METRO:
DAV OF MINNESOTA Twin Cities Metro Region has selected Jack Gillespie as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year.
Jack began his volunteer service with the DAV at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis in February of 2021. Since then, Jack has given 1300 hours of his time, and has provided over 1200 rides, accumulating over 29,000 miles.
Jack is a Viet Nam Veteran, having served in the Navy as fire control aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Oriskany in the Gulf of Tonkin. His pride of service and the respect he holds for other Veterans is evident in the dignity and compassion he shows to the Veterans we serve. His kindness and pleasant sense of humor tend to calm the frustration and anxiety we see in many new riders. It is a pleasure to have him serve with us and he stands as a constant reminder that a kind heart and a pleasant smile can turn someone’s day around.
On behalf of the DAV of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA CDCE staff and myself, we offer our most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Jack for his exceptional contributions and his tireless commitment to supporting our Veterans.
Gary Wagner
DAV of Minnesota Metro HSC
NW:
DAV OF MINNESOTA Northwest Region has selected Loren “Punky” Johnson as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year.
Punky’s life has been defined by service. He proudly served in the United Stated Navy from 1964 to 1967, and later re-enlisted in the Fargo Navy Reserve in 1984, serving until his retirement in 2002- just five years
before retiring from the phone company in Crookston in 2007.
Long before he officially joined the Minnesota DV transportation network in 2017, Punky was already using his own vehicle to drive fellow Veterans to their medical appointments. And once he started driving for the DAV, he never stopped. Between 2023 and July 2026 alone, Punky logged 222 hours behind the wheel, driving 3,954 miles and completing 62 Veteran transports.
Through fluctuating driver numbers in Crookston, Punky has remained a steadfast pillar of our program. The strength of our Northwest program- and our ability to ensure Veterans reach their critical medical appointments- is a direct reflection of his unwavering commitment.
On August 15th, 2026, Punky’s military service was further recognized during the 16th annual Veterans Ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church, organized by BTYR. True to form, He remained humble, deflecting the spotlight to focus on honoring his fellow Veterans.
On behalf of the DAV of Minnesota, Fargo VA CDCE staff, and myself, we extend our deepest gratitude to Loren ‘Punky’ Johnson. His extraordinary dedication to others is truly inspirational.
Daniel Wood
DAV of Minnesota NW HSC
NE:
DAV of Minnesota Northeast Region has selected Sherri Brown as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year.
When it comes to supporting our Veterans, Sherri Brown is someone who truly goes the extra mile- both literally and figuratively. Sherri has been driving for our program for more than seven years, alongside her husband, Tom (who drove for five.) We honestly could not be more grateful to have the Browns on our team. During the 2025-2026 season alone, Sherri drove an incredible 3,532 miles, dedicated 304 hours of her
time, and provided 258 Veteran transports.
If you know Sherri, however, you know her impact extends far beyond miles, hours, and statistics. Aside from being an exceptional driver, she is a wonderful person who brings genuine kindness and a warm smile wherever she goes. Sherri’s dedication doesn’t stop when the ride ends; she also gives generously of her time to Veterans outside our program—whether that means helping with groceries or simply lending a hand when someone needs a little extra support.
The Browns are truly two of the most kind-hearted people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We absolutely love working with Sherri, and this award is a heartfelt way to recognize that her boundless generosity, compassion, and friendship mean the world to us- and especially to the Veterans she serves.
On behalf of DAV of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA CDCE, and myself, THANK YOU, Sherri.
Tom, you also deserve a special shout-out for your unwavering support, particularly for encouraging Sherri to continue driving even when you were unable to join her on the road. We are endlessly grateful for both of you.
With deep appreciation,
Daniel Welsand
DAV of Minnesota NE HSC
SE:
DAV OF MINNESOTA Southeast Region has selected Dave Rowlands as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year.
When looking at what Dave has accomplished over the past year, the numbers speak volumes: 110 Veterans safely transported, 230 hours behind the wheel driving 6,840 miles! These aren’t just statistics; they represent moments of connection, reassurance and vital support given to Veterans who need it most.
What makes this dedication even more remarkable is the sheer scope of Dave’s involvement in the community outside of the driver’s seat. Between serving as Commander and Chaplain for the Korean War Veterans Club in Rochester, acting as Chaplain and Honor Guard for VFW Post 1225, and providing comfort to Veterans in hospice care through Mayo Clinic and Seasons Hospice, his life is a beautiful testament to service. Yet, whenever the DAV needs a driver, Dave is consistently among the first to step up the moment his schedule allows.
Furthermore, Dave has been an invaluable pillar of support and a steady source of kindness during transitions within the regional leadership, offering immense patience, guidance, and understanding.
Ultimately, words feel completely inadequate to capture the depth of gratitude owed to Dave. On behalf of the DAV of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA CDCE staff, and myself, we thank Dave for his tireless heart, his selflessness, and for being an extraordinary pillar of support to our Veterans and community.
Adam Finck
DAV of Minnesota SE HSC
CMNTP:
DAV OF MINNESOTA Central Minnesota Region has selected Mark Bender as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year.
Mark began his journey of service at the St. Cloud VA in March 2024 as an escort volunteer, ensuring Veterans could easily navigate the facility to get to their appointments and activities. Mark quickly realized that just
getting to the VA was a major challenge for many in his community. This prompted him to step up further in May 2024 by becoming a driver for the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN), allowing the transportation program in Isanti County to officially begin.
Mark’s dedication to our nation’s heroes is nothing short of extraordinary and truly a lifeline to many. From March 2024 through August 2026, he logged an incredible 934 volunteer hours (including 440 hours behind the wheel), drove nearly 10,000 miles, and provided 181 rides to Veterans.
In his spare time- though he leaves himself very little- Mark is constantly helping neighbors and spending quality time with his family. His selfless dedication has inspired several others to become VA volunteers, demonstrating the powerful ripple effect of one person’s commitment to service.
Though he is a man of few words who never boasts or seeks the spotlight, his actions speak volumes. On behalf of the DAV of Minnesota, and the St. Cloud VA CDCE staff, and myself, thank you, Mark, for the profound impact you have made!
Stephanie Zeimetz
DAV of Minnesota Transportation Director