With nearly 308,000 veterans and tens of thousands of guard and reserve troops, Minnesota is a state committed to supporting our friends and neighbors who serve and their families. Minnesota Military Radio is a reflection of that commitment.

With a team of producers from the Minnesota National Guard, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Minneapolis V.A., volunteer host and Vietnam veteran Tom Lyons strives to inform and entertain listeners in this weekly syndicated radio show and podcast.

Through captivating, historic interviews with veterans of all eras, we also endeavor to preserve their stories of heroism before they are forgotten.

Honoring Veterans and First Responders

VA, DAV & Second Harvest: Ending Food Insecurity for MN Vets

This week we discuss the Minnesota Veterans Pantry co-hosted with the director of Center For Development & Civic Engagement, we meet with leadership from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Second Harvest Heartland, DAV Department of Minnesota, and Community Resource & Referral Center to learn how the Veterans Food Pantry is going and where it […]

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DAV & MACV: Honoring Veterans

This week, we sit down with the DAV Department of Minnesota Commander to explore their 100-year legacy, time capsule, and essential veteran transportation program. Plus, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans shares their mission to end veteran homelessness and details on the Winter Salute event! Guests include: Commander John Walker – DAV Department of Minnesota […]

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Navigating Navy Opportunities and Honoring Heroes

This week, we sit down with the Commanding Officer of NTAG Northern Plains and the U.S. Navy ROTC Scholarship Coordinator to explore exciting Navy career opportunities and the ROTC program. Plus, hear the latest from the MN Patriot Guard. Guests include: Cmdr. Mark Rittenhouse – NTAG Northern Plains Chief James Herkenhoff –  Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps  […]

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Command Sergeants Major Roundtable: Leadership, Legacy, and the Red Bull Spirit

This week on Minnesota Military Radio join us for an engaging roundtable discussion featuring three Command Sergeants Major from the Minnesota National Guard. We interview the incoming Command Senior Enlisted Leader, joined by two retired CSMs to discuss service evolution, leadership shifts, and NCO advice. Plus, an update from the current Command Senior Enlisted Leader. […]

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Veteran Suicide Prevention – Experts Unite for Awareness & Hope

This week on Minnesota Military Radio: We’re sitting down with top experts from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota National Guard, and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education to spotlight veteran suicide awareness, essential prevention resources, and game-changing collaborations that shatter stigma and uplift service members and their families. Guests […]

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Shoot for the Troops and MN Patriot Guard

This week we feature Shoot for the Troops – a dedicated nonprofit fueling aid for service members, veterans, and their families. Listen to insights from its president (a Minnesota Army National Guard Colonel), the Veteran Resilience Project’s executive director on transformative trauma care, and Wilson Tool International – USA’s global VP of innovation and technology […]

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Military Appreciation Day 2025: Minnesota National Guard Leadership Insights

This week we are recorded live at the Minnesota State Fair, features inspiring insights from the Minnesota National Guard’s leadership on service, recruitment, and veteran benefits. From the first female field artillery warrant officer to the future of the Guard, this episode is a must listen! Guests include: Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke – Minnesota National […]

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Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair 2025

This week, we’re recorded live from the Minnesota State Fair with our co-host, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. We kick off with the MDVA Chief of Staff providing an overview of the department. We’ll also dive into a Veteran apprenticeship program with Building Strong Communities and meet with leaders from the […]

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Ribs for the Ribbon and VA Vaccine Insights

This week: Dive into the Ribs for the Ribbon event from Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, chat with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System about flu and COVID vaccines. Guests include: Bruce Brown – Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Doug Schultz – Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Megan Daman – Minneapolis VA […]

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