Bridging: The purpose of connection
By Don Checots, Minneapolis VA Volunteer, Air Force Veteran
After more than two decades serving as a Navy intelligence specialist, Don Goble continues his mission on land, helping fellow Veterans and their families bridge gaps in knowledge, support, and resources.
At its core, a bridge is more than steel and concrete—it is a lifeline. It spans divides, carries people forward, and connects what was once separate. In the Navy, bridges link ships to shore. In life, some people become bridges themselves, helping others move through challenges, transitions, and uncertainty.
Meet Don Goble: a builder of such bridges.
A 21-year Veteran of the U.S. Navy, Goble served as an Intelligence Specialist from 1999 to 2020, retiring as a Petty Officer First Class. Primarily a reservist, he mobilized in support of U.S. Special Operations Command, deploying to Afghanistan, where accurate intelligence supported mission planning and operations.
Today, Goble continues his service as director of the Minneapolis Navy Retired Activities Office (RAO), one of 28 offices established nationwide in 1981 by the Secretary of the Navy. Located at the Navy Reserve Center near MSP International Airport, the Minneapolis RAO is not a bureaucracy, but a community: a network of volunteers—all retired service members or spouses—dedicated to supporting those who have served.
The RAO serves as a vital bridge between retirees and the Navy, helping ensure access to accurate information, survivor support, retirement resources, and continued connection to the Navy family. Goble leads this effort by helping Veterans and family members navigate complex systems, advocate for their needs, connecting them with the right Navy resources, and making complicated systems easier to understand.
Goble also volunteers at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, where he will soon teach a course on high reliability and patient safety, bringing military precision to healthcare.
Through it all, Don remains grounded in service. He does not see retirement as an end, but as a new mission: to ensure no Veteran walks alone.
Because of people like Don Goble, the bridge never closes.
Many retirees don't realize how many questions arise after they leave active service. Find answers to questions about retirement pay, survivor benefits, military records, ID cards and more at the Joint Retiree Appreciation Day on Sept. 12, 2026, in Welch, Minn. The event includes benefits and policy update briefings, a resource fair, networking opportunities, and it is open to military Veterans, retirees, and their families from ALL branches of service. Registration is now open, and attendees must register by Aug. 28, 2026. https://www.raominneapolis.com/rad