veterans

Applications Due Soon For Bong Center’s Veterans Fishing Trip To BWCA

May 28th is when applications have to be sent online or at the museum for this year's fishing trip.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The deadline is nearing for veterans to apply for a free fishing trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, compliments of the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Historical Center in Superior. May 28th is when applications have to be sent online or at the museum for this year’s fishing trip. About 6 veterans of any age, or active…

Sen. Smith Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Hearing Benefits

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D) is trying her hardest to make sure veterans have quick, easy access to obtaining care for hearing loss. Smith recently introduced legislation to reduce the red tape many vets face when trying to get care for hearing loss as a result of their service. Right now, if veterans wish to receive benefits…

American Legion Post 71 Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — Today the American Legion, along with the volunteer organization women of today, hosted a veterans day ceremony in west Duluth. Dozens of veterans gathered at the American Legion Post 71 to celebrate the day and also present one local vet with an award. Private First Class Warren Johnson served in the Iraq war and was honored today…

Bong Historical Center Receives $10,000 For Disabled Veterans

Cenovus energy which owns the superior refinery formerly known as husky donated $10,000 to the bong museum.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — On Wednesday the Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has landed a big donation to help send disabled vets on summer trips to the boundary waters. Cenovus energy which owns the superior refinery formerly known as husky donated $10,000 to the bong museum. The money will fund two summer canoe trips to the BWCA for seven veterans…

Tribute Fest Wraps Up, Breaks Record for Advance Tickets Sold

The Duluth Vet Center was also on-site to help connect veterans to counseling and other services.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s weather took a break from the doom and gloom to give this year’s Tribute Fest at Bayfront Park a sunny sendoff. Organizers say upward of 2,000 tickets were sold in advance to the show, more than they’ve ever sold in previous years. Veterans and their families were allowed in and fed for free. All the money goes…

Tribute Fest Kicks Off Return to Bayfront Park

All the money goes to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, or MACV.

DULUTH, Minn.- A weekend of live music from Johnny Cash to Metallica is back in the Northland as Tribute Fest kicked off today at Bayfront Park. The event is two years in the making after being called off last year due to the pandemic. Veterans and their families can enjoy the festival free of charge while tickets for other are…

Nitro Circus Athlete Raising Money for Veterans

The action sports athlete and veteran says, even though he will be putting on a lot of miles, its worth it so veterans can get the help they need.

DULUTH, Minn. — A member of the Nitro Circus made a stop in Duluth today as he makes his way to the East Coast. Tyler Pynnonen, a Grand Rapids resident, caught up with Fox 21 to talk about his journey riding a Honda Trail 70 motorcycle starting from North Dakota to Maryland to raise money for wounded veterans for the…

Veterans, Active Servicemen in Community Take Time to Remember Fallen on Memorial Day

Veterans and active duty military members in the Northland observed Memorial Day from work -- some in jobs that keep our community running and safe.

DULUTH, Minn.- While different events honored those who gave their lives for our country, veterans and active duty military members in the Northland observed Memorial Day from work — some in jobs that keep our community running and safe. Across the country at 3 p.m. Taps Across America events held a moment of silence and presented the colors honoring service…

Superior Hosts Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

Afterwards, the event moved to the Richard Bong Veterans Historical Center for a flag raising ceremony.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Superior hosted their own memorial day ceremonies at the greenwood cemetery on tower avenue. With a presentation of wreaths, guest speakers, harbor master singers and an honor guard presentation. Organizers wanted to keep the event going rain or shine, even having an abbreviated event last year to honor our nations veterans. “We really honor the veterans. Our…

‘What Memorial Day is Really All About’: Northlanders Honor Veterans, Fallen Troops Sunday

"Really good to see the people here, to know that there are people that are very caring about remembering, what Memorial Day is really all about," Brad Bennett said.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Sunday the Northland observed what many call “traditional Memorial Day” to honor those who gave their lives in war, at the Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Lakewalk. “136 names on our wall, of local veterans, or not veterans because they’re still in uniform,” said Dwight Nelson, Secretary of the Northland Vietnam Veterans Association. The nearly 30-year…

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Offering Trip of a Lifetime for Area Veterans

The First Round of Applications is Due by Friday, May 14, 2021

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northland veterans are urged to apply for the trip of a lifetime now through Friday, May 14. A final deadline for consideration is set for Friday, May 21 for those who miss the first review date. The 4th and 5th trips for veterans to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota are slated for this summer. The trips…

After Virtual Hiatus, Nearly Naked Ruck March Bounces Back in 2021

The Nearly Naked Ruck March is Happening Saturday, Mar. 27, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents are invited and encouraged to march for a great cause on Saturday, Mar. 27 starting at 10 a.m. along Skyline Parkway near Enger Tower. After a virtual hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 23rd Veteran is proud to be bringing back the in-person version of the Nearly Naked Ruck March. The march is a way…

Bong Veterans Historical Center Unveils New Permanent Exhibit

The Bong Historical Center in Superior is putting the finishing touches on its new $50,000 exhibit on the Korean and Vietnam wars.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Bong Veterans Historical Center is on the home stretch of a nearly two-year project of a brand new exhibit about the Korean and Vietnam wars. Because of grant funds and private donations, the center was able to make this exhibit the largest built since it opened in 2002. “We had some veterans come to us and…

Silver Bay Veterans Home to Administer Covid-19 Vaccine to Residents and Staff

The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. 

SILVER BAY, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay will begin to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Residents and staff. The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine is being administered by clinical leaders at each location. Other veterans homes across the state will begin their vaccinations this week. The vaccinations come after…

Roger Reinert Selected by Gov. Walz for Minnesota 9/11 Anniversary Taskforce

Reinert and the taskforce will gather stories from service members and civilians about their experience on September 11th, 2001, and the years after.

DULUTH, Minn.- A veteran who’s been active in Duluth’s political world and is currently at the helm of the DECC — Roger Reinert — has been selected to help commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 next year. Reinert was chosen by Governor Tim Walz to serve on a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day…

Northland Fallen Soldier Honored with Memorial Garden at Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat

Sgt. Chad Allen, a marine, was just in his 20s when he was killed on a tour in Iraq in 2007.

DAIRYLAND, Wis.- Local veterans, friends and family, and others in the small rural Wisconsin town of Dairyland gathered at the Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat and campground to pay a special tribute to one of their own young men killed in action in Iraq. “After 13 years, his memory still grows stronger and stronger,” said Brandon Allen, there recognizing his brother’s…

Remembering the Day of Infamy: Duluth Veterans Honor Pearl Harbor Fallen

DECC Holds Wreath laying ceremony commemorating 78 years since Pearl Harbor.

DULUTH, Minn.- December 7th, 1941. Proclaimed “a date which will live in infamy” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The whole nation felt the shock of the surprise attack in Hawaii, and is still feeling the grief 78 years later as the day is commemorated across the country. Beside Lake Superior, the late morning air is broken by the sound of…

UWS Students Honor Local Veterans

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – With Veterans Day just around the corner, one UWS class has partnered with the Red Cross to help show support for area veterans. The public relations course at UWS is putting the finishing touches on a banner and holiday cards for Northland veterans. This project is something they have been working on all semester. Students say, it’s…

Upcoming 5K Run, Walk to Benefit Douglas County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund

Running for Our Heroes 5K Run/Walk is Happening Saturday, September 28 on the Campus of UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is hosting the 6th annual Running for Our Heroes 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 28, at 9:00 a.m. The event is hosted by UW-Superior’s Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center (VNSC) and Douglas County Veteran Services. “It’s been great to see this event grow,” said Monte Stewart, the VNSC Student Services Coordinator. “We’ve made…

Veterans Service Center Holds Open House

DULUTH, MN – The Veterans Service Center Office in Duluth held an open house Friday afternoon. There, vets were able to grab a free lunch, tour the office and meet veteran service officers. Organizers say, it’s all to provide an open, inviting space for members of the armed forces that served out country. “Open up a dialogue with some of…

BWCA Trip Brings Peace, Tranquility to Local Veterans

Click Below if You'd Like to Donate to the 2020 Veterans to the BWCA Trip

LAKE ISABELLA, Minn. – More than a dozen area veterans recently returned home after experiencing a life changing getaway. The annual Veterans to the BWCA excursion started in 2018 after Hayes Scriven, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, wanted to come up with a way to give back while also helping disabled veterans and…

Duluth Business Receives Special Recognition for Veterans Work

Veterans showed their appreciation to Kraus Anderson Construction in a special way Friday

DULUTH, Minn.- A lot of people around the Northland do great things to honor area veterans, and today a Duluth construction company is being recognized for doing that. Kraus Anderson has been involved with many projects to benefit veterans, and some area veterans showed their appreciation today by presenting the company with some special items. Kraus Anderson received plaques with…

Ely Resort Impacts Veterans, People Living with Disabilities

Veterans on the Lake Resort is Located at 161 Fernberg Road; The Resort is Open Year-Round

ELY, Minn. – Recent studies show up to 20 percent of military veterans will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning home from war. While these numbers may seem small, the grim reality shows nearly 20 veterans commit suicide every day. One secluded resort in Northeastern Minnesota is looking to shed positive light on the reality, one visit at…

5K Fun Run, Walk to Benefit Veterans Memorial Hall

The Fun Run, Walk is Happening Saturday, May 18, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to attend the 2019 Veterans Memorial Hall 5K Fun Run, Walk happening Saturday, May 18. The race is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. at The Other Place Bar and Grille located at 3930 East Calvary Road in Duluth. This event is open to all ages. Runners are welcome to register online for $25. Registration…

Fighting Back on the Issues Veterans Face

Veterans affairs says 50 to 60 percent of Veterans don't reach out when they return home

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Douglas County non-profits gathered at the Bong Center in Superior today to host a forum on how to fight back against the many issues Veterans face. The event sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs had experts on hand discussing a variety of issues including alcohol addiction or even housing or billing help. People in these non-profits…

Free Veterans Expo Happening Today in Superior

The Veterans Expo is Taking Place in the Yellowjacket Union on the Campus of UWS

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior and Douglas County are hosting the sixth annual free Veterans Expo Tuesday, April 23, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Yellowjacket Union Great Room on the campus of UW-Superior. Remarks will be made by City of Superior Mayor Jim Paine, Douglas County Board Chair Mark Liebaert, and UW-Superior Chancellor Renée Wacher. Wisconsin…

Veterans Encouraged to Apply for Upcoming BWCA Trip

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior is Hosting a Veterans to the BWCA in July

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Back for the second year in a row, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior is proud to announce applications are now being accepted for the Veterans to the BWCA Trip in July. Seven lucky veterans will be chosen to take part in the six day excursion taking place July 9 – 14. Four days…

Bong Veterans Historical Center to Host Three Escape Rooms

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is Celebrating 2018 Attendance Numbers, Three New Escape Rooms will Also Debut in February

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Exciting, new adventures are in store for the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior. The Center is celebrating an increase of nearly 1,300 paid visitors in 2018 compared to 2017. This is the second highest attendance increase in the center’s history and the highest paid attendance in ten years. “We have continued our commitment to…

One Stop Shop for Veteran Services in the Twin Ports

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans has been hosting the Veteran Stand Down for over a decade

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans are looking to end homelessness for Veterans and the organization is hosting a one-stop spot for services. The annual Veteran Stand Down filled Bayfront Park with over 50 free services including medical help, higher education information, legal advice and free clothing. “Sometimes we don’t ask for help, sometimes we don’t know where to…

Float On to A&W for National Root Beer Float Day

Restaurant Gives Out Free Root Beer Floats and Accepts Donations for Charity

Superior, WI- Many Northlanders were feelin’ the heat this week. To cool off, they could head to A&W for a free root beer float this National Root Beer Float Day. The Superior A&W restaurant gave out free root beer floats for the holiday. While enjoying that sweet foamy treat, you could also give to others. Donations were encouraged to support the…

Putt for Vets at World’s Largest Golf Outing

Fundraiser Held at Lester and Enger Parks for Fisher House Foundation

Duluth, Minn.- The Fisher House Foundation got a hole in one thanks to the World’s Largest Golf Outing fundraiser. The event took place at both Lester and Enger Park golf courses. Golfers hitting the links could win raffle prizes donated by UMD and golf gear suppliers. The weather was also on par to make this year a big hit. “Last year…

El Dorado Bar & Grill Hosting Veterans Fundraiser

The proceeds will go toward the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans in Duluth, an organization helping homeless veterans and the Douglas County Veterans Services in Superior.

OLIVER, Wis. – The El Dorado Bar & Grill may be in the outskirts of the Northland but when it comes to veterans it sees no boundaries. The Oliver, Wisconsin, bar is hosting its Sixth Annual Veterans Fundraiser and Customer Appreciation Event. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans in Duluth, an organization…

New St. Louis County Veterans Service Office Director Announced

Tedd Ells was sworn in Monday morning, he will help serve more than 18,000 veterans in St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn.- Giving area veterans all the support they need can be a tough challenge, but now a new Veterans Service Office Director is on duty in St. Louis County ready to help. Tedd Ells was sworn in Monday morning, he will help serve more than 18,000 veterans in St. Louis County. Ells has over 25 years of experience in several…

Pike Lake Welcomes New Monument for Veterans

Exciting additions are being added at the Pike Lake Veterans Memorial.

PIKE LAKE, Minn.- A new monument is now at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Pike Lake the statue represents the unknown and came about due to a son wanting to honor his father. The monument is open for interpretation, veterans and families can each takeaway something different. The idea rooted from a man wanting to honor his father, that has been…

Veterans Receiving Free Legal Help

Finding services to help with legal issues are amongst the top ten issues veterans face.

DULUTH, Minn.- Attorneys and legal professors are offering free legal help to veterans in the Northland. Finding services to help with legal issues are amongst the top ten issues veterans face. This free drop-in clinic is hosted by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and offers assistance with family law to debt collections. “Just having a chance to get information in a setting that…

Sammy’s Pizza Celebrates 64 Years with Discount and Donation

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, Sammy’s Pizza will be selling pies for a good cause. Celebrating 64 years, Sammy’s Pizza is looking to give back to the community. When customers who purchase any 14′” or larger pizza can buy a 12′” one-topping pizza for only 64 cents. On April 19, in honor of those who have served in the armed forces,…

Volunteers Needed to Help Preserve Veterans’ Stories

Volunteers will conduct one-on-one interviews recording a veteran's history.

DULUTH, Minn.- Veterans in Duluth are willing to share their stories and volunteers are needed to listen. The St. Louis County Historical Society is asking for good listeners to conduct oral history interviews with veterans from all military branches. Volunteers will be partnered up with a veteran for a one–on–one listening session. One veteran says many can be hesitant to…

Veterans Across the Midwest March to Raise Awareness

Nearly 100 veterans marched in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 100 veterans in the State of Minnesota are marching to spread awareness of veteran suicide. Every day in the United States there are 23 Veteran suicides. Operation 23 to Zero MN North came together Saturday morning and marched nearly five miles for the February Fun Ruck to raise awareness of the epidemic. Veterans with Operation 23 to Zero…

Veterans Treatment Court Given Final Approval in St. Louis County

It's Estimated 17,000 Veterans Live in St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Louis County District Court in Duluth is getting ready to launch the state’s newest veterans treatment court. The court serves as a special program designed to assist military veterans in the criminal justice system, who are having issues with chemical or mental health problems. “St. Louis County District Court has been holding a special court calendar for veterans…

Local Historical Center Receives Two Grants

The grants will help upgrade the center and educational programs.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has received two grants totaling $30,000. The first grant of $20,000 is from a private foundation, that money will help update the 15 year old audio and visual equipment at the center. The center creates videos that help tell the stories of veterans in the Northland. The other grant…

Free Legal Clinic Helping Veterans In the Northland

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans will be in St. Cloud on Jan. 16.

DULUTH, Minn. – Veterans around the Northland sometimes need local help and today a special legal clinic in Duluth offered some free assistance. The program provides legal services to low income veterans or those with housing issues. Veterans could walk in to get advice on whatever legal topic they had including drafting a will. “Often times people earn more income…

Local Organizations Join Forces For Veterans In Need

Kern and Kompany, Bong Veterans Center and the St. Louis County Veterans Service Office all helped with transportation costs.

DULUTH, Minn. -Four thousand homeless or low income veterans who may not know where their next meal is coming from are getting assistance this holiday season. Kern and Kompany and the Duluth Airshow is partnering with the Bong Veterans Center and the St. Louis County Veterans Service Office to provide Northland veterans with food. “The hope is that we’re going…

UWS Ceremony Acknowledges Student Veterans

The University of Wisconsin Superior honored student veterans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The University of Wisconsin Superior honored nontraditional students with a special set of skills, obtained from serving in the armed forces. Currently 130 students at UWS are veterans. Representatives from the University said veterans truly enhance campus culture. “The experiences you gained and learned in the military in invaluable, you don’t get them anywhere else,” Veteran guest speaker Craig…

A Local Woman Advocates For A Veterans Treatment Court In Douglas County

Research On Veterans Needs Revealed At UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A local woman’s goal is to keep Veterans with mental health issues out of the traditional justice system through a Veterans Treatment Court in Douglas County. Adelia Kindstrand lives in Beaver Bay and has been commuting to and from University of Wisconsin-Superior. She has been conducting research on the needs that Douglas County has for a Veterans…

Fishing for Smiles at Legacy Lake

Residents at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay Embark on a Fishing Adventure Once a Week

FINLAND, Minn. – Every summer thousands of people spend multiple hours launching their boat, baiting hooks and waiting for the ‘big one.’ However, many people are forced to give up their freedom of fishing as they age. In Finland Minnesota, one man’s mission is now a mark on the calendar once a week. “It kind of gets them doing what…

El Dorado Bar Gears Up for Fifth Annual Veterans Fundraiser

100 Percent of the Proceeds from Saturdays Fundraiser Benefit Local Homeless Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. – Preps are underway for the fifth-annual Veterans Benefit. It’s happening this Saturday at the El Dorado Bar and Grill in the Village of Oliver. A walk will start at 10 a.m. followed by the benefit, horseshoe tournament, raffles and pig roast. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit local homeless veterans. Todd Pfeffer, Owner of the El Dorado Bar…

Vietnam Veterans Asked to Share Stories for Records, Local Documentary

"The Wall that Heals" on Display in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the next few days a wall in Superior is honoring those lost in the Vietnam War. “The Wall that Heals” is at Barkers Island July 20–23. Vietnam veterans are being asked to share memories on Saturday July 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. Crews will be available…