MY CREDIT UNION Expands Years-Long Commitment to Minnesota Veterans Through Flags, Fall Classic Fundraiser
Provided by MY CREDIT UNION, showing the Flag Bundling event at the Rosemount brand on August 22, 2026.
Published: September 21, 2026
ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA - What began nearly a decade ago as an effort to help restore a Memorial Day tradition at Fort Snelling National Cemetery has grown into a broader commitment by MY CREDIT UNION to Minnesota veterans — one that is expected to surpass $1 million in financial support following this year's annual Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Invitational.
That work was on full display on August 22, 2026, when approximately 75 volunteers gathered at the new MY CREDIT UNION - Rosemount Branch to bundle thousands of American flags used to honor veterans buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. It will continue next Thursday, October 1, 2026, when MY CREDIT UNION hosts its fifth annual Fall Classic, bringing together businesses, credit unions, community organizations and veteran groups for a day of competition and fundraising at Central Park in Rosemount.
For Todd Barduson, MY CREDIT UNION's vice president of marketing and development, the effort also carries a personal connection.
"My dad, grandpa, father-in-law, two uncles (all at Fort Snelling) and one cousin KIA in Vietnam (not at Fort Snelling) just puts me in the shoes of many veterans and their families," Barduson said. "I enjoy talking to them and hearing their stories more than most civilians."
Relationship with Flags for Fort Snelling Began in 2017
Barduson said MY CREDIT UNION's involvement with Flags for Fort Snelling dates back to 2017, when the credit union reached out to the organization and offered to help restore the tradition of placing an American flag at approximately 200,000 headstones at Fort Snelling National Cemetery for Memorial Day. According to Barduson, MY CREDIT UNION helped lead fundraising efforts that generated more than $350,000 to purchase the flags and cover many of the startup costs associated with the effort.
The credit union eventually took on another significant responsibility: storing the approximately 200,000 flags used at the cemetery. Barduson said Flags for Fort Snelling had previously been charged about $15,000 per year for storage, money that, at the time, could have instead purchased approximately 30,000 replacement flags. In 2026, the flags are being stored at the new Rosemount branch for the first time, a change that helped make the August 22nd volunteer event possible.
About 75 Volunteers Complete Months of Work in One Day
The flags must be bundled and organized before they can be stored and eventually returned to the cemetery for future Memorial Day observances. According to MY CREDIT UNION, that process previously stretched throughout the winter. This year, roughly 75 volunteers completed the work in a single day.
The volunteers included MY CREDIT UNION staff and members along with representatives from Rosemount Irish Football, the Northfield VFW, MY CREDIT UNION Adventure Club, Acme Speed Shop, Apple Valley American Legion, Rosemount Business Collective, Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Minnesota State Patrol, Rosemount Police Department and Flags for Fort Snelling, according to MY CREDIT UNION’S Marketing Specialist, Kaylee Walter.
Veterans and family members of veterans also participated, while Cub Foods in Rosemount donated donuts for the volunteers. The effort represents one part of a relationship between MY CREDIT UNION and Minnesota's veteran community that has continued to expand since 2017.
Provided by MY CREDIT UNION, showing the Flag Bundling event at the Rosemount brand on August 22, 2026.
Fort Snelling Connection Leads to Another Veteran Initiative
Barduson said the credit union's involvement with Flags for Fort Snelling eventually led veteran Nick Rahn to approach him about helping Warriors Next Adventure, an organization that supports veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress. That connection helped pave the way for another major initiative.
In 2022, the MY CREDIT UNION COMMUNITY FOUNDATION created the Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Tournament, bringing together Minnesota credit unions, vendors, businesses, dignitaries, VFW and American Legion posts, and other veteran-friendly organizations for a fundraising event benefiting organizations that directly serve veterans.
The tournament has raised more than $250,000 for local veteran organizations since its inception, Barduson said. After moving to Central Park in Rosemount last fall, the tournament will return on Thursday, October 1st for its fifth year!
Fifth Annual Fall Classic Set for October 1st
The 2026 Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Invitational Benefiting Minnesota Veterans will be held Thursday, October 1st, at Central Park, 2893 145th Street West, Rosemount, Minnesota.
Boards will be available for optional practice beginning at 9 a.m., with registration and check-in running from 10 a.m. to noon. Passport games and a silent auction will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while food and beverage trucks will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A welcome and recognition of veterans is scheduled for noon, followed by the national anthem at 12:05 p.m. and the tournament's first toss at 12:15 p.m.
A live auction will take place throughout the day, with the tournament champion expected to be crowned around 3 p.m. Boards will remain available until 4 p.m. for those who want to keep playing.
Tournament proceeds will be donated to participating veteran-focused organizations, including Warriors Next Adventure, Flags for Fort Snelling, Bloomington Remembers Veterans, the Hendrickson Foundation, Veterans on the Lake, and Minnesota Warriors Hockey.
Provided by MY CREDIT UNION from the cornhole tournament!
Veteran Support Expected to Surpass $1 Million
While the Fall Classic alone has generated more than $250,000 since 2022, Barduson said MY CREDIT UNION's overall support for Minnesota veteran organizations stretches considerably further. He expects the credit union to reach a significant milestone following this year's tournament.
"I do think after this year's Cornhole Tournament MY CREDIT UNION will have raised more than $1 million dollars for Minnesota veteran organizations since 2017," Barduson said.
For Barduson, the milestone also reflects an organization that has allowed employees to devote time and resources to community projects alongside their regular responsibilities.
"Not too many places would let us generate this type of impact…it’s pretty cool!" said Barduson.
The upcoming Fall Classic will provide another opportunity to build on that impact while giving participating veteran organizations a chance to connect directly with businesses, community members, and other supporters. More information about the October 1st event is available through the 2026 Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Invitational website. Those interested in learning more or donating can also contact MY CREDIT UNION at marketing@mymncu.org.
Written By: Will Wight
