2010 EVENTS HELD BY MMAF
March 10, 2010:
10,000th GRANT PRESENTATION
In March, Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund achieved a major milestone. With the help of Governor Tim Pawlenty, Specialist Sasha Bell of Shoreview was awarded MMAF’s 10,000th grant at the State Capitol. We were honored to have in attendance Major General Rick Nash, Commander of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. In addition, SPC Bell’s squad leader SGT James Valenziano and her unit commander CPT Philip Jergenson were present. SPC Bell served with the Army National Guard Red Bulls 34th Military Police Command in Basra, Iraq and returned home in February -- just in time to celebrate her one-year wedding anniversary.
August 28, 2010:
6TH ANNUAL SAY THANKS DAY
With a new event name, format and location, MMAF raised public awareness and drew nearly 1,000 people to Harriet Island in St. Paul for “Say Thanks Day” (formerly the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Walk / Run). Say Thanks Day included a 5K run and 2 mile walk along the Mississippi River, a picnic in the park, and music by several artists, including national recording artist, Rockie Lynne. All walk/run participants received free “Thanks” t-shirts and vouchers to redeem for any home Timberwolves game in November or December.
The warm, sunny morning began with a flyover of WWII fighter jets, in missing man formation, which is a tribute to fallen soldiers. On stage, SGT Lucinda Barth and SPC Matthew Pollock were awarded MMAF grants. SGT Barth emotionally announced that she intended to give her grant money to the family of a fallen solider that she served with in Afghanistan. Rockie Lynne then provided a preview of his music with a performance of his touching song, “Home.”
Runners and walkers then made their way to the route along the Mississippi River. Patriot Guard members and their flags lined the beginning of the route. Seeing the many flags, homemade signs about loved ones, and signs pinned to shirts that told who they were walking in honor of, is always a heartwarming moment of pride. Following the walk/run, everyone enjoyed the music and food, and children enjoyed the large area of inflatable games in the park. Rockie Lynne capped off the afternoon with his music. Lynne is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division and a co-founder of the non-profit, Tribute to the Troops. His military experience is reflected in his songwriting. Say Thanks Day was a memorable event enjoyed by all.
September 10, 2010:
ANNUAL 9/11 TRIBUTE TO SERVICE MEMBERS AT CAPITOL
Every year on the anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, MMAF hosts a special ceremony at the State Capitol Rotunda to honor Minnesotans who have served our country since 9/11 and present each with a cash grant from MMAF. This year marked the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.
Eight Minnesota Service Members were awarded grants that morning:
- Staff Sergeant Michael Higgins. Served two tours of duty in Iraq with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
- Corporal Jake Hackbarth. Served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Kilo Company of the 1st Marine Division.
- 2nd Lieutenant Beth Miller. Served in Iraq with the 133rd Aerial Port Squadron of the MN Air National Guard.
- Captain Olubunmi Adekunle. Served in Iraq with the 847th Human Resources Company of the U.S. Army.
- Chief Petty Officer Thomas Mollen. Served in Afghanistan with the Navy Operational Support Center of the U.S. Navy.
- Specialist Samuel DeMars. Served in Iraq and was in Texas preparing for a second deployment to Iraq. His mother accepted the grant check on his behalf. SPC DeMars is with the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division of the 5-82nd Field Artillery.
- 1st Sergeant Bill Dullea. Served in Iraq with the 652nd Engineering Company of the U.S. Army.
- Sergeant William Dullea. Served in Afghanistan with the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry. His father, 1SGT Bill Dullea, accepted the grant check on his behalf.
“When our country faced tragedy nearly nine years ago, thousands of Minnesotans answered the call of duty. Today, we honor a handful of the brave men and women and thank them for their service to our country,” said Roger Sit, Chair of MMAF.
September 30, 2010:
MMAF FUNDRAISING DINNER FEATURING TOM BROKAW
More than 450 people came out to support MMAF and hear world-renowned television journalist and best-selling author, Tom Brokaw, speak at MMAF’s fundraising dinner on September 30, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Paul. Over $500,000 was raised at the event. 100% of these funds went directly to Minnesota Service Members because of the generosity of MMAF Chair Roger Sit, whose firm, Sit Investment Associates, underwrote all expenses of the evening.
The evening was a mixture of pride and patriotism with sobering reality of the sacrifices and lost lives during the past nine years of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. KARE-11 Anchor Julie Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies. A 100-person choir and orchestra provided first-class musical entertainment.
The highlights came from our amazing speakers. Speaker Annette Kuyper is the mother of MMAF grant recipient SGT Jared Kuyper, who served with the Army National Guard in Iraq from 2005 to 2007. Mrs. Kuyper recounted the day her son left for Iraq and her deep feelings of pride and fear. Mrs. Kuyper turned the stress of having a child serving overseas into an outreach program that has helped thousands of families. She now serves as Director of Military Outreach for the State of Minnesota’s Military Affairs Department.
The next speaker received a standing ovation before he reached the podium. Now-retired Staff Sergeant John Kriesel served in the Minnesota National Guard for 10 years, is a MMAF grant recipient, and a war hero. On his second deployment since 9/11, SSG Kriesel was sent to Camp Fallujah in Iraq and his life was forever changed. SSG Kriesel lost two legs and two friends in a roadside bomb explosion that he should not have survived. His is an inspiring story of overcoming extraordinary challenges.
Tom Brokaw capped the evening with a speech that reflected the deep admiration and respect he has for our military men and women. He described his trip over 20 years ago to the beaches of Normandy with the American veterans who landed there and staged the massive Allied invasion of Europe that marked the beginning of the end of Hilter’s Third Reich. What Brokaw believed would be a routine assignment to prepare an NBC documentary, turned into a life-changing experience that inspired his best-selling book, The Greatest Generation. Brokaw believes that a sense of duty and service to one’s community and nation was encoded in these WWII veterans and should continue to instruct and inspire our nation today.
The evening was powerful tribute to our Service Members and affirmation of MMAF’s mission of “thanks.”
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS RAISING AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR MMAF
We salute the many inspired individuals and groups who have organized fundraising events this past year to benefit MMAF. It is validating to see others spread the word about the mission of MMAF and humbling to be the chosen recipient of such fundraising efforts.
Some of these efforts include:
June 12, 2010
LPS-NMFN Golf Tournament in Hudson, Wisconsin.
MMAF has been a beneficiary of this event for the past four years. This sold-out event brought great golf competition and special opportunity to recognize and thank Service Members. We appreciate organizers Justin Hall and Jeff Manderfeld.
June 19, 2010
Patriot Ride in Ham Lake, Minnesota. 
This 75-mile motorcycle ride, in its 4th year, benefits MMAF and the Minnesota Patriot Guard. The event, which has grown each year, had nearly 3,000 participants this year. It was a great experience to see such a large number of bikes roll out for the ride. Following the ride, the crowd enjoyed refreshments and live music in the park. MMAF would like to thank organizers Dennis Kirk and the Minnesota Patriot Guard for their support over the past 4 years.
June 19, 2010
Freedom Run in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota.
The 4th annual classic car and motorcycle ride and silent auction was a great success. It was quite a sight to see 3 miles of bikes and cars rolling along country roads. A true grassroots effort from this southern Minnesota town of 700 people! MMAF commends organizers Jane McGregor, Tricia Brown, and Cathy Treanor.
June 19, 2010
Fagan’s WWII Air Show in Granite Falls, Minnesota.
This event drew over 2,500 people to see 25 classic WWII planes performing and on display, including WWII Reenactors, bombing runs with live explosions and the Commemorative Air Force’s B-25 Bomber “Miss Mitchell.”
June 26, 2010
Fishermen’s Wharf Resort Military Personnel Tournament in Isle, Minnesota.
This annual event, held on Lake Mille Lacs, includes a fishing contest, door prizes and dinner. Thank you to tournament organizers for supporting Minnesota’s service members and their families.
June 26, 2010
“Fighting for Those Who Fight For Us” in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In an attempt to give back to our nation’s heroes right here in Minnesota, four time World Champion kickboxer, Jon Lewis and Cellar Entertainment promoted a combative sporting event called “Fighting for Those Who Fight For Us.” The action-packed night featured over 10 world-class full-contact kickboxing fights, stick fighting demostrations and more. MMAF grants were given to Minnesota service members during intermissions. Thank you to Jon and Cellar Entertainmnet for your support.
August 10, 2010
Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
River Rats Ski Team performed a show to benefit MMAF on August 10, 2010. Despite ominous weather and a severe thunderstorm at the show’s end, over 300 people showed up in support of the River Rats and MMAF. We offer a special thank you to Grant Robinson, Don Philips, and all of the team members for making the event a success.
August 1 – 21, 2010
Cub Foods, 7UP Bottling and TCF Bank Partnership
For three weeks in August, Cub Foods, 7UP Bottling and TCF Bank partnered to raise money for MMAF. Cub Foods accepted donations for MMAF’s “Thanks” pins at every register and the TCF Bank branches within Cub maintained MMAF donation boxes. 7Up Bottling donated a portion of its proceeds to MMAF for every 7Up and Snapple product sold. This marks the fourth Cub/7UP/TCF Bank fundraising campaign, and we look forward to future partnerships with these three great companies.
