Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers

Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into critical topics for Veterans and their families: protecting against frauds and scams, maximizing education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill, and transitioning military skills into rewarding public service careers with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Guests:

In the first segment, we focus on frauds and scams targeting Veterans and military families. Kindahl Larsen shares why Veterans are often targeted, common scam types including imposter, romance, investment, phishing, and employment scams, warning signs to watch for, and practical prevention strategies such as using a family safe word and maintaining radio silence with suspected scammers. She also highlights reporting resources and recovery options through the FBI’s IC3, Minnesota Attorney General’s office, Department of Commerce, and more.

Next, we explore education benefits and career pathways. Ed Godfrey and Charles Egerstrom explain the federal and Minnesota GI Bill programs, emphasizing their role as transition assistance—not just for college but for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, licensing, and certifications. They discuss how these benefits support Veterans entering new fields, including partnerships with organizations like Xcel Energy and the Minnesota State Patrol.

In the final segment, Sergeant April Bogart from the Minnesota State Patrol discusses the Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) Program, how Veterans can leverage military experience and GI Bill benefits in the application and training process, the academy experience, and the diverse career opportunities within the Patrol.

This episode equips Veterans with actionable knowledge to safeguard their finances, pursue education and training opportunities, and explore meaningful civilian careers that build on their service.

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Special Edition: Serving Steaks in Africa – Minnesota Troops Get a Taste of Home

This week on 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.

Featured Guests:

Key Topics Covered:

  • The emotional reactions from Airmen receiving a real Minnesota steak dinner far from home
  • How Serving Our Troops has delivered over 150,000 steaks worldwide since 2004
  • Update on the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum grand opening on September 12th north of Little Falls
  • Transition to new C-130J aircraft for the 133rd Airlift Wing
  • The special Books for Africa civic engagement event with local students and the U.S. Ambassador
  • Stories of Minnesota labor unions and businesses supporting the National Guard through Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiatives

This heartfelt episode showcases Minnesota’s commitment to supporting its service members and their families — both at home and abroad.

Learn More:

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Supporting Military-Connected Students at MSU Moorhead and Federal Ammunition’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans and Families

Supporting Military-Connected Students at MSU Moorhead and Federal Ammunition’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans and Families

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore education and transition support for Veterans, service members, and military family members at Minnesota State University Moorhead. We also highlight how Federal Ammunition continues to support the military community through donations, events, and partnerships.

Guests:

Aaron Krenz and Josh Clark discuss the Veteran Success Program, Yellow Ribbon Advanced initiatives, challenges faced by military-connected students, resume translation, employer partnerships, paid practicum opportunities, the Dragon Student Veterans Club, and Dragon Valor training. They share inspiring success stories of students thriving in education and careers.

Dennis Angel, Jared Courtney, and Mark Hyland highlight Federal Ammunition’s long-standing support for military charities, including ammunition and funding for the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp, Shoot for the Troops / Shooting for the Troops events benefiting the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, the Blaine Veterans Memorial Park, Twin Cities Honor Flight, and many more. They also reflect on the company’s 104-year history and commitment to giving back.

This episode showcases meaningful ways organizations are helping Veterans and military families succeed in education, transition to civilian life, and receive community support.

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Navigating Veteran Benefits and Honoring Service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Navigating Veteran Benefits and Honoring Service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into how the VA Benefits Administration helps Veterans and their families access earned benefits — from disability compensation and education to home loans and survivor support. We also explore the vital mission of the National Cemetery Administration and the services available at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Guests:

Charles Martin discusses VBA operations, improved claims processing times, backlog reductions, the PACT Act, and free resources lto lean on when filing a claim like County Veteran Service Officers. Marcus Syverson and Jason Cassellius cover burial eligibility, pre-registration,the Veterans Legacy Memorial,  committal services with honors, various burial options, and long-term space availability at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery complex.

This episode provides practical guidance to help Veterans secure the benefits and honors they’ve earned.

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2026 MN Legislative Session Highlights for Veterans & Helmets to Hardhats

2026 MN Legislative Session Highlights for Veterans & Helmets to Hardhats

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.

Featured Guests:

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.

To find out more about the Helmets to Hardhats program – https://helmetstohardhats.org/ 

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