The Shaikoski family is pictured above inside their home in rural Blue Earth. Shiela, holding two-month old Rienert, and Justin, holding two-year-old AJ, have been married for three years.

For this week’s Meet Your Neighbor, we travel to the country a few miles east and a little bit north of Blue Earth.

We sat down for a visit at the dining room table to learn about a new country neighbor – Justin Shaikoski.

What is your name?

“Justin Shaikoski,” Justin says. “It is pronounced Shy-kos-ski.”

What is your age?

“Oh, an easy question,” Justin comments. “I am 32.”

Where are you from?

“I am originally from Fairmont,” Justin replies. “But I have lived in many places.”

How would you describe that place in three words?

“Fairmont, to me, is a big-small town.”

Why did you leave?

“I left Fairmont when I joined the Air Force,” Justin explains. “I left to gain independence.”

How did you find Blue Earth?

“It was actually my in-laws who found this place,” Justin says. “My wife and I were looking for something in southern Minnesota where we could have some space.”

Who did you bring with you?

“My wife of three years, Shiela, and my son AJ,” Justin answers. “And our other son, Rienert, who is two months old, was born after we moved here.”

How would you describe the Blue Earth community in three words?

“Welcoming and friendly.”

What do you like to do to stay busy?

“I like to grow trees and I like to garden,” Justin shares. “I had a nice tomato crop this year and hope to add more to the garden next year. I also like to make jam.”

What do you like to do no matter where you are?

“I love to be outside with my wife and kids and just enjoy the great outdoors,” Justin comments.

How long were you in the Air Force?

“Six years.”

What did you do while serving in the Air Force?

“I worked in intelligence and with drones, and that is really all I can say,” Justin says.

Where did you meet your wife?

“I met Shiela in Colorado Springs,” Justin answers. “I had gotten out of the Air Force and was working in construction at the time.”

Where are you working now?

“Lately, I have been doing some work at the Veterans Resource Center in Winnebago.”

What is something about you that would surprise people?

“I love to cook. I will cook just about anything, but I do not bake,” Justin says. “I love to cook fresh foods, but I can cook from cans, too.”

It turns out his love of cooking goes back to when he was a young kid.

“When I was young I watched the original Iron Chef on television. It inspired me and it is why I want to grow more of my own fresh food,” he explains. “I was stationed in Okinawa while I was in the Air Force and I developed a taste for their cuisine and I enjoy incorporating those foods into my diet.”

How do you hope to surprise yourself in the future?

“By living completely off of the five acres we own and passing on that experience to my sons,” Justin comments.

Do you see a future for yourself in Blue Earth?

“Yes, since I have a 30-year mortgage,” he answers, chuckling. “I have lived in bad small towns and good small towns. The people living in this area seem more grounded. I can make this a home, not just a house.”

Are you a Jolly Green Giant or a Spout?

“Well, I am more familiar with the Jolly Green Giant,” Justin answers.

What is your favorite green vegetable?

This proves to be one of the tougher questions as Justin has to think about it for a little while.

“Cabbage,” he finally answers, “But, there are many good choices.”

What is your favorite thing to eat that is not a vegetable?

“I really enjoy a good steak,” he says.

What are you drinking today and what is your beverage of choice?

“I am just drinking water today,” Justin replies. “But, I do enjoy a Red Bull every now and then.