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Powering America, One Veteran at a Time

May 20, 2021

On April 14, a group of employees kicked off Stearns Electric Association’s 2021 “My Co-op Cares” community volunteer program at Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre.

Eagle’s Healing Nest is a non-profit organization committed to meeting the needs of veterans and service members, and their families. The organization provides housing, healing and education to veterans with the goal of helping them reintegrate back into the civilian world and with their families.

When Stearns Electric employees arrived, they met with Mike Hellman, who is a veteran living at Eagle’s Healing Nest. Mike gave them a tour around the property and told employee volunteers about the various services Eagles Healing Nest offers to veterans. He also shared his personal story and experiences.

“The impact of Eagle’s Healing Nest has been a night and day difference from where I had been previously. The comradery with other veterans is really important,” he said.

Employees then met Chuck Klettenberg who runs the rock shop. He showed volunteers his process of starting with a rock and turning it into beautiful jewelry and decoration pieces.

Eagle’s Healing Nest provides many opportunities for veterans to try their hand at new skills, or maybe even get back to things they have a passion for. Beyond the rock shop, the organization has woodworking, welding, various art projects, a music studio, a recording studio and much more.

During the My Co-op Cares event, our employees painted alongside veterans with the theme of “Powering America, One Veteran at a Time”. This allowed volunteers and veterans time to not only paint, but also the opportunity to chat and get to know each other.

Melony Butler, Chair and Director of Eagle’s Healing Nest, said, “We help veterans reintegrate back into their communities. When people come to volunteer, they get to know these vets personally. Today’s event was one that allowed our vets interaction with no judgment, keeping their minds clear and their hearts full.”

Stearns Electric employee, John Pantzke, partnered up with veteran, Andrew Phillips, and they built a quick friendship while collaborating on their painting.

“I really enjoyed sharing my time with Andrew who has made such a difference for our country,” Pantzke shared.

“Today was a break in the chain and a very welcome gift of time and conversation,” Phillips added.

Although most employees and veterans who were involved in the event aren’t painters by nature, they really enjoyed the time of fellowship together. Getting to know the veterans and spending that time with them was really the hightlight for Cooperative employees.

Deb Goebel, Stearns Electric employee, summed up the experience perfectly.

“The My Co-op Cares events that Stearns Electric allows their employees to participate in are wonderful. What a privilege it was to be able to go the Eagle’s Healing Nest to meet and talk to these amazing vets. What they have done for our country is something I do not take for granted. Loving our country and respecting the military runs deep in our family with having multiple family members who are veterans or currently serving our country,” she said.

The “My Co-op Cares” program allows Cooperative employees time to volunteer during working hours to benefit communities within our service territory. Three times per year, Stearns Electric sends teams of employees out to local organizations and charitable causes to share their time and talents.

Any employee is able to volunteer for that year’s events. They don’t know where they will be going or what they will be doing until closer to the event date, so when employees sign up at the beginning of the year, it’s purely for wanting to give back to our local communities.

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