“The 2016 Veterans' Voices Award recognizes, amplifies, and honors Minnesotans who have honorably served and are making extraordinary contributions to their communities. These actively engaged, former and current military service members go above and beyond to make significant, positive contributions that improve the lives of people across Minnesota.”*

Colonel (Col.) Donald G. Patton served in the U.S. Army for 30 years after graduating from Texas A&M as a Distinguished Military Graduate, assigned to Command Positions for over 13 years. When Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs the unit developed procedures for stabilization of Civilian-Military conditions on the battlefield that set the precedent for what would later be used in Desert Storm. After graduation from Residence Army War College in June 1985, he returned to organize the WWII History Round Table with Dr. Harold Deutsch in 1987. 

For 30 years, Col. Patton has presented over 300 programs to educate attendees on the events of WWII that includes the experiences of Veterans in the Program topics.  Patton has organized Veteran presentations for the CAF and AirExpo Air Shows for over 20 years.  Since 2000, he has planned and led tours to the European battlefields and American Cemeteries for Memorial Day Services.

Patton was awarded the Meritorious Service Metal five times during Military Service and recently received the Minnesota Superior Volunteer Service Award by the Adjutant General of Minnesota.

Now, Col. Patton has been recognized with the Veterans’ Voices Award from the Minnesota Humanities Center. The award will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 at the University of St. Thomas to Patton along with 11 other awardees in the Legacy (those over 40 years old) category, and 13 from the On the Rise category.

For a detailed list of Awardees, or more Veteran related information visit the Humanities Center. 

*Quote from Minnesota Humanities Center webpage