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.
F-35 Modernization and the Future of the 148th Fighter Wing
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we meet leaders from the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard to explore the 148th Fighter Wing’s mission and the case for F-35 modernization in Duluth. The conversation covers the wing’s current F-16 operations, the Air Force selection process, preparations for a potential transition, and the essential role of community support in shaping the wing’s future.
Guests:
COL Curtis Grayson – Commander, 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard COL Daniel Statz –Previewing the Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration in Duluth
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we preview the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Celebration taking place Wednesday, November 11 in Duluth, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). The conversation covers event details, community partnerships, tribal Veteran services, County Veterans Service Office support in northern Minnesota, and the message from this year’s keynote speaker.
Guests:
Rose Lambert – Communications Strategist, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Center
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we visit the Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Center (SCI/D) to learn about the lifelong rehabilitation and comprehensive care available to Veterans, then discuss the vaccinations that can help keep them healthy this season.
Guests:
Dr. Kerri Chung – Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician and Assistant Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Chief, Minneapolis VA Health Care System Jennifer Irish – Clinical Psychologist, Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder CenterEvery Third Saturday and BTYR Hero Meals
Air Force Warrant Officers and DAV United in Service
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we look at the return of warrant officers to the Air Force and what that means for the Minnesota National Guard, then turn to a statewide tribute and claims effort from Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota.
Guests:
CW5 Erik Homme – Command Chief Warrant Officer, Minnesota National Guard CW2 Michael Volkmeier – Minnesota Air National Guard, 210th Engineering Installation Squadron Stephen “Butch” Whitehead – Adjutant, Disabled American Veterans, Department of Minnesota Angel FieldThe SOAR Program: Helping Veterans Navigate SSI and SSDI
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the SOAR program help eligible Veterans and family members navigate the Social Security disability process.
Guests:
Kal Johnson – Supervisor, Veteran SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Program, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Charles Rosenfield – Senior Representative, Veteran SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Program, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Adam – United States MarineSOAR—SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery—is a nationally recognized advocacy model adapted by MDVA for the Vete...
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Collaboration Across Minnesota
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore how collaboration strengthens Veteran suicide prevention across Minnesota and how the Veteran Suicide Mortality Review brings partners together to find opportunities for action. The conversation marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Minnesota’s first state Veterans suicide prevention strategy.
Guests:
David Girgen – Lyon County CVSO and Technical Assistance Coordinator for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSO) Chase Arden – Veterans Community Health Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Kristi Stites – Veteran Suicide PreventionVA Vet Centers and the Debt Management Center
On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we start with a flu shot reminder from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, then explore two Department of Veterans Affairs resources Veterans and families may not know well: Vet Centers and the VA Debt Management Center.
Guests:
Pat Kelly – Director, Minneapolis VA Health Care System Judith Huerta – Director, Twin Cities Vet Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center Program Dawn Eggers – Director of Veterans Operations, Department of Veterans AffairsMilitary 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 Min
Military Appreciation Day Live from the Minnesota State Fair
This week, we are recorded live from Dan Patch Park at the Minnesota State Fair for the first of two special shows from Military Appreciation Day. This episode highlights Veteran benefits through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the grand opening of the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, community support from Every Third Saturday, and care at Minnesota’s State Veterans Homes.
Guests:
Dave Bellefeuille – Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Randal Dietrich – Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum Tom McKenna – Every Third Saturday Diane Lynch-deCombhs – Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Care DivisionDuring...
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:
Lieutenant Colonel Adam Schultz – Minnesota National Guard Eric Moline –Ribbon Cutting for the New Minneapolis VA Women’s Clinic
This week, MMR was on the road for the Official Ribbon Cutting of the new Minneapolis VA Medical Center Women’s Clinic Friday, Jul. 24.
The clinic meets the unique needs of the approximately 10,000 women Veterans they serve. The Women’s Clinic, a comprehensive health center brings together primary care, gynecology, mental health, physical therapy, pharmacy, social work, dietician, and navigation services in a dedicated space, improving coordination and convenience of care.
The clinic was designed specifically for women Veterans, using patient-centered design to promote a positive, comfortable experience. The space also includes a lact...
Supporting Military Families in Crisis: The 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we are recorded live from the 17th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic at Bunker Hills Golf Course. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation continues its mission of providing timely financial assistance to currently serving Minnesota military personnel and thei
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 – Minnesota Secretary of State Melanie Hazelip –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 Care System Rose Lambert – Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Cristina Oxtra –New 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 Nohrenberg – Associate Director for Patient Care Services and Nurse Executive, Minneapolis VSupporting 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, which builds life-changing service dog partnerships for disabled Veterans and their families.
Guests:
John Zillhart –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, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Ed Godfrey – Education Consultant, Minnesota Department of Veterans AffairsSpecial 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
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
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 National Cemetery.
Guests:
Charles Martin –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 Minnesota.
Featured Guests:
Rep. Kari Rehrauer –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 practical, peer-to-peer support to make that transition smoother.
Featured Guests:
Brad L. Doboszenski – President,Ending Veteran Homelessness: Leadership, Impact, and the Work of MACV
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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 – Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) COL (Ret.) Angela Steward Randle –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 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.
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...