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Carl Bloomquist is putting the pieces together for his 21st annual Dakota Bull Session May 7-8 at the KC's in Devils Lake.
It has grown into one of the most popular gatherings of past and present military personnel in the state.
The soldiers and officers come from all corners of the country and Canada to share and swap stories and display their patriotism.
“We just keep going and going,” says Bloomquist, who has worked extremely hard to keep the gathering afloat.
Bloomquist said he began his mailing efforts this week so he can gauge how many people will show up.
He says he's got a list of about 500 prospects, and has sent about half of them out thus far.
The response is usually prompt because of the positive feedback the gathering has drawn over the years.
This year's keynote speaker will be Phil Ringstrom, who spoke at the gathering about a decade ago.
He's a commander in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, and is retired.
Ringstrom has other plans on his agenda too. He's going to accompany Duane Carter on a trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Before delivering his speech in Devils Lake.
Carter has played an active role with Bloomquist in helping to keep the Dakota Bull Session alive and flourishing over the years.
Bloomquist spends a fair amount of time at his North Dakota Maritime Museum in Devils Lake.
He has a keen interest in military equipment and uniforms from the past.
That includes a string of military uniforms at the museum which all have a unique story behind them.
And four womens dresses representing different branches of the military from years ago.
He has also installed a chairlift in the museum to accommodate elderly or handicapped visitors.
“We get a good response from everybody every year,” added Bloomquist.
Carl Bloomquist is putting the pieces together for his 21st annual Dakota Bull Session May 7-8 at the KC's in Devils Lake.
It has grown into one of the most popular gatherings of past and present military personnel in the state.
The soldiers and officers come from all corners of the country and Canada to share and swap stories and display their patriotism.
“We just keep going and going,” says Bloomquist, who has worked extremely hard to keep the gathering afloat.
Bloomquist said he began his mailing efforts this week so he can gauge how many people will show up.
He says he's got a list of about 500 prospects, and has sent about half of them out thus far.
The response is usually prompt because of the positive feedback the gathering has drawn over the years.
This year's keynote speaker will be Phil Ringstrom, who spoke at the gathering about a decade ago.
He's a commander in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, and is retired.
Ringstrom has other plans on his agenda too. He's going to accompany Duane Carter on a trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Before delivering his speech in Devils Lake.
Carter has played an active role with Bloomquist in helping to keep the Dakota Bull Session alive and flourishing over the years.
Bloomquist spends a fair amount of time at his North Dakota Maritime Museum in Devils Lake.
He has a keen interest in military equipment and uniforms from the past.
That includes a string of military uniforms at the museum which all have a unique story behind them.
And four womens dresses representing different branches of the military from years ago.
He has also installed a chairlift in the museum to accommodate elderly or handicapped visitors.
“We get a good response from everybody every year,” added Bloomquist.
