This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we check in with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System to explore two important programs delivering care beyond the traditional medical center. Learn how Home-Based Primary Care and the Medical Foster Home Program are helping Veterans receive personalized, comprehensive care in the comfort of their homes or in supportive family-style environments.
We also discuss upcoming improvements to primary care appointments and how the VA is working to ensure Veterans receive more dedicated time with their providers.
Guests
- Pat Kelly – Director, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Mary Ketchum – Home-Based Primary Care Program Manager, Minneapolis VA
- Kathryn “Red” Schaefer West – Medical Foster Home Coordinator, Minneapolis VA
- Greg Hausker – Medical Foster Home Program Nurse, Minneapolis VA
Home-Based Primary Care
The Home-Based Primary Care program brings a full team of healthcare professionals directly to Veterans who may have difficulty accessing care at a VA facility. This team can include nurses, social workers, dietitians, therapists, and primary care providers who work together to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.
By meeting Veterans where they are, this program helps address complex health needs while supporting independence and improving quality of life.
Medical Foster Home Program
The Medical Foster Home Program offers an alternative living arrangement for Veterans who require more daily support. Veterans live in private homes with trained caregivers who provide 24/7 assistance in a family-style setting.
These homes are carefully screened and supported by VA care teams, creating a unique environment where Veterans can receive individualized care while remaining part of a household and community.
Supporting Veterans at Every Stage
Both programs work together to provide a continuum of care—whether a Veteran remains in their own home or transitions to a foster home setting. With a focus on comfort, dignity, and personalized care, these services help ensure Veterans receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journey.
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we’re joined by leaders from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss career opportunities, Veteran mental health resources, and Memorial Day weekend events across the state.
Guests include:
- Ray Douha, Director, CareerForce Veterans Employment Program
- Shannon Sprouse, Senior Veterans Employment Representative
- Krysta Stanenas, Community Health Analyst, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Chase Arden, Veterans Community Health Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Tim Uecker, Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Segment 1: Minnesota Veterans Career Fair
Ray Douha and Shannon Sprouse discuss the 20th Annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, taking place on May 20, including what Veterans can expect and how to prepare.
https://careerforce.mn.gov/VeteransCareerFair2026
Segments 2 & 3: Veteran Mental Health Resources
Krysta Stanenas and Chase Arden share insight into Veteran mental health, suicide prevention efforts, and statewide resources available to Veterans and their families.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the Veteran Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/mhawarenessmonth.html
Segment 4: Memorial Day Events at State Veterans Cemeteries
Tim Uecker outlines Memorial Day weekend ceremonies taking place on Sunday, May 24, at Minnesota’s State Veterans Cemeteries.
https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/
https://minnesotaveteran.org/cem
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham focuses on the United States Navy, exploring career opportunities, recruiting realities, and life at sea with leaders from Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains.
The conversation highlights Navy service from both a leadership and recruiting perspective, offering listeners insight into career paths, benefits, and what today’s Navy has to offer Sailors and their families.
This Week’s Guests
- Master Chief Phillip Vogtman
Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains
A Minnesota native from Park Rapids, Master Chief Vogtman brings more than two decades of Navy experience, including extensive overseas service in Japan, Guam, and Bahrain. In his current role, he serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer, overseeing enlisted programs and Sailor readiness across the Northern Plains region. - Senior Chief Adam Pace
Career Recruiter, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains
Originally from Brevard, North Carolina, Senior Chief Pace has served both at sea and ashore before transitioning into the Navy’s Career Recruiting Force. His background includes years of enlisted recruiting leadership and current oversight of officer recruiting programs across multiple states.
From the Heartland to the Fleet
During the episode, both guests share their personal paths into Navy service and how family influence, opportunity, and leadership shaped their careers. Master Chief Vogtman discusses growing up in Minnesota and later returning to the region after years overseas, while Senior Chief Pace reflects on how recruiting has allowed him to change lives while continuing to serve the Navy mission.
Their stories demonstrate the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that lead individuals to serve in the U.S. Navy.
Understanding Navy Recruiting Today
A key portion of the discussion focuses on how Navy recruiting works today. Senior Chief Pace outlines what prospective applicants can expect, including timelines for enlisted and officer programs, medical qualification processes, and how the Navy supports Sailors through training, education, and career development.
The guests also address common misconceptions about Navy service, such as time at sea, deployments, and work‑life balance. Listeners learn that Navy careers extend well beyond ships, offering opportunities in aviation, medical fields, construction, logistics, cybersecurity, submarines, and more.
Why Consider the Navy?
Master Chief Vogtman highlights the Navy’s global presence and opportunities for travel, leadership growth, and professional development. Both guests emphasize that whether someone serves one enlistment or makes the Navy a full career, the skills, education, and benefits earned through service can have a lifelong impact.
This week, Minnesota Military Radio recognizes Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day with a meaningful conversation focused on the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of military spouses. This episode highlights life on the home front, including the realities of deployments, long separations, family responsibilities, and the importance of strong support networks for military families.
Military spouses often serve without wearing the uniform, yet their role is essential to mission readiness and sustained service. This discussion offers firsthand insight into navigating military life, maintaining communication during separations, and reintegrating after deployments.
In the second segment, we highlight the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp, a long-standing program that supports military-connected youth by providing connection, structure, and shared experience at Camp Ripley. The camp helps children build resilience while bringing together peers who understand the unique challenges of military life.
This Week’s Guests
- Christina Rost – A former Minnesota National Guard Soldier and military spouse sharing perspectives on service, family life, and resilience on the home front.
- Ron Stenger – A retired Minnesota National Guard Soldier discussing life as a military spouse, parent, and the importance of communication and support during deployments.
- Rich Kemp – A retired Minnesota Army National Guard Master Sergeant highlighting the mission and impact of the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp.
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham sits down with leaders from the American Legion to discuss Veteran support, advocacy, leadership, and the organization’s ongoing impact at the national and local levels.
Guests include:
- Dan Wiley – National Commander, The American Legion
- Linda Dvorak – Commander, American Legion Department of Minnesota
Listeners will hear about the American Legion’s four pillars — Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth — and how Legion posts across Minnesota and the nation serve as cornerstones in their communities. The conversation also explores key initiatives including the Legion’s Be The One campaign to reduce Veteran suicide, legislative advocacy on behalf of disabled Veterans, and programs that provide direct assistance to Veterans and their families.
The episode also highlights:
- The American Legion’s role in Veteran disability claims and advocacy
- Efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health
- Support for Veterans through Minnesota’s Fund 85
- Preparing for America’s 250th anniversary
- Why Legion membership matters for strengthening Veterans’ voices
May is Stroke Awareness Month and this week on Minnesota Military Radio we are talking about strokes. What are signs of a stroke, and why time is critical when reacting to those signs.
Guests include:
- Elise Mincke – Stroke Coordinator and Case Manager, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Dr. Kevin Brown – Chief of Neurology, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Traci Boser – Stroke Coordinator, Inpatient Stroke Rehab Unit, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
Guests share information from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center VA-recognized Primary Stroke Center and we learn what the Minneapolis VA is doing – not only to help Veterans who have had a stroke – but to help prevent them from having one.
Listeners also learn about BEFAST, an acronym used to identify the sudden onset of stroke symptom, immediate action can significantly reduce long-term damage and improve recovery outcomes.
- Balance loss
- Eyesight changes
- Facial drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulties
- Time to call 911
Learn more at a Stroke Awareness Fair at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center main auditorium on Monday, May 11th, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. There will be a variety of VA clinics and community agencies with information booths about Stroke Prevention.
Featured Guests
- Brad Lindsay – Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Ann Rostratter – Director, Minneapolis Adult Day Center (Vets Club)
- Emily Miene – Recreational Therapist, Minneapolis Adult Day Center (Vets Club)
- Barry Henriksen – Adjutant Quartermaster & Legislative Lead, VFW Member, Commanders’ Task Force
- Janet Lorenzo – Assistant Adjutant, American Legion Member, Commanders’ Task Force
The conversation highlights critical Veteran care programs, including the Minneapolis Adult Day Center, also known as the Vets Club, where Veterans receive supportive, social, and medical care while providing much‑needed relief for caregivers. Ann Rostratter and Emily Miene share how the Vets Club improves quality of life for Veterans, supports families, and helps aging Veterans remain engaged, active, and connected to their community.
The show also focuses on Veterans Day on the Hill, taking place on April 23rd, an annual advocacy event that brings together hundreds of Minnesota Veterans, Veterans service organizations, and community leaders at the State Capitol. Barry Henriksen and Janet Lorenzo discuss the role of the Commanders’ Task Force and how Veterans service organizations work together to advocate for key legislative priorities impacting Minnesota Veterans, including benefits, property tax relief, and long‑term Veteran support.
Learn more about Veterans Day on the Hill and how to get involved here:
👉 https://mnctf.org/veterans-day-on-the-hill-2026/
Listen Now:
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we honor the extraordinary legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Captain Willibald “Bill” Bianchi, a New Ulm native whose courage during World War II exemplified valor above and beyond the call of duty. Wounded multiple times while leading an assault against enemy positions during the Battle of Bataan, Captain Bianchi refused medical treatment and continued fighting—actions that saved countless lives and earned our nation’s highest military honor. Joining us in the studio are his niece and nephew, Susan Marti and Steve Marti, who share powerful family stories, personal memories, and the emotional journey of bringing their uncle home more than 80 years after his death.
We also highlight the Think Great Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting military spouses through education scholarships and recognizing the sacrifices made on the homefront. Erik Therwanger, founder of the Think Great Foundation, and board member Kathie Boe join the program to discuss the foundation’s mission and impact.
Rounding out the show, we check in with the Minnesota Patriot Guard as Craig Ugland shares insight into the organization’s ongoing mission to honor fallen service members, veterans, and their families with dignity, respect, and unwavering support across Minnesota.
Related Links
- Obituary for Captain Willibald “Bill” Bianchi:
https://www.mvfh.org/obituary/capt-willibald-bill-bianchi - Video tribute:
https://youtu.be/1n6JWgLmHLE?si=x9y9BIFYtfT2oujG
TOM LYONS, FOUNDER AND HOST
HOST DOUG WORTHAM
MINNESOTA SUPPORT OUR TROOPS LICENSE PLATE
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