On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into how the VA Benefits Administration helps Veterans and their families access earned benefits — from disability compensation and education to home loans and survivor support. We also explore the vital mission of the National Cemetery Administration and the services available at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Guests:
- Charles Martin – Veterans Service Center Manager, VA Saint Paul Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration
- Marcus Syverson – Assistant Director, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Complex
- Jason Cassellius – Program Analyst, Fort Snelling National Cemetery Complex
Charles Martin discusses VBA operations, improved claims processing times, backlog reductions, the PACT Act, and free resources lto lean on when filing a claim like County Veteran Service Officers. Marcus Syverson and Jason Cassellius cover burial eligibility, pre-registration,the Veterans Legacy Memorial, committal services with honors, various burial options, and long-term space availability at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery complex.
This episode provides practical guidance to help Veterans secure the benefits and honors they’ve earned.
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we break down the 2026 Minnesota Legislative session and what it means for Veterans and military families across the state. We discuss key outcomes including the successful passage of the Veterans Omnibus Bill with unanimous support, recognition for Southeast Asian Veterans of the Secret War in Laos, ongoing priorities such as the Homestead Market Value Exclusion for 100% disabled Veterans, and the strong bipartisan commitment to Veterans issues in Minnesota.
Featured Guests:
- Rep. Kari Rehrauer – Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Co-Vice Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division
- Jon Kelly – Director of Government Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Justin Rost – Director of Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats, Marine Corps Veteran
In the second half of the program, Justin Rost highlights how Veterans can leverage their skills, discipline, and drive into rewarding careers in the skilled trades through apprenticeships — offering competitive wages (often reaching six figures at journeyman level), excellent benefits, low-to-no cost training, and GI Bill housing allowances.
To find out more about the Helmets to Hardhats program – https://helmetstohardhats.org/
On this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham welcomes Brad L. Doboszenski, President of the Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans, and Dr. Marisa Naryka, military spouse and active member of the organization.
They discuss the real challenges Veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers and how the Eagle Group provides practical, peer-to-peer support to make that transition smoother.
Featured Guests:
- Brad L. Doboszenski – President, Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans (Retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army)
- Dr. Marisa Naryka – Military Spouse & Eagle Group Member (Incoming School Principal)
Key Topics Covered:
- The critical importance of networking and building connections after service
- Translating military skills and experience into civilian language for resumes and interviews
- Peer-to-peer mentorship and camaraderie for Veterans and military spouses
- Overcoming common obstacles like resume writing, interviewing, and maintaining a positive attitude
- Dr. Marisa Naryka’s personal transition journey from higher education into a new leadership role
- Upcoming 8th Annual Eagle Group Heroes Golf Tournament on August 17th at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville
This episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for any veteran or military family member navigating life after service.
Learn More & Get Involved:
On this special on-location episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug is broadcasting from the Africa Command Area of Operations alongside the Serving Our Troops organization. The team traveled from Minnesota to serve premium Mancini’s 12-ounce steaks to deployed Minnesota National Guard Airmen and other service members in a remote, austere environment.
This episode captures the powerful impact of community support on troop morale and highlights the strong partnerships between Minnesota’s military, businesses, unions, and nonprofits.
Featured Guests:
- Kevin Olsen – Deputy Director, Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
- Pat Harris – Founder, Serving Our Troops organization
- Col. Jesse Carlson- Minnesota Air National Guard
- CMSAF Rick Schumacher – Minnesota Air National Guard
- Joe Fowler – Business Manager, Laborers Local 563 & Serving Our Troops volunteer
Key Topics Covered:
- The emotional reactions from Airmen receiving a real Minnesota steak dinner far from home
- How Serving Our Troops has delivered over 150,000 steaks worldwide since 2004
- Update on the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum grand opening on September 12th north of Little Falls
- Transition to new C-130J aircraft for the 133rd Airlift Wing
- The special Books for Africa civic engagement event with local students and the U.S. Ambassador
- Stories of Minnesota labor unions and businesses supporting the National Guard through Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiatives
This heartfelt episode showcases Minnesota’s commitment to supporting its service members and their families — both at home and abroad.
Learn More:
- Serving Our Troops – Donate or volunteer
- Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum – Visit on September 12th
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore the mission to end Veteran homelessness and the progress being made across Minnesota to support those who have served. This important conversation highlights the challenges Veterans face when experiencing housing instability and the collaborative efforts underway to create long-term solutions.
Guests:
- MG (Ret.) Neal Loidolt – Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)
- COL (Ret.) Angela Steward Randle – Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)
During the show, we discuss how the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is helping Veterans transition out of homelessness and into stable housing through a combination of outreach, individualized support, and strong community partnerships. From addressing immediate housing needs to developing long-term stability plans, MACV’s approach focuses on meeting Veterans where they are and providing solutions tailored to each individual situation.
We also take a closer look at the broader effort to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota, including the role of public and private partnerships, ongoing challenges, and the importance of sustained community support. In addition, we highlight upcoming initiatives and events that continue to raise awareness and provide critical resources for Veterans across the state.
Through collaboration, innovation, and a continued commitment to service, organizations like MACV are making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of Minnesota Veterans and their families.
On this special Memorial Day broadcast of Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Chaplain Tim Usset, State Chaplain for the Minnesota National Guard, and Chaplain Justin Fenger, Division Chaplain for the 34th Infantry Division.
The conversation centers on the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice—and the importance of remembering the service members who never returned home.
Chaplain Usset shares his perspective as part of a Gold Star family and reflects on how personal and military experiences shape the way we honor loss. Chaplain Fenger discusses returning to Minnesota to serve and emphasizes the importance of remembrance through reflection, presence, and community.
Together, they explore how chaplains support service members and families through grief, the role of spiritual resilience, and why taking time to intentionally remember the fallen is essential.
Guests
- Chaplain Tim Usset, State Chaplain, Minnesota National Guard
- Chaplain Justin Fenger, Division Chaplain, 34th Infantry Division
In Hour 2 of this Memorial Day special, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Brad Lindsay, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, along with key leaders supporting veterans across the state.
The conversation highlights the importance of remembrance while also recognizing the ongoing work to serve Minnesota’s Veteran community.
The Commissioner reflects on Memorial Day as both a personal and professional responsibility, shaped by years of military service and decades working alongside Veterans. The discussion emphasizes the importance of honoring past generations while continuing to support today’s service members and their families.
Additional perspectives come from leaders across the Veterans system:
- Pat Kelly, Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, discusses the significance of the Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and shares ways families can honor loved ones through the VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial.
- David Swantek, Director of Memorial Affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, highlights the role of Minnesota’s state veterans cemeteries and the importance of giving families meaningful places to remember and reflect.
Throughout the hour, the focus remains on remembrance, community, and ensuring that the stories of those who served—and those who never returned—are not forgotten.
In Hour 3 of this Memorial Day broadcast, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Major General Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, along with remarks from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz.
Major General Manke reflects on the meaning of Memorial Day through personal experience, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service—both in combat and during training. He highlights the responsibility leaders carry to care for service members and their families, and the importance of maintaining trust within the force and with the public.
The conversation also underscores the critical role of leadership presence—ensuring soldiers and airmen feel supported, connected, and prepared for their missions.
Additional perspectives include:
- Senator Amy Klobuchar, who shares reflections on honoring fallen service members, supporting Gold Star families, and encouraging Americans to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Governor Tim Walz, who discusses the lasting impact of military service, the importance of supporting military families, and maintaining a strong commitment to veterans beyond their time in uniform.
Throughout the final hour, the message remains clear: Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect, and honor those whose sacrifice made our freedoms possible.
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
TOM LYONS, FOUNDER AND HOST
HOST DOUG WORTHAM
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