One girl's dream for veterans

E’leese Madgett-Manrique is on a mission to build a ranch for returning Minnesota veterans in need of respite.

The idea came to the 12-year-old Plymouth girl during a 2007 trip to the Grand Canyon after questioning her mom about all the American flags she saw hanging from mailboxes. Her mom, Kerry Madgett, surmised they were displayed by proud parents of sons or daughters in the military. Her daughter decided to do something for those who serve, and the idea for a ranch was born. Her mom, however, cautioned about the importance of carrying through with any plan. “You can’t tell families of sons and daughters in harm’s way that you are going to do something and then just quit,” she told her daughter.

Last summer one girl, her horse, and her mom went on one long ride to draw attention to her cause and as a fundraiser. From their 86-day journey around Minnesota, they raised $15,000 for the One Girl, One Ride organization formed to promote “The Ranch.”

On March 20, the mother/daughter team was before the House Veterans Affairs Division taking the next step needed to bring the ranch to reality — asking support for HF1884.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth), asks the Department of Natural Resources by Jan. 15, 2010, to designate 1,000 acres of state-owned vacant land for use by military veterans in need of healing. Approved by the division, it awaits action by the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee.

“The ranch would not be fancy,” E’leese Madgett-Manrique said. “It will be humble, just like the men and women who serve our country.”

She plans another ride on June 6, when over 1,000 participants are expected to ride the 20.7 miles from the State Capitol to Plymouth. “My job will not be done until the ranch is built and the first man or woman checks in,” she said.

The bill’s companion, SF1741, sponsored by Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnestrista), awaits action in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.