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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
https://i0.wp.com/minnesotamilitaryradiohour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Memorial-Day-Live-2026.png?fit=1200%2C627&ssl=16271200Ryanhttps://minnesotamilitaryradiohour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Minnesota-Military-Radio.fw_.pngRyan2026-05-26 09:44:232026-05-26 12:49:30Memorial Day Live 2026
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.
In Hour 2 of this Memorial Day special, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Brad Lindsay, Commissioner of the 
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 