Serving from the Sea: U.S. Navy Careers and Recruiting in the Northern Plains

Serving from the Sea: U.S. Navy Careers and Recruiting in the Northern Plains

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham focuses on the United States Navy, exploring career opportunities, recruiting realities, and life at sea with leaders from Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains.

The conversation highlights Navy service from both a leadership and recruiting perspective, offering listeners insight into career paths, benefits, and what today’s Navy has to offer Sailors and their families.

This Week’s Guests

  • Master Chief Phillip Vogtman
    Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains
    A Minnesota native from Park Rapids, Master Chief Vogtman brings more than two decades of Navy experience, including extensive overseas service in Japan, Guam, and Bahrain. In his current role, he serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer, overseeing enlisted programs and Sailor readiness across the Northern Plains region.
  • Senior Chief Adam Pace
    Career Recruiter, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains
    Originally from Brevard, North Carolina, Senior Chief Pace has served both at sea and ashore before transitioning into the Navy’s Career Recruiting Force. His background includes years of enlisted recruiting leadership and current oversight of officer recruiting programs across multiple states.

From the Heartland to the Fleet

During the episode, both guests share their personal paths into Navy service and how family influence, opportunity, and leadership shaped their careers. Master Chief Vogtman discusses growing up in Minnesota and later returning to the region after years overseas, while Senior Chief Pace reflects on how recruiting has allowed him to change lives while continuing to serve the Navy mission.

Their stories demonstrate the wide range of backgrounds and experiences that lead individuals to serve in the U.S. Navy.

Understanding Navy Recruiting Today

A key portion of the discussion focuses on how Navy recruiting works today. Senior Chief Pace outlines what prospective applicants can expect, including timelines for enlisted and officer programs, medical qualification processes, and how the Navy supports Sailors through training, education, and career development.

The guests also address common misconceptions about Navy service, such as time at sea, deployments, and work‑life balance. Listeners learn that Navy careers extend well beyond ships, offering opportunities in aviation, medical fields, construction, logistics, cybersecurity, submarines, and more.

Why Consider the Navy?

Master Chief Vogtman highlights the Navy’s global presence and opportunities for travel, leadership growth, and professional development. Both guests emphasize that whether someone serves one enlistment or makes the Navy a full career, the skills, education, and benefits earned through service can have a lifelong impact.

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Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp

Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp

This week, Minnesota Military Radio recognizes Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day with a meaningful conversation focused on the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of military spouses. This episode highlights life on the home front, including the realities of deployments, long separations, family responsibilities, and the importance of strong support networks for military families.

Military spouses often serve without wearing the uniform, yet their role is essential to mission readiness and sustained service. This discussion offers firsthand insight into navigating military life, maintaining communication during separations, and reintegrating after deployments.

In the second segment, we highlight the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp, a long-standing program that supports military-connected youth by providing connection, structure, and shared experience at Camp Ripley. The camp helps children build resilience while bringing together peers who understand the unique challenges of military life.

This Week’s Guests

  • Christina Rost – A former Minnesota National Guard Soldier and military spouse sharing perspectives on service, family life, and resilience on the home front.
  • Ron Stenger – A retired Minnesota National Guard Soldier discussing life as a military spouse, parent, and the importance of communication and support during deployments.
  • Rich Kemp – A retired Minnesota Army National Guard Master Sergeant highlighting the mission and impact of the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp.
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Inside the American Legion: Veteran Support, Advocacy, and Leadership

Inside the American Legion: Veteran Support, Advocacy, and Leadership

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham sits down with leaders from the American Legion to discuss Veteran support, advocacy, leadership, and the organization’s ongoing impact at the national and local levels.

Guests include:

Listeners will hear about the American Legion’s four pillars — Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth — and how Legion posts across Minnesota and the nation serve as cornerstones in their communities. The conversation also explores key initiatives including the Legion’s Be The One campaign to reduce Veteran suicide, legislative advocacy on behalf of disabled Veterans, and programs that provide direct assistance to Veterans and their families.

The episode also highlights:

  • The American Legion’s role in Veteran disability claims and advocacy
  • Efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health
  • Support for Veterans through Minnesota’s Fund 85
  • Preparing for America’s 250th anniversary
  • Why Legion membership matters for strengthening Veterans’ voices
🎧 Listen to the show:
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Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA

Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA

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:

 

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.

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MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill

MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill

 

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we get an in‑depth update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on Veteran care, advocacy, and support services available to Veterans and their families across Minnesota. Commissioner Brad Lindsay joins the show to discuss current priorities, statewide initiatives, and how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs continues to serve Minnesota Veterans through healthcare, benefits, outreach, and community partnerships.

Featured Guests

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:

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