Red, White & You: Honoring Minnesota’s Military Heroes

Minnesota has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Capt. Rob Brown

On Veterans Day 2024, retired U.S. Army Capt. Rob Brown was recognized during a heartfelt ceremony at The Kenwood Senior Living Community in Minneapolis, where he now resides. Brown, 87, served as a film and radio producer for the Army, creating training films at the renowned Army Pictorial Center in Queens, New York — a hub for military media during wartime. His journey began at just 19, working in radio with Voice of America while studying at Dartmouth. Though he rarely speaks about his service, the ceremony stirred deep memories for Brown, who shared that the tribute made him prouder than ever of his sacrifice. Read more here.

2. Tech. Sgt. Don Halverson

On his 102nd birthday, World War II veteran and Minneapolis native Tech. Sgt. Don Halverson was honored by fellow soldiers of the Red Bull 34th Infantry Division in Arden Hills. Halverson fought in Italy with the Red Bulls, a unit that still holds the record for most consecutive days in combat. Miraculously surviving near-misses in battle, he returned home to Minnesota and remained a steadfast supporter of his fellow servicemembers. In a surprise ceremony, Halverson was knighted with the Order of St. George Bronze Medallion — a fitting tribute to a soldier whose bravery and spirit continue to inspire generations. Read more here.

3. Jake Larson

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, 101-year-old Jake Larson of Owatonna returned to the shores of Normandy to honor the historic day he survived as a young soldier. A World War II veteran, Larson landed on Omaha Beach under heavy machine-gun fire during the Allied invasion — one of the most pivotal moments of the war — and survived five battles without injury. Celebrated alongside nearly 200 fellow WWII veterans, Larson received a standing ovation during the commemorative ceremony, a moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who helped liberate Europe. Read more here.

4. Diane Carlson Evans

Buffalo native Diane Carlson Evans was awarded the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal for her extraordinary service as a Vietnam War Army nurse and for founding the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation. Inspired by her mother, also a nurse, Evans volunteered at age 21 to serve in Vietnam, providing critical care amid the war’s trauma and chaos. Her advocacy later led to the creation of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial on the National Mall — the first national monument honoring women in military uniform. Though unable to attend the White House ceremony due to illness, fellow Vietnam women veterans accepted the medal on her behalf, recognizing Evans’ decades-long commitment to honoring women’s contributions to service. Read more here.

5. Don Tietz

At 104 years old, World War II veteran Don Tietz was recently honored for his service during a heartfelt ceremony organized by his hospice care team in Cottage Grove. Drafted from his family’s farm, Tietz served as a truck driver hauling ammunition across Europe, often facing danger on the front lines during the campaign through France. Of the 212 men in his unit, only 12 made it home — a sobering memory he carries to this day. Surrounded by family and friends, Tietz received a commemorative pin and certificate in recognition of his courage, sacrifice and place in history. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!