On the light bulb itself, there is a sticker, a green light bulb outside your home to share a message of hope and support for returning veterans.”

Dakota County Veteran Services Officer Philip McLaughlin

According to the county’s webpage, veterans or family members can contact the office at 651 554 5601 or email vets@co.dakota.mn.us for assistance. The office operates weekdays at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul and the Western Service Center in Apple Valley. The online site lists office hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At the recent meeting of the Hastings Area Rotary Club, Dakota County Veteran Services Officer Philip McLaughlin, highlighted a community initiative designed to shine a light of solidarity for veterans. The gathering took place on November 6, 2025.
McLaughlin, who oversees claims and benefits work for the County, introduced the “green light bulb” program, explaining how residents can display a simple green bulb at their home, business or other building as a gesture of support.
“On the light bulb itself, there is a sticker, a green light bulb outside your home to share a message of hope and support for returning veterans,” he said.
McLaughlin noted that the program is entering its fourth year, and although this year’s distribution dipped slightly (about 750 bulbs purchased compared to 1,000 last year), the county is still placing many in community spaces.
“We are sending 50 to each library,” he reported, and added that county staff can pick up bulbs at service centers while he will continue availability in Hastings.
The meeting also offered a broader look at what Veteran Services does for the county’s roughly 22,000 veterans, the second highest veteran population among Minnesota counties. McLaughlin explained that the office, which comprises four Veteran Service Officers, filed over 4,000 claims in the past year alone.
“With the four Veteran Service Officers this past year, we filed over 4,000 claims,” he told the audience.
Services offered by the county’s Veteran Services include benefits reviews and claim filings for federal and state programs such as disability compensation, pensions, survivor benefits, tax breaks for highly rated veterans, and access to health care enrollment. The office helps veterans determine eligibility, prepare documentation (including the key DD 214 discharge form), and submit applications electronically. According to the county’s webpage, veterans or family members can contact the office at 651 554 5601 or email vets@co.dakota.mn.us for assistance. The office operates weekdays at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul and the Western Service Center in Apple Valley. The online site lists office hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
McLaughlin addressed some of the frustrations veterans face, especially around health care navigation and specialist referrals. He said many of the claims his office sees involve hearing loss or tinnitus, and that exposure concerns, especially for more recent service members, are rising. He encouraged anyone with service history to connect with the county office, stating:
“If you know a veteran, tell them about us, we’re here to serve veterans and educate them about the benefits.”
He also made clear that the green bulb program is more than symbolism. It’s part of a countywide effort to raise awareness and direct veterans to existing support. That includes linking veterans to organizations like Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC V) for housing or homelessness issues and working with the state’s veteran’s homes. “We’ll refer veterans. We’ll help veterans with the application,” McLaughlin said of the county’s coordination with state run homes.
During the question period, McLaughlin explained how the system becomes daunting for veterans.
“There’s a lot of benefits, and so sometimes veterans don’t know what they’re eligible for or what they would even need,” he said, underscoring the value of sitting down with a service officer to navigate options.
The light bulb invitation remains open to all. McLaughlin encouraged attendees to take one from the table after the meeting, and he’ll be available in the local area on the first and third Fridays each month. Displaying one green light is a simple gesture, he said, yet it can help veterans feel seen, valued and connected.
Community members and veterans interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment can contact the Dakota County Veteran Services office at the numbers above.