EOTL_Header

Every home game, MNUFC and Xcel Energy recognize deserving military service members from our community. Known as the 'Eye of the Loon' honorees, these individuals receive in-game recognition and the chance to sit in the sole “Red Seat” at Allianz Field.

Xcel Energy set a goal in 2013 to have 10% of new hires be veterans, and the company has reached that goal every year. Xcel Energy’s network of support services for veterans and active military is part of its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Learn more: Xcel Energy – Military and Veterans

Use the form below to nominate someone deserving of this recognition in your life. To see the official rules for the Eye of the Loon, click HERE.

Nomination

Past Honorees

Staff Sergeant Brian Martin

Staff Sergeant Brian Martin

Brian served for 12 years in the Army National Guard. He spent two years on deployment in Iraq running convoys, where he was awarded a Purple Heart after being injured in service.

Sergeant McKenzie Stevens

Sergeant McKenzie Stevens

McKenzie has served with the Minnesota Army National Guard in roles including quartermaster chemical engineer, repair mechanic, and human resource specialist. Sergeant Stevens has received many awards, including an Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Ribbon and more.

First Lieutenant William Hermanson

First Lieutenant William Hermanson

Will joined the Minnesota National Guard in 2014 and is a Field Artillery officer. He currently serves as the commander of the Brainerd Recruit Sustainment Program and is the Camp Ripley Public Affairs Officer.

Specialist Jonathan Schwartz

Specialist Jonathan Schwartz

Jonathan Schwartz served in the Army National Guard for eight years. He was stationed at the Tallil Air Base in Iraq from 2005-2007, conducting convoy escorting and route clearance missions.

Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Lundequam

Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Lundequam

Kyle has been serving since 2003. He is currently Brigadee Operations and Training Officer for the U.S. Army Reserve. Lieutenant Colonel Lundequam was deployed to Iraq in 2009, followed by deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 and finally to Syria in 2018. He has been awarded numerous decorations including the Bronze Star Medal and three Meritorious Service Medals.

Corporal Mike Cosgrove

Corporal Mike Cosgrove

Mike Cosgrove served in the United States Marine Corps. Mike served four years in artillery as an Armorer, including overseas in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, as well as in Okinawa Japan.

Scott Wickland

Scott Wickland

Scott Wickland served five years in the U.S. Navy and nearly 10 years serving in the U.S. Department of State. In the Navy he was an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator and Naval Aircrew Rescue Swimmer. He served two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom and conducted humanitarian relief efforts in 2004 after the tsunami in Indonesia. In 2011, Scott became a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State, serving in numerous overseas locations including some of the most austere. Scott conducted federal criminal investigations, protected American dignitaries while they travelled overseas and led U.S. foreign security initiatives.

First Sergeant Steve Gardner

First Sergeant Steve Gardner

Steve served for 20 years with the U.S. Army, retiring in 2008 as the First Sergeant of the Minnesota Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. Sergeant Gardner is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and served over three years in Germany during the Cold War. He has served in roles including Field Artillery Radar Operator, Section Chief, Recruiter, Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant. Steve has received numerous awards for his service including two Meritorious Service Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the Master Recruiter Badge.

Sergeant Tom Coulliard

Sergeant Tom Coulliard

Sergeant Tom Couillard served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970. In 1968 and 1969 he was stationed and fought in Vietnam. While serving, he received numerous recognitions, including the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medial with the Combat 'V' Device.