Pine County veteran services reports 4,000 appointments and $37 million in benefits since 2019

Mindy Sandell, Pine County’s Veteran Service Officer, told the board the office completed more than 4,000 appointments across in-office, phone, and outreach visits in 2025 and filed 255 claims for VA benefits that year.

"For those that may not know me, my name is Mindy Sandell, and I'm your County Veteran Service Officer," Sandell said, and outlined priorities including outreach to homebound veterans, improving claim accuracy, and addressing rising mental-health needs among veterans.

She told commissioners that since her appointment in 2019 the office has helped bring over $37 million in federal and state benefits into Pine County, funds that support health care, housing assistance and stability for veterans and their families. Sandell said the office handled about 4,000 appointments in 2025 and cited transportation challenges: the county operates two vans and has six drivers (one currently out), which limits the capacity for long or specialized rides.

Sandell warned about unaccredited, for-profit 'claim sharks' who charge veterans for services the county provides for free, and urged continued support for the office’s outreach work. She also said Memorial Day and Veterans Day outreach remains a major focus and that Pine County has roughly 2,400 veterans, about 75% of whom are Vietnam-era, creating a high-needs older-veteran population.

Commissioners thanked the office for outreach and support and noted the transportation and staffing challenges; Sandell said staff would continue to pursue partnerships (including discussion of veteran passes with Arrowhead Transit) to help veterans access community care and VA medical centers.