Veterans Services

Department overview
To provide assistance and support to military veterans and their dependents in obtaining veteran benefits through county, state and federal programs, and to advocate on their behalf or direct them to other authorized agencies or providers as their needs dictate.

What we do

• Assist veterans in obtaining their military discharge documents (DD Form 214)
• Assist veterans enrolling in the VA Healthcare system
• Schedule transportation for veterans to the Minneapolis VA Medical Centers
• File claims for VA disability benefits
• File claims for state disability benefits
• Assist with burial benefits

Anyone living in Rice County who believes they are eligible for any of these benefits should contact the Veterans Services Office at 507-332-6117.

Post-9/11 service bonus
A $2,000 service bonus is available to eligible veterans who served from Sept. 11, 2011 to Aug. 30, 2021. Click here for details.

Grave markers & flags

Families of deceased Rice County veterans buried in private cemeteries and who have not previously received a graveside marker can obtain one at the Rice County Veterans Services Offices. 

Replacement flags to use with the markers can also be obtained at the Veterans Services Office. For more information on both, call Deb Malmanger at 507-332-6117.

Proper flag disposal

Tattered, torn U.S. flags should be disposed of in a dignified way, preferably burning. Some American Legion posts hold a flag-burning ceremony, typically on Flag Day, June 14, the Rice County Veterans Service Office collects flags in poor condition all year long for the annual rite. They can be dropped off weekdays at the Veterans Services Office in the Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault, or in the dropbox outside the front entrance to Faribault American Legion, 112 Fifth St. NW.