New Leadership and Milestone Moments at the Minneapolis VA

New Leadership and Milestone Moments at the Minneapolis VA

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we turn our attention to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. We hear from system leadership about a recent high-level visit, welcome a new senior nurse executive with deep military roots, and get clarification on the Veterans Health Administration’s 80th anniversary along with updates on ongoing outreach.

Guests:

Director Pat Kelly discusses VA Secretary Doug Collins’ third visit to Minnesota, including a stop at the Lyle C. Pearson Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Mankato. The conversation covers the Secretary’s focus on hearing directly from staff and Veteran leaders, priority issues already moving forward such as access for state Veterans homes and simplifying community care, and the continuing importance of Community Based Outpatient Clinics in bringing specialty services closer to where Veterans live.

The middle segments feature Jana Nohrenberg, the Minneapolis VA’s new Associate Director for Patient Care Services and Nurse Executive. She shares her path into nursing, an unexpected journey into Army ROTC, 28 years of service that culminated in retirement as a Colonel, and her decision to continue serving Veterans at the VA. Listeners will hear how her experience as a critical care nurse, chief nursing officer at Landstuhl, and nursing faculty member informs her dual role overseeing nursing practice and key patient care services.

In the final segment, Melanie Nelson provides important context around the Veterans Health Administration’s 80th anniversary, distinguishing it from the much longer history of VA care that stretches back to the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. She also shares how the outreach team continues connecting with Veterans across the catchment area this summer, including Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

Through new leadership and sustained outreach, the Minneapolis VA remains focused on meeting Veterans where they are and delivering the care they have earned.

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Supporting Veterans Through Corporate Connection and Canine Companionship

Supporting Veterans Through Corporate Connection and Canine Companionship

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we highlight two organizations making a meaningful difference for Minnesota’s military community. First, we explore Medica and its Medica Salutes Veterans Employee Resource Group, which supports Veterans and allies through connection, professional development, and community service. In the second half, we meet the team from Believet Canine Service Partners, which builds life-changing service dog partnerships for disabled Veterans and their families.

Guests:

The show opens with John Zillhart and Matt Eich discussing their military careers and how those experiences shape their work at Medica. They share how Medica Salutes Veterans creates a supportive network through monthly meetings, guest speakers on topics like PTSD, suicide prevention, and military spouse experiences, and active participation in Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiatives. The conversation offers valuable insights for Veterans transitioning to civilian careers — including translating military leadership, teamwork, and communication skills — and advice for companies seeking to recruit and retain Veteran talent.

Listeners will also hear about real-world impact through volunteer efforts, community partnerships, and upcoming events that extend support beyond the workplace.

In the second half, Sam Daly and Scott Listberger from Believet Canine Service Partners discuss how highly trained service dogs help disabled Veterans regain independence, reduce medication reliance, and rebuild family and community connections. They share inspiring success stories of Veterans who transitioned from years of isolation to active lives, along with details on their matching process, ongoing support, and the critical role of volunteers in puppy raising and training. The organization operates without government funding and maintains lifelong commitment to every Veteran they serve.

Through corporate allyship and dedicated nonprofit work, these organizations demonstrate powerful ways to honor and support Veterans long after their service.

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Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers

Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into critical topics for Veterans and their families: protecting against frauds and scams, maximizing education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill, and transitioning military skills into rewarding public service careers with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Guests:

In the first segment, we focus on frauds and scams targeting Veterans and military families. Kindahl Larsen shares why Veterans are often targeted, common scam types including imposter, romance, investment, phishing, and employment scams, warning signs to watch for, and practical prevention strategies such as using a family safe word and maintaining radio silence with suspected scammers. She also highlights reporting resources and recovery options through the FBI’s IC3, Minnesota Attorney General’s office, Department of Commerce, and more.

Next, we explore education benefits and career pathways. Ed Godfrey and Charles Egerstrom explain the federal and Minnesota GI Bill programs, emphasizing their role as transition assistance—not just for college but for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, licensing, and certifications. They discuss how these benefits support Veterans entering new fields, including partnerships with organizations like Xcel Energy and the Minnesota State Patrol.

In the final segment, Sergeant April Bogart from the Minnesota State Patrol discusses the Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) Program, how Veterans can leverage military experience and GI Bill benefits in the application and training process, the academy experience, and the diverse career opportunities within the Patrol.

This episode equips Veterans with actionable knowledge to safeguard their finances, pursue education and training opportunities, and explore meaningful civilian careers that build on their service.

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Special Edition: Serving Steaks in Africa – Minnesota Troops Get a Taste of Home

This week on 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:

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:

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