Bill's Wish

10/31/2026

🎄𝔹𝕚𝕝𝕝'𝕤 ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕎𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕦𝕡𝕠𝕟 𝕦𝕤! 🎄
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but we know the holidays can be tough for many Veterans, and asking for help isn't always easy. Bill's Wish is here to change that! 💙
Tag a Veteran who deserves a little holiday magic and SHARE this post so it reaches everyone who needs it! This season, we're honoring those who have served by breaking the stigma and reminding you that it's okay to ask for support. Nominate yourself or a fellow Veteran, share your story, and your holiday wish could be granted! 🎁 No wish is too big or too small. We've got your six!

• Submissions close December 1st
• The winner will be contacted within one week
• The winner must provide their DD214 within 24 hours or forfeit their selection

ENTER HERE: https://forms.gle/3So4ANcHyQxjEJig8

10/20/2026

🩵 CARRY THE LIGHT PHOTO DROP, ROUND ONE!
Photo Credit: Alec Esnough

We’re kicking off our Carry the Light photo dumps, and we couldn’t let these moments go by without giving a shoutout to the amazing volunteer photographers who helped capture the night!

From honoring the Veterans we’ve lost to celebrating the community that continues to show up for those still here, these photos help tell the story of what Carry the Light is all about.

We are so grateful to the talented photographers who volunteered their time and skills to help us preserve these memories and share the impact of this event with our community.

Go show them some love when you see them tagged! This is just the first round, so stay tuned for more photos and photographer shoutouts coming soon!

Thank you to everyone who helped make Carry the Light possible. Together, we carry the light forward.

10/12/2026

It has been 20 years since Bill died by su***de but we still have his guidance through a simple song he shared right before he left us...

"I hope you never look back, but ya never forget
All the ones who love you, in the place you left
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake
And always give more than you take." -Rascal Flatts (2006).

We are living out his mission by the assistance we provide his Veteran brothers and sisters. Reach out if you need help, we are here for you! This is his wish!

10/06/2026

Photo credit: Carol Swanson
What an incredible night at our annual Carry the Light event!! There is something powerful about watching an entire community come together for one purpose: to bring awareness to Veteran su***de, honor the lives we have lost, and remind the Veterans still with us that they are not alone.

Seeing Veterans, families, community members, organizations, businesses, and supporters all come together to Carry the Light was truly something special.We laughed, we shared stories, we remembered, and we honored the people who should still be here with us.

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up, volunteered, donated, participated, supported, and helped make this night possible. This event belongs to all of you.

And a special shoutout to our amazing volunteer photographers who captured the night for us. We have A LOT of incredible photos coming your way, so stay tuned for photo dumps and photographer shoutouts!

Thank you for helping us carry the light. 🩵

10/05/2026

We were able to give four Veterans
the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime dream flyover in a T-6.

We love being able to create experiences like this for Veterans, but sometimes hearing directly from the people who experience them reminds us just how meaningful these moments can be! One of the Veterans chosen for the flyover, Shantell, sent us this message after meeting some of our team at the Legion:

“Hello-

I’m Shantell, 1/4 of us that were chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime dream flyover in the T-6. I met a lot of you at the Legion after the flyover. I had to say thank you again. It was incredible.
I don’t have a bucket list. I have a Must Do List. I didn’t even know this needed to be on my list to check off until today!
You are all amazing and, as a Veteran, and someone who works in the community as an ACVSO for Hennepin County, I know firsthand how much need there is out there and the amazing job you all do for us Vets.
Thank you again! Keep up the good fight.”

This is why we do what we do!

Thank you, Shantell, for sharing your experience with us, and thank you to everyone who helped make this incredible opportunity possible. We are honored to be able to give Veterans experiences that become memories they never expected to make. ❤️

10/02/2026

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Pathfinder Care

We’re excited to welcome Pathfinder Care to this year’s event!

Pathfinder Care is an outpatient treatment center in St. Paul providing compassionate, evidence-based support for substance use and mental health. Their approach recognizes that recovery looks different for everyone and meets people where they are.

Stop by their table to learn more about the services and support they offer to our community.

10/01/2026

This October, we are proud to stand alongside the Roger Up Women's Program in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Through our partnerships we are here to advocate for and support women veterans navigating domestic violence, harassment, and safety concerns. Recognizing Kowitz Law as skilled attorneys experienced in Harassment Restraining Orders and Orders for Protection. We can help connect women with the resources and support they need.

Your safety matters. Your mental health matters. You don’t have to navigate it alone.We are here to support you, advocate for you, and help you find a path forward.

Believe.Support.Advocate.Empower.

10/01/2026

🚨 check out our silent auction items for this weekend!!! 🚨 Even more prizes during the raffles!

Carry the Light – Silent AuctionYour bids help Bill’s Wish honor and support veterans through Mental Health Services, Chemical Dependency Treatment, and Legal…

09/29/2026

🦼 VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: All Access Mobility

We’re excited to welcome All Access Mobility to this year’s event!

All Access Mobility provides accessibility and mobility solutions across Minnesota to help people stay safe, independent, and comfortable in their homes. They offer ramps, handrails, grab bars, and custom accessibility solutions, with free consultations available.

Stop by their table to learn more about the services they provide and how they help make homes more accessible.

09/28/2026

🥩 VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Smokin' Aces BBQ

We’re excited to welcome Smokin’ Aces BBQ to this year’s event!

Smokin’ Aces BBQ is a Veteran-owned local small business serving up small-batch, whiskey-infused BBQ sauces with bold flavor and a little barrel-aged attitude. Stop by their table, support a local Veteran-owned business, and grab some BBQ sauce to take home!