Minnesota just became the first state in the nation to formally recognize the Hmong and Lao soldiers of the CIA's "Secret War" in Laos as veterans, and the new benefits tied to that status took effect on August 1. For a group of aging warriors who fought alongside American forces for more than a decade without ever wearing a U.S. uniform, it's recognition that's been more than 50 years in the making.
Who the New Law Covers
The designation applies to those who served honorably with Special Guerrilla Units or other irregular forces in support of U.S. armed forces in Laos between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975, and who are now U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, according to MPR News. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the country, many of whom trace their families' arrival in the state directly to this chapter of the Vietnam War era, when Hmong and Lao fighters were recruited to disrupt supply lines and rescue downed American pilots in a conflict the U.S. government did not publicly acknowledge for years.
The recognition builds on a 2025 law establishing the "Veterans of the Secret War in Laos" designation in state statute, following approval by the Minnesota Senate earlier this year, as reported by KAXE.
What the Benefits Include
As of August 1, eligible Secret War veterans can now receive a veteran designation on their Minnesota driver's license or state ID card, burial privileges at state veterans cemeteries, a state-purchased grave marker, and an honor guard at funeral services, with the state covering up to $50 of that cost. These are the same categories of recognition the state extends to other honorably discharged veterans, closing a gap that had left an entire generation of allied fighters without formal acknowledgment despite decades of service and sacrifice.
The rollout is already reaching the community it was built for. On Tuesday, more than 200 Secret War veterans turned out for the first claims clinic hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to help them understand and access the new benefits, a strong early signal of how much this recognition means to families who have waited generations for it.
Why It Matters Beyond Minnesota
Advocacy for this recognition has been building for years, with earlier reporting from Sahan Journal tracking the bill's path through the legislature and the community organizing behind it. Minnesota's move sets a template other states with significant Hmong and Lao populations, including Wisconsin and California, may look to as similar recognition efforts gain traction nationally.
At Operation WarriorFit, we know that honoring service takes many forms, from a grave marker and an honor guard to a start line and a finish medal. Formal recognition like this matters because it tells veterans, no matter when or how they served, that their service counted. If you're a veteran, service member, or first responder looking to see what free and discounted race entries you may qualify for, check your eligibility today, and if you're in the Twin Cities area, take a look at what's available through our Minnesota veteran benefits guide.