Heroes Compass

08/26/2026

🍺 This Week’sHero 🍺

This week, we’re proud to recognize Brea Marie

"Brea is a military leader who recently retired from the Army, business owner in the Fargo Moorhead area, and has volunteered with many non profits. She is a wonderful role model."

Thank you for what you do for our community. Your beer is waiting for you at Swing Barrel Brewing Company, LLC

👉 Want to nominate a hero for next week?
https://forms.gle/fh6B6SbQ1BshouF5A

08/21/2026

Every year, the Rick Kuhn Memorial Scholarship goes to someone who reflects what my father stood for: showing up for the people who served.

Rick Kuhn was a combat engineer deployed with the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion for Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his service, he led VFW Post 762 as Commander for three years. He passed away in September 2022 believing deeply in taking care of those who served. That belief is why Heroes Compass exists.

This year's winners:

Emerson Diede -- daughter of a National Guard intelligence officer and future psychology student at Montana State University Bozeman. Emerson has spent years serving quietly: leading the Fill the Dome food drive, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, captaining her varsity hockey team, and stepping up at home when her mom needed her most. She maintains a 3.75 GPA while working and navigating an ADHD diagnosis.

"I want to continue building a life centered on service. Service matters to me because it creates connection, strengthens communities, and reminds people that they do not have to face life's challenges alone." -- Emerson

Zoe Labatore -- licensed EMT from Mohall, ND and daughter of a 100% disabled Army National Guard veteran. Zoe is heading into nursing school at the University of Mary this fall, already responding to emergency calls in her rural community as a member of the Mohall Ambulance Service.

"Service is about being willing to help when people need support. Even small actions can have a lasting impact. As I pursue a career in nursing, I hope to carry those lessons with me and continue finding ways to serve others." -- Zoe

The Rick Kuhn Memorial Scholarship recognizes individuals who have shown a strong commitment to service and volunteerism, demonstrated excellence in leadership and character, and made a positive impact in their communities.

Know someone who reflects that same spirit? Applications open at heroescompass.com/operations/heroes-fund.

08/20/2026

🍺 This Week’s Hero 🍺

This week, we’re proud to recognize Ryan Whiteford!

Ryan is a paramedic for Sanford Ambulance and continually goes above and beyond at his job caring and helping others. Ryan also is an avid cook and has won multiple competitions. One of them being the People's Wing in 2025 for the Heroes Compass Wing Cook Off!

Thank you for what you do for our community. Your beer is waiting for you at Swing Barrel Brewing Company, LLC

👉 Want to nominate a hero for next week?
https://forms.gle/fh6B6SbQ1BshouF5A

08/17/2026

We just added 15 more states to the map.

This week, Challenge Coins shipped out to heroes in Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, Utah, Alabama, New York, Louisiana, Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia, California, Oklahoma, and Iowa. We also received a few back, check out the pictures!

Every coin and every Buddy Check postcard carries the same message: we see you, and you are not alone. Between the two programs, Heroes Compass has now reached veterans, first responders, and military families in 29 states.

Our goal is all 50.

Here's how you can help us close the gap:

Nominate a veteran, first responder, or family member for a Challenge Coin. Email [email protected] with their story.

To learn more visit: https://www.heroescompass.com/coin

08/15/2026

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

On August 12, our Drive to Donate partnership with Valvoline Instant Oil Change brought our community together across two Fargo locations.

75 oil changes. $1,500 raised.

Every dollar goes directly into the Heroes Fund, supporting care packages, retreats, and resources for military members, veterans, and first responders.

Thank you to everyone who scheduled an oil change that day and to Valvoline Instant Oil Change for making it so easy to give back. This is what community support looks like.

08/15/2026

08/14/2026

This quarter, Heroes Compass sponsored the Happy Hooligan Fishing Event on Devils Lake, organized by Lt Col Steven Larson of the 119th Wing Air National Guard. The annual event brings together active duty airmen and retired veterans for a full day of fishing, food, fellowship, and door prizes. It has been funded out of pocket by a small group of organizers for years and had simply outgrown what they could cover on their own.

We approved $1,000 through our Heroes Fund to cover lodging, the post-fishing meal, and door prizes for attendees.

Here is what Lt Col Larson shared with us afterward:

"Both currently serving and retired military members had an incredible time enjoying the great weather, excellent fishing, and the opportunity to connect. The trip was a true team and camaraderie-building event. Heroes Compass played a direct role in making this event happen, and your support means a great deal to our military community. Your impact is felt far beyond just a day on the water."

This is what the Heroes Fund looks like beyond emergency relief. Sometimes serving our heroes means giving them a day to just breathe.