Veteran Services

*Federal government shutdown update

Some federal VA services are impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, while many essential services continue.

VA services impacted by the shutdown:
• VA will not provide veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
• The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
• VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
• VA will cease public affairs and outreach to veterans.
• VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
• VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
• VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.

VA services not impacted by the shutdown:
• Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
• VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
• Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
• VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remain open 24/7.

Olmsted County Veteran Services remains open and available to assist veterans and their dependents. Our Veteran Service Officers can help you prepare and process applications for federal and state benefits, answer questions, and serve as your advocate throughout the process.

Disabled veterans deer hunts

The 14th annual Tom Eckdahl Memorial DAV Chapter #28 and Olmsted County Parks offer limited controlled hunting opportunities for veterans at Chester Woods Park and Oxbow Park. Select an event below and learn more. Also, please review the regulations for each deer hunt.

Disabled Veterans (Shotgun) Deer Hunt (Chester Woods)

  • The Tom Eckdahl Memorial DAV Hunt at Chester Woods Park takes place over the Veterans Day holiday typically Thursday through Sunday. The 2025 hunt will take place November 13 through November 16, 2025.
  • Chester Woods Park is closed to the general public during the hunt.
  • Applicant must be a service-connected disabled veteran. Parties of up to two may register on a single form.
  • You may submit an application to the Chester Woods DAV hunt or the Oxbow Park DAV hunt, but not both.
  • 30 successful applicants will be issued a written permission slip allowing them to hunt within the park.
  • Picture identification, a current year's deer license, and at least one disease management harvest tag must be provided when picking up the permission slip.
Register to hunt I Register to volunteer I Make a donation

Disabled Veterans (Archery) Deer Hunt (Oxbow Park)

  • The DAV hunt at Oxbow Park takes place from October through December. The 2025 hunt will take place from October 31 through November 30, 2025.
  • Oxbow Park remains open during the hunt. Please use caution while on trails.
  • Applicant must be a service-connected disabled veteran.
  • You may submit an application to the Chester Woods DAV hunt or the Oxbow Park DAV hunt, but not both.
  • 15 successful applicants will be issued a written permission slip allowing them to hunt within the park.
  • Picture identification, a current year's deer license, and at least one disease management harvest tag must be provided when picking up the permission slip.
Register to Hunt I Register to volunteer I Make a donation

Services with veteran officers

Olmsted County Veteran Services provides assistance to veterans and their dependents. They investigate, prepare, and process various forms when the veteran applies for federal or state benefits. Every veteran's situation is unique.

Olmsted County Veteran Services Office has three veteran services officers (VSO) to be your advocate and assist you through the process of applying for veteran benefits.

Tiffany Canfield

Tiffany Canfield 
Veteran Services Manager

Dustin Lowy

Dustin Lowy
Veteran Services Officer 

Guy Sing

Guy Sing
Veteran Services Officer 

Karen Applen

Karen Applen
Administrative Assistant 

Veteran Services Manager
Learn more about Tiffany Canfield.
507-328-6358, tiffany.canfield@olmstedcounty.gov

Veteran Services hours & contact information

Office hours
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Email a veteran services officer

Address:
Olmsted County Veteran Services Office
2100 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904 

General phone number: 507-328-6355 
Fax: 507-328-7950

Schedule a ride for a VA appointment
DAV SE Transportation Coordinator, Adam Finck
507-703-1139