23rd Veteran

250 Years of Honor: A Marine Corps Story
2025-10-09 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior, WI
The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center welcomes Lt Col (Ret) Donna Bergstrom to speak on Thursday, October 9th, from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Program Highlights: “Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps! On November 10th, the Marine Corps turns 250 years old. From Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Marine Corps, to every ‘clime and place where we could take a gun,’ the Marines have an illustrious history of service to our Nation. Highlights and personal anecdotes will be presented in this fast-paced journey through 250 years of living up to the Marine Corps motto of, “Semper Fidelis” or Always Faithful.
Questions: fiandt@bongcenter.org
2025 Public Speaker Events Poster 5

2025 Twin Cities Ruck Life
2025-09-06 11:00 - 16:00 | ANOKA HIGH SCHOOL, 3939 N 7th Ave, Anoka, MN, 55303, United States
Why Participate in a 23rd Veteran Ruck March?
Ruck Marches aren’t just events—they’re powerful movements that celebrate our nation’s heroes and create a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families. This year is extra special as we mark 23rd Veteran’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that highlights a decade of dedication to building healthier, happier lives for veterans living with trauma.
Participating in our upcoming Ruck Marches offers a unique opportunity to support veterans who have experienced profound transformations through 23rd Veteran’s programs. Our 14-week mental health initiative has liberated veterans from isolation, anxiety, panic, and depression, helping them reconnect with their families and communities.
By joining us, you are:

Supporting a Life-Changing Mission
Helping us celebrate 10 Years of Impact
Experiencing a Community of Connection
Challenging Yourself
Giving Back

Together, let’s honor our heroes, celebrate 23rd Veteran’s 10th anniversary, and make a lasting impact on our community.
Please email info@23rdveteran.org if:

You’re passionate about joining but financial concerns are a barrier — we’re here to ensure everyone who wants to ruck can participate. Let’s march forward together!
You’re part of a Military or first responder unit – we want to expedite the registration process so let’s get your group pre-registered.
You want to make a bigger impact! You can support the event by becoming a sponsor, or making a direct donation.

More details . . .
PRICES:

$59 until March 31, 2025
$79 until May 31, 2025
$89 from June 1 – September 6, 2025

THE ROUTE:

2-mile loop
All ruckers receive a finisher’s coin
Complete 10 miles to earn your All The Way patch
Family and dog friendly
Water Stop on course for humans + dogs
Route utilizes trails through the forest and a set of stairs- stroller at your own risk 😉

RUCKER FAVORITES:

Line of Honor – bring photos of past and present loved ones who served!
DJ and live music on the course
Food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale
Support local businesses at Vendor Village

WHAT TO CARRY:

Bring your own rucksack/backpack, any style works
Load your pack with food and clothing to donate at the finish line for locals in need
If you aren’t familiar with rucking, we recommend carrying a max of 20 lbs – for those more experienced, cap it at 50 lbs

Third Party Event: 2025 Dragon Boat Festival (LSDBF)
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | Barker’s Island Superior, WI
The Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival (LSDBF) is organized, operated and staffed by Rotary Club of Superior for the good of our community. These members who are local residents of the Twin Ports area have created this family fun event to better the community and experiences of the people within it. Since 2002, LSDBF has raised over $1.3 million to support charitable organizations in the Twin Ports.
LSDBF supports the mission of Rotary International: to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
The purpose of the festival:

To raise money for Rotary Club of Superior and their charitable giving.
To raise funds for the festival’s charitable partner, 23rd Veteran.
To provide a fun, family event.

2025 Duluth Ruck Life
2025-05-31 11:00 - 16:00 | Mont du Lac Resort, 3125 S Mont Du Lac Rd,, Superior, WI, 54880
Why Participate in a 23rd Veteran Ruck March?
Ruck Marches aren’t just events—they’re powerful movements that celebrate our nation’s heroes and create a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families. This year is extra special as we mark 23rd Veteran’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that highlights a decade of dedication to building healthier, happier lives for veterans living with trauma.
Participating in our upcoming Ruck Marches offers a unique opportunity to support veterans who have experienced profound transformations through 23rd Veteran’s programs. Our 14-week mental health initiative has liberated veterans from isolation, anxiety, panic, and depression, helping them reconnect with their families and communities.
By joining us, you are:

Supporting a Life-Changing Mission
Helping us celebrate 10 Years of Impact
Experiencing a Community of Connection
Challenging Yourself
Giving Back

Together, let’s honor our heroes, celebrate 23rd Veteran’s 10th anniversary, and make a lasting impact on our community.
Please email info@23rdveteran.org if:

You’re passionate about joining but financial concerns are a barrier — we’re here to ensure everyone who wants to ruck can participate. Let’s march forward together!
You’re part of a Military or first responder unit – we want to expedite the registration process so let’s get your group pre-registered.
You want to make a bigger impact! You can support the event by becoming a sponsor, or making a direct donation.

More details . . .
PRICES:

$59 until December 31, 2024
$79 until February 28, 2025
$89 from March 1 – May 31, 2025

THE ROUTE:

2-mile loop
All ruckers receive a finisher’s coin
Complete 10 miles to earn your All The Way patch
Family and dog friendly
Water Stop on course for humans + dogs
Route utilizes a steep hill and trails through the forest – stroller at your own risk 😉

RUCKER FAVORITES:

Line of Honor – bring photos of past and present loved ones who served!
DJ and live music on the course
Food, beer, and beverages for sale
Support local businesses at Vendor Village

WHAT TO CARRY:

Bring your own rucksack/backpack, any style works
Load your pack with food and clothing to donate at the finish line for locals in need
If you aren’t familiar with rucking, we recommend carrying a max of 20 lbs – for those more experienced, cap it at 50 lbs

Community Event: Twin Ports Purple Up Day 2025
2025-04-11 16:30 - 19:30 | YMCA at Essentia Health Wellness Center, 4289 Ugstad Rd, Hermantown, MN, 55811, United States
Hosted by 148th Airman & Family Readiness Program

Community Event: Richard I. Bong Speakers Series - Nurse in Afghanistan
2025-04-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior, WI
Nita Peterson was raised on a small family farm in eastern SD. She graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the ROTC program.
During her 5 years as an active duty nurse, she was stationed at Nellis AFB, NV, and Whiteman AFB, MO. She also served a 6-month deployment to Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, in 2010.
Since separating from the Air Force in 2013, Nita has worked part-time as a nurse and educator in multiple locations as her husband remains on Active Duty. After seven moves within the past 16 years, Nita and her family look forward to staying in one area and calling Minnesota home. Nita works part-time as a medical-surgical nurse for Essentra Health in Duluth and as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor for the College of St. Scholastica.

Third Party Event: The Northern Stellas - Valentine's for the Vets Pinup Contest
2025-02-22 18:00 - 20:30 | Calumet Saloon, 945 Gary St, Calumet, MN, 55716, United States
We are excited to announce our next event, the “Valentines for the Vets Pinup Contest,” which will be held on February 22nd at 6:00 PM at the Calumet Saloon in Calumet, MN. This event will consist of two portions:
Fundraising: Ten contestants will have the opportunity to fundraise for points in hopes of earning the title “Miss Valentines for Vets Fundraising Supreme.” Each $1 donation will count as a point, and the individual with the most donations/points will receive this prestigious title.
Stage: Each contestant will have the opportunity to shine on stage in 1940s-1950s outfits, reminiscent of a classic beauty contest. Contestants will dance, sashay, and pose to music as they make their way to the stage while a short introduction is read. Once on stage, they will be asked about the Veteran in their lives they wish to honor, sharing a photo and their reasons for choosing them. Contestants are judged on their outfits, character, stage presence, and interactions with patrons and each other. At the end of the evening, points are tallied, and three titles will be awarded:

Miss Veteran’s Valentine
Miss Purple Heart
Miss Cupid’s Hero

We are excited to inform 23rd Veteran that they have been chosen as the recipients of the donations from this event.
For more information or to have questions answered, click here.

Third Party Event: Family Fun Night w/Wounded Warrior Project and 23rd Veteran
2025-01-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Skyline Social and Games, 4894 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN, 55811
Join us for an evening of fun and camaraderie as we celebrate the start of a new year.

Here’s what you can expect:

Meet the Experts: Connect with Michael Lewis, WWP Outreach Coordinator, and Sarah Herrick-Smisek, 23rd Veteran Communications & Synergy Manager.
Learn About Our Programs: Discover how 23rd Veteran and WWP can support your well-being through a variety of programs and services.
Enjoy Fun Activities: Indulge in pizza, soft drinks, duckpin bowling, and axe throwing while building lasting connections with fellow veterans.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

Learn about the valuable resources available to you.
Connect with other veterans in your community.
Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening of socializing.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

RSVP: https://forms.gle/qjLyQFv2HrdH9Wgz8

Third Party Event: Coffee & Tea Crawl w/Waffles
2025-01-18 | Superior, WI, 54880
Superior High School DECA teammates are hosting this delicious fundraiser.
Visit Superior Waffles, Duluth’s Best Bread-Superior, Empire Coffee, 2540 Coffee House, or Superior Impact Nutrition to support 23rd Veteran!
Visit 3 of the participating businesses, and have your passport stamped at each, for a chance to win a drawing for three door prizes!
A portion of profits during this event will be donated to 23rd Veteran.

Winter Gala
2024-12-06 17:00 - 22:00 | Greysolon Ballroom, 231 E Superior St, Duluth, MN, 55802
Winter Gala 2024
Be inspired as we celebrate our mission to support our veterans.

We are excited to invite you to an evening showcasing testimonies from our RECON graduates and their families, as they share their life-changing journeys toward a purposeful life filled with hope and happiness.

5pm | Social Hour with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar & silent auction
6:30pm | Gala Opening Ceremony – Posting of Colors and National Anthem
7:00pm | Dinner – followed by formal program
Attire: Formal/Semi-Formal
Whether or not you can join us in person, you can participant in our silent auction. New items currently being added daily!
$100 per guest, includes hors d’oeuvres and entrée for the evening: Champagne Chicken
Champagne Chicken signature entrée lightly breaded + sauteed, parmesan cheese, house made champagne sauce
Plated dinner service includes a hotel salad, potato + vegetable suggestion, and a fresh baked roll.
RSVP by November 22, 2024
Questions: info@23rdveteran.org or call 218.460.2323

Hotel Group Rate available at Sheraton Duluth Hotel
Dates available: Friday, December 6, 2024 to Sunday, December 8, 2024
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Third Party Event: MRE Rye IPA Military & Veterans Service Appreciation Night
2024-11-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Bent Paddle, 1832 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN, 55806
In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, we’re hosting a special appreciation night to celebrate veterans, active military service members, and their families. Join us for a night of camaraderie, gratitude, and great beer!

What’s Brewing:Meet Bent Paddle’s own brewers and military veterans, Reece & Rory, and try their unique creation—the MRE Rye IPA! For every pint sold, $1 will go to support 23rd Veteran, a fantastic local organization dedicated to helping veterans.

Special Treats: Enjoy MRE Star crackers with a nostalgic twist—zesty cheese spread with jalapeños!

On the House: Veterans and active military with ID can enjoy a complimentary 10 oz pour of MRE Rye IPA.
Bent Paddle Thanks You for Your Service Today and Every Day!

Winter Gala - Final Day to Register
2024-11-22
Don’t miss out on your chance to join us at our upcoming Winter Gala – final day to register is Friday, November 22nd!
Find all the event details here.

Third Party Event: Cheers Fest
2024-11-16 17:00 - 21:00 | Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, 37600 Onigamiing Dr,, Bayfield, WI, 54814
23rd Veteran will be available on-site to help attendees register for the 10 year Anniversary Duluth Ruck Life on 31 May 2025. Take advantage of the $59 registration fee now and before December 31, 2024. Register

Third Party Event: Concert at The Caddy Shack
2024-11-08 18:00 - 22:30 | The Caddy Shack, 2023 W Superior St, Duluth, MN, 55806
23rd Veteran Benefit Show: Blu Volta, 500 Million Society, Misisipi Mike Wolf, & The Jason Schooler Band
November 8, 2024 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The Caddy Shack Indoor Golf & Pub, 2023 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806, USA

Lineup:
The Jason Schooler Band
Misisipi Mike Wolf
500 Million Society
Blu Volta
Lots of raffle prizes will be drawn through out the night, all proceeds from the door/raffle will go to 23rd Veteran for the wonderful work that they do for veterans in our community!
Doors: 6:30pm · Music: 7:00pm
$10 suggested donation at the door · 21+
https://www.facebook.com/share/15UGvMnsAV/

Third Party Event: 2024 Veteran's Expo
2024-11-02 10:00 - 15:00 | WI Armory/950th Eng Company WIANG, 32 North 21st Street (Across from the YMCA), Superior, WI
FREE community event to connect veterans/military and their families with Veteran Resources, Veteran-Owned businesses, Veteran discounted businesses, and Veteran-Friendly businesses.
23rd Veteran will be available on-site to help attendees register for the 10 year Anniversary Duluth Ruck Life on 31 May 2025. Take advantage of the $59 registration fee now and before December 31, 2024. Register
