Members of the Disable American Veteran (DAV), Country Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) and American Legion post gathered at the Veterans Service Office in the Brown County Courthouse Thursday to present veteran Mike Howk with a check for $4,000. The funds were to help defray the expenses related Michaela Howk’s hit-and-run accident. Mike Howk’s daughter was serious injured after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street on foot in northeast Minneapolis. L to R: DAV 15 Commander Mike Finstad, CVSO John Schotzko, Mike Howk, and American Legion 132 First Vice Commander Roger Hoffmann. Photo by Greg Peterson

NEW ULM – New Ulm Veterans Organizations donated $4,000 to Mike and Shelia Howk, parents of Michaela Howk, Thursday.

Michaela Howk was the victim of a hit-and-run in the early hours of New Year’s day in Minneapolis. Michaela Howk was hit by a motorist shortly before 2 a.m. on Jan. 1. She left a New Year’s party and was returning home on foot. She was crossing at the intersection of 4th and University Avenues NE, when a motorist struck her, then fled the scene.

She sustained several injuries that will require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Howk’s father, Mike Howk, is a retired Air Force Reserve Aero Medical Technician and a disabled veteran. New Ulm’s Veterans organization’s American Legion Post 132, DAV Chapter 15, VFW Post 1648, and the Brown County Veterans Council each donated $1,000 to the Howk parents to help defray their expenses incurred as a result of their daughter’s accident.

“Our veterans groups making this donation is a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and an encouragement for others to always make donations locally,” said Brown County Director of Veterans Services, Greg Peterson.

Mike Howk said the donation from veterans group has been extremely helpful. In addition to the recent donation from area veteran’s groups, Hewitt Docks out of Nicollet donated a ramp to the Howk home Friday for Michaela to use as she recovers.

“The support out there is just amazing,” Howk said. “She will have a lot of bills from recovering and being out of work, but these donations will help. I do not have enough words to express my gratitude.”

Michaela Howk was able to return to New Ulm, Thursday to stay with her parents during the recover process.

Mike Howk said she will need to return to the cities for further surgeries and checkups, but the hospital released Michaela to her parent’s care. Mike Howk’s background as a nurse allowed her to come home early.

Mike Howk said over all, his daughter is recovering.

“She’s a fighter,” he said. “She has a lot surgeries ahead and recovery time, but she is hanging in there.”

The investigation into who is responsible for hitting Michaela Howk is ongoing. Recently, Minneapolis Police announced they located the vehicle suspected in connection to the hit-and-run. On Jan. 3, police posted a photo on social media of the suspected vehicle. Police have since updated the post stating the vehicle has been located and impounded. The driver has not yet been found.