2025 Press/Media Coverage
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December 6, 2025:
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November 22, 2025
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August 16, 2025:
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The Crow Wing County chapter of Disabled American Veterans and its auxiliary hosts a pie social Aug. 7, 2025, at Edgewood Vista-Brainerd Senior Living Center. Contributed / Mark Persons
BRAINERD — The Disabled American Veterans’ mission is to enable veterans, their dependents and survivors to maintain high standards of living while upholding respect and dignity.
This commitment encompasses all aspects of a veteran’s life journey, and on Aug. 7 Crow Wing County Chapter 22 of the DAV and its auxiliary hosted a pie social at the Edgewood Vista-Brainerd Senior Living Center.
The local DAV Auxiliary organizes several social events at different senior living centers throughout the year to make sure veterans feel recognized and appreciated. Resident veterans, as well as wives of veterans, attended the Aug. 7 social, and gathered in the social room with anticipation to indulge in fresh pie with ice cream and coffee.
The auxiliary members’ husbands, disabled veterans themselves, visited with the residents, swapping stories of their days in the military. When the pie was gone, a singalong ensued, led by veteran Mike Williams on his harmonica and Activities Director Sandy Hudak. The enthusiasm during the singing of the national anthem and other patriotic songs was touching. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
Donations made to the many drop-off bins around the Brainerd lakes area makes this assistance possible. The items donated in the bins are collected at regular intervals and taken to a Savers Thrift Store distribution center and sold to them by the pound. Donations of clothes, shoes and linens raise money to provide support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded physically or psychologically after defending the country.
On Aug. 22 and Aug. 23 members of the DAV Auxiliary will be distributing Forget-Me-Not flowers outside Fleet Farm. Community members are invited to contribute to support ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of local veterans. More information about the DAV and its mission can be found at https://www.dav.org or by contacting Dave Meyer at 218-839-2653.
This commitment encompasses all aspects of a veteran’s life journey, and on Aug. 7 Crow Wing County Chapter 22 of the DAV and its auxiliary hosted a pie social at the Edgewood Vista-Brainerd Senior Living Center.
The local DAV Auxiliary organizes several social events at different senior living centers throughout the year to make sure veterans feel recognized and appreciated. Resident veterans, as well as wives of veterans, attended the Aug. 7 social, and gathered in the social room with anticipation to indulge in fresh pie with ice cream and coffee.
The auxiliary members’ husbands, disabled veterans themselves, visited with the residents, swapping stories of their days in the military. When the pie was gone, a singalong ensued, led by veteran Mike Williams on his harmonica and Activities Director Sandy Hudak. The enthusiasm during the singing of the national anthem and other patriotic songs was touching. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
Donations made to the many drop-off bins around the Brainerd lakes area makes this assistance possible. The items donated in the bins are collected at regular intervals and taken to a Savers Thrift Store distribution center and sold to them by the pound. Donations of clothes, shoes and linens raise money to provide support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded physically or psychologically after defending the country.
On Aug. 22 and Aug. 23 members of the DAV Auxiliary will be distributing Forget-Me-Not flowers outside Fleet Farm. Community members are invited to contribute to support ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of local veterans. More information about the DAV and its mission can be found at https://www.dav.org or by contacting Dave Meyer at 218-839-2653.
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June 22, 2025:
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May 26, 2025:
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Never forget the cost of freedom "We will never forget what it cost you and your families to assure our freedom. We promise this day and every day we will remember," the Rev. Eusebia Rios said during the Memorial Day remembrance.
Memorial Day Ceremony attendees walk along the large sectional flags in Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, May 26, 2025, which have been posted in honor of all veterans buried in Evergreen Cemetery. The flags flying from the fence in the cemetery have been donated by the families of the deceased veterans in their memory along with a plaque on each of the mounts identifying the veteran. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
BRAINERD — Rows of flags waving gently in the wind represented humility, courage, strength, sacrifice, honor, unity and compassion as they lined the path along Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, May 26. Air Force veteran and chaplain, the Rev. Eusebia “Chappy” Rios spoke of the flags’ symbolism and other reminders of the men and women who gave their lives to serve their country during the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Brainerd.
“They died for us to be cradled in the hands of freedom, to uplift the values of God and country, remembering — despite our differences — we are stronger together than apart,” Rios said during a keynote address.
“They died for us to be cradled in the hands of freedom, to uplift the values of God and country, remembering — despite our differences — we are stronger together than apart,” Rios said during a keynote address.
Chaplain the Rev. Eusebia "Chappy" Rios speaks on Monday, May 26, 2025, during the Memorial Day Ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The main program took place following a wreath laid in the Mississippi River to honor those lost at sea, a short ceremony at the All-Veterans Memorial and a parade to the cemetery. "We promise this day and every day — we will remember. The Rev. Eusebia “Chappy” Rios.
The Brainerd High School Marching Band rang out patriotic tunes like “America, the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and a reading of the Gettysburg address by Isabela Bednarek, who won the American Legion Oratorical Contest, captivated the crowd, dotted with red, white and blue. Auxiliary volunteers placed memorial wreaths honoring the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Blue Star Mothers, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Daughters of the American Revolution and Gold Star Parents.
The Brainerd High School Marching Band rang out patriotic tunes like “America, the Beautiful” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and a reading of the Gettysburg address by Isabela Bednarek, who won the American Legion Oratorical Contest, captivated the crowd, dotted with red, white and blue. Auxiliary volunteers placed memorial wreaths honoring the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Blue Star Mothers, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Daughters of the American Revolution and Gold Star Parents.
Jan Lambert places a wreath in honor of Blue Star Mothers during the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Evergreen Cemetery. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
“These fallen, these dead, they all had a vision for this nation,” Rios said in her speech. “They called to us from their eternal posts in heaven to remind us that the threads of democracy are fragile and held together by the blood of those who fought for the ideals of liberty, community, unity and the ability to seek common ground so we can continue to live in peace.”
One of those voices is that of James Hochstetter, an Army soldier killed in Vietnam in 1969. His sisters, Jaci Peterson and Alleen Converse, said they’ve never missed a Memorial Day ceremony at the peaceful Evergreen Cemetery.
“I love remembering those who served. I really think we should never forget,” Peterson said, as she took in the sights of the cemetery — the flags, wreaths, monuments and crowd of people gathered.
One of those voices is that of James Hochstetter, an Army soldier killed in Vietnam in 1969. His sisters, Jaci Peterson and Alleen Converse, said they’ve never missed a Memorial Day ceremony at the peaceful Evergreen Cemetery.
“I love remembering those who served. I really think we should never forget,” Peterson said, as she took in the sights of the cemetery — the flags, wreaths, monuments and crowd of people gathered.
American Legion Oratorical Contest winner Isabela Bednarek recites the Gettysburg Address at the Brainerd Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025 in Evergreen Cemetery. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
“The cemetery is very special to me,” she said. “It’s a place of peace and quiet remembrance. I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl.”
In adulthood, Peterson and Converse continue their treks to the cemetery, now visiting the graves of their parents and brother.
Converse’s husband, Roger, a Vietnam War Army veteran, reflected on the many veterans buried there, and those he remembers and gives thanks to for their sacrifice.
“You come here to give thanks to your fellow veterans. A lot of people are buried here,” he said. “...I’ve got some close friends that are here. Too many.”
But the simple promise to remember those friends, Rios said in her address, is a testament to the price they paid for the freedom of others.
In adulthood, Peterson and Converse continue their treks to the cemetery, now visiting the graves of their parents and brother.
Converse’s husband, Roger, a Vietnam War Army veteran, reflected on the many veterans buried there, and those he remembers and gives thanks to for their sacrifice.
“You come here to give thanks to your fellow veterans. A lot of people are buried here,” he said. “...I’ve got some close friends that are here. Too many.”
But the simple promise to remember those friends, Rios said in her address, is a testament to the price they paid for the freedom of others.
The Brainerd Honor Guard leads a parade north on Third Avenue Northeast in Brainerd on the way to Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, May 26, 2025. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Rios spoke of her time in Iraq in 2007 during the surge, when she oversaw nightly ramp departures — more than 200 of them before she stopped counting — that would bring soldiers in flag-draped coffins home for the last time.
“The reality and weight of service confronted me with a kiss of sobering truth about war — that there are two rules about war,” she said. “Rule No. 1: War is ugly and people will die. Rule No. 2: You cannot change Rule No. 1.”
Rios served 33 years in the Air Force, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, before retiring as a major. She now serves as hospice and hospital chaplain at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
She ended her speech Monday by speaking directly to those fallen veterans whose memory took center stage during the holiday.
“Release the mantle into our hands,” she said. “We will pass it on to the next generation. We will never forget what it cost you and your families to assure our freedom. We promise this day and every day — we will remember.”
“The reality and weight of service confronted me with a kiss of sobering truth about war — that there are two rules about war,” she said. “Rule No. 1: War is ugly and people will die. Rule No. 2: You cannot change Rule No. 1.”
Rios served 33 years in the Air Force, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, before retiring as a major. She now serves as hospice and hospital chaplain at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
She ended her speech Monday by speaking directly to those fallen veterans whose memory took center stage during the holiday.
“Release the mantle into our hands,” she said. “We will pass it on to the next generation. We will never forget what it cost you and your families to assure our freedom. We promise this day and every day — we will remember.”
Brainerd Honor Guard members Dan Holmes and Richard Greenwalt throw a wreath off the Laurel Street Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River, to honor veterans lost at sea on Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025, in Brainerd. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
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May 20, 2025
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May 25, 2025: The Crosslake Lutheran Church will host a community observance of Memorial Day on Sunday, May 25. The celebration will include recognition of all veterans and military personnel in attendance, along with guest speaker Bill Wroolie. In 1967, Wroolie enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam. He was wounded on May 25, 1969, while flying as an observer in a helicopter, which was hit by two anti-aircraft rounds. He was evacuated to Japan and then back to the U.S. Wroolie was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Combat V, Good Conduct Medal and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Bill Wroolie is a member of the Brainerd VFW.
Bill Wroolie is a member of the Brainerd VFW.
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May 17, 2025:
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May 15, 2025:
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April 11, 2025:
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Cole Hofstad is VFW Scout of the Year
Cole will advance to the sixth district, then state and possibly national competition. |
Eagle Scout Cole Hofstad is the 2025 Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars post Scout of the Year. His participation and accomplishments include Order of the Arrow member, Brotherhood member, Bronze and Gold Eagle Palms, Philmont Scout Expedition, World Conservation Award and Den Chief Award. As a high school senior, Cole’s grade point average is 3.67. He is on the dean’s list at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. More details can be found at brainerdvfw.org/scout-awards.html
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April 9, 2025, Brainerd Dispatch newspaper:
4th annual recognition event at Brainerd VFW honors our Vietnam veterans |
Photo by Mark Persons
Sue Sterling, right, talks with a Vietnam veteran during a recent recognition event at the Brainerd VFW.
By Sue Sterling
The unrecognized war — a conflict, according to the government — was fought in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. These were turbulent times in America, too, not just in Vietnam. While our soldiers were fighting to keep communism from spreading, the streets of America were battle grounds for equal rights; anti-war sentiments were broadcast every night from radio and TV news stations.
Many of our soldiers came home to ridicule and hostility, but did their best to fit back into society. The rhetoric of those years has changed, though, and today those same soldiers proudly wear their caps and shirts proclaiming their pride in serving this country during the time they served. As one veteran proudly stated, “I, for one, am extremely proud of belonging to an elite fraternity that many of my civilian counterparts can never belong to, for we, the veterans, have the distinct honor of having served our country when Uncle Sam asked us to!”
For four years now the Brainerd VFW has honored those soldiers with a recognition gathering on or about March 29, the nationally recognized Vietnam War Veterans Day. Apple pie and ice cream was provided and served by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Brainerd and the Brainerd VFW provided free sloppy joes and chips for veterans and their spouses
In talking to some of those veterans I learned that they appreciate the opportunity this gathering gives them to get together with fellow soldiers and talk to others who endured the same experiences and emotions. They also acknowledged that what they learned from their military training and duty has served them well in civilian life.
During the course of the evening I interviewed four Vietnam vets:
• One was a semi-truck driver who delivered everything from food to ammunition throughout the war zone, and had a narrow escape from the Viet Cong when they stopped for dead bodies in the road. What he learned as a truck driver in Vietnam translated to working with heavy equipment upon his return home.
• I met a Marine sergeant who was deployed near the DMZ and led patrols to observe and report sightings of enemy soldiers. He utilized the leadership skills he developed during his time in-country to serve with distinction in the National Guard for 32 years.
• Another soldier I talked to served as a corpsman (medic) on an attack aircraft carrier working 15- to 16-hour days. When he came home, he served as a first sergeant of a medical detachment at Camp Ripley, then transitioned to a job as a specialist at the state hospital here in Brainerd.
• One young man was an aviation electronics repairman, making sure the all-important communication devices were working. He started his own business when he returned, and after 44 years as radio broadcast technical engineering consultant, he and his wife were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024.
Hanoi Hilton, DaNang Province and “in country” are words mostly forgotten by the American public, but are well-remembered by those who participated in that war. Every veteran had a different experience, depending on what part of the country they were assigned to and what year they were in-country, whether they were supporting the ground war, or fulfilling their duty on ships within the war zone.
For those who have scars, whether mental or physical, there are organizations right here in town who can assist veterans in getting the help they need. Two groups meet regularly at the VFW for helping veterans: the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Each has a corresponding auxiliary group that makes sure our retired veterans are remembered for their service throughout the year. The Brainerd American Legion has programs available to help all veterans as well. The Crow Wing County Veterans Service Office (VSO) is always there to lead you through the paperwork you need to get the benefits you deserve.
All of the above-mentioned veterans continue to give back to this community, and serve as examples of veterans who have built a better America with the skills they developed during their days in that war-torn country. When you see a DAV or VFW person offering you a Poppy or Forget-Me-Not flower outside a business, show them you appreciate their service with a contribution. Your donations will go to helping veterans in this community.
Sue Sterling, of Brainerd, is the DAV Auxiliary Commander and a regular contributor to Brainerd Dispatch publications.
The unrecognized war — a conflict, according to the government — was fought in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. These were turbulent times in America, too, not just in Vietnam. While our soldiers were fighting to keep communism from spreading, the streets of America were battle grounds for equal rights; anti-war sentiments were broadcast every night from radio and TV news stations.
Many of our soldiers came home to ridicule and hostility, but did their best to fit back into society. The rhetoric of those years has changed, though, and today those same soldiers proudly wear their caps and shirts proclaiming their pride in serving this country during the time they served. As one veteran proudly stated, “I, for one, am extremely proud of belonging to an elite fraternity that many of my civilian counterparts can never belong to, for we, the veterans, have the distinct honor of having served our country when Uncle Sam asked us to!”
For four years now the Brainerd VFW has honored those soldiers with a recognition gathering on or about March 29, the nationally recognized Vietnam War Veterans Day. Apple pie and ice cream was provided and served by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Brainerd and the Brainerd VFW provided free sloppy joes and chips for veterans and their spouses
In talking to some of those veterans I learned that they appreciate the opportunity this gathering gives them to get together with fellow soldiers and talk to others who endured the same experiences and emotions. They also acknowledged that what they learned from their military training and duty has served them well in civilian life.
During the course of the evening I interviewed four Vietnam vets:
• One was a semi-truck driver who delivered everything from food to ammunition throughout the war zone, and had a narrow escape from the Viet Cong when they stopped for dead bodies in the road. What he learned as a truck driver in Vietnam translated to working with heavy equipment upon his return home.
• I met a Marine sergeant who was deployed near the DMZ and led patrols to observe and report sightings of enemy soldiers. He utilized the leadership skills he developed during his time in-country to serve with distinction in the National Guard for 32 years.
• Another soldier I talked to served as a corpsman (medic) on an attack aircraft carrier working 15- to 16-hour days. When he came home, he served as a first sergeant of a medical detachment at Camp Ripley, then transitioned to a job as a specialist at the state hospital here in Brainerd.
• One young man was an aviation electronics repairman, making sure the all-important communication devices were working. He started his own business when he returned, and after 44 years as radio broadcast technical engineering consultant, he and his wife were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024.
Hanoi Hilton, DaNang Province and “in country” are words mostly forgotten by the American public, but are well-remembered by those who participated in that war. Every veteran had a different experience, depending on what part of the country they were assigned to and what year they were in-country, whether they were supporting the ground war, or fulfilling their duty on ships within the war zone.
For those who have scars, whether mental or physical, there are organizations right here in town who can assist veterans in getting the help they need. Two groups meet regularly at the VFW for helping veterans: the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Each has a corresponding auxiliary group that makes sure our retired veterans are remembered for their service throughout the year. The Brainerd American Legion has programs available to help all veterans as well. The Crow Wing County Veterans Service Office (VSO) is always there to lead you through the paperwork you need to get the benefits you deserve.
All of the above-mentioned veterans continue to give back to this community, and serve as examples of veterans who have built a better America with the skills they developed during their days in that war-torn country. When you see a DAV or VFW person offering you a Poppy or Forget-Me-Not flower outside a business, show them you appreciate their service with a contribution. Your donations will go to helping veterans in this community.
Sue Sterling, of Brainerd, is the DAV Auxiliary Commander and a regular contributor to Brainerd Dispatch publications.
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February 5, 2025: Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper article about the brick program at the All-Veterans Memorial in Brainerd. Applications for bricks can be found at: https://www.brainerdvfw.org/all-vets-memorial.html
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