Supporting Military Families in Crisis: The 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic

Supporting Military Families in Crisis: The 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we are recorded live from the 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic at Bunker Hills Golf Course. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation continues its mission of providing timely financial assistance to currently serving Minnesota military personnel and their families—active duty, National Guard, and Reserve—who face a financial crisis not covered by existing state or federal programs.

Guests:

Co-hosted with Chaplain (COL, Retired) Buddy Winn.

Since its founding in 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than 2,700 grants totaling $7.5 million. It defines a military family financial crisis as a situation requiring a year or more of strict financial discipline to resolve, bringing anxiety, marital strain, and uncertainty into the home. By quickly bridging that gap, the Foundation helps service members stay focused on the mission and return home safely while showing families that their sacrifices are recognized and supported by the community.

As a 100% volunteer organization with extremely low overhead, nearly every donated dollar goes directly to grants. The annual Golf Classic is a key fundraising event that makes this work possible. The episode also highlights long-standing partnerships, including support from BOB FM, the 3M Military Support Network (a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company), Shooting for the Troops, and the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network.

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Voting Access for Service Members and the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day

Voting Access for Service Members and the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we focus on two important topics for Minnesota’s military community: ensuring service members, Veterans, and their families can fully participate in elections, and connecting retirees with the resources and support they need.

Guests:

The conversation with the Secretary of State’s office covers Minnesota’s strong record of high voter turnout, the simple process to register or update voter registration, the 46-day early voting period, and special options available to active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and those who are deployed—including the ability to receive a blank ballot electronically. The discussion also addresses election security, the role of election judges, and practical tools available at mnvotes.gov.

In the final segment, the Navy Retired Activities Office shares how its volunteer team supports military retirees, Veterans, spouses, and survivors across all branches of service. The conversation highlights assistance for “gray area” retirees and provides details on the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day, taking place September 12 at Treasure Island Resort and Casino. The full-day event will feature more than 40 exhibitors, educational presentations, and dedicated virtual appointments with Defense Finance and Accounting Service representatives. Registration is required by August 28 at raominneapolis.com.

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Celebrating 850 Shows: A Milestone Edition of Minnesota Military Radio

Celebrating 850 Shows: A Milestone Edition of Minnesota Military Radio

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we mark a significant milestone as the program airs its 850th show. For more than 15 years, Minnesota Military Radio has served as a dedicated platform sharing the stories of Minnesota’s service members, Veterans, families, and the organizations that support them.

Guests:

This special milestone edition takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the program’s beginnings in 2010 and the partnerships that have sustained it. Listeners will hear shout-outs from key leaders and partners, including the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and iHeartMedia. Producers from each partner organization join the conversation to discuss their roles, memorable moments, and the ongoing work of informing and connecting Minnesota’s military community.

From early support that helped launch the show to the growth that now reaches dozens of stations across the state and a national audience, this episode highlights the collaborative effort behind every broadcast. It also looks ahead, celebrating the mission that continues to honor Veterans, support current service members, and share important resources with listeners.

Through consistent storytelling, community partnerships, and a commitment to those who serve, Minnesota Military Radio has become a trusted voice for Minnesota’s military community. This 850th show is both a celebration of that legacy and a reminder of the work still ahead.

Thank you for listening and for supporting Minnesota’s Veterans every week.

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