Veteran Resource & Enrichment Center

June is here and so is the monthly VREC Calendar....we also have more outside sitting where you can enjoy a bit of time outside with friends and family watching the Garden grow and transform. Pardon our mess inside until the construction on our new spaces wraps up. Time is too short so ... Take care of one another, keep those not with us in our thoughts and those not feeling well in our prayers.

Closed Tuesday .... volunteers are welcome to come prime a wall..... or help with cleaning. Thank you.

Photo contest due at the end of the month. Topic: Service and Service. Honoring Military history and remembrance. Enter them at the website www.vrecmn.com go to the photography page to find the form.

A little bit of having fun with the Cricut Machine Aaron was able to make his wife some little cards to display her product in her store veteran family entrepreneurship is important and helps veterans sustain lifestyles. Seeking sponsors that would like to donate towards a vocational rehabilitation training program in order to hire veterans to do necessary jobs at VREC. Give us a call 320-204-5660 if you are a business interested. Let's help build purposes and Veterans lives.

Listen up tomorrow on WXYG. Noon to 2pm

This Week’s GOAT Guest DJ was Mike O'Donnell, who listens (the only station he listens to) from his home in Becker. Mike does most of his listening time with WXYG in his car as he travels through central Minnesota advocating for military veterans. He is the Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9, which covers Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties. Mike is a Vietnam veteran who served from 1971 to '73 as a Navy machinist mate on a mine-sweeping ship located off the coast of North Vietnam. Mike is one of 5 brothers who all served. For the last 8 years he has led one of the most active DAVs in the state, so we felt it's was only appropriate to invite Mike to be our guest as we headed into the Memorial Day weekend. His playlist ranged from Little Feat to ZZ Top and The Stones, to The Amazing Rhythm Aces and The Fraternity of Man; from Steppenwolf to The Animals, Jimi Hendrix, Stephen Stills and The Doors. We hope you were able to tune in to Mike's show with GOAT wingman Al Neff at the controls, and that you'll be flying our flag in honor of those who have served and sacrificed.
Mike (OD) was a wonderful GOAT GUEST DJ. We received so much positive feedback during his show today from all the GOAT Family. Thought we’d share one of the “representative” emails we received to salute OD with.

This is from Joshua Severson :
Message: “I am loving the guest DJ today. thank you for your sacrifice and your continuing service! Keep up the great work and the song list is outstanding!”.

That about says it it all. Congratulations on a job well done on the air today, OD, and with your continuing contribution to your fellow vets. You more than earned your GOAT HORNS and entry to the exclusive club made up of GREAT GOAT GUEST DJs (GGGDJs). Hope to see you at the GGDJ REUNION in September. And Yes, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE.
Remember, If you couldn’t Tune In and Turn On Saturday, don’t fret, we always do a Replay on Sunday evening at 9:00 PM, right after the Long Play Feature with Al at 8:00.
You too can be a GOAT Guest DJ. Simply send us a letter telling us why you’d like to do it and include a list of 25 songs that you think is your perfect playlist, stick it in an envelope, and send it to Al, here at the station. The GOAT Guest DJ Program, exclusively on Album Rock WXYG.

VREC is CLOSED MONDAY to participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony at the VFW 428 (9 18th Ave N, St Cloud, MN 56301) at 1pm. Flyover, Ceremony and Camaraderi🇱🇷

Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Disabled American Veterans welcome you to see the DAV Memorial Wall with names to honor Veterans, both deceased and alive.

We gather not for celebration, but for remembrance.

The guest speaker, Master Sergeant Greg Pickard, United States Air Force, Retired, dedicated his life to 20 years of service, leadership, and supporting fellow veterans and military families. Over the course of his distinguished military career, MSgt Pickard served honorably in the United States Air Force during a period marked by significant global operations, military readiness, and evolving missions spanning from the Cold War era through the modern age of military service.

Known for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to those around him, Master Sergeant Pickard served alongside generations of military men and women who answered the call to defend freedom around the world. His military experience provided firsthand insight into the sacrifices carried not only by service members, but also by the families who stood behind them.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Greg Pickard continued his commitment to service by remaining actively involved in the veteran community. He has dedicated time and energy to honoring the legacy of fallen service members, supporting veterans in need, and strengthening connections within the military community through advocacy, mentorship, and remembrance.

As a retired senior noncommissioned officer, MSgt Pickard understands the importance of leadership, resilience, and honoring the memory of those who gave their lives in service to our nation. His passion for preserving the stories and sacrifices of America’s veterans reflects his deep respect for duty, country, and the enduring bonds formed through military service.

As Wright County Veteran Service Officer, Greg Pickard continues to stand as a proud representative of the values of the United States Air Force and the veteran community—honoring the past while inspiring future generations to remember the true cost of freedom.

Photography results:
MAY: NEW BEGINNINGS
What a great month for submissions. So each month photos will be judged by you the community and the Visionaries CREW and then we'll provide a little feedback to each photographer. Congratulations to the Winner: Photo F, submitted by Amanda

FEEDBACK: Remember to step out of your comfort zone!

GOOD + positive: IMPROVE - Negative:
A: Depth of field. More color
B: Depth of field. Contrasting background
C: Use of thirds. Too much empfyness
D: Use of color. Define line; petal contrast
E: Great shadow capture. Too dark for new beg.
F: Overall best balance of all.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Qtufr34C/

During HIS SPACE the men escaped Prison in record time. HER SPACE gave it a good try and moved on to Minn....eeeeee.....sota....opoly. What a Fun time and laughter much needed.

Next class for Veterans and families is July 19th for Women 3p Games & Men at 6p where they will attack the VIRUS headon.

Just a few things we've been doing behind the scenes at VREC along with our construction projects to make it more age-friendly. Great partnership with The Men's Shed creating things..... they'll be running the co****le tournament at SHINDIG on Aug 15th. We are open daily from Noon to 6pm.