Community

Sergeant Jame McCloden served for seven years in the United States Army and served as a combat team leader during Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Today, he is the current commander of the James Ballentine post #246, Uptown VFW in Minneapolis and the Senior Outreach Coordinator for the MACV.

Sergeant Andrew Piepkorn served as a communication and data network operator from 2008-2013. Over the course of his career, Andrew participated in operations throughout the South Pacific and assisted with aid and support in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. Andrew now resides in live in Woodbury with his wife and two daughters and loves spending time at the North Shore.

Sam Rossi served in the US Army Reserves for nine years as a specialist. During his service, he received multiple awards including the Army Reserve Achievement Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon. Sam now works at CLUES as the Youth in Action Program Supervisor, helping Latinx youth from the metro area successfully complete high school and subsequently apply for college.

Anthony Lebda served as a Marine for four years as an ammunition technician assigned to first battalion, 10th Marines at Camp Lejeune. Since 2012, he has worked for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Programs Specialist. Anthony is a long-time Loons supporter and lives in St. Paul with his wife.

Sergeant Bryce Werner spent thirteen years with the military, first as a tanker and later as a cavalry scout, ending his career with the rank of staff sergeant. Sergeant Werner spent three years in Iraq across two deployments, earning his golden spurs, a bronze star, and five arcoms. He now lives in Saint Paul, and walks to every home game with his fiancé and son.

Sergeant Major Steven Gerard served for over 21 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a member of 1st Squadron, 94th Cavalry Regiment under the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division in Duluth. He retired from service in 2016 as the Operations Senior Enlisted Advisor and was the recipient of several honors over the course of his career, including two bronze stars, a meritorious service medal, and he was knighted into the order of St. George. Steven now lives in Cloquet with his wife and two children and works as a Production Superintendent for Sappi.