05/12/2026
Adopt a Veteran – Battle Lake Senior Center Steps Up
The Battle Lake Senior Center is proving that community support has no age limit. A welcoming gathering place where seniors enjoy great lunches, games, and fellowship, the center recently demonstrated its commitment to giving back by donating $1,600 to the Adopt a Veteran program.
This generous contribution reflects a powerful message of seniors supporting seniors. Many of the individuals who gather at the Battle Lake Senior Center are veterans themselves, making the donation especially meaningful. By adopting a veteran, the center is helping ensure that one deserving hero can experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor.
“The Senior Center lives by the philosophy of seniors helping seniors,” said Mary Murphy, President of the Battle Lake Senior Association. “We want to see local veterans go on a trip to see memorials built for them. While we operate on donations and such, it’s important to pay it forward, and we are proud to be a part of Adopt a Veteran.”
The $1,600 donation aligns with fundraising efforts at this year’s Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN Golf Tournament, where clubs and supporters unite to raise funds to send veterans on an Honor Flight. Through the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN program, veterans are flown to Washington, D.C., at no cost, allowing many to reflect, remember, and feel the nation's gratitude.
Many local veterans have taken the flight. Words speak for themselves. “Beyond the privilege of visiting our nation’s monuments alongside my fellow service members, I was deeply moved by the volunteers’ passion and dedication. They went above and beyond to make each of us feel honored and truly special, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The welcome‑home reception brought me to tears—seeing the crowd, hearing the military band, and feeling that outpouring of support made our return home unforgettable,” said Curt Mecklenburg, a 2025 attending veteran.
“We created the Adopt a Veteran program to demonstrate how working together can send one veteran. You can visualize someone getting the news that it’s their time to go,” says Dean Nordstrom, founder of the August 10th golf tournament raising money for Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN. Dean himself went on this trip and started this golf tournament to give back with gratitude.
The Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated entirely by dedicated volunteers. In 2026, the organization plans to conduct five Honor Flights in the spring and fall, serving eligible veterans from Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota. To make these life-changing experiences possible, more than $1.5 million must be raised this year to fly five planes of veterans.
Community support, like the significant gift from the Battle Lake Senior Center- plays a vital role in ensuring veterans receive the honor and recognition they deserve.
On August 10th, Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN is hosting a golf tournament at Balmoral Golf Course. Your organization or individuals can participate in the Adopt a Veteran Program, sign up for a sponsorship package, purchase a hole sign, or play a round of golf. There are many opportunities to help local veterans travel to Washington, D.C.
For more information about the Battle Lake Senior Center, visit their page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61564752237737 .
To learn more about Adopt a Veteran, volunteer, or support the initiative, email [email protected] or call 701-261-7307.
