Tag Archive for: Minnesota veterans

Ending Veteran Homelessness: Leadership, Impact, and the Work of MACV

Ending Veteran Homelessness: Leadership, Impact, and the Work of MACV

 

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore the mission to end Veteran homelessness and the progress being made across Minnesota to support those who have served. This important conversation highlights the challenges Veterans face when experiencing housing instability and the collaborative efforts underway to create long-term solutions.

Guests:

During the show, we discuss how the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is helping Veterans transition out of homelessness and into stable housing through a combination of outreach, individualized support, and strong community partnerships. From addressing immediate housing needs to developing long-term stability plans, MACV’s approach focuses on meeting Veterans where they are and providing solutions tailored to each individual situation.

We also take a closer look at the broader effort to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota, including the role of public and private partnerships, ongoing challenges, and the importance of sustained community support. In addition, we highlight upcoming initiatives and events that continue to raise awareness and provide critical resources for Veterans across the state.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a continued commitment to service, organizations like MACV are making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of Minnesota Veterans and their families.

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Care Beyond the VA: Home-Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Homes for Minnesota Veterans

Care Beyond the VA: Home-Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Homes for Minnesota Veterans

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we check in with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System to explore two important programs delivering care beyond the traditional medical center. Learn how Home-Based Primary Care and the Medical Foster Home Program are helping Veterans receive personalized, comprehensive care in the comfort of their homes or in supportive family-style environments.

We also discuss upcoming improvements to primary care appointments and how the VA is working to ensure Veterans receive more dedicated time with their providers.

Guests

Home-Based Primary Care

The Home-Based Primary Care program brings a full team of healthcare professionals directly to Veterans who may have difficulty accessing care at a VA facility. This team can include nurses, social workers, dietitians, therapists, and primary care providers who work together to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.

By meeting Veterans where they are, this program helps address complex health needs while supporting independence and improving quality of life.

Medical Foster Home Program

The Medical Foster Home Program offers an alternative living arrangement for Veterans who require more daily support. Veterans live in private homes with trained caregivers who provide 24/7 assistance in a family-style setting.

These homes are carefully screened and supported by VA care teams, creating a unique environment where Veterans can receive individualized care while remaining part of a household and community.

Supporting Veterans at Every Stage

Both programs work together to provide a continuum of care—whether a Veteran remains in their own home or transitions to a foster home setting. With a focus on comfort, dignity, and personalized care, these services help ensure Veterans receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journey.

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Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events

Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we’re joined by leaders from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss career opportunities, Veteran mental health resources, and Memorial Day weekend events across the state.

Guests include:

  • Ray Douha, Director, CareerForce Veterans Employment Program
  • Shannon Sprouse, Senior Veterans Employment Representative
  • Krysta Stanenas, Community Health Analyst, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Chase Arden, Veterans Community Health Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Tim Uecker, Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Segment 1: Minnesota Veterans Career Fair

Ray Douha and Shannon Sprouse discuss the 20th Annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, taking place on May 20, including what Veterans can expect and how to prepare.
https://careerforce.mn.gov/VeteransCareerFair2026

Segments 2 & 3: Veteran Mental Health Resources

Krysta Stanenas and Chase Arden share insight into Veteran mental health, suicide prevention efforts, and statewide resources available to Veterans and their families.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the Veteran Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/mhawarenessmonth.html

Segment 4: Memorial Day Events at State Veterans Cemeteries

Tim Uecker outlines Memorial Day weekend ceremonies taking place on Sunday, May 24, at Minnesota’s State Veterans Cemeteries.
https://mn.gov/mdva/news/events/
https://minnesotaveteran.org/cem

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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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