Rear Admiral Frederick J. “Fritz” Roegge visited the Minneapolis Veterans Home on Wednesday, July 19 to celebrate U.S. Navy week. 

Rear Admiral Roegge is a Minnesota native and an honors graduate of the University of Minnesota. He is currently the Commander of Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and has served on the staffs of both the Atlantic and the Pacific Submarine Force commands. During his tour he met with leadership and visited with Residents. He expressed his comradeship with the Veterans in attendance. 

“From someone currently serving, I want to say thank you to all you Veterans for your service. The nature of service in our Armed Services is very special. Look at the young Sailors around the room today that are following in your footsteps, they took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and are willing to put their lives on the line as a result, so I thank each and every one of you for your service,” said Rear Admiral Roegge. 

The U.S. Navy celebrated Navy Week in the Twin Cities July 17-23 through a series of family-friendly events across the metro. Navy week is coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) and is designed to give Americans the opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. It is also a way for Sailors to reach out to America’s heartland and give back to communities that support them. 

In addition to Navy week, The Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis celebrated 130 years of serving Minnesota Veterans this week. In 1887 after lobbying by the Grand Army of the Republic (Civil War Veterans organization) the Minnesota Legislature established the Minnesota Soldiers Home and the Soldiers Relief Fund. The Home was created to be a place where old soldiers could live out their lives in a tranquil and dignified setting. The Soldiers Relief Fund provided financial assistance to Veterans and their families so that they could remain in their own homes. Both programs continue to serve.