2025 Events
Tomahawk POCI Car Shows
Ham Lake, May 17 and September 13
The Tomahawk Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International held car shows on May 19 and September 13 at Route 65 Classics in Ham Lake. Proceeds from the classic car shows have been donated to MMAF since 2023 and total over $3,0000. Thank you to Mark Boyum and the many members of the Tomahawk Chapter for their continued support of MMAF!
The Freedom Run
Minnesota Lake, June 14, 2025
The 19th annual Freedom Run took place on Saturday, June 14 in Minnesota Lake, with over 150 motorcycles or classic cars participating in a 100-mile ride through scenic south-central Minnesota. 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. Retired Staff Sergeant Richard Schulte, a member of the MMAF Steering Committee and a grant recipient, spoke about his own experiences serving in the Army for nearly 30 years, his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and his reintegration into civilian life after retiring from the Army. Rich’s message of the importance of saying “Thanks” to service members and their families resonated with everyone in attendance. The Freedom Run has raised over $350,000 for MMAF since its inception in 2007 and we look forward to the 20th Annual Freedom Run on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Learn more about the Freedom Run.
Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club
Prior Lake, August 1, 2025
The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake hosted a sporting clays event to support MMAF on Friday, August 1. Over 40 entrants participated in the event, spending the afternoon shooting clay targets on the Horse and Hunt Clubs scenic property. After the flights concluded, participants enjoyed dinner and heard from club owner, David Penn, about why he felt it was important for the club to support Minnesota’s service members and their families. MMAF Project Director, Joe Bennek, spoke to the group about the organization and thanked everyone for their participation. The event raised over $5,000 for MMAF and we look forward to the 2nd annual event on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Military Appreciation Day
Minnesota State Fair, August 26, 2025
Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair took place on Tuesday, August 26. MMAF handed out “Thanks” pins and cellphone wallets to fairgoers. It was exciting 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, 2025
The Minnesota Twins held their annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 14, and MMAF was excited to recognize 7 grant recipients as part of the event this year. The grant recipients and their families received complimentary tickets to the game. Prior to the start of the game, MMAF Steering Committee members Roger and Nancy McCabe presented grant checks on the field to the following recipients.
- Air Force Reserve Major Jon Polos of Cottage Grove
- Army National Guard Specialist Jordyn Wagner of Waite Park
- Army National Guard Sergeant Zachary Holland of Chaska
- Army National Guard Captain Matt Bonniwell
- Army Specialist Ryan Bromeland of Delavan
- Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Dennis Benton of Minneapolis
- Navy Chief Petty Officer John Hawkinson of Lakeville
