Brainerd VFW Stories from 2024
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If you want a digital copy of one of the images below or permission to use it, email [email protected]
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December 14, 2024: A funeral was held for Saundra (Soni) Lynn Swearingen who died on December 1st at age 77. Saundra was a long-time member of the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary and past Junior Vice President. She handled the Auxiliary Americanism Program with kids coloring and writing contests for many years. Brainerd VFW Chaplain Rios officiated the service. The Brainerd Honor Guard and Auxiliary were there to pay their respects.
Saundra Swearingen
(l-r) Honor Guards Darnell King and Dave Meyer.
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Chaplain Eusebia Rios
(l-r) Dee Imgrund and Jan Lambert from the Auxiliary
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November 17, 2024: It was a full-house at the Brainerd VFW. Veterans ate breakfast free because it was the first Sunday after Veteran's Day. This is an annual event at the Brainerd VFW. The Brainerd High School basketball team helped as volunteers.
November 4, 2024: (l-r) Vietnam veterans Mark Persons and Bill Wroolie were intervened on WWWI and KLKS Radio in Brainerd. The subject was Veterans Day. The programming was repeated on KKIN AM and FM in Aitkin, Minnesota.
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Hear the interview -->> |
October 10, 2024: Brainerd VFW members Mark and Paula Persons were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters' Hall of Fame on October 1st at a ceremony in Rochester, MN.
They were intervened on local radio stations Power Loon/KLIZ, B93.3/KBLB and KUAL/Cool 103 about the award. Also on WWWI Radio as shown below:
They were intervened on local radio stations Power Loon/KLIZ, B93.3/KBLB and KUAL/Cool 103 about the award. Also on WWWI Radio as shown below:
(l-r) Mark and Paula Persons, then WWWI morning personality Brad Mielke. The show was also heard on KLKS and KKIN.
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Hear the interview -->> |
Send comments to: [email protected]
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September 25, 2024: (l-r) Zach Mahoney, morning host on KLIZ Radio, Mike Williams from the Brainerd VFW, co-host Mac on the morning show and Mark Persons from the Brainerd VFW. They talked about the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competitions.
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September 20, 2024: Brainerd Public Schools held their 25th annual Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Brainerd high School. John Mahlum, a member of Brainerd's class of 1912 was an Army Command Sergeant Major in World War One. He died shortly after the war but was commended for his public leadership. Accepting the award for Mahlum was Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle.
Others recognized for their accomplishments were Ann Nelson from the class of 1962 and Eric Ward from the class of 1996. There was a standing ovation. Congratulations to all.
Others recognized for their accomplishments were Ann Nelson from the class of 1962 and Eric Ward from the class of 1996. There was a standing ovation. Congratulations to all.
Commander Borle's Speech: I am honored to stand here on behalf of Sergeant Major Mahlum. While it is my voice, I am not the great John Mahlum. History teaches us that throughout his life, Mahlum was an award-winning speaker. As a Sergeant Major, his voice surely was heard on the battlefields of France. Had he lived, his Georgetown University classmates predicted that his leadership speaking skills would have carried him into the halls of the United States Congress. But he is not here. I know that Sergeant Major Mahlum would have me say this on his behalf: "I come from Norwegian immigrant roots. My parents had nothing when they came to America. One of my dad’s first jobs here, on the prairies of pre – 1900 Minnesota, was as a custodian for Brainerd Public Schools. With hard work, only a few years later my dad was president of the Brainerd school board, owned a lumber company and timber lands and was selling wood and newly built homes in and around Brainerd. I owe so much to my parents, who taught me discipline in life and instilled in me a love of country, which I chose to serve by volunteering to fight for democracy. I was elected by my teammates to be captain of the Georgetown University football team my senior year, but when my parents said I was needed at home to help with the family business, I told my coach that I had to go home. I also owe so much to so many others, including my teachers at BHS, where I learned more than enough in my small senior class, in a small rural Minnesota school, to be a successful student at the highly competitive Georgetown University School of Law. I especially want to thank my choir instructors at BHS. They taught me how to sing with joy and passion, from the same heart that compelled me to speak as a leader in what some of my eulogists have called the “civic movements” I was part of here. While I was a leader of the athletic teams I played on, and we did well under the guiding hands of our coaches, I also learned how to stand up and perform in school, every day, as a student in class and as I became part of the great American choral tradition performing with several BHS choral groups. I am deeply grateful to the Brainerd community, who raised me as a child and then greeted me on my return from France following my death there 6 years after my 1912 graduation. My funeral service, with so many coming to it, once again to support me as they had throughout my life, was memorable. Words mostly fail me, now, as I say my final thanks to Brainerd Public Schools for this last, grand honor given to me here today. Thank you."
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September 22, 2024: BHS inducts 3 into Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame. |
September 23, 2024: Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution cleaned John Mahlum's gravestone at Evergreen Cemetery.
John Malum's grave is next to his family, near the larger Mahlum marker.
September 11, 2024: SUICIDE – CHANGING THE NARRATIVE PRESENTATION.
The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary, with the help of VSO specialist, Kim Krebsbach, was able to help change the narrative of talking about suicide. Approximately 20 community members came to learn about how they can help someone who may be considering suicide. One significant quote from the presentation we all need to memorize is, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”. We all have friends or family members who are going through tough times, and way too many veterans are lost to suicide each day. Dial 211 for non-emergency help. Dial 988 in times of crisis or possible suicide. Dial 911 in emergencies. Below are some photos taken of the slideshow during the presentation. Scroll through them to get an idea of how valuable this information could be when/if you sense someone needs help. by Sue Sterling.
The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary, with the help of VSO specialist, Kim Krebsbach, was able to help change the narrative of talking about suicide. Approximately 20 community members came to learn about how they can help someone who may be considering suicide. One significant quote from the presentation we all need to memorize is, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”. We all have friends or family members who are going through tough times, and way too many veterans are lost to suicide each day. Dial 211 for non-emergency help. Dial 988 in times of crisis or possible suicide. Dial 911 in emergencies. Below are some photos taken of the slideshow during the presentation. Scroll through them to get an idea of how valuable this information could be when/if you sense someone needs help. by Sue Sterling.
If you or a group you belong to are interested in receiving more information about this topic, contact Destiny Tinnes, Cell: 218-821-2501 Email: [email protected] Minnesota Suicide Prevention Regional Coordinator-North Central Region.
August 26, 2024: Bill and Catherine Mauer of Brainerd donated a 17-foot fiberglass boat to Brainerd VFW member/Honor Guard member Darnell King. It is a 1984 vintage Four Winds with a 75-horse engine. Bill is a Navy veteran and wanted his boat to go to another veteran, Darnell took it out to a nearby lake and is now learning to be a fisherman.
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Margery Marsh 1933 - 2024
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Margery Anne Marsh, age 90, resident of Baxter, died August 18, 2024, at Northern Lakes Senior Care. She was born November 5, 1933, at home in Graettinger, Iowa to Matt and Katheryn (Andre) Anderson.
Margery was married to Robert Marsh (deceased 2023) for 69 years. She taught school from 1954 – 1992. She loved to travel and winter in Mission, Texas. They were very active at the Brainerd VFW. Survivors include daughter Dawn (Bob) Garin, grandchildren Jamie Lutz, Derrick Marsh, Kristopher Garin and Katie Garin; great-grandchildren Jared, Jessica, Sophie, Zoey and Piper; great-great grandchildren Mia, Joe, Ryder and Ella, sisters Mary Anderson and Karen Kuhnau. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons Davin and Kent. Funeral Services were Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at Park United Methodist Church in Brainerd with Rev. Mark Marston officiating. The burial was in Evergreen Cemetery Brainerd. |
The Brainerd Honor Guard, including the VFW Auxiliary, was at the funeral to pay their respects.
July 27 - August 1, 2024: The National VFW convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky. (l-r) Attending from Minnesota were State Adjutant-Quartermaster and Chief of Staff Barry Henriksen, State Junior Vice Commander Charles Hawkins Sr., State Commander David Staehlin, State Senior Vice Commander Ed Keogh, and State Judge Advocate Mary Thompson.
July 20, 2024: The Brainerd Color Guard led the parade on Saturday at Emily Day.
July 11, 2024: The crew of Let's Go Fishing is grateful for funding from the Brainerd VFW to continue their mission of taking people out fishing. Seen on the boat are five volunteers who assist in the operation. Normally an outing has two or three volunteers and twelve guests maximum. This is free fishing for seniors, disabled and veterans on Gull Lake, Rice Lake and Bay Lake.
The boat sports the Brainerd VFW Paul Bunyan logo. This beautiful 80-degree day they were out on Rice Lake at Lum Park in Brainerd.
Let's Go Fishing is a Twin Cities based organization with fifteen chapters in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There are 65 volunteers in Brainerd. Some 680 passengers were treated to fishing and river tours in the three-month 2023 season. Likely more in 2024.
The boat sports the Brainerd VFW Paul Bunyan logo. This beautiful 80-degree day they were out on Rice Lake at Lum Park in Brainerd.
Let's Go Fishing is a Twin Cities based organization with fifteen chapters in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There are 65 volunteers in Brainerd. Some 680 passengers were treated to fishing and river tours in the three-month 2023 season. Likely more in 2024.
Veterans get to sign the Thank You for Your Service gold flag.
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July 9, 2024: Chaplain Rios was recognized at the Brainerd VFW meeting as Minnesota VFW Chaplain of the Year. Dave Meyer was similarly honored as Veteran of the Year. Cake was served to everyone.
Chaplain Rios and Dave Meyer
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Mark Persons and Sue Sterling showed their 1st place Minnesota VFW Media completion award certificate for the BrainerdVFW.org website and Facebook. In all, Brainerd VFW Post 1647 received four awards. One was 2nd place for an article that Sue wrote for VFW Magazine.
Mark Persons and Sue Sterling
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June 22, 2024: There was a spaghetti dinner at the Brainerd VFW benefiting the VFW sponsored high school baseball.
Members of the baseball teams prepared and served the spaghetti.
Baseball Coach Bryce Flannigan and Sr. Vice Commander Keven Jensen handled a raffle drawing.
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Kevin presented Mandy Vanek of Brainerd a $1000 raffle prize. Her ticket only cost $20.
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May 20, 2024: Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director at the Northland Arboretum, accepted the donation of a new 6 ft x 10 ft flag for the main building. Brainerd Honor Guard member Mike Williams was there as Pumnea raised the flag. The VFW also donated a 3 x 5 flag for a flagpole near an Eagle Scout built pavilion on the east end of the Arb. This is just another example of helping the community.
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Interestingly, Trevor Pumnea, and his friend Ashley Thacker, volunteer at the Brainerd VFW as cooks at Sunday breakfasts.
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May 20, 2024: Live interview on six radio stations of R&J Broadcasting in Brainerd and Aitkin, MN.
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Aurora by Sue Sterling on May 10, 2024.
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Aurora over Gilbert Lake on May 10, 2024, compliments of Paul Jacobson.
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Aurora as seen over Gilbert Lake on May 11, 2024.
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Looking west at the moon over Gilbert Lake during aurora May 11, 2024.
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April 25, 2024: The Brainerd VFW was thanked for the donation of $5,000 to have a motorized projector screen purchased and installed at Garfield Elementary School in Brainerd.
It all started in September 2023 when physical education teacher David Baloba and music teacher Heather Larson, from Garfield School, asked for the donation. VFW members were personally thanked by Larson at the event. She was the program director leading the first grade a music program, followed by the VFW recognition, then a second-grade music program.
(l-r) Brainerd VFW members Mark Persons, Pat Wing, ? Richard Greenwalt, Mike Williams, Darnell King, Dave Meyer and Steve Rosenow.
April 13, 2024: A good crowd gathered as our own Helen Doucette celebrated her 90th birthday at the Brainerd VFW. Helen, as you may know, is the Senior Vice President of the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary.
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April 12, 2024: The VFW Auxiliary exists to help veterans. We at Post 1647 were recently asked to make laundry bags to give to homeless veterans. Our member, Cheryl Hull, set to work to do just that, and immediately gave five of them to the Crow Wing County Veteran Service office. If you'd like to help with sewing tasks for veterans, just let someone know and we'll get you the patterns for the items they need.
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April 9, 2024: A funeral was held for longtime Brainerd VFW and Honor Guard member Matt Gilgenbach who died at age 91. Internment was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.
Matt is survived by his children Diane, Anthony (Kaytey), Adam, Matthew Jr, his grandchildren Anthony Jr. and Ava Maria. Matt was a proud Army Veteran who served in Korea. A reception was held at the Brainerd VFW. |
Matt Gilgenbach grew up on a farm near Wahpeton, North Dakota. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952 and served until 1955. Matt was with the 4th Field Artillery Battalion at Camp Ripley. He remembers transporting 75 mm artillery shells on pack mules at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, something a farm boy would know how to do. Matt served with the Big Red One in Japan, Korea, and Okinawa. He was a Corporal and a squad leader. Back in civilian life, Matt was a plumber and construction foreman until his retirement.
Brainerd Honor Guard at the funeral.
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April 8, 2024: Eclipse Day. There were clouds and light rain blotting out the sun. Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member Paula Persons picked up some solar eclipse viewing glasses but saw no sun.
The photo below was captured near the Brainerd VFW at 2 pm when the sun was 75% eclipsed by the moon. |
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March 30, 2024: Sue Sterling attended a promotion ceremony for her cousin Paul W. Dahlen. He is now a Brigadier General in the Puerto Rico National Guard. Dahlen enlisted at 18, right out of high school, and has an extensive list of accomplishments.
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March 21, 2024: (l-r) KBLB Radio Program Director Bill Satre, Richard Schmidt and Mark Persons from the Brainerd VFW. The interview was heard, via recordings, on 93.3 KBLB-FM (B93) and Cool 103.5 FM.
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March 21, 2024: (l-r) KLIZ Radio Program Director Danny Wild, then Richard Schmidt and Mark Persons from the Brainerd VFW. The interview was heard live on 107.5 KLIZ-FM at 8:15 am.
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February 2, 2024: Ground Hog Day. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania, signifying an early spring. Sergeant Dawg, from the Brainerd VFW, had his troops on the parade field where there was no shadow. So, spring is on the way in Brainerd!
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February 1, 2024: The Four Chaplains story was told on Brainerd radio stations Chaplain Rios and Mark Persons of the Brained VFW. Also https://fourchaplains.org/
(l-r) Danny Wild, Chaplain Rios, Mac and Mark Persons on KLIZ Radio
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Chaplain Rios
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(l-r) Bill Satre, Chaplain Rios and Mark Persons on KBLB Radio
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January 20, 2024: The Brainerd Honor Guard and the Auxiliary Honor Guard paid their respects at the funeral for Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member Karen Hanson, a long-time Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member who passed away at age 76. Karen was the wife of the Club Gambling Manager Chuck Hanson for 54 years. They had three children. Obituary. A celebration of life reception was held at the Brainerd VFW.
