Commentary: Being a Peaceful Warrior From Cannon Falls

"So, we stand, we connect, and we act in the name of Love. We call out bigots and make racism shameful and ignorant again."

By: Kristal Gray

Outlets: Minnesota Women's Press

Published: February 16, 2026

Words: 899

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

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I grew up on the intersection of a river bend and a gravel road in southern rural Minnesota. I joined the U.S. military when I was 17, with a signed waiver from my mom. That was in 2003, and I needed money to afford a college education. My family was proud of my grandfather’s World War II service, so it seemed natural to me to join the 34th Infantry Division to pay for …

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