Mandatory Fun Outdoors

Mandatory Fun Outdoors Providing unique outdoor experiences that foster camaraderie, healthy living, unity & healing for veterans and their families.

Our mission is to recognize the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made for this country. We accomplish this by providing unique outdoor experiences that foster camaraderie, unity, and healing for those heroes and their families.

You are cordially invited to our "Women's Veterans Day Program" on June 12th.  The Women's Memorial is in the beautiful ...
06/08/2026

You are cordially invited to our "Women's Veterans Day Program" on June 12th.

The Women's Memorial is in the beautiful Veterans Memorial Park in Blaine. It is dedicated to “Honoring Women in Service.” It is believed to be the first of its kind in Minnesota that pays tribute to women Veterans. The five-sided monument honors each branch of military service and features a flame on top, which symbolizes the fire that burns in the hearts and souls of women Veterans who defend freedom. At night, it glows with red and blue lights.

Social: 5:30 pm, Program at 6:00 The Women's Memorial is in the Veterans Memorial Park, 10802 Town Square Drive Northeast in Blaine, MN.

Dinner will be after the program at SGT John Rice VFW Post 6316, 1374 109th Ave NE, Blaine, MN. The meal is free for those female veterans who RSVP by emailing us atmailto:[email protected] and get a confirmation number. It appears we will have plenty of meals available.

VFW Commander Gary Carlberg, American Legion Commander Bill Milashius and COL (Ret) Laura Ludwig invite female veterans, men, women and children to attend.

The largest amphibious invasion in human history began in the dark.At dawn on June 6, 1944, nearly 7,000 vessels carryin...
06/06/2026

The largest amphibious invasion in human history began in the dark.

At dawn on June 6, 1944, nearly 7,000 vessels carrying 160,000 Allied troops closed in on the beaches of Normandy.

Through courage and sacrifice, they secured a foothold in Nazi-occupied France and began the liberation of Western Europe.

Today, we honor the heroes of D-Day.

It's beautiful morning on Mille Lacs. Our very own Christi Patrick is out fishing today with "Trolling For Troops" with ...
06/05/2026

It's beautiful morning on Mille Lacs. Our very own Christi Patrick is out fishing today with "Trolling For Troops" with Minnesota Veterans Outdoor Programs. Wish her luck!!

06/03/2026

June is PTS(D) Awareness Month.

While post-traumatic stress does not solely affect veterans, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to suffer the effects of PTS(D), with a documented 6% of male veterans and 13% of female veterans experiencing it in their lifetimes (though actual numbers may be substantially higher, as many of those who struggle with post-traumatic stress do not seek diagnosis or treatment). The number of veterans diagnosed with PTS(D) is higher among those who've served in recent conflicts (for example, up to 29% of Iraqi Freedom veterans) than those who served nearly a century ago (3% of WWII and Korean War veterans) but it is important to remember that what we now know as PTS(D) was known by a number of other names in the past: "Shell Shock," "Battle Fatigue," "Soldier's Heart," "Combat Stress Reaction" and even the misleading "Nostalgia."

“Asking for support is not waving a white flag, it is a tactical decision to stay in the fight for your family, your future and your life,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

As a VFW Auxiliary members, you can help by knowing the signs, memorizing the Veterans Crisis Line number and sharing resources with those in need. Use the linked articles below to get started.

The VFW is shining a spotlight on PTS(D) this June. Read their article here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-highlights-importance-of-mental-health-this-national-ptsd-awareness-month

The VA shares the basics of PTS(D), including signs:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

The VA also has linked resources for those who need help:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

For those having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or feelings of hopelessness, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
Just dial 988, then press 1.

For a brief history on the usage of PTSD versus older terms like shell shock, see this History Channel article:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock

05/31/2026

Our last 3 winners are Cyndy Jarva, Sarah Quirk and Don Reger. Congrats everyone!

05/31/2026

Here’s the fun winners so far. 4 to go.
Kurt Hoffman
Breanna Brockpahler
Tim Josephson
Ron Vredenburg
Even Westra
If we spelled your name wrong it’s because you wrote it like a kindergartener.

We have drawn for 2 guns so far… first 2 winners are Terry Gregorich of Eveleth and Brent Peterson! Congrats guys. More ...
05/31/2026

We have drawn for 2 guns so far… first 2 winners are Terry Gregorich of Eveleth and Brent Peterson! Congrats guys. More winners coming soon!

Last chance to support MFO by buying a raffle ticket! We draw at 7:00 tonight. Text me if you want a ticket. We do PayPa...
05/30/2026

Last chance to support MFO by buying a raffle ticket! We draw at 7:00 tonight. Text me if you want a ticket. We do PayPal and Venmo. 218-289-4867

Address

P. O. Box 367
Park Rapids, MN
56470

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