July 29, 2021: Lance Davis of Star Lite Neon & Sign stopped by with his high-lift bucket truck to repair hardware on the flagpole at the Brainerd VFW. All is well again and the flags are flying high. He also repaired the Evergreen Cemetery flagpole where a flag is flown only when there is a ceremony. Lance patriotically donated his services for the project. Thanks Lance!
July 27, 2021: A funeral was held for 88 year old Maurice "Maury" Mogensen. Maury was Post Commander of the Brainerd VFW in 1958 at age 24 and continued on as an active member until just before his death. Music included Amazing Grace, In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross and then Ashokan Farewell at the end of the service. The family proceeded on to the Brainerd VFW for lunch and to celebrate his life. Burial in the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, MN.
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July 13, 2021: Tony Piehl of Brainerd made an appeal at the post meeting for money to rebuild the speaker's platform at Evergreen Cemetery. He is a member of Boy Scout Pack 43. When successfully completed, the project will help enable Tony to become an Eagle Scout.
The request was granted with the understanding that the American Legion in Brainerd will pay half. The speaker's platform is used during Memorial Day ceremonies and is jointly owned by the VFW and Legion. Stay tuned for details. |
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July 13, 2021: Brainerd VFW Webmaster Mark Persons gave a talk about how this website was honored as the #1 Minnesota VFW post website, two years in a row. There are 203 VFW posts in the state, of which at least ten have commercially produced websites. He said our website was written from the inside with the help of many post members.
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July 12, 2021: Funeral Services were held for Bataan Death March survivor Walter Straka. He was 101. Services were held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Burial of ashes for Walt and his wife Cleta was in the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery, north of Little Falls that afternoon. Twelve members of the military were there, including Major General Johanna Clyborne of the Minnesota National Guard. Twelve members of the Brainerd Honor Guard and numerous members of the 194th Regiment were present, along with reporters for the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper and Lakeland Public TV.
The story: Back in the summer of 1941, 62 members of the 194th National Guard Regiment in Brainerd were sent to the Philippines to provide defense for the people of that country. The Japanese attacked in December 1941. The Guard lost only three men and held out until April 9, 1942, when they ran out of food, ammunition and medical supplies. They surrendered to save lives in an unwinnable battle. The Japanese forced the survivors into what is now known as the Bataan Death March to a prison camp some 60 miles away. Many died on the march and more died in forced labor prison camps. In the end, only 29 Brainerd men returned home after the war. Walt Straka was the last survivor to pass away.
The story: Back in the summer of 1941, 62 members of the 194th National Guard Regiment in Brainerd were sent to the Philippines to provide defense for the people of that country. The Japanese attacked in December 1941. The Guard lost only three men and held out until April 9, 1942, when they ran out of food, ammunition and medical supplies. They surrendered to save lives in an unwinnable battle. The Japanese forced the survivors into what is now known as the Bataan Death March to a prison camp some 60 miles away. Many died on the march and more died in forced labor prison camps. In the end, only 29 Brainerd men returned home after the war. Walt Straka was the last survivor to pass away.
July 9, 2021: (l-r) KKIN Radio announcer Paul Vold, Army veteran Russ Philstrom, Aitkin school teacher Rob Williams, Army National Guard veteran Carroll Janzen and Brainerd VFW Post Chaplain/ Webmaster Mark Persons. The group gathered at radio studios in Aitkin, MN, to talk about veteran issues. The program aired on KKIN 930 AM in Aitkin, KKIN FM 94.3 in Aitkin, KFGI FM 101.5 in Crosby, WWWI 1270 AM in Brainerd, WWWI FM 95.9 in Pillager and KLKS 101.1 FM in Pequot Lakes, MN. They do this 8:30 to 9 am the second Friday of each month.
July 4, 2021: Thousands turned out as the Brainerd Honor Guard led the morning parade in Crosby and the afternoon parade in Brainerd.
Click on photos below for a larger view.
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June 28, 2010, Monday night Bingo and hamburgers resumed at the Brainerd VFW.
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June 14, 2021, 4 pm: The Brainerd Honor Guard participated in a Flag Day ceremony put on by the Brainerd Elks at the All Veterans Memorial.
June 14, 2021, 2 pm: The Brainerd Honor Guard helped in a Flag Day celebration at Woodland Good Samaritan senior living home in Brainerd. They presented the flag and folded it before an audience of about 150. Patriotic music by Jim Olsen followed.
June 9-13, 2021: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was a featured speaker at the annual Minnesota VFW Department Convention in Brooklyn Park. There was officer training and awards were given. Brainerd VFW took third place in the Best Feature Story competition and First place in the Social Media/Website competition, for the second year in a row! Photos by Sue Stirling, Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President Elect.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
June 9, 2021: Captain Andy Galles, Investigator at the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office, and Kim Jensen from the Crow Wing County Veteran Service Office were guest speakers at the monthly meeting. They talked about the latest in scams, including identity theft. Elderly people are the most reported victims of bad people who take money illegally. It happens on the phone and on the internet. Sometimes it is a scammer who claims to be a relative who says he needs money to get out of jail. One victim reported losing $30,000. The message that night was, NEVER give personal information, such as your Social Security Number, on the phone. If you think it is a scam, get all the details you can and then call the sheriff's office to report the activity.
Andy Galles, Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office
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Kim Jensen, Crow Wing County Veteran Service Office
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May 31, 2021: Memorial Day Ceremonies in Brainerd, including Taps Across America.
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May 31, 2021: Boy Scouts from Troop 45 put casket flags up at Evergreen Cemetery for Memorial Day. It is something they do every year. Troop 43 took them down at the end of the day.
March 29, 2021: Members of Cub Scout Pack 36 of Baxter were at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd planting flags for Memorial Day. The pack is led by Travis Bjerketvedt.
May 28, 2021: A group of veterans went to Memorial Gardens cemetery to install flags, which will remain up through Memorial Day.
Marty Judd, on the left, brought his 1936 V-8 Ford, to the project.
May 22, 2021: Fourteen members of the Captain Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were out cleaning veteran graves in the Garrison, MN, Cemetery. One of the workers was project coordinator and Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member Paula Persons. They raised and leveled grave markers, cleared grass and cleaned grave stones with a product called D/2, which is specifically designed for the job. They cleaned 21 grave markers that day. This is an ongoing project to clean all the graves there before moving on to another cemetery. This group is partially funded by the Brainerd VFW.
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Promotional audio as heard on KBLB 93.3 FM Radio and video as seen on Lakeland TV in Brainerd:
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(l-r) Mark Persons, Dick Lyscio and Ben Aberg
May 20, 2021, 8:45 am: Memorial Cay Committee members Mark Persons and Dick Lyscio were interviewed by Ben Aberg on WWWI Radio in Brainerd. The simulcast was also heard on KLKS in Pequot Lakes, along with KKIN in Aitkin and KFGI Crosby.
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(l-r) Danny, Mac and Mark Persons
May 26, 2021, 8:15 am: KLIZ-FM Radio interview on the morning show talking about Memorial Day ceremonies. They told the story of the 1.3 million men and women who gave their lives for the cause of freedom in our country. Memorial Day honors and remembers them for the sacrifices.
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May 19, 2021: Time to tell the world about the upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies in Brainerd. VFW Chaplain and Memorial Day committee member was on the radio to tell the story.
(l-r) Tess Taylor, Ken Thomas and Mark Persons on WJJY Radio
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(l-r) Bill Satre and Mark Persons on B93.3 Radio
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May 14, 2021: The Red Cross used the Brainerd VFW as a place to draw blood. It was a busy day.
April 27 - 29/2021: VFW Post 1647 was a proud contributor to the annual Veterans' Turkey Hunt that was held at Camp Ripley. Three of our auxiliary members were happy to serve lunch at that turkey hunt. The weather was great and everyone there enjoyed the food, prepared by Mickey's Pizza & Subs, and themselves immensely. Many thanks to the MN Veterans Outdoor Program for organizing this hunt.
April 27, 2010: We're open, but..... The parking lot at the Brainerd VFW was torn up for repair and is expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Nearby street parking is available. Second photo was from May 2, 2021.
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April 24, 2021: Brainerd Downtown Golf Fund Raiser.
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April 23, 2021: Veteran show on WWWI Radio featuring CVSO Erik Flowers and Post Chaplain Mark Persons.
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April 18, 2021: Brainerd VFW was represented at the annual Minnesota VFW Pistol Shooting competition in Rogers, MN. Junior Vice Commander Mike Williams took third place in the 22 caliber class. He was first in left-hand shooting. Post Chaplain Mark Persons was 13th. When asked about it, Mark said, "Being a U.S. Army Sergeant didn't automatically make me a marksman!"
April 13, 2021: Warrant Officer Shane Haugen gave a talk about Camp Ripley. He is in the public affairs department and told about the economic impact of the camp on our area. For starters, there are 800 people, military and civilian, working there with an annual payroll of 94 million dollars benefiting Brainerd and the region. There will be a Camp Ripley open house in September 2021.
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April 13, 2021: Brainerd VFW Auxiliary Coloring Contest winner were honored.
April 9, 2021: The 194th Tank Regiment put on their annual Bataan Memorial Service honoring those who died in the Philippines during World War Two. Some 62 men left Brainerd in 1941 to defend the Philippines against Japanese aggression in Asia. They ran out of food, ammunition, and medical supplies in their heroic fight. There was no resupply.
Three were killed in action, many died in the brutal 65-mile Bataan Death March where there was no food or water.
Conditions weren't much better when the soldiers were imprisoned and then used as slave labor. Only 29 survived World War II. This event commemorates their sacrifices in the hands of the brutal Japanese.
On this rainy day, Master of Ceremonies Larry Oswald introduced Chaplain Todd Wooden for the invocation. VA Commissioner Larry Herke gave a remembrance of the horrific event. John Erickson read the names of those who died and who survived. Walt Straka, the only living survivor, was there. Chaplain Carroll Janzen gave the benediction The Brainerd Honor Guard was there.
Three were killed in action, many died in the brutal 65-mile Bataan Death March where there was no food or water.
Conditions weren't much better when the soldiers were imprisoned and then used as slave labor. Only 29 survived World War II. This event commemorates their sacrifices in the hands of the brutal Japanese.
On this rainy day, Master of Ceremonies Larry Oswald introduced Chaplain Todd Wooden for the invocation. VA Commissioner Larry Herke gave a remembrance of the horrific event. John Erickson read the names of those who died and who survived. Walt Straka, the only living survivor, was there. Chaplain Carroll Janzen gave the benediction The Brainerd Honor Guard was there.
From the February - May 2021 Gopher Oversea'r magazine:
Writing and Maintaining a VFW Post Website article by Mark Persons, Webmaster VFW Post 1647
An article about writing post websites, in the last Gopher Oversea’r, resulted in several questions and comments. To clarify, almost anyone can write a post website. It is not difficult. The goal is to present the organization in a positive light to members and the public. Websites are information resources. They can be a force for good or can give the post a black eye if the content is outdated. An important point is the web address needs to be short. In the case of the one I write for the Brainerd VFW, is BrainerdVFW.org. The address does not have a post number or even say post. It is short and to the point, so it is easy to relate in a conversation and be remembered. You will note also that the address ends in .org and not .com. National VFW and state/department VFW websites end in .org because VFWs are not-for-profit organizations and are taxed accordingly. Interestingly, the Brainerd VFW has a .com address as well. Find out why in a six-page how-to guide by going to: https://www.brainerdvfw.org/web-writing.html
Mark Persons was an Army sergeant in Vietnam and is now a member of the Brainerd VFW. At age 73, he serves as Post Chaplain and Webmaster.
Writing and Maintaining a VFW Post Website article by Mark Persons, Webmaster VFW Post 1647
An article about writing post websites, in the last Gopher Oversea’r, resulted in several questions and comments. To clarify, almost anyone can write a post website. It is not difficult. The goal is to present the organization in a positive light to members and the public. Websites are information resources. They can be a force for good or can give the post a black eye if the content is outdated. An important point is the web address needs to be short. In the case of the one I write for the Brainerd VFW, is BrainerdVFW.org. The address does not have a post number or even say post. It is short and to the point, so it is easy to relate in a conversation and be remembered. You will note also that the address ends in .org and not .com. National VFW and state/department VFW websites end in .org because VFWs are not-for-profit organizations and are taxed accordingly. Interestingly, the Brainerd VFW has a .com address as well. Find out why in a six-page how-to guide by going to: https://www.brainerdvfw.org/web-writing.html
Mark Persons was an Army sergeant in Vietnam and is now a member of the Brainerd VFW. At age 73, he serves as Post Chaplain and Webmaster.
March 27, 2021: Food was donated by the Legacy Church in Pequot Lakes, MN. Brainerd VFW Senior Vice Commander Dave Meyer is seen here figuring out which needy veterans will benefit most from this contribution.
Brainerd VFW Senior Vice Commander Dave Meyer
March 25, 2021: (l-r below) Brainerd VFW Senior Vice Commander Dave Meyer, Junior Vice Commander Mike Williams, Chaplain Mark Persons and Service Officer Steve Rosenow were a part of a video shot at Central Lakes College. It was an interview by student Clare Schaefbauer, taught by instructor Mark Ambroz. The background is "green screen" so images can be added in the background when the class edits the video to become a promotional story for the Memorial Day ceremonies, slated for Monday, May 31, 2012, in Brainerd. Persons said he sees Memorial Day as a way to remember and honor those he served with in Vietnam who did not return. We'll attach the video when it is completed.
March 20, 2021: The annual meeting of Last Man Three. This last man's club was started in 1982 by local WWI, WWII and Korea/Vietnam vets. They get together to remember the old days and swap stories. Who will be the "last man?"
March 13, 2021: It was the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. People came out to celebrate even if the annual parade was cancelled.
The national VFW #StillServing campaign featured a local VFW member on Lakeland Public TV. See the March 12, 2021, airing at: https://lptv.org/brainerd-veteran-receives-recognition-for-stillserving-campaign/
March 12, 2021: A Red Cross Blood Drive was held at the Brainerd VFW. This is part of on ongoing program of community service.
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March 11, 2021: Brainerd VFW Auxiliary Chaplain Arleen Elliott passed away at age 80. Arleen was honored as Crow Wing County’s Senior Volunteer of the year. She was an active volunteer at the VFW and will be missed. Arrangements are being handled by Halvorson-Taylor funeral home. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery.
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March 8, 2021: Maurice "Maury" Mogensen died at age 88. Mogenson was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He served as commander of the Brainerd VFW 1958-1959 and worked tirelessly to help the VFW, especially in the annual Poppy Drive. One of his projects, in 2019, was to get a WWII monument erected and dedicated in Memorial Park, also known as Mills Field in northeast Brainerd. Maury was a member of the Brainerd VFW Post 1647 sponsored WWII/Korea Last Man Club. Donations should be made to the Brainerd VFW Poppy Fund. Arrangements at Halverson-Taylor.
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February 27, 2021: The annual Brainerd VFW Bean Bag Tournament was held. The VFW Men's Over 35 Softball Group competed. They are Brian Laughton, Tom Kowalke, Richard Maske, Mark Malinowski, Jayme Laughton and Tim Burnard. The fun involved about two dozen others in the community.
The first place winners were the team of Nick Mogensen and Tim Nickaboine. Second place, Johnny Zanosko and Jerry DeChaine. Third, Jayme Laughton and Hunter Bednar. A fun time was had by all.
February 27, 2021: The annual Brainerd VFW Bean Bag Tournament was held. The VFW Men's Over 35 Softball Group competed. They are Brian Laughton, Tom Kowalke, Richard Maske, Mark Malinowski, Jayme Laughton and Tim Burnard. The fun involved about two dozen others in the community.
The first place winners were the team of Nick Mogensen and Tim Nickaboine. Second place, Johnny Zanosko and Jerry DeChaine. Third, Jayme Laughton and Hunter Bednar. A fun time was had by all.
February 13, 2021: Veterans are starting to get COVID vaccine shots. Brainerd VFW Senior Vice Commander Dave
Meyer received his first shot on February 11, 2021. Brainerd VFW Chaplain Mark Persons (top right photo) was vaccinated on February 13th and then received his second shot on March 13th. He said, "I hardly felt it." Note that Mark was wearing a short-sleeved shirt to make the process go easier, even if it was eight degrees below zero outside the first day! Brainerd VFW Gambling Manager Chuck Hanson received his second shot on March 26th. The list goes on.
Meyer received his first shot on February 11, 2021. Brainerd VFW Chaplain Mark Persons (top right photo) was vaccinated on February 13th and then received his second shot on March 13th. He said, "I hardly felt it." Note that Mark was wearing a short-sleeved shirt to make the process go easier, even if it was eight degrees below zero outside the first day! Brainerd VFW Gambling Manager Chuck Hanson received his second shot on March 26th. The list goes on.
When veterans get a shot, they receive a sticker and a vaccination Record Card. Be sure to keep that record in your wallet. You will receive paperwork, in the mail, with an appointment for the second vaccination four weeks later.
February 26, 2021, Brainerd VFW Junior Vice Commander Mike Williams (photo above) received his first shot. The second one was on March 26th.
Grace Sarvie
January 2021, Fifth Grade Essay Completion: Grace Sarvie took first place in Brainerd VFW, then 6th District and went onto Minnesota state completion, which she won. Grace received a blanket embroidered with her name from state/district.
