REGISTRATION PROCESS

We are excited to announce that we have received a competitive SOT grant from the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs to support our Operation Welcome Home Program this year, specifically for veterans. Thanks to this generous funding, we are able to continue providing essential resources and support to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through a variety of NO COST day and overnight family retreats and programs. If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, we encourage you to register for our program today!


Veteran Eligibility:

To qualify for the Operation Welcome Home Program, registrations must meet the following criteria:

  1. A veteran who has met the minimum active duty requirement.
  2. Family Members of Current Service Members, Former Service Members, or Veterans:
  • Spouse
  • Domestic Partner
  • Children: Children are defined using the definition of "dependent" found in Minn. R. Chapter 9050.0040, Subp 31. A "dependent" must be an unmarried person who is:
    a. Either living with or receiving support contributions from the applicant or resident;
    b. A child by birth, a stepchild, an adopted child, or a child for whom the applicant or resident has been appointed legal guardian; and
    c. Under 18 years of age or over 18 years of age and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability.
  • Special Note for Dependent Children: A child who reaches the age of 18 while still enrolled in high school or its equivalent is considered a dependent child until they are no longer enrolled in school.

3. Documentation Requirements:

  • Veterans: Please upload a copy of your DD214 (Discharge Papers) and proof of Minnesota residency within 7 days of registration to verify your status at the following link: Operation Welcome Home: DD214 Form
  • Minnesota Resident: Only veterans are required to be residents of Minnesota. Active-duty service members from any state are eligible to apply.

4. Identification Number (ID): Each participant will be assigned an Identification Number (ID) by the grantee, which will be used to communicate with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).


Special Note for Active-Duty Service Members:

As part of our commitment to serving both veterans and their families, we aim to ensure that 20% of approved registrations are active-duty service members. If you are an active-duty service member, we encourage you to register and take advantage of the benefits offered by our program.


How to Apply:

Follow the steps below to complete your registration for the Operation Welcome Home Program:

  1. Complete the online registration form with your personal details and military background information.
  2. Submit Documentation:
  • Active-duty service members from any state are eligible to apply.
  • Active-duty service members: Bring your CAC ID with you to the retreat.
  1. Review and Submit: Double-check your registration for accuracy and submit it for review.


Choose Your Experience:

Please select the experience you and your family would like to attend from the options below and complete the registration process as outlined. We look forward to serving your family soon and providing a transformative experience through the Operation Welcome Home Program. Thank you for your service and for allowing us the privilege of serving you and your family!


THANK YOU MDVA!

We are deeply grateful to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for their generous grant, which will have a profound impact on Ironwood's Operation Welcome Home Programs. This funding will allow us to expand and enhance our veteran support services, providing more veterans with the opportunity to experience life-changing programs that foster healing, growth, and community. With the grant’s support, we will be able to develop new pathways, including equine therapy and assisted learning, helping veterans connect with nature, build resilience, and find peace. We are excited about the positive change this partnership will bring to our programs, and we look forward to the continued opportunity to serve and support those who have served our country.

Summer Fun at the Ranch Family Camp
 July 7 - 9, 2025 
 Monday 5:00pm - Wednesday 11:00am

Join us for a special summer retreat designed just for military members and their families! Ironwood’s Operation Welcome Home program invites active military, veterans, and their families to experience a retreat filled with fun, relaxation, and connection. This retreat is offered at no cost to participants, providing a supportive space for the military community to come together, strengthen bonds, and find rest. Over the course of the retreat, families will have the opportunity to build relationships, strengthen their faith, and support one another in a peaceful, welcoming environment. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable and rejuvenating experience at the ranch!

Activities include:
  • Animal farm
  • Zipline
  • Wagon rides
  • Campfires
  • Swimming
  • Minigolf
  • And more
Cost: No cost to families
A $50 deposit to hold your family's place will be paid on completion of registration. This is refunded after arrival or if cancellation occurs no later than 3 weeks prior to the event.

If you have a certified service animal that will be joining you, please contact the office in advance.

Contact:
Tammy Radtke | Program Coordinator

Register: Summer Camp

Fall Family Camp
Oct 17 - 19, 2025
Friday 5:00pm - Sunday 11:00am

Enjoy the fall scenery while enjoying fun family fall activities and community with other service families!  Serving military members and families, Ironwood’s Operation Welcome Home program is a series of retreats for active military, veterans and their families. Retreats are provided free of charge, providing a place for the military community to come together, strengthen their faith, build relationships and support each other.

Activities include:
  • Zipline
  • Wagon rides
  • Campfires
  • Archery/BB guns/Slingshots
  • Minigolf
  • Fall family games
  • And more
Cost
A $50 deposit to hold your family's place will be paid on completion of registration. This is refunded after arrival or if cancellation occurs no later than 3 weeks prior to the event.

If you have a certified service animal that will be joining you, please contact the office in advance.

Contact:
Tammy Radtke, Program Coordinator

Register: Fall Camp

Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt
May 2-5, 2024
Thursday 3pm-Sunday 11am

The Wild Turkey Hunt retreat is for individuals who have become disabled as a result of their sacrificial service to our country.  

An inspiring weekend to give hope, encouragement, and the promise of a bright future. Activities include a "Wild Turkey Hunt" sponsored by the National Wildlife Turkey Foundation. 

Cost: Registration requires a $50 deposit to hold your place, which is refunded after arrival or if cancellation occurs no later than 3 weeks prior to the event.

Major Sponsor: National Wild Turkey Federation

Contact:
Matthew Van Dixon, Associate Director
Call 507-533-4315 

If you have a certified service animal that will be joining you, please indicate that in your registration.

Register
Families of the Fallen
November 14 - 16, 2025
Friday 5:00pm - Sunday 11:00am

The Families of the Fallen Retreats at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch are offered to the Family of Service Members who died while serving on active duty in the National Guard or Reserves at the time of their death. Every loss and all causes of death are represented, and the Family is supported in their journey with three days of peer community and the loving care of the Ironwood Staff. Experience the retreat setting of the Miracle Lodge, the beauty of the outdoors, being with others who 'get it' and a gentle agenda that will restore your spirit. 

Cost: 
Registration requires a $50 deposit to hold your family's place, which is refunded after arrival or if cancellation occurs no later than 3 weeks prior to the event.

If you have a certified service animal that will be joining you, please contact the office in advance.

Contact:
Tammy Radtke, Program Coordinator
Or call 507-533-4315 


Register: Families of the Fallen