Randal Dietrich to speak at Lakes Area Unlimited Learning program

CROSBY — Lakes Area Unlimited Learning will hear a presentation from Randal Dietrich on "General John Vessey: Cold War Soldier and Statesman" at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby.

Vessey, always proud to call Minnesota home, was a pivotal figure in Cold War military history. He was a 46-year military veteran and statesman whose leadership was instrumental in shaping U.S. defense policy during one of the most critical periods of the 20th century as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Ronald Reagan.

Dietrich has served as executive director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley for the last seven years. Much of this time has been spent on the funding and design of a new, much larger facility to open in 2026.

Prior to his