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
In this weeks episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham highlights two powerful ways Minnesotans are supporting Veterans and service members.
Featured Guests:
- LTC Dustin Snare, Managing Director of Government Services at Starkey
- Jenni Hargraves, Executive Director of Starkey Cares
- Erin Betlock, Volunteer Services Coordinator at the Minneapolis State Veterans Home
Starkey Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company
Starkey, the only American-owned hearing technology company based in Eden Prairie, was named a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company in November 2025.
LTC Dustin Snare discusses how Starkey provides cutting-edge hearing aids and advanced hearing protection to the VA and Department of Defense. These modern devices feature noise reduction, directionality, waterproofing, and Bluetooth streaming — far beyond traditional hearing aids.
Jenni Hargraves explains Starkey Cares and the company’s commitment to hiring Veterans, offering military-friendly benefits, and supporting service members and their families.
The Power of Volunteers at Minnesota’s State Veterans Homes
Erin Betlock shares how volunteers are essential to the quality of life at Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes. They help with bingo, church services, outings, parties, one-on-one visits, and major events like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the State Fair.
“Volunteers are vital,” says Erin. “We can’t do activities without them.”
She encourages anyone interested to apply through MinnesotaVeteran.org, where a single application covers all homes.
Listen to the full episode here:
Support Veterans by volunteering at a State Veterans Home or exploring opportunities with veteran-friendly companies like Starkey. Visit MinnesotaVeteran.org to get started.
Thank you to our guests for their important work supporting Minnesota’s Veterans and service members.
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for an in-depth look at advancements in Veteran care.
Guests include:
- Dr. Mike Armstrong, Chief of Staff, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Dr. Rob Bayer, Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Dr. Adam Bock, Chief of Informatics, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
The episode opens with an update from Minneapolis VA Medical Center Director Pat Kelly, who shares news of a recent ribbon-cutting for the Polytrauma System of Care, ongoing efforts to combat Veteran suicide and an upcoming Resource Fair and Claims Clinic in Chippewa Falls on March 24th.The main focus shifts to VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization. Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Bayer explain how this modern, 21st-century platform will create a seamless, shared health record across federal systems. Benefits for Veterans include:
- Real-time access to records
- Elimination of paper copies, CDs, faxes, and duplicated tests
- Improved scheduling, standardization of care across sites
- A more modern patient portal with better secure messaging and apps
Dr. Bock joins to discuss the exciting integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ambient AI scribe. This HIPAA-compliant technology documents clinical appoints, with patient consent, so clinicians can focus more on the Veteran and less on the computer. AI output is reviewed by the provider, ensuring accuracy. This episode highlights how the Minneapolis VA is modernizing to deliver even better, more efficient, and compassionate care to Minnesota’s Veterans.
To learn about upcoming events visit https://www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/events/. For more information on the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization visit https://digital.va.gov/ehr-modernization/about/. For more on AI in the clinic rooms visit https://news.va.gov/143486/powered-by-ai-improving-veteran-care-experience/.
- Nate Wallerstedt, Project Management Branch Chief, who discussed the district’s core missions and the new “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” initiative to speed up projects and cut red tape.
- Dan Fasching, Civil Engineer, who explained water level management as “art meets engineering,” emphasizing drought control for navigation and the river’s role in efficient logistics.
- Tammy Frauenshuh, Natural Resource Planner, who covered recreation opportunities, park ranger duties, and free Military Pass benefits via the America the Beautiful program for service members and veterans.
In this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with Sherry Schultz, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, and Greg Davis, General Manager and Vice President of Walser Toyota in Bloomington. They discuss Walser’s journey to this milestone, driven by employee-led initiatives like the Veterans at Walser resource group (now nearly 200 members), leadership commitment, and practical programs that make a difference.
Key highlights from the conversation include:
- Guaranteed interviews for any veteran applicant, with an open-door policy for support and de-escalation.
- GI Bill-eligible accredited training programs in sales (about 30 days) and service advising (about 2 weeks + 2 days).
- Deployment support, including differential pay, continued 401(k) vesting, and family outreach/check-ins.
- Mentorship and onboarding to bridge military-to-civilian transitions, helping veterans translate skills and adapt to workplace norms.
- A goal to hire 50+ veterans in the first year post-designation (already well on track).
- Ongoing support for current Guard/Reserve employees, including deployment send-offs and reintegration.
Sherry Schultz, a military spouse herself, emphasized creating structure, empathy, and purpose for transitions, while Greg Davis shared insights as a parent of active-duty service members, noting the value of veterans’ discipline, efficiency, and purpose-driven mindset in Walser’s transparent, customer-focused environment.
For more details on Walser’s commitment, read their official announcement: Walser Earns Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Designation in Minnesota.
TOM LYONS, FOUNDER AND HOST
HOST DOUG WORTHAM
MINNESOTA SUPPORT OUR TROOPS LICENSE PLATE
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