WCCO, MACV team up for "Winter Salute" at Target Field
MINNEAPOLIS — Many Minnesota veterans don't have a safe place to call home this holiday season.
That's why hundreds went to Target Field for this year's Winter Salute. It's a place where veterans are welcome, and can find help to improve their lives.
"I keep running into veterans I've seen from 30 years ago. It's incredible," said Corey Burt, a former Marine. He said it's similar to a family reunion.
For many, it's all about the comradery.
"A lot of time we share stories, and here is a great place for that," said Walter Munson, a Navy veteran. "The volunteers are great, the volunteers are absolutely wonderful. Everybody is friendly, everybody is really accommodating."
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For others, they are thankful for what the dozens of vendors pass out.
"I got a handmade quilt, an American Flag, brand new socks, some t-shirts, a little bit of everything," said Burt. All [of] these great companies are sitting here donating to us, its wonderful."
The Winter Salute is a time for connecting to resources, and to make sure veterans have a place to live, food to eat, a job or counseling to get them on the right path.
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"We know that there are a lot of veterans on the streets right now and in their homes suffering. Suffering different PTSD and traumas, and we want to make a difference. We want to see our vets be the men and women they want to be," said Allan Vanhoever, an Army veteran who helps out with Adult & Teen Challenge.
Even social media sensation Patriotic Kenny was on hand.
"I was excited all night, I had a hard time sleeping because I knew I was coming down here," said Kenny, a Navy veteran.
The TikTok star is using his platform to help veterans. He's giving away a scooter to help another veteran overcome mobility issues.
Today was about a community created to help veterans, and make sure all have a home for the holidays.