Kammy Nelson
My passion for the military began when my son, Jayme, joined the MN National Guard. My dad served during the Korean War so I had no exposure to the military way of life prior to Jayme’s enlistment. When he deployed to Iraq in 2007-2008, I experienced what families go through when their loved one heads overseas into harm’s way. Realizing that the best way to support our deployed service men and women is to support their families on the home front, I started HomeFront Connection in 2008. I serve as Coordinator of the leadership team.
Conrad and Donna Bostron – I am the CEO/General Manager of Central Lakes Coop near Atwater, MN and current President of HFC. My wife Donna is a former teacher and homeschool mother. We both grew up in the Co and nw NE areas, raised by World War II veterans. Our families instilled a sense of pride in our country, the defense of freedom, and the values that made this country great. We have lived and raised our kids in Kandiyohi County for 12 year. We have always been pro-military in support those who defend us. Our son is active duty Marine, served in Iraq and the Pacific, and will soon begin his second enlistment. HomeFront Connections gives us the avenue to pursue that support for both the military personnel and their families by pooling our resources with other liked-minded community members.
Desrae Krueger, Svea, MN
I became involved with HomeFront Connection after talking with my co-worker Lourdez
Schwab on our lunch break. She asked about my brother, who was deployed to Iraq at the time, and told me about HomeFront Connection and invited me their next meeting. Since then, I have become the Treasurer from HomeFront and continue to help with our events as well any project I can. It is comforting to know that I can connect with others who have or are experiencing what it’s like to have a family member serving our country. I am grateful to be in a position to be able to give back and assist the members of our surrounding communities while their family members are serving.
Julie Asmus, Willmar, MN
I served in the Army National Guard from 1978-1985. I am presently a Sgt. for the Willmar Police Department and serve as the Law Enforcement representative for HomeFront Connection. My family has a long history of military involvement and support for military families. My father fought in the Korean War and three of my brothers have served in various branches of the military. I presently have two nephews serving in the Air Force and Navy. I have been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 5o years and I am also a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary. I consider it an honor to help the families and soldiers that have served our country.
Trisha Appeldorn, Pennock, MN
I served 6 years in the United States Air Force and am currently the Kandiyohi County Veterans Service Officer. I have a passion for helping Veterans and work with them daily to get any type of assistance that is needed. HomeFront Connection has assisted me with projects that I could not have completed on my own and also impacted the lives of families of current, past, and deceased military families in many ways. I am pleased as a community that we are able to work together so closely to ensure the families and soldiers are being taken care of while they are away or experiencing tough times upon returning home.
Jon Lindstrand, Kandiyohi, MN
I have been involved with Veteran and military related issues for over 20 years. I started collecting military items at 5 years old, and over the years grew to have a great appreciation for the individual veterans and their stories. I have become active in working with the VFW, Legion and other organizations for veteran related issues and believe that the American Service Member and Veteran have dedicated a remarkable service and sacrifice to our country. I am honored to be able to help them out as possible. Although not a veteran myself, I see how important it is to make sure that our Veterans and Service Members are aware of how much their service is appreciated. Working with Homefront Connection has allowed for a great network base for helping in a variety of capacities that any one individual or organization cannot do.
Deborah Krueger
My son, Specialist Matthew Krueger is in his second year of his enlistment in the United States Army, he is currently stationed at Fort Drum, New York. He has served one tour in Iraq in 2010. I became involved in HFC as a way to support the military locally and to give back to those that are making sacrifices to serve our country. When my son deployed I wanted to be a part of his Family Readiness Group to help support his battalion, but living in Minnesota I wasn't able to do many of the hands on projects of making gift bags for the holidays, writing on banners, and just being a part of the Fort Drum Family. Being a part of HFC has allowed me to share my time and talents to help others, networking with other military families and making life long friends along the way.
