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
Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA
4/18/2026
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, Minneapolis VA Health Care System Dr. Kevin Brown – Chief of Neurology, […]
The post Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill
4/11/2026
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 […]
The post MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:58
Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero and Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community
4/4/2026
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 […]
The post Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero and Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:59
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Starkey’s Hearing Tech for Veterans + The Power of Volunteers at State Veterans Homes
3/28/2026
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 […]
The post Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Starkey’s Hearing Tech for Veterans + The Power of Volunteers at State Veterans Homes appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements
3/21/2026
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for an in-depth look at advancements in Veteran care. Guests include: Dr. Mike Armstrong, Chief of Staff, Minneapolis VA Health Care System Dr. Rob Bayer, Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer, […]
The post Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook
3/14/2026
This week on Minnesota Military Radio: Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook. We open with a tribute to Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and their families every day. The program features an in-depth conversation with Diane […]
The post Honoring Service: Tribute, Veterans Homes Update, and 2026 Legislative Outlook appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
Walser Automotive Group: Minnesota’s First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company
2/28/2026
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 […]
The post Walser Automotive Group: Minnesota’s First Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Automotive Company appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:56
Spotlighting the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence: Lifeline for Minnesota Veterans
2/21/2026
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 […]
The post Spotlighting the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence: Lifeline for Minnesota Veterans appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:55
Supporting Minnesota Veterans: VFW Updates and the New Health Navigator Program
2/14/2026
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham welcomes two knowledgeable guests who are deeply committed to supporting Minnesota’s veterans and their families. Through advocacy, community action, and innovative new programs, they share practical ways the state is honoring and assisting those who have served. Barry Hendrickson, Adjutant Quartermaster and […]
The post Supporting Minnesota Veterans: VFW Updates and the New Health Navigator Program appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.
Duration:00:41:57
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