Tag Archive for: Minnesota Military Radio

Inside the American Legion: Veteran Support, Advocacy, and Leadership

Inside the American Legion: Veteran Support, Advocacy, and Leadership

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham sits down with leaders from the American Legion to discuss Veteran support, advocacy, leadership, and the organization’s ongoing impact at the national and local levels.

Guests include:

Listeners will hear about the American Legion’s four pillars — Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth — and how Legion posts across Minnesota and the nation serve as cornerstones in their communities. The conversation also explores key initiatives including the Legion’s Be The One campaign to reduce Veteran suicide, legislative advocacy on behalf of disabled Veterans, and programs that provide direct assistance to Veterans and their families.

The episode also highlights:

  • The American Legion’s role in Veteran disability claims and advocacy
  • Efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health
  • Support for Veterans through Minnesota’s Fund 85
  • Preparing for America’s 250th anniversary
  • Why Legion membership matters for strengthening Veterans’ voices
🎧 Listen to the show:
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MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill

MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill

 

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we get an in‑depth update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on Veteran care, advocacy, and support services available to Veterans and their families across Minnesota. Commissioner Brad Lindsay joins the show to discuss current priorities, statewide initiatives, and how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs continues to serve Minnesota Veterans through healthcare, benefits, outreach, and community partnerships.

Featured Guests

The conversation highlights critical Veteran care programs, including the Minneapolis Adult Day Center, also known as the Vets Club, where Veterans receive supportive, social, and medical care while providing much‑needed relief for caregivers. Ann Rostratter and Emily Miene share how the Vets Club improves quality of life for Veterans, supports families, and helps aging Veterans remain engaged, active, and connected to their community.

The show also focuses on Veterans Day on the Hill, taking place on April 23rd, an annual advocacy event that brings together hundreds of Minnesota Veterans, Veterans service organizations, and community leaders at the State Capitol. Barry Henriksen and Janet Lorenzo discuss the role of the Commanders’ Task Force and how Veterans service organizations work together to advocate for key legislative priorities impacting Minnesota Veterans, including benefits, property tax relief, and long‑term Veteran support.

Learn more about Veterans Day on the Hill and how to get involved here:

👉 https://mnctf.org/veterans-day-on-the-hill-2026/

Listen Now:

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Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero and Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community

Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero and Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we honor the extraordinary legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Captain Willibald “Bill” Bianchi, a New Ulm native whose courage during World War II exemplified valor above and beyond the call of duty. Wounded multiple times while leading an assault against enemy positions during the Battle of Bataan, Captain Bianchi refused medical treatment and continued fighting—actions that saved countless lives and earned our nation’s highest military honor. Joining us in the studio are his niece and nephew, Susan Marti and Steve Marti, who share powerful family stories, personal memories, and the emotional journey of bringing their uncle home more than 80 years after his death.

We also highlight the Think Great Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting military spouses through education scholarships and recognizing the sacrifices made on the homefront. Erik Therwanger, founder of the Think Great Foundation, and board member Kathie Boe join the program to discuss the foundation’s mission and impact.

Rounding out the show, we check in with the Minnesota Patriot Guard as Craig Ugland shares insight into the organization’s ongoing mission to honor fallen service members, veterans, and their families with dignity, respect, and unwavering support across Minnesota.

Related Links

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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Starkey’s Hearing Tech for Veterans + The Power of Volunteers at State Veterans Homes

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Starkey’s Hearing Tech for Veterans + The Power of Volunteers at State Veterans Homes

In this weeks episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham highlights two powerful ways Minnesotans are supporting Veterans and service members.

Featured Guests:

Starkey Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company

Starkey, the only American-owned hearing technology company based in Eden Prairie, was named a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company in November 2025.
LTC Dustin Snare discusses how Starkey provides cutting-edge hearing aids and advanced hearing protection to the VA and Department of Defense. These modern devices feature noise reduction, directionality, waterproofing, and Bluetooth streaming — far beyond traditional hearing aids.
Jenni Hargraves explains Starkey Cares and the company’s commitment to hiring Veterans, offering military-friendly benefits, and supporting service members and their families.

The Power of Volunteers at Minnesota’s State Veterans Homes

Erin Betlock shares how volunteers are essential to the quality of life at Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes. They help with bingo, church services, outings, parties, one-on-one visits, and major events like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the State Fair.
“Volunteers are vital,” says Erin. “We can’t do activities without them.”
She encourages anyone interested to apply through MinnesotaVeteran.org, where a single application covers all homes.

Listen to the full episode here:

Support Veterans by volunteering at a State Veterans Home or exploring opportunities with veteran-friendly companies like Starkey. Visit MinnesotaVeteran.org to get started.

Thank you to our guests for their important work supporting Minnesota’s Veterans and service members.

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Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook

Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook
This week on Minnesota Military Radio: Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook.
We open with a tribute to Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and their families every day.
The program features an in-depth conversation with Diane Lynch-deCombs, Assistant Commissioner of the Health Care Division at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. She oversees the state’s eight veterans homes and discusses supporting administrators, workforce challenges in long-term care, attracting younger workers, adapting to evolving veteran health care models like community care and choice options, and ensuring these facilities remain strong and sustainable for the future.
Next, Jon Kelly, Director of Government Affairs at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, provides an update on the department’s 2026 legislative priorities. Topics include policy bills, bonding requests for veterans homes and cemeteries, ongoing progress in ending veterans homelessness and suicide prevention, and efforts to recognize and provide benefits to Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans from Laos.
Hosted by Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham, Minnesota Military Radio is a production of iHeartMedia, the Minnesota National Guard, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
For more information on Minnesota’s veterans homes, visit: https://www.mn.gov/mdva/homes/ To learn about legislative updates and resources, check the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website: https://www.mn.gov/mdva/
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