Lt. Col. Mark Weber

This week we’ll meet Lt. Col. Mark Weber and hear his inspiration story of service, sacrifice and courage as he faces his own death. We’ll also take a look at substance abuse prevention and treatment options with Sgt. 1st Class Christine Dawson.

This week’s veteran is Specialist Richard Leonard of Woodbury. Leonard recently returned from his second tour in Iraq and Kuwait, where he was also deployed from 2005 to 2007. As an infantryman, he provided security and ensured the proper operation for a zone of the camp housing for up to 3,500 service members and civilian contractors. SPC Leonard has previous experience providing support to fellow Veterans while working in a Congressional office.  Specialist Leonard’s goal is to continue his work with Veterans while he is enrolled at Metro State with a double major in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.

Leonard and hundreds of others are ready to work hard on their next mission. Can we Hire Minnesota’s Heroes? To connect with Leonard contact the Ramsey County WorkForce Center at 651-­779-­5407, or to learn more, visit: PositivelyMinnesota.com/Veterans.

/by

Patriot Ride & Fathers Day

This week we’re recording live from The Patriot Ride in Ham Lake. For Fathers’ Day we’ll talk with one family with three generations of service. Guests include:

This week’s veteran is Spec. Shawn O’Brien of Apple Valley. Shawn just returned from his second tour in Iraq and Kuwait and has been working full time with the Minnesota National Guard for the past 6 years. As a supply specialist, he was responsible for acquiring a variety of different products and managing personal records for over six hundred Soldiers. Shawn has a variety of experience in the work force but is most proficient in logistics, inventory control, customer service and leadership. Shawn and hundreds of others are ready to work hard on their next mission. Can we Hire Minnesota’s Heroes? To connect with Shawn contact the Burnsville WorkForce Center at 952-895-7600, or to learn more, visit: PositivelyMinnesota.com/Veterans.

/by

U.S.S. Minnesota, Navy League & Defense Alliance

This week we’re at the U.S.S. Minnesota Dinner to talk about their latest construction milestone. We’ll also discover the Navy League, SubVets and Minnesota’s Defense Alliance. Guests include:

  • Navy Commander John Fancher
  • Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Randy Reid
  • Mike Alteri, Secretary of the Navy League & Member of SubVets
  •  Chip Laingen, President of the Defense Alliance

This week’s veteran is U.S. Navy Electrician’s Mate, Jean Ware. Jean acted as a liaison between the Commanding Officer and the reserve center and, when activated, worked extensively in logistics. As a civilian, Jean has more than 20 years of experience in the legal field, specifically litigation. As an experienced legal secretary, Jean is now looking for permanent employment.

Jean and hundreds of others are ready to work hard on their next mission. Can we Hire Minnesota’s Heroes? To connect with Jean contact the Blaine WorkForce Center at 763-785­‐6488 or to learn more, visit: PositivelyMinnesota.com/Veterans.

/by

Better Business Bureau & Veterans Employment

Can you tell the difference between a military supporting charity and scam? The week Vicki Lokken-­Paverud of the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is on hand to talk about their work helping veterans and their families. Capt Ron Jarvi from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon also joins us to talk about the state-wide effort to help Minnesota’s unemployed veterans and Staff Sgt. Eric Knode shares his story of employment success.

This week’s featured veteran is Kurt Weber. Kurt just returned for a tour in the Middle East as an intelligence analyst and is excited to expand his civilian experience in sales. Kurt and hundreds of others are ready to work hard on their next mission. Can we Hire Minnesota’s Heroes? To connect with Kurt, contact the South Minneapolis WorkForce Center at 612-821-4009 or to learn more at:PositivelyMinnesota.com/Veterans.

/by