Minnesota Military Radio
News & Politics Podcasts
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, historic stories of service or how you can help our troops and their families, this is your best source to stay up to speed. With a team of producers from the Minnesota National Guard, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Minneapolis V.A., volunteer host and Vietnam veteran Tom Lyons strives to inform and entertain listeners in this weekly syndicated radio show and podcast. Through captivating, historic interviews with veterans of all eras, we also endeavor to preserve their stories of heroism before they are forgotten.
Location:
United States
Description:
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, historic stories of service or how you can help our troops and their families, this is your best source to stay up to speed. With a team of producers from the Minnesota National Guard, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Minneapolis V.A., volunteer host and Vietnam veteran Tom Lyons strives to inform and entertain listeners in this weekly syndicated radio show and podcast. Through captivating, historic interviews with veterans of all eras, we also endeavor to preserve their stories of heroism before they are forgotten.
Twitter:
@MNMilitaryRadio
Language:
English
Episodes
Serving Here, Living Here: SSG Joe Hance Shares His Path with the Minnesota National Guard
2/7/2026
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham welcomes back Staff Sergeant Joe Hance, a recruiter with the Minnesota Army National Guard. In this anniversary revisit from his previous appearance, SSG Hance shares his full story—from enlisting as a high school junior through the split-option program, serving as an infantryman […]
The post Serving Here, Living Here: SSG Joe Hance Shares His Path with the Minnesota National Guard appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:55
Chaplains of the Minnesota National Guard: Service, Sacrifice, and the Legacy of the Four Chaplains
1/31/2026
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham is joined by special co-host Tom Lyons and Minnesota National Guard chaplains: CH (LTC) Tim Usset (State Chaplain) CH (MAJ) Justin Lansdonne (full-time support chaplain and deputy division chaplain for the 34th Infantry Division) CH (CPT) Charles Kim (chaplain for the 34th […]
The post Chaplains of the Minnesota National Guard: Service, Sacrifice, and the Legacy of the Four Chaplains appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Going Beyond: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s 2025 Impact and 2026 Vision
1/24/2026
In this special segment of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham welcomes the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) outreach team for a comprehensive 2025 year-in-review. The discussion covers the program’s statewide impact, key initiatives, the power of community and corporate volunteers, distinctions from the federal Yellow Ribbon program, and exciting goals […]
The post Going Beyond: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s 2025 Impact and 2026 Vision appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:58
Pharmacy Innovations and Amputation Prevention at the Minneapolis VA
1/17/2026
In this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we explore two critical advancements in Veteran healthcare at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System: a major shift toward digital pharmacy services and a proactive approach to limb preservation. Guests Include: Dr. Lisa Anderson – Chief of Pharmacy, Minneapolis VA Stephanie Walek – Pharmacy Program Manager, Minneapolis […]
The post Pharmacy Innovations and Amputation Prevention at the Minneapolis VA appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:56
2025 Legislative Year in Review – Bipartisan Wins for Veterans & Looking Ahead to 2026
1/10/2026
In this year-end legislative wrap-up, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders to reflect on major accomplishments for Minnesota veterans in 2025 and priorities moving into 2026. The episode features insightful conversations with: Senator Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud, Chair of the Veterans Subcommittee) – Discussing funding boosts for veterans homes, […]
The post 2025 Legislative Year in Review – Bipartisan Wins for Veterans & Looking Ahead to 2026 appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:03
Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review
1/3/2026
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: Major General Shawn Manke, Adjutant General Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Rost, Command Senior Enlisted Leader They discuss leadership dynamics, 2025 accomplishments, domestic and international missions, and exciting plans for 2026. […]
The post Minnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:42:10
Commander’s Task Force: 2025 Year in Review & 2026 Outlook
12/27/2025
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 […]
The post Commander’s Task Force: 2025 Year in Review & 2026 Outlook appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:42:01
Minneapolis VA 2025 Year in Review
12/20/2025
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we host our annual Minneapolis VA Health Care System 2025 year in review. The episode covers major accomplishments from the past year, including earning a second consecutive 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This top honor recognizes outstanding quality care, placing the Minneapolis VA […]
The post Minneapolis VA 2025 Year in Review appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs: 2025 Year in Review & Vision for 2026
12/13/2025
This week we kick off our annual series of Year-in-Review shows with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. In a full-hour conversation, the Commissioner, Brad Lindsey walks us through the major accomplishments of 2025 and lays out priorities for 2026, including: Three new State Veterans Homes now open and serving residents in Preston, Montevideo, and […]
The post Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs: 2025 Year in Review & Vision for 2026 appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:59
34th Military Police Company Heads to the Middle East
12/6/2025
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we sit down with the Commander and First Sergeant of the 34th Military Police Company (Stillwater, MN) as the unit prepares to deploy in early January 2026 to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Mission: Customs operations The 34th will screen returning U.S. personnel and equipment for prohibited […]
The post 34th Military Police Company Heads to the Middle East appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Sailors in the Heartland and Minnesota National Guard Community Relations
11/29/2025
This week, Twin Cities U.S. Navy recruiters share real stories from submarines and carriers — plus how Minnesotans can join today. Then, hear how the Minnesota National Guard teams up with the Vikings, Twins, Wild, Wolves, and local communities to honor service members. Guests include: Lt. John Gillotte – United States Navy Counselor 1st Class […]
The post Sailors in the Heartland and Minnesota National Guard Community Relations appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:56
Disabled Veteran Hunt and Tribal Veteran Service Officer
11/22/2025
This week, we meet members of the Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Minnesota to hear about their annual disabled veterans deer hunt and fall turkey hunt held at Legionville, plus we sit down with a Tribal Veteran Service Officer supervisor to learn how the program serves Native veterans across all 11 tribal nations […]
The post Disabled Veteran Hunt and Tribal Veteran Service Officer appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:55
Minneapolis VA Patient Advocacy Team
11/15/2025
This week, we meet members of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System’s Patient Advocate Team and learn that the Patient Advocacy Program is for all Veterans and their families who receive care at VA health care facilities. What can the patient advocate do? What are their limitations? And what do patients bring into the relationship […]
The post Minneapolis VA Patient Advocacy Team appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:56
ESGR and Support the Troops MN
11/8/2025
This week, discover how the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) bridges the gap between military service and civilian workplaces, ensuring Guard and Reserve members keep their jobs while serving our nation. Then, meet the team at Support the Troops MN and learn how they deliver rapid, 24-hour financial aid to Minnesota […]
The post ESGR and Support the Troops MN appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:59
2025 Veterans Day in Mankato & USMC 250th Anniversary
11/1/2025
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we sit down with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to preview the Official 2025 State Veterans Day Celebration in Mankato. Then, hear from the MCL-Dept of Minnesota as they mark 250 years of the USMC and invite you to their November 15 cake-cutting celebration. Guests include: Dave Bellefeuille […]
The post 2025 Veterans Day in Mankato & USMC 250th Anniversary appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:55
Honoring Veterans and First Responders
10/25/2025
This week, Minnesota Military Radio delivers an inspiring episode celebrating the service and sacrifice of veterans and first responders. Hosted by a retired Command Sergeant Major, the show features a conversation with the keynote speaker for Minnesota’s Veterans Day event in Mankato and insights from members of the Minneapolis Fire Inspection Services Division, a Beyond […]
The post Honoring Veterans and First Responders appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:48
VA, DAV & Second Harvest: Ending Food Insecurity for MN Vets
10/18/2025
This week we discuss the Minnesota Veterans Pantry co-hosted with the director of Center For Development & Civic Engagement, we meet with leadership from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Second Harvest Heartland, DAV Department of Minnesota, and Community Resource & Referral Center to learn how the Veterans Food Pantry is going and where it […]
The post VA, DAV & Second Harvest: Ending Food Insecurity for MN Vets appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:42:21
DAV & MACV: Honoring Veterans
10/11/2025
This week, we sit down with the DAV Department of Minnesota Commander to explore their 100-year legacy, time capsule, and essential veteran transportation program. Plus, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans shares their mission to end veteran homelessness and details on the Winter Salute event! Guests include: Commander John Walker – DAV Department of Minnesota […]
The post DAV & MACV: Honoring Veterans appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:53
Navigating Navy Opportunities and Honoring Heroes
10/4/2025
This week, we sit down with the Commanding Officer of NTAG Northern Plains and the U.S. Navy ROTC Scholarship Coordinator to explore exciting Navy career opportunities and the ROTC program. Plus, hear the latest from the MN Patriot Guard. Guests include: Cmdr. Mark Rittenhouse – NTAG Northern Plains Chief James Herkenhoff – Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps […]
The post Navigating Navy Opportunities and Honoring Heroes appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Command Sergeants Major Roundtable: Leadership, Legacy, and the Red Bull Spirit
9/27/2025
This week on Minnesota Military Radio join us for an engaging roundtable discussion featuring three Command Sergeants Major from the Minnesota National Guard. We interview the incoming Command Senior Enlisted Leader, joined by two retired CSMs to discuss service evolution, leadership shifts, and NCO advice. Plus, an update from the current Command Senior Enlisted Leader. […]
The post Command Sergeants Major Roundtable: Leadership, Legacy, and the Red Bull Spirit appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:56