2024 Events
The Freedom Run
Minnesota Lake, June 18, 2024
The 18th annual Freedom Run took place on Saturday, June 18 in Minnesota Lake, with over 75 motorcycles or classic cars participating in a soggy 100-mile ride through scenic south-central Minnesota as a steady rain fell throughout the day. The event kicked off as the Colors were presented by the Wells Honor Guard and a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner from the Freedom Run’s Shellie Berndt. MMAF Project Director, Joe Bennek, gave an update on the progress of the organization and then presented a plaque to the Freedom Run Board in appreciation of their continued support of Minnesota service members and their families. It was then time to hear from one of those service members, as Major (Ret.) Joel Rauenhorst shared memories from his 24 years as an F-18 pilot. Major Rauenhorst told the crowd that “our country is worth fighting for, don’t give up on who we are or what we are as a nation.” This message resonated with everyone in attendance. The Freedom Run has raised over $315,000 for MMAF since its inception in 2007. Learn more about the Freedom Run.
Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
Minneapolis, July 10, 2024
The Twin Cities River Rats held their annual Military Appreciation Night on Wednesday, July 10, at their home site on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Military Night marked the first show the Rats had been able to hold on the river this year, due to high water and a swift current from heavy rain throughout the month of June, which created additional excitement for the evening. The show began with The Star-Spangled Banner and a presentation of the colors from the combined 133rd/934th Color Guard. MMAF Project Director, Joe Bennek, addressed the crowd of nearly 1,000 spectators with an update on MMAF’s progress and a message of appreciation to the River Rats for their continued support. MMAF presented a grant check to Lieutenant Colonel Duane Linn for his 34 years of service in the Air National Guard. The River Rats wowed the crowd with their 2024 program, “Ratagascar,” providing laughs and showcasing their many skilled disciplines of water skiing. A special thank you to Amy Nordquist for her hard work putting together the evening and continuing the relationship between the River Rats and MMAF. The River Rats and their supporters have raised nearly $30,000 for MMAF since 2009.
Military Appreciation Day
Minnesota State Fair, August 27, 2024
Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair took place on Tuesday, August 27. The day started off with a “bang,” literally, as a severe thunderstorm moved through the Fairgrounds shortly before gates were set to open, blowing down trees, tipping displays and flooding streets. Fair officials were forced to push back the opening from 7:00am to 9:00am as the grounds were cleaned up. The delay added to the anticipation of fairgoers, who quickly visited their favorite locations, including the MMAF booth in Dan Patch Park. MMAF was excited to meet veterans, service members, and their families throughout the day and share with them our mission of “Thanks.” We heard messages of appreciation from past grant recipients, met numerous service members who planned to apply for a grant after learning about MMAF at the Fair and visited with people who wanted to learn how to support MMAF in the future. Thank you to everyone who helped make Military Appreciation Day one of our favorite days of the year!
Minnesota Twins Armed Forces Appreciation Day
Target Field, September 14, 2024
The Minnesota Twins held their annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 14, 2024 and MMAF was excited to recognize grant recipients as part of the event again this year. MMAF Steering Committee member and Air Force Veteran Zach Husted presented grants to U.S. Army Sergeant Samanatha Pree-Stinson, of Minneapolis and U.S. Air Force Captain Andrea Garton, of St. Paul, as part of the pregame festivities. Both grant recipients were excited to share this special moment with family and friends, stating that it was an outstanding way to be thanked for their service. The MMAF ties continued later in the pregame as Army Veteran Ron Stenger and Kylie Stenger, husband and daughter of MMAF’s military liaison, Major Jackie Stenger, raised the American Flag. Thank you to the Minnesota Twins for their continued support of MMAF!
Tomahawk POCI Car Shows
The Tomahawk Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International held a car show on May 18 and will host another show in September at Route 65 Classics in Ham Lake. Proceeds from the classic car shows will be donated to MMAF.
Minnesota Vikings Games
In addition to the monetary support the Vikings organization provides to MMAF at its annual appreciation dinner, the Vikings and their season ticket holders continue to donate tickets to MMAF, allowing for MMAF grant recipients and their families to attend games. Thank you to the Vikings for their long-time support and for providing great experiences for our grant recipients and their families.
