About Jon

Photo By Kelly Welch Photography

Jon Lindstrand has collected military items since the age of 5. He started with a helmet liner and a set of leggings from World War II that he received from a neighbor and a desire to find out more. Over the years his little hobby has grown from a small collection to a passion for information and a collection of over 4,000 items from the Civil War through today. When he received his driver's license, Jon actively started to pursue finding veterans to talk to about their experiences in the military. He has had the privilege to interview over 500 veterans about their experiences. The purpose to talking directly to the men and women that served is to allow him to try to make his displays as authentic as possible. In 1999 Jon started the Veteran's Day Observance in Kandiyohi. It started out as a one day event showing some of his collection and ending with a program. The collection and event has grown to a multi day display and a program the night of Veteran's Day, November 11th.

Over 90% of the items that are in Jon's collection have been donated by the Veteran's that used them or by their families. NONE of the items are for sale nor will they ever be. These people sacrificed years of their lives to earn and receive them. Items in the collection are recorded and information is gathered on the veteran that used it if possible. When displayed, this information is put with the items for people to see.

Jon volunteers his time to the preservation of Miltiary History and honoring the military and its veterans. This isn't a paid postition, and he holds a regular full time job and works with numerous other organizations in other volunteer capacities. For his work with Veterans and Veteran related causes Lindstrand has been recognized as an associate Member of the Bandido Charlie Association. He ws also issued a Mayoral Proclaimation of recognition by the City of Willmar in 2012 along with a plaque of recognition by Stand & Salute American Heroes. In November 2016 he was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor for his work.

Jon is trying to pass along some of his passion for honoring the military men & women during his displays to the public and to smaller groups. His collection is a continually growing project and hopes to eventually be able to open up a permanent display.

Email Jon at info@usmhc.org