterans' advocacy services, a hot meal, and a warm place to stay. They also supplement the unmet need for travel costs, flags, food, burial services, honor guards, and other related expenses. Due to the rural nature and isolated areas veterans live in, the new van will greatly enhance their ability to reach appointments and receive the necessary medical attention and medical health support.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Minnesota State Council received $1,000 for general operating expenses. Founded in 1997 when it served 14 veterans, the organization has grown to serve 666 veterans in 2006 of all races and both genders. They work to expedite the filing of claims, do outreach work, and education. Their mission is "Never again will one generation of veterans forget another." They serve all veterans no matter when or where they served and work hard to ensure that veterans are awarded all benefits they are entitled to from the Veterans Administration.

The Cherry Creek American Legion Auxiliary Post #2 received $1,000 for assistance with their annual Veterans' Day Pow Wow in Cherry Creek, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, received $1,000 for non-medical incidental expenses. Operation Shoebox received a case of playing cards from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel for soldiers on active duty in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Donations of $1,000 each went for Veterans Day Pow Wows in Billings, Montana, and in Marty, South Dakota.

The Minnesota Veterans Home received $1,000 for their recreation fund. "Thank you for your support of the veterans who live at the Minnesota Veterans Home. We appreciate the efforts of your organization on behalf of our residents. Your support increases the quality of life for our veterans here at their Home," wrote Dee Oliver, MVH Public Affairs Director.

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