Building a stronger safety net for veterans’ survivors in Steele County
Over the past decades, Steele County—alongside the entire state of Minnesota—has honored the legacy of its veteran population, comprising more than 2,100 men and women who have defended the citizenry. Yet while these tributes are crucial markers of respect and recognition, they highlight only part of the story.
Behind each service member acknowledged in ceremonies are families who have shouldered the emotional toll and sacrifices that come with military life: enduring long deployments, adjusting to reintegration, and even coping with the health conditions that often arise after prolonged exposure to perilous pollutants. More disconcertingly, when a veteran passes away, their loved ones inherit more than grief—they also assume financial obligations, medical responsibilities, and household pressures that can persist for many more years. And despite the nation’s commitment to extending vital support, countless military families in Steele County and beyond continue to navigate uncertainty at a time when stability is most critical.
Tackling lasting impacts
Many people are unaware that a significant number of veterans in Steele County and nationwide return home not just with cherished memories of their service but also with serious health issues that may take decades to surface. Often, these challenges are rooted in environmental and occupational exposures they encountered during their time in service—whether in combat zones abroad or on domestic training and operational sites.
Among the most perilous of these threats are Agent Orange, mustard gas, burn pit emissions, asbestos, volatile organic compounds, lead, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Regrettably, despite the cleanup efforts initiated by the government and concerned stakeholders, the impact of these hazards has never ceased; rather, it persists as more years have passed by. And such has been especially evident in military bases such as Fort Snelling—approximately 73 miles from Steele County—which documented the presence of asbestos in floor surfaces and lead paint on its walls. Similarly, the nearby Holman Field Army Aviation Support Facility likewise reported severe groundwater contamination after PFAS levels exceeded 400 parts per trillion.
With this, numerous service members deployed at such polluted sites have become vulnerable to chronic illnesses ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to certain cancers, neurological disorders, immunosuppression, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Unfortunately, for families, these conditions are more than diagnoses—they bring a cascade of new responsibilities and pressures. Spouses and parents, in particular, may find themselves coordinating complex medical care while managing daily necessities. In many cases, household members likewise experience lost income—especially if their work hours are reduced, or their careers are interrupted. Even expenses that might seem routine—including hospital transportations, co-pays for medications, and home modifications—can accumulate quickly and stretch family resources. As such, by the time a veteran dies, survivors often find themselves carrying not only grief but also the reverberating repercussions of the past years spent navigating health crises, economic burden, and caregiving responsibilities.
Securing stronger support
For many surviving spouses, parents, and children in Steele County—and throughout the country—the death of a veteran entails navigating a complex mix of financial, medical, and administrative responsibilities. Recognizing the need to extend aid to these impacted households, the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented the Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program, which sets a tax-exempt monthly payment of nearly $1,700 for veterans who passed away on or after Jan. 1, 1993. However, to be eligible, spouses must not have remarried before reaching the age of 55 or 57, depending on the specific circumstances. Also, the amount may only be augmented if factors such as when the veteran died with disability, the widowed experiences a similar situation, and the household still has children below 18 years old are confirmed.
But though DIC indeed provides essential assistance, lawmakers and veteran organizations pointed out how this program does not account for the deceased’s rank or years of service, eventually leaving many families with financial gaps. And that is in contrast with the federal employees’ retirement plan, which offers up to 55% of the retiree’s unreduced annual benefits. Additional programs—including the Survivors’ Pension, VA-backed home loans, CHAMPVA’s health coverage, and education and career assistance—are likewise available to address some needs. But their eligibility and scope can be limited. Notwithstanding this, policymakers, as well as community leaders and advocates, have a clear opportunity to resolve these gaps. Expanding the benefits of DIC to reflect service length and rank, improving access to supplementary programs, and streamlining application processes could help families achieve greater stability. Strengthening these supports ensures a stronger safety net for military families who have also sacrificed so much alongside service members.
Cristina Johnson serves as a veteran advocate at the Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit that raises awareness of veterans’ exposure to toxic substances. She may be reached at cristina@asbestos-ships.com.