Despite road closures, due to the wildfires, the dedicated Iron Range Veterans of Steel made a long trek across the Arrowhead region to Silver Bay. They were determined to carry out the beautification project no matter what barriers they had to overcome. Their journey to Silver Bay was not without obstacles. Ongoing wildfires in the region required detours and long drives around closures, yet the group didn’t hesitate. As Steve Biondich said, “We were so appreciated last year. It was a no-brainer to come back and do it again this year.” The Iron Range Veterans of Steel arrived on Wednesday, May 14th at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay. A full day of gardening awaited them, along with a community of welcoming veterans that were eager to lend their support.
The Iron Range Veterans of Steel are a group made up of veterans working across the six Iron Range mines. They returned for a second year to tackle the seasonal landscaping projects on the Veterans Home grounds. Their volunteer efforts brought much needed hands-on help to maintain and beautify the extensive garden spaces on site.
MN Veterans Home Recreation Director Julie Luchsinger said, “The man hours that they provide us could not be replicated by my team because we have so many things going on. The fact that they can take care of all our garden beds, replace old dirt with fresh soil, add new mulch, and even build new beds is just really phenomenal.”
Preparing the gardens for planting each year is a big endeavor. That’s where community volunteers like the Veterans of Steel step in and make a huge difference.
One of the volunteers, Justin Klakoski, said, “Why wouldn’t you want a nice place to live? This is a great opportunity for us to give back to our fellow veterans.”
Much of the work is made possible thanks to financial support raised by the Veterans of Steel themselves. Various fundraisers help cover the cost of the materials – ranging from mulch to wood for the raised beds. What they contribute is unmeasurable.
The Veterans home grows produce and many other plants. The produce provides a fresh source of food for the residents. The gardens provide a great opportunity for the residents to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
For the Veterans Home, this kind of partnership is more than generous – it’s deeply meaningful.
“This is community in action,” said Randall Walz, Volunteer Coordinator. “When veterans from across the Iron Range travel hours to serve other veterans, even through smoky skies and roadblocks, it sends a message. Community is more than neighborhoods or even towns. It is far-reaching, and we support each other how we can.”
Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be part of this effort? Volunteers are always welcome in the gardens. Contact Randall Walz at randall.walz@state.mn.us to learn more.
Donations to the Veterans Home are also appreciated. If you would like to donate, you can send it to the MN Veterans Home – Silver Bay, 56 Outer Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614.
