For Air Force veteran and longtime Bloomington resident Duane Brinkman, service has always meant dedication to country, family and community.
Raised on a farm in Austin, Minnesota, Brinkman enlisted in the Air Force in 1967, drawn to the “big planes.” He served in San Antonio, Denver, and Vietnam before returning home in 1969. Soon after, he met his wife Glenda, and they built their life in Bloomington, raising two children, Kimberly and Travis.
Decades later, service called again. In 2016, Bloomington became a Commemorative Partner of the United States’ 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, pledging to honor veterans and their families. One message from local Vietnam veterans stood out: they wanted a memorial to recognize all who served, including POWs and families who sacrifice alongside them.
Inspired, Duane stepped forward as treasurer of the nonprofit Bloomington Remembers Veterans, helping raise funds for what will become the Veterans Memorial at Harrison Park. That vision will be realized on Veterans Day 2026, exactly a decade after Bloomington’s pledge.
For the Brinkman family, service continues. Their son, Travis, recently celebrated his promotion to Navy captain after 24 years. This Veterans Day, Bloomington honors Duane, his family, and all who have served—past, present and future.
