Army Veteran Garth Carlson

Garth Carlson, of rural Mankato, purchased the former elementary school on First Avenue SE from the city of Winnebago, now our Veteran Resource Center & Academy.

At the facility, he’ll provide space when available to other community organizations and to community events. His first goal is starting a free meal distribution for community members in need during the pandemic.

Veteran Carlson owns a business doing construction, demolition and trucking.

Veteran Carlson during one of his deployments

Carlson would like to open up most of the building to veteran-owned businesses, veteran support organizations and other service organizations.

He bought the property as an opportunity to give back and he’s not aiming to make a profit. He plans to lease and rent spaces at low rates that will only cover utilities and other building operating costs.

To reach out to him, you can send him an email at [email protected].