WE ARE …
The Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) Veterans and Families of USA was established in 2004 in Minnesota by Hmong veterans of the Secret War as a nonprofit organization. The organization’s mission is to serve and provide social and emotional support to veterans, widows, and their families. SGU also continues to advocate with state and federal leaders to pass legislation that would expand access to VA benefits for its veterans.
From 1961 to 1975, Hmong SGU veterans played a crucial role in supporting U.S. military efforts in Laos during the Vietnam War era. Recruited, financed, and supported by the Central Intelligence Agency where they were formed into a secret army known as the SGU and carried out critical paramilitary operations in support of the United States’ objectives in Laos. Approximately 35,000 SGU soldiers lost their lives while assisting the United States.
Following the end of the Secret War, many SGU veterans and their families made perilous journeys to the United States as war-torn refugees from Southeast Asia. Since then, these veterans have continued to stand proudly in service to this great nation—the United States of America.
Information on benefits for SGU veterans in MN
SGU veterans at a press conference to encourage supports from both the MN senate and house. Courtesy John B Yang.
Key benefits
From the MDVA website — Verified SGU or Irregular Forces Veterans with certificates of eligibility issued by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) are eligible for a limited number of State benefits, as follows:
Veteran designation on Minnesota drivers’ license and Minnesota ID cards
Honor Guards from Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service Organizations can be reimbursed by MDVA for providing services at the funeral of a deceased Veteran
Burial privileges at State Veterans Cemeteries if verified by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as eligible for burial.
Permanent grave markers purchased by MDVA and made available through County Veterans Service Offices or Veterans Service Organizations
Veterans Preference provides Veteran job applicants a limited preference in hiring and promotion for public employment jobs; permissive preference is available to non-public jobs.
Copies of vital records provided without charge to any Veteran, surviving spouse or next of kin
Enrollment starts July 1, 2026
May 2026, the MN Legislatures passed a bill granting limited benefits to veterans of the CIA-backed Secret War
Here are pictures of SGU veterans with MN senate lawmakers after the vote from the Senate Floor. April 20, 2026 / Senate Media.
Here are pictures of SGU veterans with MN senate lawmakers after the vote from the House Floor. May 4, 2026 / Rep. Vang Collection.