Brainerd VFW Stories from 2023
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December 2, 2023: A party was held at the Brainerd VFW for Kevin Jensen of Baxter who retired from the Minnesota National Guard on Saturday, December 2, 2023. He retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 after 36 years in the service at age 53. Kevin joined the military in 1987 after his parents signed a letter allowing him to enlist at the age of 17. Over the years, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2009-2010 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait 2018-2019.
Kevin started a civilian job at Camp Ripley as a Logistical Program Analyst in supply and requisition on December 4th. He is a valued member of the Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars post as Senior Vice Commander. Kevin’s duties include coordinating youth baseball in the summer and youth hockey in the winter, as well as serving in the Brainerd Honor Guard at funerals and parades.
Kevin started a civilian job at Camp Ripley as a Logistical Program Analyst in supply and requisition on December 4th. He is a valued member of the Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars post as Senior Vice Commander. Kevin’s duties include coordinating youth baseball in the summer and youth hockey in the winter, as well as serving in the Brainerd Honor Guard at funerals and parades.
Kevin Jensen, on the right, with his brothers, all of whom served.
(l-r) SGM (Ret) Brad Jensen (38 years of Service), COL (Ret) Bruce Jensen (35 years of Service), MAJ (Ret) Brian Jensen (30 years of Service), CW5 (Ret) Brent Jensen (38 years of Service), CW5 (Ret) Kevin Jensen (36 years of Service). Seven deployments (combined).
November 14, 2023: Awards were given to winners in the annual essay competitions. (l-r) in the photo: 3rd place Cato Clough, 2nd place Addison Guida and 1st place Max Wehseler in Patriot's Pen. Then 3rd place Isabell Bednarek, 2nd place Craig Coonan and 1st place Jagger Klecatsky in Voice of Democracy. In total, $1200 in prize money was given by the Brainerd VFW.
Nov. 23, 2023:
Community Thanksgiving Dinner |
Nov. 19, 2023:
Free Veteran Breakfast |
Nov. 11, 2023:
Veterans Day |
Nov. 11, 2023:
Dispatch Article on Vets Day |
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October 28, 2023: Asher Borle, son of Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle was recognized as Sledgehammer Player of the Week by the Brainerd Warriors football team.
The Warriors won the SECTION 8AAAAA FOOTBALL GAME 42-21 against Moorhead on Saturday, Oct. 28. |
October 3, 2023, 8:30 am: (l-r) Brainerd VFW members Mark Persons and Jeff McArthur being interviewed by WWWI Radio personality Brad Mielke. The radio interview was about the VFW Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy competitions. They also got into discussing what it was to be a veteran. The live broadcast was heard on three Brainerd radio stations and three Aitkin, Minnesota, stations.
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Sept. 10, 2023:
Vietnam Veterans Honored |
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September 1, 2023: Kristin Lynn "Kris" Anderson, a regular Brainerd VFW food service volunteer, passed away unexpectedly. Foul play is not suspected. Kris was typically found in the kitchen making tacos on Tuesday and wings on Wednesdays. Her mother Linda Anderson is a member of the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary. Kris lived in Brainerd and liked to help others. She celebrated her 54th birthday at the Brainerd VFW this spring. Kris will be missed at the Brainerd VFW.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kristin-anderson-obituary?id=53010682
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kristin-anderson-obituary?id=53010682
Kris Anderson
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Son Tate and Kris's partner Randy Magnan
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A celebration of life was held on Saturday, September 9th at the VFW. Pastor Mark Skinner officiated. A meal was served.
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August 29, 2023:
Military Day at MN Fair |
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August 12, 2023:
Brainerd Dispatch Story |
August 11, 2023: A fund-raising spaghetti dinner was held at the Brainerd VFW to support the Alzheimer's Association. It was a well-attended event with lots of happy people.
Bill Baker gave a signed print of he and his team who won first place in Olympic ice skating in 1980. Miracle on Ice, as they called it, was in Lake Placid, New York.
August 9, 2023: A downtown block party. Musicians with the Lakes Area Music Festival put on a free concert in the east parking lot at the Brainerd VFW. A huge crowd filled the lot.
August 9, 2023: Post meeting. As an Eagle Scout project, 17-year-old Gillian Middagh built a box for depositing worn-out flags and a box for pop can tabs. She should do well in life. Nice additions to the Brainerd VFW. Thanks Gillian!
Happy Chappy Rios showed her God Squad memorobilia.
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Commander Borle showed off drink wraps used at the Crow Wing County Fair.
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Service Officer Steve Rosenow gave updates on legislation favorable to veterans.
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Bob Marsh
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July 24, 2023: Robert James "Bob" Marsh passed away at age 94. The funeral was on July 29th with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd. Bob was a long-time member of the Brainerd VFW, responsible for getting the VFW to sponsor high school sports. U.S. Army 1949-1950 and then was recalled to fighting as an infantryman in the Korean conflict 1951 to 1952. In civilian life, Bob worked in construction and as a truck driver. He served as Brainerd VFW post commander in 1989. Bob was youth chairman for many years, including putting on state VFW baseball tournaments in Brainerd. His daughter Dawn Garin is editor of the Brainerd VFW's Vet's Gazette newsletter, among other duties.
https://www.nelson-doran.com/obituary/Robert-Marsh Thanks to Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President Sue Sterling for the photos. |
June 24, 2023: We want to give a shout-out to Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member, Dave Montour, and his wife, Cathy, for their 50th anniversary. They celebrated with family at the Back to the 50's Car Show in St. Paul. They were even on ABC News. Dave, his son, and grandson, each had their own car entered in that show. Below is a collage of their entries. Dave drove our float in Brainerd's 4th of July Parade.
June 16, 2023: The Brainerd VFW Post Board of Directors heard from Craig Coonan, a scout who was looking to earn an Eagle Scout ranking with a project to clean veteran graves with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Craig was the local winner of the 2022-2023 Brainerd VFW Voice of Democracy competition.
Craig Coonan and his mother.
Lisa and Anthony Kinney were there to ask for funding to help finance Gabriel's Home, a horse rescue center that helps children. They will be at the Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 17th, with miniature horses and rabbits.
Lisa and Anthony Kinney
Eusebia "Chappy" Rios is the new Post Chaplain. She served 33 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Major. Her overseas service included Afghanistan and Iraq. Now known as the "Happy Chappy," she is also the Chaplain Reverend at Woodland Acres Good Samaritan in Brainerd.
Post Chaplain Mark Persons turned over the official Brainerd VFW Bible to Happy Chappy that night.
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Happy Chappy Rios
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Helen Doucette
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Helen Doucette was honored by state VFW as Auxiliary Member of the Year. Cake was enjoyed by everyone at the June 13th meeting.
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Helen Doucette – Post 1647 VFW Auxiliary Member of the Year. Remarks by Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President Sue Sterling:
Post 1647 Auxiliary is nominated Helen Doucette for Minnesota Auxiliary Member of the Year. Helen joined the Auxiliary on November 12, 1957. She has served in many roles ever since. Helen was President for nine years, Secretary for eight, and Sixth District Secretary for one year. She has chaired all committees and volunteered thousands of hours at our club, and at events in our community that are sponsored and promoted by the VFW. You will find Helen at the VFW Post doing whatever needs to be done. She is the coordinator for dinners, breakfasts, and other events held there. She also reaches out to our Active-Duty Service Members and takes our Auxiliary support on the road to them at annual events held at Camp Ripley.
Helen joined the Auxiliary as a new mother and wife of a Marine who had recently returned home from the Korean War. She juggled family, working, and volunteering at the Post. She has been unwavering in her steadfast commitments to serving veterans, military, and their families for 65 years. She reminds us all of the importance of serving veterans and promoting volunteerism no matter how busy life may get. Helen has always found time to serve and promote the mission of the VFW Auxiliary and the National Service Organization charters that we uphold. She is largely responsible for growing the Auxiliary Membership of Post 1647 over the years, and never misses an opportunity to sign up new members while promoting the VFW’s mission. She has mentored countless new members and provided support, knowledge, and encouragement so that they may grow through the ranks of Auxiliary leadership roles and positions. For 65 years Helen has made a difference in the lives of veterans, service members and their families in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Her unwavering support and friendly smile have made our Post one of the largest in Minnesota. We are very proud to count her as a member.
Post 1647 Auxiliary is nominated Helen Doucette for Minnesota Auxiliary Member of the Year. Helen joined the Auxiliary on November 12, 1957. She has served in many roles ever since. Helen was President for nine years, Secretary for eight, and Sixth District Secretary for one year. She has chaired all committees and volunteered thousands of hours at our club, and at events in our community that are sponsored and promoted by the VFW. You will find Helen at the VFW Post doing whatever needs to be done. She is the coordinator for dinners, breakfasts, and other events held there. She also reaches out to our Active-Duty Service Members and takes our Auxiliary support on the road to them at annual events held at Camp Ripley.
Helen joined the Auxiliary as a new mother and wife of a Marine who had recently returned home from the Korean War. She juggled family, working, and volunteering at the Post. She has been unwavering in her steadfast commitments to serving veterans, military, and their families for 65 years. She reminds us all of the importance of serving veterans and promoting volunteerism no matter how busy life may get. Helen has always found time to serve and promote the mission of the VFW Auxiliary and the National Service Organization charters that we uphold. She is largely responsible for growing the Auxiliary Membership of Post 1647 over the years, and never misses an opportunity to sign up new members while promoting the VFW’s mission. She has mentored countless new members and provided support, knowledge, and encouragement so that they may grow through the ranks of Auxiliary leadership roles and positions. For 65 years Helen has made a difference in the lives of veterans, service members and their families in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Her unwavering support and friendly smile have made our Post one of the largest in Minnesota. We are very proud to count her as a member.
June 12, 2023: Dan Meyer was elected the 2023 - 2024 Minnesota Department Commander. Meyer is a member of Fairfax VFW Post 8459 in Redwood Falls, MN.
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June 12, 2023: Dave Scofield is the 2023 - 2024 Department of Minnesota Auxiliary President. Scofield is from Post 2818 in Litchfield, MN.
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June 6, 2023: The 934th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve returned to the Twin Cities from a three-month counter-terrorism mission in Africa. Among them was Sergeant Orion Stimpel, son of Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President Sue Sterling. Details on WCCO-TV news: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TWKlLYHZwg
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June 1, 2023:
Red Cross Award to VFW |
Birthday congratulations to David Wayt and Kris Anderson. Wish them a happy birthday from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2023. David is 75 and a regular at the VFW and helped on the Poppy Drive. Kris is a tireless worker in the Galley (Kitchen) at the VFW. We didn't ask how old she is!
(l-r) Kris Anderson and David Wayt celebrating their birthdays.
Kris was serving food, as usual.
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David was surrounded by well wishers.
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May 30, 2023: (l-R) Karen Wiliams presented a quilt blanket to Saundra Swearengen. It is from "The Prayer Quilt Ministry" at The Center. They make quilts for those going through difficult times, needing prayers and support. The group gets together to sew a quilt for a particular person then prays on it before presenting the quilt to the intended recipient, Saundra Swearengen in this case. The Brainerd VFW donated to cover supplies in this worthwhile endeavor.
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May 23, 2023: Live radio interviews about the upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies.
(l-r) Mark Persons and Mike Williams were interviewed on R&J Broadcasting stations in Brainerd and Aitkin, MN, by morning announcer Brad Mielke.
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May 9, 2023: Election and installation of post officers at the Brainerd VFW.
Chip Borle - Commander
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Vice Commander - Kevin Jensen
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Scott Hall - Jr. Vice Commander
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Pat Wing - Quartermaster
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Jeff McArthur - Trustee
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Don Lohse - Trustee
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April 29, 2023: Frank Lashinski of Bemidji stopped at the Brainerd VFW to show his canoe and have locals sign it. He plans to canoe from the Mississippi Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico in the summer of 2023. It is 2350 miles and is expected to take three months. In the process, he is raising funds for his campaign to stop veteran suicide.
Frank is a Vietnam veteran whose soldier son committed suicide. The Brainerd VFW donated money to the cause. https://stopsoldiersuicide2023.funraise.org/fundraiser/frank-lachinski
Frank is a Vietnam veteran whose soldier son committed suicide. The Brainerd VFW donated money to the cause. https://stopsoldiersuicide2023.funraise.org/fundraiser/frank-lachinski
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April 25-27, 2003:
Turkey Hunt |
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April 20, 2023: A veteran's breakfast and benefits update was held at the Camp Ripley Hangar Conference Center. The gathering was for veterans, from all branches in Central Minnesota, to network and learn about opportunities, changes in military benefits, federal retiree benefits, state military cemetery burial benefits, retiree military identification cards, medical/dental, family assistance and local Veteran County Service Officers. Seven from Brainerd were there, six are shown in the photo.
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Several hundred showed up for the event.
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Mark and Paula Persons, Mike and Karen Williams, then Judy and Bill LeTour. Bill Wrollie and his wife were there, but left before the photo was taken.
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March 30, 2023:
Veterans on the Hill |
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Lt. Colonel Hortense McKay 1910-1988
Saturday, March 25, 2023: About a thousand people attended a ceremony at the Brainerd High School. A Congressional Gold Medal was given to the family of Lt. Colonel Hortense McKay for her service to our country. McKay signed up for the military at the beginning of WWII. She served in Bataan, Corregidor, Australia and many other places during her 25 years of service. Speakers included Colonel Hope Williamson-Younce of the Army Nurse Corps, Lt. Colonel John Hobot of the 194th Armor Regiment, Captain Rachel Cochran of the Minnesota National Guard, the Honorable Santiago Busa, Jr. of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project and Major General Johanna Clyborne of the Minnesota Army National Guard. Receiving the Congressional Gold Medal were Richard McKay, John McKay and Patricia McKay Broback.
More on this in the Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper.
More on this in the Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper.
Story from the Brainerd Dispatch April 12, 1944: Lt. Hortense McKay, home on leave from Australia – her first visit home in three years, spoke to the annual meeting of the county Red Cross chapter. She praised the work of the Red Cross in the war zones and, in answer to a question, said she never heard of servicemen being asked to pay for items from the Red Cross.
Sue Sterling
March 25, 2023: Editorial by Sue Sterling, Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President:
Hortense McKay, a Brainerd Graduate, a female soldier, and a woman who forged a place in the US Military. The moment you approached Brainerd High School you knew that this was a special woman. The Patriot’s Guard, many military personnel, and the Brainerd Honor Guard were at every entrance. Hortense would have been proud, if her humility allowed that feeling. Once inside the auditorium the aisle was lined with the Honor Guard and the seats were crammed with people. Many members of the 194th Tank Division were in attendance to honor this terrific lady, the Angel of Bataan. Hortense McKay, graduated from Brainerd High School in 1927. and served in WWII in the Bataan and Corregidor Battle fields. After 25 years in the Army returned to her family in the Brainerd area as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel. Where do I start writing my impressions of her? She was a woman ahead of her time in a man’s world. She was a nurse in a horrific war facing challenges everyday as she struggled to keep soldiers alive in the jungles of Bataan. McKay flew over with the Army Nurses Corp in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Weeks in the jungle with supplies and medicine cut off, she and everyone there suffered starvation and deprivations we will never experience. The day before Bataan surrendered, she and the other nurses were evacuated to Corregidor. Those weeks of starvation rations took her body weight down to 88 pounds from her normal 150 pound frame. But she survived. This female soldier was an inspiration for all women who aspired to doing their part for their country. The military did not want women in their ranks and only allowed a very small percentage of women officers. Hortense proved to the army and to those who followed, that women were capable soldiers and able to hold their own in the combat arena. During McKay’s years of service, women were not allowed to become Generals. They are now. Women were not allowed to fight in combat-related functions. They are now. Women were given very little authority. They are now. Even the featured speaker at this tribute was a woman: Major General Johanna P. Clyborne, Deputy Adjutant General, Minnesota Army National Guard. She is a Middle East combat veteran who holds the Bronze Star, as well as many other medals of achievement. A Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to Lt. Col. McKay posthumously in 2018, along with five other Brainerd members of the 194th Battalion. Major General Clyborne had the honor of presenting members of the McKay family with that medal at this tribute. Only 173 Congressional Gold Medals have been awarded since 1776, and having a women recipient in the 150th year of Brainerd Public Schools receiving this prestigious award during America’s National Women’s History Month, is extraordinary. I have always been a very patriotic person, which is why I am serving as the Auxiliary President at the Brainerd VFW. Brainerd citizens are very supportive of our veterans and military members, and I am proud to serve this community. Learning of Hortense McKay, and how she served her country with integrity, intelligence, and determination, has made a lasting impression on me. As I sit here writing this article I ask myself, “what can I do to make a difference in this world, this community.’ It is my hope that many other women, young and old, will also ask themselves this same question, and then reach out to find an answer. Sue Sterling, Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President.
Hortense McKay, a Brainerd Graduate, a female soldier, and a woman who forged a place in the US Military. The moment you approached Brainerd High School you knew that this was a special woman. The Patriot’s Guard, many military personnel, and the Brainerd Honor Guard were at every entrance. Hortense would have been proud, if her humility allowed that feeling. Once inside the auditorium the aisle was lined with the Honor Guard and the seats were crammed with people. Many members of the 194th Tank Division were in attendance to honor this terrific lady, the Angel of Bataan. Hortense McKay, graduated from Brainerd High School in 1927. and served in WWII in the Bataan and Corregidor Battle fields. After 25 years in the Army returned to her family in the Brainerd area as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel. Where do I start writing my impressions of her? She was a woman ahead of her time in a man’s world. She was a nurse in a horrific war facing challenges everyday as she struggled to keep soldiers alive in the jungles of Bataan. McKay flew over with the Army Nurses Corp in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Weeks in the jungle with supplies and medicine cut off, she and everyone there suffered starvation and deprivations we will never experience. The day before Bataan surrendered, she and the other nurses were evacuated to Corregidor. Those weeks of starvation rations took her body weight down to 88 pounds from her normal 150 pound frame. But she survived. This female soldier was an inspiration for all women who aspired to doing their part for their country. The military did not want women in their ranks and only allowed a very small percentage of women officers. Hortense proved to the army and to those who followed, that women were capable soldiers and able to hold their own in the combat arena. During McKay’s years of service, women were not allowed to become Generals. They are now. Women were not allowed to fight in combat-related functions. They are now. Women were given very little authority. They are now. Even the featured speaker at this tribute was a woman: Major General Johanna P. Clyborne, Deputy Adjutant General, Minnesota Army National Guard. She is a Middle East combat veteran who holds the Bronze Star, as well as many other medals of achievement. A Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to Lt. Col. McKay posthumously in 2018, along with five other Brainerd members of the 194th Battalion. Major General Clyborne had the honor of presenting members of the McKay family with that medal at this tribute. Only 173 Congressional Gold Medals have been awarded since 1776, and having a women recipient in the 150th year of Brainerd Public Schools receiving this prestigious award during America’s National Women’s History Month, is extraordinary. I have always been a very patriotic person, which is why I am serving as the Auxiliary President at the Brainerd VFW. Brainerd citizens are very supportive of our veterans and military members, and I am proud to serve this community. Learning of Hortense McKay, and how she served her country with integrity, intelligence, and determination, has made a lasting impression on me. As I sit here writing this article I ask myself, “what can I do to make a difference in this world, this community.’ It is my hope that many other women, young and old, will also ask themselves this same question, and then reach out to find an answer. Sue Sterling, Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President.
Saturday, March 25, 2023: A fund raiser was held for Harlee Annable at the Brainerd VFW. That included silent auction items and Bingo. Harlee is from a military family but was born deaf. He went on to be an athlete at the Brainerd High School and graduated in 2017. At age 27, he has had eight heart surgeries and is currently at Mayo in Rochester, MN. Harlee is in good spirits, but the cost of all of this is huge. Many thanks to those who showed up to support him.
Mar. 14, 2023:
Member Stories |
Mar. 11, 2023:
St. Patrick's Day in Brainerd |
Mar. 1, 2023
Financial Peace |
March 2, 2023: (l-r) Thanks to George Burton of Burt Electric for sending electricians Ethan Sievek and John Unger to install power outlets in the dining area.
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Post members Mark Persons and Jeff McArthur installed TV monitors on wall mounts. One has sports photos and the other is for current events.
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February 29, 2023: Cub Scouts from Pack 36 got together for tacos at the Brainerd VFW. There was a cake and awards were presented. Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle, Auxiliary President Sue Sterling, Auxiliary Senior Vice President Helen Doucette and Honor Guard coordinator Dave Meyer were there to help. A fun event for all.
.Feb 17, 2023:
Brainerd VFW TV Interview |
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February 2, 2023: Ground Hog Day. Sergeant Nipper Dog was at the Brainerd VFW to check the weather on this important day. Just like Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, he saw his shadow. Sgt. Dog is seen here explaining to his troops that the sun's shadow means six more weeks of winter! The forecast was for -25 degrees the next morning. So, stay warm at the VFW while the weather slowly gets better.
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January 10, 2023: Award presentations were made at the Brainerd VFW.
(l-r) Auxiliary Member Paula Persons and Competition Coordinator Saundra Swearingen
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A capacity crowd at the Brainerd VBW that night.
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The coloring and essay competition winners with coordinator Saundra Swearingen on the right.
Because of bad weather in December, two winners could not make it then. They were present on this day to be honored.
Honorable Mention award was given to Argenis Solorzano in the Voice of Democracy Competition.
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First place winner in the Patriot's Pen competition went to Kasey Hamlin.
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The crowd fell silent when Craig Coonan read his 1st place winning entry in the Voice of Democracy competition.
Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2022: Brainerd VFW Christmas decorations were taken down and put away until next December. It was a fun gathering to get the job done.
