Tag Archive for: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Every Third Saturday and BTYR Hero Meals

Every Third Saturday and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore how Every Third Saturday helps Veterans and their families find hope, purpose, and community after military service, then highlight Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s Hero Meals program and the partnerships providing year-round food support to Minnesota’s service members, Veterans, and military families.

Guests:

Tom McKenna, a Marine Corps Veteran, shares how Every Third Saturday began in 2009 with simple distributions of clothing and personal items and has grown into a permanent facility near the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. The organization focuses on dignity and respect—Veterans are treated as members, not clients. Inside the building is Rick’s Coffee Bar, which runs a paid Veteran internship program. McKenna also discusses the Walk to Stay in the Fight and the new Fire Teams initiative for proactive support. Anyone can connect by calling (952) 356-5116, visiting everythirdsaturday.org, or walking in.

Later, Stefanie Hurt explains Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s Hero Meals initiative, which partners with Meals From the Heart and others to deliver seasonal meal kits through Operation Turkey Drop, Operation Merry Meals, Sweetheart Meals, and Food Fairy. In the 2025 holiday season and spring 2026, the program distributed 900 meal kits totaling about 81,000 individual servings and supported nearly 5,000 service members, Veterans, and family members across Minnesota. Listeners can contribute at mealsfromtheheart.org.

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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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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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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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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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