Tag Archive for: National Guard

Walser Automotive Group: Minnesota’s First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company

Walser Automotive Group Becomes Minnesota's First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company

On this week’s show, Walser Automotive Group has proudly earned the designation as Minnesota’s first automotive retailer to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) Company. Proclaimed in November 2025, this recognition honors employers who go beyond symbolic gestures to deliver real support for veterans, service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and their families through intentional policies, culture, and opportunities.

In this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with Sherry Schultz, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, and Greg Davis, General Manager and Vice President of Walser Toyota in Bloomington. They discuss Walser’s journey to this milestone, driven by employee-led initiatives like the Veterans at Walser resource group (now nearly 200 members), leadership commitment, and practical programs that make a difference.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

  • Guaranteed interviews for any veteran applicant, with an open-door policy for support and de-escalation.
  • GI Bill-eligible accredited training programs in sales (about 30 days) and service advising (about 2 weeks + 2 days).
  • Deployment support, including differential pay, continued 401(k) vesting, and family outreach/check-ins.
  • Mentorship and onboarding to bridge military-to-civilian transitions, helping veterans translate skills and adapt to workplace norms.
  • A goal to hire 50+ veterans in the first year post-designation (already well on track).
  • Ongoing support for current Guard/Reserve employees, including deployment send-offs and reintegration.

Sherry Schultz, a military spouse herself, emphasized creating structure, empathy, and purpose for transitions, while Greg Davis shared insights as a parent of active-duty service members, noting the value of veterans’ discipline, efficiency, and purpose-driven mindset in Walser’s transparent, customer-focused environment.

For more details on Walser’s commitment, read their official announcement: Walser Earns Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Designation in Minnesota.

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Spotlighting the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence: Lifeline for Minnesota Veterans

Spotlighting the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence: Lifeline for Minnesota Veterans

This week, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham spotlights the incredible work of the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. For veterans and service members facing complex, life-changing injuries—often involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) combined with other physical and emotional trauma—this center provides a full continuum of specialized care designed to optimize recovery and quality of life.

The episode dives deep into the Poly Trauma System of Care, which celebrated its 20th anniversary recently, with Minneapolis as one of the original five Centers of Excellence. Guests from the Minneapolis VA share insights on acute rehabilitation, transitional programs, outpatient services, recent facility renovations (including private rooms, consolidated therapy spaces, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration), family/caregiver support, and the innovative RENEW (Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program) for active duty service members, including those in special operations.

Guests Include:

Key topics covered:

  • Defining polytrauma and its impact on brain, body, and emotional health
  • The continuum of care: acute rehab, transitional living, outpatient TBI/polytrauma services, and lifespan support
  • Major renovations improving patient experience (private rooms, natural light, built-in therapy progress tracking, family lounges)
  • The RENEW program: 5-week intensive for chronic/milder polytrauma issues, focusing on community integration, purpose, and return to duty or civilian life
  • Family involvement, including Fisher House support, and interdisciplinary team approach (PT, OT, speech, psychology, nursing, and more)
  • How to access care: referrals from community hospitals, primary care, or regional partners

Listeners hear inspiring stories of mission-driven care, long-term staff dedication (60+ combined years among guests), and real impact—helping veterans and service members reclaim their best lives after severe injuries.

For more on the Poly Trauma System of Care nationwide, visit polytrauma.va.gov. Learn about services at the Minneapolis VA here.

Or listen directly: Download MP3

Thank a veteran today—and honor those who continue to serve.

Produced in partnership with the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

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Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review

Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review

In this special Year in Review episode (recorded late 2025), retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with the Minnesota National Guard’s command team:

They discuss leadership dynamics, 2025 accomplishments, domestic and international missions, and exciting plans for 2026.

Key Highlights from 2025

  • Force growth and high readiness levels (nearly 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen strong)
  • Domestic support: Wildfire response on the North Shore and cyber assistance in St. Paul
  • International partnerships: Deepened ties with Croatia (29 years) and Norway (including the 52nd troop exchange)

Looking Ahead to 2026

  • 53rd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) in February
  • 30th anniversary celebrations with Croatia, including joint training
  • Upcoming deployments and returns (e.g., 34th MP Company, 148th Fighter Wing)
  • Modernization: New C-130J aircraft arriving for the 133rd Airlift Wing
  • New facilities opening, including the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum

The leaders emphasized trust, community connections (“We live here, we work here, we serve here”), and pride in the Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There
Interested in joining? As CSM Rost says: “This is a great time to be part of this team—we need leaders for the next generation.”

For more information or to explore service opportunities: MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil

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