For the third year in a row, Charles Kapsner has welcomed members of the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange to his studio. Shown here is Kapsner presenting Lt. Colonel Per Olav Vaagland with a giclee print of the US Army, the first painting completed for the Veterans Project. Kapsner is also joined by several members of the Norwegian Home Guard at the Committal Hall.

The exchange began in 1974 and is the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two nations. The yearly exchange promotes good will and sharpens military readiness between the nations as well as provides opportunities for cultural understanding among its participants.  The Norwegian Home Guard Soldiers are staying at Camp Ripley.

Kapsner is honored to host members of the Norwegian Home Guard, and will have Lt. Colonel Vaagland at his studio again this week to complete a drawing sketch of him. “It is a complete honor to engage with the intelligent, articulate and skilled members of the Home Guard. It’s the third year for me, last year Lt. Colonel Seland sat for me, and the year before it was Colonel Wold. This is a fantastic cultural exchange, given the great artistic heritage of Norway.”

Kapsner presenting Lt. Colonel Vaagland with a print of the US Army from the Project.

Members of the Norwegian Home Guard at the Committal Hall

On behalf of the project team, the Minnesota State Veterans Memorial Association, and artist Charles Kapsner, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Potter family on the tragic loss of Dr. Earl Potter, III.

Dr. Potter was President of Saint Cloud State University, and he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1969 to 1993 and retired at the rank of captain. We are truly saddened by the loss of this wonderful man, committed Veteran, and champion of education. We hold his family in our thoughts.

                     Remembering Dr. Earl Potter, III