Veterans Service Update

December 18, 2024

Dear Beltrami County Community:

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate this joyful season, I’d like to share an important update for our Veterans and the broader community. The recent election season has sparked changes at the VA that could impact how we deliver services locally.

During the election, an incident involved unauthorized access to the military records of Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. This raised concerns about privacy and security, leading the VA to implement stricter enforcement of the Privacy Act of 1974. This law is designed to safeguard personal information held by federal agencies, but its renewed application has resulted in tighter controls on access to VA systems and records.

What does this mean for Veterans in Beltrami County? Sometimes, these changes could delay or limit how we assist you in accessing certain records or benefits. While this is a nationwide adjustment not specific to our county, we are actively exploring ways to minimize disruptions and continue providing high-quality service.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation. If you need help, we encourage you to reach out without hesitation. While some limitations may exist, we remain committed to finding solutions and offering as much support as possible.

To streamline our services, please schedule an appointment before visiting the Veterans Service Office. This ensures we can gather the necessary information in advance, saving everyone time and helping us serve you more efficiently.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about changes and how they may affect your access to services. Please know that our dedication to the Veterans of Beltrami County remains unwavering.

From our team to your family, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely yours,
Shane Gustafson, Beltrami County Veterans Service Officer