Minnesota Military Radio
Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who serve, veterans and their families, Minnesota Military Radio brings you the latest news from Minnesota's proud military community including; the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and the Minneapolis VA. Whether it's the latest on veterans' benefits, stories of service or how you can help our troops and their families, this is your best source to stay up to speed.
Voting Access for Service Members and the 2026 Joint Retiree Appreciation Day
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we focus on two important topics for Minnesota’s military community: ensuring service members, Veterans, and their families can fully participate in elections, and connecting retirees with the resources and support they need.
Guests:
Steve Simon –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:
Founding host Tom Lyons Zach Halverson – iHeartMedia 1st Lt. Austin Stibbe – Minnesota National Guard Melanie Nelson – Minneapolis VA Health CarNew Leadership and Milestone Moments at the Minneapolis VA
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we turn our attention to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. We hear from system leadership about a recent high-level visit, welcome a new senior nurse executive with deep military roots, and get clarification on the Veterans Health Administration’s 80th anniversary along with updates on ongoing outreach.
Guests:
Pat Kelly – Director, Minneapolis VA Health Care System Jana NohrenberSupporting Veterans Through Corporate Connection and Canine Companionship
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we highlight two organizations making a meaningful difference for Minnesota’s military community. First, we explore Medica and its Medica Salutes Veterans Employee Resource Group, which supports Veterans and allies through connection, professional development, and community service. In the second half, we meet the team from Believet Canine Service Partners, whic
Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into critical topics for Veterans and their families: protecting against frauds and scams, maximizing education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill, and transitioning military skills into rewarding public service careers with the Minnesota State Patrol.
Guests:
Kindahl Larsen – Chief Compliance Officer, MinnesotaSpecial 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 servi
Supporting Military-Connected Students at MSU Moorhead and Federal Ammunition’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans and Families
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Navigating Veteran Benefits and Honoring Service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into how the VA Benefits Administration helps Veterans and their families access earned benefits — from disability compensation and education to home loans and survivor support. We also explore the vital mission of the National Cemetery Administration and the services available at Fort Snelling Nat
2026 MN Legislative Session Highlights for Veterans & Helmets to Hardhats
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we break down the 2026 Minnesota Legislative session and what it means for Veterans and military families across the state. We discuss key outcomes including the successful passage of the Veterans Omnibus Bill with unanimous support, recognition for Southeast Asian Veterans of the Secret War in Laos, ongoing priorities such as the Homestead Market Value Exclusion for 100% disabled Veterans, and the strong bipartisan commitment to Veterans issues in Minneso
Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans: Helping Veterans & Spouses Transition Successfully
On this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham welcomes Brad L. Doboszenski, President of the Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans, and Dr. Marisa Naryka, military spouse and active member of the organization.
They discuss the real challenges Veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers and how the Eagle Group provides
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:
MG (Ret.) Neal Loidolt –Memorial Day Live 2026
On this special Memorial Day broadcast of Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham and co-host Tom Lyons are joined by Chaplain Tim Usset, State Chaplain for the Minnesota National Guard, and Chaplain Justin Fenger, Division Chaplain for the 34th Infantry Division.
The conversation centers on the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice—and the importance of remembering the service members who never returned home.
Chaplain Usset shares his perspective as part of a Gold Star family and reflects on how personal and military experiences shape the way we honor loss...
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
Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events
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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, Mi...Serving from the Sea: U.S. Navy Careers and Recruiting in the Northern Plains
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Doug Wortham focuses on the United States Navy, exploring career opportunities, recruiting realities, and life at sea with leaders from Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains.
The conversation highlights Navy service from both a leadership and recruiting perspective, offering listeners insight into career paths, benefits, and what today’s Navy has to offer Sailors and their families.
Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp
This week, Minnesota Military Radio recognizes Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day with a meaningful conversation focused on the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of military spouses. This episode highlights life on the home front, including the realities of deployments, long separations, family responsibilities, and the importance of strong support networks for military families.
Military spous
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:
Dan Wiley – National Commander, The American Legion Linda Dvorak –Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA
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May is Stroke Awareness Month and this week on Minnesota Military Radio we are talking about strokes. What are signs of a stroke, and why time is critical when reacting to those signs.
Guests include:
Elise Mincke – Stroke Coordinator and Case Manager,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 health
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 c
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:
LTC Dustin Snare, Managing Director of Government Services at Starkey Jenni Hargraves, Executive Director of Starkey Cares Erin Betlock, Volunteer Services Coordinator at the Minneapolis State Veterans HomeStarkey Recognized as
Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements
This week on Min
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.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District: Navigation, Flood Protection, and River Recreation
Walser Automotive Group: Minnesota’s First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company
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 ce