North Star Valor

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North Star Valor Providing wounded veterans recreational activities featuring the proven therapeutics of art and nature immersion.

This is NSV's triennial FB post. Photography In Ely 2026 is a wrap!Five veterans. A week in the north woods. Cameras in ...
09/22/2026

This is NSV's triennial FB post.

Photography In Ely 2026 is a wrap!

Five veterans. A week in the north woods. Cameras in hand. Early mornings, late evenings, a lot of miles, a lot of photographs, and even more conversation.

We visited The North American Bear Center, The International Wolf Center, Listening Point foundation, stayed at Veterans On The Lake Resort. All gave us very warm welcome and great hospitality.

It included returning participants and first-timers. Veterans from different branches, different generations, and very different life experiences. And among them was an 82-year-old Vietnam veteran who showed up with a cane, very little experience with digital photography or computers, and absolutely no intention of letting any of that keep him from participating.

There were plenty of beautiful images made during the week. Some of the photographers still don't quite realize how good their photographs are.

But, as usual, the photographs weren't really the whole point. Good group. Good photos. Good conversations.

That’s Photography in Ely.

North Star Valor turned 2 yesterday!And because all great nonprofits apparently celebrate with a completely random lemon...
04/22/2026

North Star Valor turned 2 yesterday!

And because all great nonprofits apparently celebrate with a completely random lemon meringue pie, we did exactly that.

In just two years, NSV has:

Hosted 4 programs
Served 20 veterans
Logged 1,400 volunteer hours

That progress has only happened because this has truly been a team effort. Huge thanks to Board Members Guy Townsend and Hall, and Director of Operations Shinwon Noh, for helping build and carry this work forward. And to all our donors who stood up and stand by NSV, our sincerest gratitude.

And we’re not slowing down.

Our 5th event — Photography in Ely 2026 — is already taking shape. We’ve already recruited 5 participants and booked new lodging.

To mark the occasion, Shinwon and I even sang Happy Birthday to NSV, which may or may not become an annual tradition depending on public demand and vocal quality.

Thanks to everyone who has supported NSV in these first two years. We’re proud of what’s been built so far — and even more excited for what’s ahead.

I know, I know... a post about every 4 months? I’m practically an influencer now. 😉But in all seriousness, we just got b...
04/10/2026

I know, I know... a post about every 4 months? I’m practically an influencer now. 😉

But in all seriousness, we just got back from Writing In Ely 2026, and I couldn’t wait another quarter to share this with you all. 🏔️✍️

This retreat was something special. Between the laughter, the "sh*tty first drafts" (as participant Jay Mastrud put it!), and the quiet moments of reflection, there was a deep sense of connection that’s hard to put into words. It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when veterans get the space, the nature, and the right people to just be themselves.

A huge "Thank You" to the village that makes this happen:

Our incredible participants: Stephanie, Dominique, Jim, Jay, Sherill, and Mike. You all showed up with such heart.

Our Volunteer Chef: Shinwon Noh, who gave up her spring break to keep us all well-fed!

The Instruction: Paul Van (Paul Van D**e), for teaching the workshop and continuing his vital work with Veterans Telling Stories.

Our Believers: The Kruizenga Family Foundation and Elicit Consulting (Chuck Densinger and Mason Thelen). We literally couldn't do this without your generosity.

Next stop: 📸 Photography In Ely (Sept 7-13, 2026)!

If you believe in the power of nature and community to help our veterans heal, we’d love for you to join our circle of supporters. Send me a message if you’d like to chat about how a donation can help us grow.

Check out some of the moments from the week below! 👇

Address

2027 Princeton Avenue
Saint Paul, MN
55105

Telephone

+16512784582

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