Brown County Veteran Services Director Greg Peterson (center) accepts $2,000 on behalf of Brown County’s emergency relief fund for veterans. Nathan Fix (right) and Rayanna McRoberts (left) said the funds were raised through 3M’s Military Support Network. McRoberts said the Military Support program was revamped this year. This donation is the first award since the program was restarted.

NEW ULM – The Brown County Veterans Council accepted $2,000 from 3M of New Ulm, on Thursday as part of 3M’s Military Support Network.

Nathan Fix and Rayanna McRoberts of 3M said the funds were raised through t-shirt fundraisers with all proceeds going to the support network.

Brown County Veteran Services Director Greg Peterson accepted the $2,000 funds on behalf of Brown County Veterans Council. Peterson said the money will go to Brown County’s emergency relief funds for area veterans. The emergency fund is used to help veterans in immediate need of funding. It is used to cover utility payments, vehicle repairs, or rental assistance.

Peterson said this $2,000 will likely help a local disabled veteran pay rent and seek treatment.

Peterson said the state has its own emergency relief fund for Minnesota veterans, but veterans are only allowed to access the state funds once. Brown County’s emergency fund helps veterans take care of local problems and save the state aid for bigger issues.

“It is beautiful to accept this so near to July 4,” Peterson said. “These funds will help veterans maintain their independence.”