In this special Year in Review episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with leaders from the Minnesota Commanders Task Force (CTF) — a coalition of congressionally chartered veterans service organizations working together on legislative priorities and support for Minnesota’s veterans.
The episode features discussions with CTF Chair Stewart Mednick (Jewish War Veterans of Minnesota), Vice Chair John Walker (Disabled American Veterans), Willie Pargo (Military Order of the Purple Heart), Barry Henriksen (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Andrew McCormick (Marine Corps League), Linda Dvorak (American Legion), and Todd Kemery (Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America).
Key Highlights from 2025
- CTF Leadership and Advocacy — Stewart Mednick reflects on his new role as Chair (elected in June 2025), emphasizing collaboration on issues like property tax credits for Gold Star families, reduced hunting/fishing licenses for veterans, and veteran organization license plates. The group prepares for Veterans Day on the Hill, connecting with state and federal legislators.
- Jewish War Veterans → Focused on rebuilding relationships between Jewish and veteran communities, providing direct assistance to veterans in need.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) → Celebrated their 100-year centennial, including a time capsule burial and ongoing transportation programs. Expanded efforts to combat food insecurity in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Military Order of the Purple Heart → Worked on membership growth despite challenges with an aging population; offered affiliate memberships for supporters.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) → Achieved “All American” status for meeting membership and program goals; highlighted community impact through donations to schools, sports, and food shelves.
- Marine Corps League → Supported hundreds of color guards, funerals, scholarships, and toy drives (providing toys for over 10,000 families); raised funds for children’s hospitals.
- American Legion → Hosted blood drives, disabled veteran hunts, and collected thousands of items for stand-down events.
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Paralyzed Veterans of America → Restarted in-person programs at the VA Spinal Cord Injury Center and maintained community visibility.
Looking ahead to 2026
Commanders Task Force leaders are optimistic about growing membership, expanding community outreach and legislative advocacy, and hosting key events like the VFW’s Voice of Democracy program, Marine Corps League toy drives, and American Legion celebrations for its 107th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. The episode ends with heartfelt holiday messages emphasizing buddy checks, support for isolated veterans, and remembrance of active-duty members and fallen heroes.
