Tag Archive for: Minnesota National Guard

Military Appreciation Day Live: Guard and MDVA at the State Fair

Military Appreciation Day Live: Guard and MDVA at the State Fair

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we air the second of two special shows recorded live from Dan Patch Park on Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair. This conversation highlights Minnesota’s commitment to Veterans, the dual mission of the Minnesota National Guard, progress at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), and modernization across the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Guests:

During the show, the Governor looks back on treating Veteran issues first in the state budget through the Veterans omnibus bill, with broad legislative support year after year. That approach has helped Minnesota keep Veteran homelessness among the lowest in the nation, open more State Veterans Homes than any other state, and sustain nationally recognized State Veterans Cemeteries. Care for those who served is framed as keeping faith with people willing to do the hardest things — and as work that should stay out of political debate. He also speaks to Veteran suicide prevention and the danger of assuming someone is “fine,” including the lesson of Clay Hunt and the need for families, friends, and fellow service members to point people toward help.

We also take a closer look at the Minnesota National Guard on a day themed “Your Neighbors, Our Community.” Service members are teachers, coaches, and neighbors who live here, work here, and serve here. Soldiers and Airmen are deployed around the world and recently supported wildfire response in northeastern Minnesota and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The force remains strong at about 107 percent on the Army side and about 104 percent on the Air side. Modernization is tied to readiness, including C-130J aircraft expected next summer at Minneapolis–Saint Paul and a continued effort to position the 148th Fighter Wing for F-35 fighters. Leaders invite the next generation to join a team that offers education benefits, state and federal missions, and the chance to serve close to home.

Commissioner Brad Lindsay of MDVA reports the three newest State Veterans Homes hit a 70 percent census goal by July 1 and are now aiming for 90 percent by year’s end so Veterans on the waiting list can receive care. Beginning January 1, National Guard and Reserve members who did not previously qualify may be buried in Minnesota’s state cemeteries if they choose, a change expected to matter especially near Camp Ripley in Little Falls. After the federal process to declare functional zero for Veteran homelessness ended, MDVA is working with the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness so Ramsey County can still be recognized for meeting the criteria. The department has also staffed community health navigators and is executing a statewide Veteran suicide prevention plan. Veterans and families can start with LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet or LinkVet.org.

In the final segment, Minnesota Air National Guard leaders connect new aircraft to homeland defense, federal missions, and Minnesota’s partnerships with Norway and Croatia. As C-130J aircraft arrive, some career fields will shift into maintenance, the loadmaster field, or retirement under a plan already being shared with the formation. Looking ahead, they point to cyber capabilities and air-based air defense as missions the Air National Guard must stay in. The through line is the citizen Airman: a neighbor most of the week, in uniform when called, serving 100 percent of the time.

Through collaboration among the Governor’s office, the Minnesota National Guard, MDVA, and the Minnesota Air National Guard, Minnesota continues to treat care for Veterans as shared work — visible on Military Appreciation Day and carried out year-round across the state.

Next week we’re back in the studio to visit with the director of the Twin Cities Vet Center and learn how Vet Centers fit into the Department of Veterans Affairs and take care of those who have served.

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Previewing Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair

Previewing Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we preview Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair and the resources available to service members, Veterans, and families. This conversation highlights how Minnesota’s military community, Veteran support organizations, and state partners come together to honor service and help people connect with benefits they have earned — before we record live from the Fair beginning next week.

Guests:

During the show, we discuss the history and planning behind Military Appreciation Day, now more than 15 years in the making. The Minnesota National Guard coordinates the event for all branches and Veteran-supporting organizations, with day-long programming at Dan Patch Park from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, September 1st. Fairgoers can expect Veteran support organizations, entertainment, and military community partners throughout the park. In addition to those activities, a 10 am military program at Luther Auto Bandshell (formerly the Leinie Lodge Bandshell) includes an Honor Guard, a military fly over, and entertainment by the 34th Red Bull Band, with a Veterans parade at 2 pm. Eligible service members and Veterans can purchase discounted $15 admission tickets and receive additional discounts on rides and food throughout the Fair with a military ID. Minnesota Military Radio will record two shows live from the Fair on Military Appreciation Day. Next week’s episode will feature the first of those live recordings.

We also take a closer look at the work of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and County Veterans Service Officers across all 87 Minnesota counties. MDVA’s field operations team supports tribal Veteran services, women’s Veteran coordination, Gold Star families, incarcerated Veterans, Veteran Service Officer training, and on-site assistance at VA medical centers and State Veterans Homes. Together with MACVSO, the agencies share a booth in the Education Building throughout the Fair from 9 am to 9 pm to answer general questions, share local County Veterans Service Officer contact information, and point families toward follow-up help in a private setting. Listeners will hear about state programs such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, including dental and optical support for low-income Veterans and a once-in-a-lifetime Veteran relief grant that can help households facing a financial crisis.

Through collaboration, outreach, and a continued commitment to service, organizations like the Minnesota National Guard, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and MACVSO are making it easier for Minnesota Veterans and their families to find the support they have earned — at the State Fair and in their home communities. Veterans who have never spoken with a County Veterans Service Officer are encouraged to start with LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet or LinkVet.org, or visit MACVSO.org to find their local office.

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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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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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