The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame proudly announces its 2025 inductees, celebrating a distinguished group of aviators and aerospace pioneers whose contributions have significantly shaped Minnesota’s rich aviation heritage. This year’s honorees include accomplished pilots, aviation advocates, and visionary leaders whose dedication and achievements have left an indelible mark on the field of aviation. The Class of 2025 inductees are:

Randle S. Corfman: Aviation Medical Examiner. Led the effort to create the Minnesota Pilots Association, an organization which promotes aviation through advocacy, education, outreach and social activities.

Mark R. Baker: President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. An advocate and champion of causes for General Aviation throughout the United States.

Robert D. Cabana: United States Marine Aviator and NASA Astronaut. Flew four Space Shuttle missions. One of which was to begin assembly of the International Space Station.

James C. Goodall: A founding member of the Minnesota Air Guard Museum. Historian, photographer and author that has written over twenty-nine books.

Amanda M. Lee: Naval Aviator and fighter pilot flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The first woman demonstration pilot for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in their seventy-eight-year history.

Clarence J. Krotz: A WWII bomber pilot, flying the B-26. Built the Skyport Lodge in Grand Marais. A leader in aviation in remote Northern Minnesota.

Nicholas Bernard Mamer: An aviation pioneer, barnstormer, air mail service pilot, air race pilot, and Northwest Airways pilot. He developed the major route to the Pacific Northwest from Minnesota.

Join us in honoring these trailblazers at our annual induction ceremony, where we celebrate their remarkable legacies and the enduring impact of their work on the future of aviation. The 2025 Induction Banquet will be held Saturday April 12th, at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, MN.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Most states celebrate “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30 of each year. Though there is some debate, March 29 is generally viewed as a more appropriate date.

This quarter, the Navy League is organizing a night out at the Minnesota Wild game on Thursday March 13th as they take on the New York Rangers. Tickets (upper-level ends) are $35 each and can be reserved/purchased by contacting Jeanette Sterner at 612-751-0263 or Jeanmjoe@aol.com . These are first come first serve. The plan is to meet up at 5:30 at Alary's in St. Paul and then take the shuttles over to the game around 6:30. Alary’s offers parking, the shuttle and a post-game drink for $6 per person. Any questions or comments, please contact Jeanette in advance of the game or day of.

Success in World War II hinged on the ability of the military to quickly complete ambitious construction projects under dangerous conditions so the U.S. Navy established the military’s first Naval Construction Battalions under the direction of officers from the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps. More than 325,000 Seabees served during World War II. Continuing this proud tradition, the Seabees have provided critical support to American troops in every conflict since then.

Every March, Seabee Birthday events light up the globe, celebrating the proud heritage and camaraderie of the Seabee community. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new recruit, these gatherings offer a chance to connect, reminisce, and honor the legacy of the Seabees.

Registration and ticket sales for this event are now available for purchase and will close once max tickets sales are met.  Please see the attached Fort Snelling Joint Military Ball Flyer and below for more information and registration details.

 We look forward to seeing you there!!!

 Date, Time and Location:

Saturday March 1, 2025, from 1700-2330 at 

The Double Tree by Hilton,

7800 Normandale Blvd Bloomington, Minn.

Event Registration: https://416thencomassn.wildapricot.org/event-5911147

Cost:

$100.00 per ticket, $139.00 per room (Fort Snelling Joint Military Ball room block)

Dress Code:

Military: Service Dress Uniform or Formal Attire / Civilian: Formal Attire

Vulcanus Rex will use his wily ways to light up the streets of downtown Saint Paul for the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Presented by Xcel Energy.  The evening parade route starts at West 7th at Smith to 5th Street to Washington to 4th Street and disassembly will start at Market and 4th.  Disassembly will continue to Wabasha. St Paul Hotel Guests will be directed to Kellogg and Market for entry and exit Market to 5th street.by Rice Park. After the parade, follow Vulcanus and his Krewe to the library steps for the ever-dramatic Overthrow of Boreas. The production will be followed by a fantastic fireworks show.

Similar to last year they will have a diverse roster of students to include USCG, USA, USN military divers (along with apprx. 10-15 Instructors/support staff from USCG Special Mission Training Center).  Dinner sponsored by the Navy League of Minnesota will be Feb 1 at Camp Ripley

Twin Cities Squadron’s Annual Dining Out awards and fundraiser event—a night to celebrate our incredible Sea Cadets! This formal evening will include an inspiring keynote speaker, an awards ceremony, and fundraising activities to support our cadet programs.

Polaris Battalion Sea Cadet Ball

D-Day was the name of the Allied invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, during World War II. The Allies launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, involving paratroopers, naval bombardment, and a massive air assault. The invasion led to the liberation of France from the German military and the eventual defeat of the Nazis. 

MARK ALLEN – Author of – MIDWAY SUBMERGED adds the important Role of submarines to the Victory of the Battle of MIDWAY that has been largely addressed as a Naval Aviation Operation.

University of Minnesota NROTC will have a  Winter 2024 Commissioning Ceremony 
on Friday, the twentieth of December 20, 2024 at 10:00 in the morning.

Walter Library, Room 401/402
117 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

The ceremony will be live-streamed at
 https://m.facebook.com/pg/umnnrotc/

The Fall Round Up Parade is a long-standing event that celebrates our community with a fun, family-friendly parade. The parade route travels down 7th Ave. E. through downtown North St. Paul. Come early and visit our local businesses.

Deployment Readiness Training (DRT) August 17th.   This event will provide briefs on mobilization programs (medical coverage, DFAS, ESGR, etc.) for all Navy Reservists, their spouses, and children.  

Join the excitement, with a multiple day festival located on the beautiful shores of
Lake Minnewaska.

Mark your calendar for the 2024 Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on July 24, 2024. Enjoy great floats and performances at this signature Aquatennial event. We can’t wait to gather together for another fantastic evening in the heart of downtown as we kick off the 2024 Aquatennial.

Parking

We are excited for you to join us at the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade. Note that 12th Street (between Marquette and Nicollet) and Nicollet (from 12th to 4th Streets) close to traffic by 6:30 pm, and through traffic leading up to and during the parade will be available at 10th, 7th, 6th and 5th Streets. Recommended parking for the event includes:

1. 1111 S. Marquette Parking Ramp (1111 Marquette Avenue South)

2. 710 Marquette Avenue S. Garage (710 S. Marquette Ave.)

3. City Center Ramp (10 S. 7th Street)

4. Leamington Ramp (1001 2nd Avenue South)

ABOUT THE TORCHLIGHT PARADE

The Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade has been a longstanding Aquatennial tradition. As a flagship Aquatennial event, the parade continues to grow. The Torchlight Parade is the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota.