Nominate a Veteran of the Month
Do you know a veteran who deserves to be recognized for their service and impact in our community? We’re honoring local heroes each month, and we’d love your help. Submit your nomination below to shine a spotlight on a veteran who has made a difference.
Fill out the form with your nominee’s name, branch of service, and a brief note about why they should be honored. Each month, we’ll select and feature a new Veteran of the Month.
Veteran of the Month
Veteran of the Month Spotlight
Jack Zimmerman
Jack Zimmerman grew up in small Minnesota town and joined the U.S. Army as an Airborne Infantryman, deploying in 2010 with the 101st Airborne Division. During a nine-month combat tour, Jack stepped on an IED while on patrol, suffering severe, life-changing injuries. Against all odds, he survived, undergoing more than 20 surgeries and two years of recovery before medically retiring from the military.
Returning home, Jack faced the challenge of rebuilding his purpose and identity outside the uniform. With the support of family, friends, and his community, he found a new direction in speaking, mentoring, and sharing his experiences with others. Today, Jack is a devoted father, an active outdoorsman, and a strong voice for resilience and patriotism. His love for hunting and the outdoors has become a key part of his healing and personal growth.
Jack continues to travel, inspire, and serve in new ways and his latest book “Beyond Five Minutes”. Zimmerman highlights how the wilderness played a major role in his recovery and rediscovery.
James Harmon
James “Jim” Harmon isn’t just someone who served his country he’s someone who continues to serve his communities every single day.
Whether he’s donating blood through the Red Cross, volunteering at local events with organizations like the Knights of Columbus, or supporting causes such as Take a Kid Fishing, Angels Among Us, Relay for Life, community spaghetti feeds, and fish fries, Jim shows up wherever help is needed.
His generosity doesn’t stop at organized events. Jim is known for his quiet, everyday acts of kindness cleaning county ditches “while out for a walk,” clearing neighbors’ driveways in the middle of winter, lending a hand with jobs he probably shouldn’t be tackling anymore, and patiently teaching others the skills they need to get through daily life.
Jim gives without expectation, helps without hesitation, and serves without seeking recognition. It’s truly an honor to be connected to a man whose legacy is defined not just by service to his country, but by the care and compassion he shows his community every day
Iris Blooflat
Iris Blooflat is a proud United States Navy veteran, born and raised in Waco, Texas. She began her military journey in September 2001, graduating from training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Shortly after, in January 2002, she was assigned to her first ship, where she served as a Machinist’s Mate—also known as an engineer or mechanic.
During her service, Iris was deployed twice aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Her first deployment lasted from December 2002 to May 2003, followed by a second from October 2004 to April 2005. While deployed, she spent months at sea, demonstrating resilience and dedication under demanding conditions. In addition to her primary engineering responsibilities, she played a vital role in supporting other departments during wartime operations, showcasing her adaptability, teamwork, and commitment to mission success.
Iris completed eight years of active duty and an additional three years in the Navy Reserves, officially concluding her service in August 2009.
Following her military career, Iris continued her commitment to serving others. She currently works as a Veteran Service Officer for Nicollet County, helping fellow veterans access resources and support. She previously served as the CEO’s Assistant at Open Door Health Center in Mankato.
Deeply involved in the veteran community, Iris is the Commander of the North Mankato American Legion and an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Chapter 950 and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 10. Through her leadership and service, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and her local community.
