Ending Veteran Homelessness: Leadership, Impact, and the Work of MACV

Ending Veteran Homelessness: Leadership, Impact, and the Work of MACV

 

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.

Guests:

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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Memorial 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.

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.

Guests

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.

Hour 3In 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.

 

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Care Beyond the VA: Home-Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Homes for Minnesota Veterans

Care Beyond the VA: Home-Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Homes for Minnesota Veterans

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we check in with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System to explore two important programs delivering care beyond the traditional medical center. Learn how Home-Based Primary Care and the Medical Foster Home Program are helping Veterans receive personalized, comprehensive care in the comfort of their homes or in supportive family-style environments.

We also discuss upcoming improvements to primary care appointments and how the VA is working to ensure Veterans receive more dedicated time with their providers.

Guests

Home-Based Primary Care

The Home-Based Primary Care program brings a full team of healthcare professionals directly to Veterans who may have difficulty accessing care at a VA facility. This team can include nurses, social workers, dietitians, therapists, and primary care providers who work together to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.

By meeting Veterans where they are, this program helps address complex health needs while supporting independence and improving quality of life.

Medical Foster Home Program

The Medical Foster Home Program offers an alternative living arrangement for Veterans who require more daily support. Veterans live in private homes with trained caregivers who provide 24/7 assistance in a family-style setting.

These homes are carefully screened and supported by VA care teams, creating a unique environment where Veterans can receive individualized care while remaining part of a household and community.

Supporting Veterans at Every Stage

Both programs work together to provide a continuum of care—whether a Veteran remains in their own home or transitions to a foster home setting. With a focus on comfort, dignity, and personalized care, these services help ensure Veterans receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journey.

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Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events

Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we’re joined by leaders from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss career opportunities, Veteran mental health resources, and Memorial Day weekend events across the state.

Guests include:

  • Ray Douha, Director, CareerForce Veterans Employment Program
  • Shannon Sprouse, Senior Veterans Employment Representative
  • Krysta Stanenas, Community Health Analyst, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Chase Arden, Veterans Community Health Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Tim Uecker, Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Segment 1: Minnesota Veterans Career Fair

Ray Douha and Shannon Sprouse discuss the 20th Annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, taking place on May 20, including what Veterans can expect and how to prepare.
https://careerforce.mn.gov/VeteransCareerFair2026

Segments 2 & 3: Veteran Mental Health Resources

Krysta Stanenas and Chase Arden share insight into Veteran mental health, suicide prevention efforts, and statewide resources available to Veterans and their families.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the Veteran Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/mhawarenessmonth.html

Segment 4: Memorial Day Events at State Veterans Cemeteries

Tim Uecker outlines Memorial Day weekend ceremonies taking place on Sunday, May 24, at Minnesota’s State Veterans Cemeteries.
https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/
https://minnesotaveteran.org/cem

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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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