2026 Events
The Freedom Run
Minnesota Lake, June 20, 2026
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, 2026
Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. MMAF looks forward to participating in the State Fair again this year!
CANCELLED: May 14, 2026 Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club event benefitting MMAF
On March 31, 2026, David Penn, owner of the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club, passed away unexpectedly. David was a supporter of Minnesota service members and their families and he channeled that support by hosting sporting clays events at his club to benefit MMAF. Due to David’s recent passing, this year’s event has been canceled. If you have registered for the May 14, 2026 event, a refund will be processed by April 24, 2026. MMAF offers our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club community.
