Veterans of the North

National DAV Commander Visits Minnesota: Advocacy, Caregivers & Community Impact | Vets Day on the Hill

Join Department Adjutant Butch Whitehead of DAV Minnesota for a powerful conversation with National Commander Coleman. In this episode of Veterans of the North, the two leaders discuss the important work happening across the country and right here in Minnesota. They dive into the inspiring Vets Day on the Hill advocacy event where hundreds of Minnesota veterans traveled from across the state to make their voices heard at the Capitol. Commander Coleman shares why grassroots advocacy has never been more important, especially as the percentage of Americans with direct military connections continues to decline. The conversation also highlights DAV’s innovative Caregiver Support Program, the critical role of caregivers, and the real challenges they face every day. They explore Community Impact Month, volunteer service projects like building wheelchair ramps and helping veterans in their homes, and Minnesota’s new efforts to combat veteran food insecurity by bringing services directly to those who need them most. Full of heartfelt stories, practical insights, and a strong call to service, this episode shows how DAV continues to evolve while staying true to its mission of serving veterans and their families — all for free. Whether you’re a veteran, caregiver, family member, or community supporter, this is a must-watch discussion about advocacy, volunteerism, innovation, and why service to others remains at the heart of DAV.

DAV of Minnesota Veteran Spotlight: Vietnam Veteran Oather Martin

Oather Martin was 17 when he joined the Army and was recruited for missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In this unfiltered conversation, Oather recounts 15 months of deniable operations, advising the teenage soldiers of the 36th Vietnamese Rangers and vanishing across the Cambodian border. He describes two combat wounds—one from a bamboo booby trap to the face, the second when a rocket attack buried him beneath fallen comrades. After the war he returned to a nation that denied him his rights, was married within three months, and fought the VA for fifty-five years before winning one hundred percent disability on the side of a Minnesota road. This is not the typical Vietnam story; it is history told by the man who lived it. Listen now wherever you get podcasts and share it with a veteran who needs to know they are not alone.

Veterans Benefits

Host Trent sits down with DAV Minnesota service officer Tony and VA Service Officer Charles for an essential conversation on VA survivor benefits—centered on Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and how veterans can protect their loved ones long after service. The episode clearly explains DIC’s two qualification paths: the 10-year 100% rule or death from a service-connected condition. It shares powerful real-life stories of amending death certificates to include contributing factors—like back surgery leading to a fatal fall or hearing loss affecting medical care—to secure benefits. The hosts emphasize motivating veterans to act with the message, “This isn’t for you anymore—it’s for your spouse and kids.” They highlight underused benefits including Individual Unemployability (IU), secondary conditions, and Chapter 35 education for dependents, while offering pro tips: add dependents within one year, bring your spouse to appointments, and always use free VSO help.

Veterans of the North at the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic

Join the "Veterans of the North" podcast, recorded live from Iowa City during the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and VA National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic. [https://www.veteransgolfclinic.org/] In this uplifting episode, the host connects with inspiring veterans from across the country to share their experiences at this transformative event. A proud sponsor, the DAV Minnesota supports this clinic, now in its fourth year, fostering camaraderie, socialization, and personal growth among participants. Hear veterans reflect on what draws them back—some for over 15 years—emphasizing the joy of bonding with others who share the unique experience of service. From overcoming initial nerves to building lasting friendships, they share stories of progress, both on the golf course and in life. The episode also highlights additional activities like water therapy, kayaking, air rifle shooting, and cycling, showcasing the clinic’s diverse offerings for veterans with disabilities. Supported by golf pros, adaptive equipment, and a dedicated VA and DAV staff, the clinic creates an inclusive space for growth and connection. This episode captures the heart of community, resilience, and the power of connection, showing how these events provide not just recreation but a lasting support network. Tune in to discover how the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic transforms lives, one swing, one laugh, and one friendship at a time.

Healing Heroes at Magnus Veterans Foundation: Whole-Person Care and the Fight Against Veteran Suicide

In this powerful episode of Veterans of the North [https://davmn.org/podcast], host Trent Dilks explores the critical issue of veteran suicide prevention from the Magnus Veterans Wellness Campus in Dayton, Minnesota. Joined by Dr. Sean Alderman, founder and medical director of the Magnus Veterans Foundation—and a veteran of 31 years in the U.S. Army, including Special Forces—Trent delves into the origins of the foundation, inspired by Dr. Alderman's experiences implementing holistic care programs during the Global War on Terrorism. Discover how the Magnus Veterans Foundation's model addresses mind, body, heart, and spirit through community support, family involvement, and innovative therapies, all provided free to veterans and their families. Hear a raw, inspiring story from Chris LaMotte, a Desert Storm veteran who battled addiction, trauma, and suicidal thoughts before finding hope at Magnus Veterans Foundation, where he now helps others as a staff member. The conversation highlights the importance of breaking isolation, recognizing crisis signs, and building networks to support veterans beyond traditional systems like the VA. Tune in for insights on overcoming skepticism, fostering resilience, and actionable ways to get involved—whether by joining as a member, volunteering, or donating via magnusveteransfoundation.org [https://magnusveteransfoundation.org/]. This episode is a call to action: together, we can change lives and reduce veteran suicide through connection and comprehensive care.