Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 15, New Ulm, Minnesota

06/19/2026

1919 Root Beer is made right here in our hometown (New Ulm) and is served cold on tap in most bars and restaurants. Find it in our grocery and liquor stores and get it by the glass or keg for everyone to enjoy.

06/19/2026

Action, not just words.

https://personalprideconstruction.com

06/17/2026

‼️ UPDATE: With heavy hearts, the base has released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards during a routine test mission on Monday.

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can now share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash,” Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, told workers and families at Edwards AFB. “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates.”

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians and mission partners affected by this tragedy,” Tauer said.

The names are being released following a 24-hour waiting period after all next of kin notifications were completed, in accordance with Department of War policy.

The fallen Team Edwards members are:


• Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, Boeing (Air Force reservist, assigned 10th Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas), Shreveport, La.



• Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB, Calif.



• Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, Tehachapi, Calif.



• Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Lancaster, Calif.



• Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.



• Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.



• Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Rosamond, Calif.



• Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, Lancaster, Calif.


“These Airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Tauer said.

“Our immediate focus is supporting the families of the teammates we lost and ensuring that all appropriate resources are available to them during this time of unimaginable loss.”

The crash is currently under investigation by an Interim Safety Investigation Board. The airfield is closed until further notice.

06/17/2026

So is the free roof a scam.

SCAM ALERT!
A graphic circulating online claiming VA is offering free athletic shoes from major brands has been identified as a scam by the VA national office, as well as our Whole Health program.
Athletic shoes through VA are not available through online offers, brand-selection links, promotional emails or third-party sign-ups.
Shoes are only available by prescription for Veterans with diabetes or to accommodate an orthopedic condition. VA only provides shoes that are medically required.
Veterans should not click suspicious links, enter personal information or provide payment details in response to these posts or messages.
Questions? Please contact your VA care team directly through official VA channels.

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Please take a moment today to remember Sgt. Brent W. Koch who was killed on June 16, 2006, in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, while serving with the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry.

06/16/2026

For our friends and family who may be impacted by weather in the south. The DAV has a disaster relief program, no membership is required.

DAV offers disaster relief to veterans and their families in need. Learn more about our veteran's emergency assistance program.