On Veterans Day, organizers of the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund will award cash grants to six veterans, including two from Prior Lake.Double Purple Heart recipient Specialist Leland Thompson and Spencer Autenrieth, both of Prior Lake, are among those to be recognized.

A public gathering to honor the veterans is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Cub Foods, 1177 Clarence St., St. Paul.

Thompson served in Iraq as part of the U.S. Army from February to June 2007. He was injured in May 2007 after being hit by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) and receiving shrapnel to his face. His second injury occurred in June 2007 when an RPG hit his vehicle during a firefight; he had run out of ammunition and was pinned down with his transport. Thompson will receive $9,000 in grants from the fund. Autenrieth served in Iraq with the U.S. Marines. He will receive a $500 grant. He is scheduled to deploy for his second tour of duty in early 2009.