Brainerd VFW Stories from 2026
The famous concrete water tower is seen two blocks north of the Brainerd VFW
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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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Wednesday, August 5, 2026: The Brainerd VFW was closed for the day while electrical work was performed by a Brainerd City power crew. The original incoming power lines were replaced, and an old power pole was replaced. (Click on each photo to see a larger version.)
July 31, 2026: Congratulations to Pat Shea and Dawn Garin who married on Friday to the applause of friends and family. In the military, it is called, "marriage within the ranks." Dawn is now Dawn Shea and will continue as the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer. Pat is the Brainerd VFW Adjutant.
July 14, 2026: Brainerd VFW Commander Kevin Jensen presented a check for $4000 to Suzanne Lamusga to support the Brainerd Lions.
June 21, 2026: The Brainerd VFW sponsored Baseball Team helped serve breakfast at the VFW. That included washing dishes, otherwise known as KP Duty!
June 12, 2026: Women Veteran Recognition Day.
(l-r) Sue Sterling, Kathy Brastrup and Denise Sjodin.
June 12, 2026: Kathy Brastrup and Sue Sterling, members of the DAV Auxiliary Unit 22, and the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary had the privilege of serving treats to veterans at the Brainerd VA clinic. It was done under the direction of the MN DAV Women Veteran Committee Chair, Dawn Batcho. Dave Meyer, DAV Commander of Chapter 22, stopped in while we were there. Many VA clinics in Minnesota participated in this recognition of the 650+ women veterans who live here. The Women’s Armed Service Integration Act was signed in 1948 by President Truman. It allowed women the right to permanently and fully serve in the regular armed forces and to be recognized as veterans after doing so. Denise Sjodin, on the right in the photo, served as a Medical Service Specialist In Desert Storm and is now an RN at the Brainerd CBOC. Sue Sterling
June 9, 2026, Brainerd VFW Commander Kevin Jensen welcomed new life member Buford Johnson.
Buford Johnson was recruited by Mark Persons and transferred his membership from the Sauk Rapids VFW to Brainerd. Buford was an Army Infantry Captain in Special Forces serving in Vietnam 1964 – 65, later a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve. He is also a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America. Welcome Buford.
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May 26, 2026: Friends and family gathered at the Brainerd VFW to remember the life of David Wayt. All members and friends were invited to Taco Tuesday at the Brainerd VFW, compliments of the family.
https://www.brenny.com/obituaries/david-wayt David Wait, long-time member of the Brainerd VFW, died at the age of 77. David was a Navy veteran 1966-1973, serving aboard two ships during his career. He helped at Sunday breakfasts and Buddy Poppy fund raising for many years. |
David Wayt RIP
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David's sister DeVawn Bolinger spoke to the group. |
May 22, 2026: A live interview was don on R&J Broadcasting stations WWWI-FM, WWWI-AM, KLKS-FM, KKIN-FM and KKIN-AM Radio stations regarding Memorial Day ceremonies in Brainerd.
Frank Parkison, morning host on WWWI Radio
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Mark Persons, Member of the Brainerd Memorial Day Committee
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Herman Wisnexki, member of the Brainerd Memorial Day Committee
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May 22, 2026: The Brainerd Honor Guard was at Walmart Supercenter in Baxter for their grand reopening.
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Star Spangled Banner video |
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Ribbon cutting ceremony.
Store Manager Jarrod Brade was honored that day with a plaque from the Brainerd VFW thanking him and Walmart for their "Outstanding public support for the VFW's annual Picnic and community mission."
May 22, 2026: The folks at Ironhide/Bobcat of Brainerd have pledged to give 10% of their rental sales receipts this summer to the Brainerd VFW. The Brainerd Honor Guard was there to thank them for their generosity.
(l-r) Bobcat Manager Jim Christensen shook hands with Brainerd VFW Commander Kevin Jensen.
Zach Mahoney, morning host on KLIZ Radio
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Mark Persons, member of the Brainerd VFW
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Bill Satre, Program Director for B93.3 and Cool 103 radio stations.
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May 14, 2026: In preparation of Buddy Poppy Days, Brainerd VFW member Mark Persons was interviewed on KLIZ, B93.3 and KUAL radio stations in Brainerd. The interviews were recorded for payback the morning of Friday, May 15th.
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May 1, 2026: Participating Burger King® franchise restaurants, including Brainerd, kicked off their annual fundraiser to raise money throughout the month of May in support of the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS), helping to ensure the VFW can continue to provide service members, veterans and their families with accredited assistance navigating VA claims processes. For nearly two decades, Burger King franchisees have conducted an annual fundraiser benefitting VFW programs by encouraging guests to donate $1 or more with their purchase.
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April 25, 2026: A memorial service for members who died in the last year was held during the 6th District meeting at the Jenkins VFW. Photo by Dawn Garin.
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April 14, 2026: Today is the Air Force Reserve's birthday. Our auxiliary member and DAVA Commander, Sue Sterling, has a son and grandson who are both active duty service in the Air Force Reserve out of Fort Snelling. They travel throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin performing the Flag Folding ceremony for the families of deceased Air Force veterans. Here's a shout-out to all who serve in the military reserves.
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March 26, 2026: Radio listeners to WWWI and KKIN Radio heard this interview about Vietnam Veterans Day.
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Brainerd VFW member Buford Johnson
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Radio morning host Frank Parkison
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March 26, 2026: KLIZ 107.5 FM Radio interview about Vietnam Veterans Day.
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KLIZ morning show co-host Mitch
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Brainerd VFW member Buford Johnson
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KLIZ morning show host Zach Mahoney
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Brainerd VFW member Mark Persons
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Ray Frisch died at the age of 95 on March 2, 2026. He was a regular at Post 1647 and a happy guy with a great laugh. Ray was in the U.S. Army 1952 through 1954 achieving the rank of a Sergeant E5. His job was NCO in charge of officer records while in Incheon, and Busan, South Korea. In civilian life, Ray was an English teacher at Brainerd High School and Brainerd Community College, now known as Central Lakes College, before retiring. The funeral was March 7th with military honors and burial in Mission Township Cemetery. Nelson-Doran Funeral Home.
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February 15, 2026: Barry Hendrickson, Adjutant Quartermaster and Legislative Chairman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Minnesota was interviewed on Minnesota Military Radio. See details and hear the interview.
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February 10, 2026: Brainerd VFW members were treated to Skinny POP Popcorn on Tuesday evening. It was a Valentine's Day gift from the Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today and their children. Thanks.
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February 3, 2026: Mark Persons and Chaplain Eusebia Rios from the Brainerd VFW were interviewed on WWWI and KLKS Radio in Brainerd, which was simulcast on KFGI and KKIN Radio in Aitkin, Minnesota. The subject was Four Chaplains Day.
(l-r) Mark Persons, Chaplain Rios and Frank Parkison, morning host on R&J Broadcasting.
February 2, 2026: Ground Hog Day. Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania saw his shadow this morning meaning SIX MORE WEEKS OF Winter!
Sergeant Dawg was out on the Brainerd VFW parade field with the troops this morning. Yes, they saw their shadows, but then it clouded over before becoming sunny again, so it is a mystery if there will be six more weeks of winter!
January 28, 2026: Chaplain Rios stopped into the WJJY Radio studios to record an interview for playback on January 29th. The topic was Four Chaplains Day.
Tess Taylor morning host on WJJY Radio
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Chaplain Eusebia Rios telling the story
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Mark Persons from the Brainerd VFW
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