 Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels talks with Brion Schnurr MMC (SS) Ret. and Kent Winter RM@ (SS) of the United States Submarine Veterans, South Dakota "Scorpion Base". The conversation mainly talked about their community work and the new USS South Dakota submarine.

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels talks with Brion Schnurr MMC (SS) Ret. and Kent Winter RM@ (SS) of the United States Submarine Veterans, South Dakota "Scorpion Base". The conversation mainly talked about their community work and the new USS South Dakota submarine.

A community issues and answering program that focuses on the city and people of the Sioux Empire.

Jon Michaels' Forum

FORUM WEEK 2,037: United States Submarine Veterans (South Dakota)

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks again with Bruce Blumer about his Sioux Falls support for Haiti.

from AI

**Haiti Alive** is a nonprofit organization based in Tea, South Dakota, that operates on the island of LaGonave, Haiti.  Its mission is to bring hope, health, and happiness to the local community by conveying the message of Christ through education, healthcare, and support for women, children, and the elderly. The organization emphasizes a philosophy of gradual, sustained improvement, symbolized by the Haitian proverb, "Little by little the bird builds its nest." You can visit their official website at [haitialive.org](https://haitialive.org/) to learn more about their ministries and donation opportunities.

Haiti Alive, based in Tea, South Dakota, is a nonprofit ministry serving the island of LaGonave, Haiti, with a mission to bring hope, health, and happiness through Christian outreach.  The organization focuses on three core areas:

1. Education

Haiti Alive supports students through school scholarships, covering tuition, uniforms, and supplies.  They have helped students progress from elementary school to professional careers, including nurses and lawyers. Their Back to School program provides uniforms and supplies to hundreds of children annually, ensuring access to education. 

2. Healthcare

The organization funds mobile medical clinics and supports medical teams providing care on LaGonave.  They assist in training Haitian medical professionals, such as Dr. William Hyppolite, who is completing medical school in the Dominican Republic with their sponsorship. 

3. Support for Vulnerable Populations

Haiti Alive aids women, children, and the elderly through various initiatives:


Haiti Children Christmas: Delivers meals and toys to 850–1,000 children each year. 


Elderly Food Giveaway: Provides food twice a month to over 50 elderly individuals. 


Support for orphanages and women’s groups that protect and nurture families. 

Founded in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Haiti Alive grew from a relief effort into a sustained ministry rooted in the belief that "little by little, the bird builds its nest." The organization relies on donations and partner churches to continue its work. 

 

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks again with Bruce Blumer about his Sioux Falls support for Haiti.
from AI
**Haiti Alive** is a nonprofit organization based in Tea, South Dakota, that operates on the island of LaGonave, Haiti. &nbsp;Its mission is to bring hope, health, and happiness to the local community by conveying the message of Christ through education, healthcare, and support for women, children, and the elderly. The organization emphasizes a philosophy of gradual, sustained improvement, symbolized by the Haitian proverb, "Little by little the bird builds its nest." You can visit their official website at [haitialive.org](https://haitialive.org/) to learn more about their ministries and donation opportunities.
Haiti Alive, based in Tea, South Dakota, is a nonprofit ministry serving the island of LaGonave, Haiti, with a mission to bring&nbsp;hope, health, and happiness&nbsp;through Christian outreach.&nbsp;&nbsp;The organization focuses on three core areas:
1. Education
Haiti Alive supports students through&nbsp;school scholarships, covering tuition, uniforms, and supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;They have helped students progress from elementary school to professional careers, including nurses and lawyers. Their Back to School program provides uniforms and supplies to hundreds of children annually, ensuring access to education.&nbsp;
2. Healthcare
The organization funds&nbsp;mobile medical clinics&nbsp;and supports medical teams providing care on LaGonave.&nbsp;&nbsp;They assist in training Haitian medical professionals, such as Dr. William Hyppolite, who is completing medical school in the Dominican Republic with their sponsorship.&nbsp;
3. Support for Vulnerable Populations
Haiti Alive aids&nbsp;women, children, and the elderly&nbsp;through various initiatives:
<ul>
<li>
Haiti Children Christmas: Delivers meals and toys to 850&ndash;1,000 children each year.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Elderly Food Giveaway: Provides food twice a month to over 50 elderly individuals.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Support for&nbsp;orphanages&nbsp;and&nbsp;women&rsquo;s groups&nbsp;that protect and nurture families.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Founded in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Haiti Alive grew from a relief effort into a sustained ministry rooted in the belief that "little by little, the bird builds its nest." The organization relies on donations and partner churches to continue its work.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Haiti Alive...Long Time Sioux Falls Support for Haiti...Bruce Blumer

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels, (since 1977) talks Lisa Hirsch, President of the Sioux Falls Air Show.

from their Facebook pages:

Legendary WWII Fighters Coming to Power on the Prairie! The Sioux Falls Airshow – Power on the Prairie is proud to welcome WPP Legacy Warbirds with an incredible lineup of historic World War II fighters:• P-51D Mustang – One of the most iconic fighters of WWII, the Mustang escorted Allied bombers deep into enemy territory and helped secure air superiority in Europe.• F4U Corsair – Instantly recognizable by its inverted gull wings, the Corsair became one of the most successful naval fighters of the war and a legend in the Pacific Theater.• FM-2 Wildcat – A rugged carrier-based fighter with a strong connection to South Dakota hero Joe Foss, the Marine Corps ace who scored 26 aerial victories flying the Wildcat in the Pacific .Seeing these aircraft together is like watching living history take flight, honoring the pilots and crews who flew them in defense of freedom. Be sure to check out our webpage for a full list of performers and static aircraft on display. Power on the Prairie 2026 July 18–19, 2026 Joe Foss Field – Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Would you ride in a World War II bomber if you had the chance? Something rare is flying into Sioux Falls this summer. A World War II bomber — one of the last flying in the entire world — will land at Sioux Falls Regional Airport this July. And people here will be able to ride in it. The historic B-29 Superfortress known as “DOC” is coming to Sioux Falls July 13–16 as part of the B-29 DOC History Restored Flight Experience Tour. The aircraft will offer ride flights July 14 and 15 before the major Power on the Prairie Airshow later that week.DOC is one of only two airworthy B-29 bombers still flying anywhere on Earth. The aircraft was originally built in 1944 during World War II and has been fully restored into a flying museum that travels across the country. For Sioux Falls locals, this is more than another event. It is a chance to step inside a piece of history that helped shape the outcome of the war and the future of aviation. The timing is also intentional. DOC will arrive just days before the Sioux Falls Power on the Prairie Airshow on July 18–19, which will bring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and several historic aircraft to the city. Events like this rarely stop in the region, which makes this one of the more unique Sioux Falls events coming this summer. If you follow Sioux Falls news or enjoy finding unique things happening in Sioux Falls, this is the type of local experience people travel hours to see. And for a few people… it will be the chance to fly in a WWII bomber.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels, (since 1977) talks Lisa Hirsch, President of the Sioux Falls Air Show.
from their Facebook pages:
Legendary WWII Fighters Coming to Power on the Prairie! The Sioux Falls Airshow &ndash; Power on the Prairie is proud to welcome WPP Legacy Warbirds with an incredible lineup of historic World War II fighters:&bull; P-51D Mustang &ndash; One of the most iconic fighters of WWII, the Mustang escorted Allied bombers deep into enemy territory and helped secure air superiority in Europe.&bull; F4U Corsair &ndash; Instantly recognizable by its inverted gull wings, the Corsair became one of the most successful naval fighters of the war and a legend in the Pacific Theater.&bull; FM-2 Wildcat &ndash; A rugged carrier-based fighter with a strong connection to South Dakota hero Joe Foss, the Marine Corps ace who scored 26 aerial victories flying the Wildcat in the Pacific .Seeing these aircraft together is like watching living history take flight, honoring the pilots and crews who flew them in defense of freedom. Be sure to check out our webpage for a full list of performers and static aircraft on display. Power on the Prairie 2026 July 18&ndash;19, 2026 Joe Foss Field &ndash; Sioux Falls Regional Airport
Would you ride in a World War II bomber if you had the chance? Something rare is flying into Sioux Falls this summer. A World War II bomber &mdash; one of the last flying in the entire world &mdash; will land at Sioux Falls Regional Airport this July. And people here will be able to ride in it. The historic B-29 Superfortress known as &ldquo;DOC&rdquo; is coming to Sioux Falls July 13&ndash;16 as part of the B-29 DOC History Restored Flight Experience Tour. The aircraft will offer ride flights July 14 and 15 before the major Power on the Prairie Airshow later that week.DOC is one of only two airworthy B-29 bombers still flying anywhere on Earth. The aircraft was originally built in 1944 during World War II and has been fully restored into a flying museum that travels across the country. For Sioux Falls locals, this is more than another event. It is a chance to step inside a piece of history that helped shape the outcome of the war and the future of aviation. The timing is also intentional. DOC will arrive just days before the Sioux Falls Power on the Prairie Airshow on July 18&ndash;19, which will bring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and several historic aircraft to the city. Events like this rarely stop in the region, which makes this one of the more unique Sioux Falls events coming this summer. If you follow Sioux Falls news or enjoy finding unique things happening in Sioux Falls, this is the type of local experience people travel hours to see. And for a few people&hellip; it will be the chance to fly in a WWII bomber.

Sioux Falls Air Show, Power On The Prairie, 80th Anniversary of the SD Air Guard

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Lion Todd Smith about the Pancake Days.

From AI:

The 69th Annual Sioux Falls Lions Club Pancake Days is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, 2026, taking place at the Denny Sanford Premier Center (formerly the Sioux Falls Convention Center). 

Event Details and Schedule The event operates on a two-day schedule with extended hours to serve the community:


Tuesday, April 14: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM


Wednesday, April 15: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM 

Scale and Operations This massive fundraiser serves over 10,000 people across 16 hours, featuring approximately 60,000 pancakes and 38,000 sausages cooked on 11 grills by trained volunteers.  Despite the high volume, the line moves quickly with a typical rush-hour wait time of only 20 to 25 minutes. 

History and Purpose Originally known as Aunt Jemima Pancake Days, the tradition began in April 1957 and has grown from a 4-griddle operation to a 69-year community staple.  The proceeds support local charities, including vision and hearing impaired initiatives, the McCrossan Boys Ranch, and eyeglass recycling programs. 

Ticket Information Tickets are available for purchase in advance at Lewis Drug, Hy-Vee, and Ace Hardware locations, or at the door. 

AI-generated answer

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Lion Todd Smith about the Pancake Days.
From AI:
The&nbsp;69th Annual Sioux Falls Lions Club Pancake Days&nbsp;is scheduled for&nbsp;Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, 2026, taking place at the&nbsp;Denny Sanford Premier Center&nbsp;(formerly the Sioux Falls Convention Center).&nbsp;
Event Details and Schedule&nbsp;The event operates on a two-day schedule with extended hours to serve the community:
<ul>
<li>
Tuesday, April 14:&nbsp;4:00&nbsp;PM to 8:00&nbsp;PM
</li>
<li>
Wednesday, April 15:&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;AM to 8:00&nbsp;PM&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Scale and Operations&nbsp;This massive fundraiser serves over&nbsp;10,000 people&nbsp;across 16 hours, featuring approximately&nbsp;60,000 pancakes&nbsp;and&nbsp;38,000 sausages&nbsp;cooked on 11 grills by trained volunteers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the high volume, the line moves quickly with a typical rush-hour wait time of only&nbsp;20 to 25 minutes.&nbsp;
History and Purpose&nbsp;Originally known as&nbsp;Aunt Jemima Pancake Days, the tradition began in&nbsp;April 1957&nbsp;and has grown from a 4-griddle operation to a 69-year community staple.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proceeds support local charities, including&nbsp;vision and hearing impaired initiatives, the&nbsp;McCrossan Boys Ranch, and&nbsp;eyeglass recycling&nbsp;programs.&nbsp;
Ticket Information&nbsp;Tickets are available for purchase in advance at&nbsp;Lewis Drug,&nbsp;Hy-Vee, and&nbsp;Ace Hardware&nbsp;locations, or at the door.&nbsp;
AI-generated answer

FORUM WEEK 2,037: United States Submarine Veterans (South Dakota)

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