2026 Events
The Freedom Run
Minnesota Lake, June 20
The 20th annual Freedom Run Took place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Over 250 participants rode motorcycles and drove classic cars throughout South Central Minnesota on 100-mile rally in support of Minnesota service members and their families. The festivities began in Minnesota Lake at 11 AM with a 21-gun salute from the Wells area VFW color guard, followed by a speech by Minnesota’s military appreciation funds chair, Roger Sit. Roger thanked all those in attendance for participating and thanked the organizers of the Freedom Run for their two decades of support for MMAF. Upon conclusion of his address, Roger invited MMAF board members in attendance to help him present a check to E7 Jason Corey. E7 Cory served 23 years in the United States Air Force, with seven tours to Iraq and other location in the Middle East. After the grant was awarded, the crowd turned their eyes to the skies as members of the patriot parachute team, a team of disabled combat veterans, soared through the air with a “USA 250” flag and red, white and blue parachute canopies. The parachute team landed in the middle of Main Street in Minnesota Lake to the amazement of everyone in attendance.
As the parachute team gathered themselves, attention was turned back to the stage as retired first sergeant Anthony Chase shared his story and the importance of his 20+ years of service in the US Army. His message of how the army gave him a chance at success in life resonated with everyone in attendance. The morning program was capped off with a keynote address from SGT Jack Zimmerman, a combat wounded veteran who lost his legs to an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2011. SGT Zimmerman spoke about the importance of events like the Freedom Run and the impact it has on service members and their families, especially those who were injured during their time in combat. Sgt Zimmerman was given a standing ovation and many in the crowd were brought to tears by his moving remarks.
Upon conclusion of the program, the bikes and classic cars were given a police and fire escort out of Minnesota Lake and headed to stops at the American legions in Bricelyn and Blue Earth. For the first time in the history of the ride, a fire truck escort took participants along Interstate 90. First responders and patriotic individuals could be seen waving flags on top of the numerous overpasses that the ride passed by. One final stop was made at the VFW in Wells, Minnesota before participants headed back to Minnesota Lake for a hog roast and live music to conclude the day. The 20th annual event raised over $35,000 for Minnesota’s military appreciation fund, bringing the 20-year total to over $400,000 raised for the organization. MMAF greatly appreciates all of the hard work that the committee members of the Freedom Run continue to display year after year.
Military Appreciation Day
Minnesota State Fair, September 1
Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair took place on Tuesday, September 1. MMAF handed out “Thanks” pins and branded reusable bags 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 Military and Veteran Museum Grand Opening
September 9-13
The new Minnesota Military and Veteran Museum’s opening weekend took place from Wednesday, September 9 through Sunday, September 13. MMAF was honored to be on hand on Wednesday, September 9, as the museum dedicated John W Vessey Jr. Hall. General Vessey was a critical part of MMAF’s founding in 2005 and remained a steadfast supporter of MMAF until his passing in 2016. The dedication of Vessey Hall brought together three retired Four-Star generals from Minnesota, General Paul Nakasone, General Joe Votel, and General Thomas Waldhauser, to share their thoughts on General Vessey’s legacy and his impact on the military community in Minnesota. MMAF was again on hand for the museum’s Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12, handing out information to patrons visiting the museum. On Saturday and Sunday, museum guests were able to hear from dignitaries, view a tribute to the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 and see multiple flyovers of current and historic military aircraft. Members of MMAF’s leadership group participated in Resolute: MN Stories from the Post 9/11 Homefront. The documentary explains how citizens of Minnesota stepped into action during the early days of the War on Terror and the impact it made on the home front. MMAF is proud to continue it’s role in supporting Minnesota’s service members and their families and we are honored that MMAF’s mission is documented in the new facility.
Resolute: Minnesota Stories from the Post 9/11 Homefront
September 11
The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum debuted a new documentary, Resolute: Minnesota Stories from the Post 9/11 Homefront, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund was one of the organizations featured in the film, which detailed the response of individuals and groups who sprung into action as Minnesota service members were deployed into combat zones in the Middle East. MMAF Chair, Roger Sit, and MMAF Project Director, Joe Bennek, were interviewed for the film and discussed MMAF’s founding and the impact the organization has had on Minnesota service members and their families for the last 21 years. The documentary can be found on Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum website.
Minnesota Twins Armed Forces Appreciation Day
Target Field, September 13
The Minnesota Twins held their annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 13, and MMAF was excited to recognize 4 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 member Zach Husted presented grant checks on the field to the following recipients:
- Marine Corps Sergeant Trace Smith of Savage
- Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Armando Berrios of Hibbing
- Army National Guard Specialist Trevor Good of Monticello
- Army Corporal Noah Tackmann of East Bethel
Tomahawk POCI Car Shows
Ham Lake, May 22 and September 26
The Tomahawk Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International held car shows on May 22 and September 26 at Route 65 Classics in Ham Lake. Proceeds from the classic car shows have been donated to MMAF since 2023 and total over $3,000. Thank you to Mark Boyum, Mary VanAltvorst, and the many members of the Tomahawk Chapter for their continued support of MMAF!
