American Faces #102 - Veteran, physician and friend.

 American Faces No. 102

There’s a sense of peacefulness that permeates the green acres of the Magnus Veterans Foundation property in Dayton, MN – flowers buzzing with bees, a serene lake in the distance. A stroll through the grounds brings a palpable sense of calm that words cannot fully describe. This spacious and pastoral property once belonged to Shawn Alderman’s aunt and uncle (the guy who created Sesame Street Live) and was gifted to support the cause of providing healing and hope to military service veterans.

There’s a similar sense of calmness when you talk to Shawn Alderman, the lead physician and Founder of Magnus Veterans Foundation, my 102nd American Faces subject. Shawn’s calmness was battle-tested in his service alongside America's most trained Army Special Forces unit. The calmness Shawn shares with others reflects the calmness shared with him through the devoted love of his wife and son.

Shawn is a U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Col. (retired) and Family Physician, Group Surgeon for 5th Special Forces Group. In his 31 years of service Shawn saw countless illnesses, countless traumatic injuries, even death, and through that experience came to realize – both for himself and for other soldiers – what PTSD can do to a person. Spending time with Shawn, his great empathy for people was clear, as I’d see an occasional tear forming in his eyes as we talked. He strives to heal with words as well as his hands. While providing care to meet our vets’ medical needs he’s also listening. Working through trauma at an emotional level is complex, and there is not necessarily a linear path to recovery. For a fellow soldier, Shawn’s encouragement to “make it just one more day” may just be “just what the doctor ordered.”

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You and I have likely encountered people in our daily travels who have been impacted by Shawn and the other amazing caregivers at Magnus. People who have seen the unimaginable, felt the loss of a battle buddy or absorbed more emotional or psychological trauma than their human psyche can take.  

Shawn is almost like a “special ops” doctor for those former soldiers that need special care.  Through the amazing work of the Magnus Veterans Foundation team and its impact on veteran's lives, families have been made whole again.  

As I’m writing this edition of America Faces I want to keep talking about Shawn Alderman’s service and impact in the lives of others. But my mind is also flooded with the realization that soldiers are literally being saved. Families are being restored as men and women fight through recovery from PTSD and their medical challenges. Lives are being impacted by someone committed to being there for them in their darkest hours. That’s truly profound to me. The listening, the human touch, a hug from a fellow retired soldier. It’s happening at Magnus. 

So what’s my call to action for this one? Keep your eyes open for a person who served our country that may be hurting. Maybe strike up a conversation with the guy wearing the Vietnam Vet hat in the small-town diner. Whether it’s a personal connection, or perhaps supporting organizations like Magnus, you have the power to change someone's life.

Thank you, Shawn Alderman, for your service to our country and your heart for healing the “whole soldier.” You said “yes” to the call to provide medical care for the actively serving soldier. And now, through your continuing care, you have an opportunity to see our veterans heal and flourish. That is priceless!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Scott Whitman

American Faces #101 - Spice it up!

A recent trip to Wabasha, Minnesota for my American Faces series to meet with Jaden and Erica Peck who own Mississippi River Flavor Company was simply amazing.  Their quaint storefront filled to the brim with spice blends filled my senses as I entered . Maybe it’s the warm smiles and the  “we care about you” attitude that drew me right off the street or all the aromas from a plethora of spice blends.  Truthfully, it is all of that and more. Their “we care about you” attitude is built from years of trials and seasons of tribulation. 

American Faces No. 101

Both Jaden and Erica have been through military careers in the Air Force. As a family, they experienced a season of  homelessness. Yet through it all they worked hard to grow from it and raise their four children with depth of character and love.  So with that little bit of background of who they are we can now move on to what they are.  They are a spice company that has been built from the ground up with a “pull yourself up by the bootstrap” attitude and  purpose in mind. Erica, Jaden and the rest of the Peck family care for the veterans and the community not only by providing tasty ways to enhance food but also by giving back to their military family as a portion of each sale goes back to the Wabasha VFW.  Even after 4 years in business, their spice blends are still handcrafted from beginning to end in the local VFW commercial kitchen. This ensures every spice blend is made in small batches to give customers the freshest seasonings around with the fun and funky names, such as Cluck Norris, Jukebox Jive, Sweet Reaper, Cow Tippin’ and Saved by the Bell Pepper. 

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That bootstrap, stick to it attitude has built their business to what it is today. They have taken no loans.  They have however put on the miles and have done many farmers markets, give-aways and have their spices helping to enhance the taste of foods in local restaurants.  They have a storefront in Wabasha and have created nearly 30 spice blends with an additional 18 in development. What the Pecks have done is the epitome of the American Way…seems pretty fitting for an American Faces subject. 

So you the reader need to do an awesome trip down Highway 61 turn left into Wabasha, MN go directly to 162 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha, MN and pick up some award winning spice blends.  Oh and take time to chat,  You will make some spicy new friends in Jaden and Erica Peck

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #100 - Be a kid, bring a kid and buy a toy!

Well, I reached the 100th American Faces story. I can hardly believe it.  Honestly,  when I started this series I really had no idea where it was going to take me, how many faces I would meet, or the impact it would have on me as a person, photographer and storyteller.  The only word to describe it is: profound.  Buy me a cup of coffee and I will tell you more;-). 

I have thought about number 100 for a few months.  I have contemplated who would be the subject for this milestone story.  As I finished number 99 I knew Miranda and LARK Toys were the perfect subject to help celebrate. With no further delay…

American Faces No. 100

Introducing American Faces 100,  Miranda Gray-Burlingame!  She along with her husband Scott, their daughter and Miranda’s parents, Kathy and Ron Gray are the owners of LARK Toys in Kellogg, MN.  To me LARK Toys and Miranda are the perfect subject for the 100th American Faces; they embody all that is good for the soul: smiling faces, a playful heart and delight around every corner.  Miranda and her family love owning LARK Toys, creating legacy quality toys and providing a space that breathes creativity and playfulness.

From the entrance of LARK, to the intricately carved creatures that whimsically fill the full size carousel, you are transported to magical places.  These hand carved carousel figures beckon you to enjoy a ride in the bright, sunlit room they inhabit. Halls then transport you to rooms where carefully curated games and puzzles fill walls and shelves.  Handcrafted wooden toys and cuddly creatures abound in other merry spaces .  

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Oh, but that is not the end of the sense of wonder and awe that is LARK.  When you make it all the way back to the reading room, you will see scores of children's books lined up on shelves in a delightful, inviting space, and you may also find the entrance to a very special room called The Happiness; it is part dance studio, part party room, part creative space.

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It was so inspiring to sit with Miranda and her mother,  to hear of the chance these wonderful people took when they bought LARK Toys in 2008 from the original owners.  I was privileged to witness the passion these dear souls have for people.  They yearn to put a smile on the face of everyone who enters their toy emporium and all who may receive a toy as a gift .  I am not sure if there could be a better choice for the 100th American Faces.

Ok so now how do I end this 100th American Faces? A call to action. A call to whimsy. A call to joy.  Go to LARK Toys, be a kid, bring a kid and buy a toy (I did), maybe buy some ice cream.  Dream and above all else smile, laugh and tell someone dear to you that you love them.

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Shawn's toy

P.S.  I did intentionally position the photobomber carousel figure in Miranda’s main photo;-)

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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