Happy Valentine’s Day from Afghanistan!

Building the infrastructure needed to feed a nation may be one of the keys to stabilizing Afghanistan. This week we’ll catch up with Col. Eric Ahlness, the commander of the Minnesota National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team currently deployed in Zabul Province and see why the National Guard is so well suited for this critical mission.

Also, as our troops, like Marine Dick Theis, returned from Vietnam their welcome was not what they expected. We’ll explore that turbulent time in American history and how we’ve learned from our mistakes.

Nearly one-third of our deployed 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division Soldiers say that as they return home unemployment is a serious concern. This week we explore the solutions with MInnesota’s experts in the field. Guests include: Jim Finley of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Barb O’Reily of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Maj. Aaron Krenz and Command Sgt. Maj. Cindy Kallberg of the Minnesota National Guard. For more visit: PositivelyMinnesota.com/Veterans

Col. Young & Tom

This week, Minnesota’s last Tuskegee Airmen, Maj. Joe Gomer, tells us about his experiences in World War II, Korea and the Cold War and Col. Darrell Young of the Minneapolis based 934th Airlift Wing talks about his unit’s ongoing deployment to the Middle East.

 

This week Donna Smith-­Stafford and Delander talk about the Woodbury Yellow Ribbon Network and their work on ‘Sock for Troops’.  Brad Lindsay is also in-studio to talk about the latest from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs’ programs & services. Doug Bley of the Minnesota Patriot Guard also calls in for your ‘From the Flag Line’ update.

This week we’re recording live at Post 580 with special co-host Commissioner Larry Shellito. With a yellow ribbon network in the works, we’ll talk with Mayor Tom Furlong and Post Commander Ron Schlangen. Mike Farren also joins us for ‘Mail Call’.