Commanders Task Force seeks statutory codification after 38 years of activity

Created in 1988, the Commanders Task Force has advised the Legislature, governor, Department of Veterans Affairs and others on veteran-related issues. 

Nearly 40 years later, the group comprised of eight congressionally chartered veterans service organizations wants to be added to state statute.

Sponsored by Rep. Matt Bliss (R-Pennington), HF4492 is headed to the House Floor after Wednesday’s approval by the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division. It has no cost.

“Former commissioner and retired Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito used to refer to them as his board of directors. That’s how we’ve kind of treated them always,” said Brad Lindsay, current commissioner at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“While the CTF chair and the elected leaders of the veterans service organizations change annually, having this organization and its frequent meetings, Veterans Day on the Hill, and other opportunities for advocacy is a constant and expeditious way for decision makers to have real-time input from our state’s veterans.”

Barry Henriksen, state adjutant/quartermaster and legislative chair at the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, said the proposal would help ensure the efforts continue.

“As we all know, there could be changes on this committee, changes at other committees, changes in the Senate, changes with the governor. To formally recognize the CTF as the advisors is important.”