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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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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