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In The News
Volunteers in Action: Kenn helps military families By: Edie Grossfield Feb. 15, 2012
Kenn Roehl has a soft spot in his heart for people who serve in the military and their families, and he spends a lot of his free time working on ways to make life easier for them.
A retired Army Lt. Col. himself, Kenn is chairman of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Southeast Minnesota. He led the effort to start the organizatio here in 2009 and continues to be part of everything the group does to support military families.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, which was launched by the Minnesota National Guard about seven years ago, supports active military personnel and their families to the way an active military post would support those who are part of its population, Kenn said.
Read more at PostBulletin.com
Helping Military Families in Need By: kimtv.com Jan. 23, 2012
The recent snow fall has a local group jumping into action.
Albert Lea's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Group is helping military families with snow removal.
See the video at kimtv.com
Concert with famous musicians aims to aid military veterans By: Pioneer staff report, Bemidji Pioneer Jan. 23, 2012
Four musicians from famous groups will play in benefit concerts this weekend to raise money for "Bring a Vet Home" (BRAVE), an organization devoted to helping homeless U.S. military veterans.
"Hang Dynasty" is a four-piece rock-and-roll band whose members have played with the Steve Miller Band, Prince, Bob Dylan, Boz Scaggs, The Beach Boys, Neil Young, Stevie Nicks, Kenny Loggins and others.
Read more at The Bemidji Pioneer
Support group for families of deployed soldiers making progress By: Robb Murray Jan. 22, 2012
A local support group for families of deployed soldiers that started up during the summer hasn't wasted time in getting to work.
The South Central Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network launched in July with the goal of helping families in Blue Earth, Le Sueur and Nicollet counties. Since launching, they've come to the aid of a dozen families in need.
Come March, group organizer Matt Little said, They're planning on a visit from Gov. Mark Dayton to come and officially recognize the group as a military support organization.
Read more at MankatoFreePress.com
Army wive wins trip to S.C. By: Kelli Lageson Jan. 17, 2012
A local Army wife won a contest Wednesday through the state's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group.
Tammy Estes, wife of Thomas Estes, of Northwood, Iowa, won a trip to South Carolina to the set of "Army Wives," a show on Lifetime Network.
To win the contest wives of any deployed Minnesota soldier could submit a video to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group's Facebook page. The videos with the most "likes" would win. Tammy came in third with 584 votes for her video.
Read more at AlbertLeaTribune.com
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon launches By: Jim Boyle Jan. 13, 2012
Annette Kuyper, the director of military outreach for the Minnesota Army National Guard, helped Elk River launch itself into the next phase of becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community this past weekend.
Kuyper was the keynote speaker at the Jan. 7 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community kickoff event, which was hosted by the members of a local steering committee and was open to the general public.
Read more at Star News
Local Yellow Ribbon Community group takes off By: Deb Gau Jan. 3, 2012
When the city of Marshall was named a Yellow Ribbon Community this past fall, it wasn't so much a goal achieved as the beginning of a lot of work to help local troops, Denise Schneekloth said. In the months since September, a variety of community volunteers have continued to work on building a formal support network for military servicepeople and their families.
There's a lot for community members to do, said Schneekloth, the facilitator of Marshall's Yellow Ribbon Community committee. However, the response so far has been encouraging.
Read more at Marshall Independant
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Kicks Off in Elk River KSTP.com 29 Dec. 11
Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon campaign on Satruday, Jan. 7. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Elk River American Legion. It is open to the public, especially service members and their families.
There will be officials from the Minnesota National Guard to teach people about the program and answer questions.
Read more at KSTP.com
Media were MIA toward end of the war in Iraq StarTribune.com 23 Dec. 11
War's end is often captured by iconic images: a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day; an evacuation helicopter on the rooftop of a Saigon apartment building; burning oil fields and charred remains of fleeing vehicles (and Soldiers) at the end of the Gulf War.
Read more at StarTribune.com
Community Offers Lending Hand For Returning Troops kimttv.com 23 Dec. 11
With the war in Iraq officially coming to an end, it doesn't mean the end of support from a local community.
Thousands of troops will be coming home now that the war in Iraq is over.
Read more at kimttv.com
Soldier's wife excited for military outreach kickoff Jim Boyle 23 Dec. 11
A fresh blanket of snow would be a welcome sight tomorrow for Butch and Darla Manke of Elk River.
But trace back two years ago, when Butch was deployed as a member of the Army National Guard and snow fell in waves on Christmas Day and in the days before and after Christmas.
Pretty as it may have been, that snow wasn't such a welcome sight for Darla, who had been thrust into a quasi-form of single life like no other. These and other times throughout Butch's deployment, Darla found herself on the phone and reaching out for help.
Read more at Star News
Yellow Ribbon Group Holds Fundraiser For Veterans' Families David Henke 23 Dec. 11
Eagan's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group turned to a tried and true fundraising method on Thursday night—bagging groceries for five hours at Cub Foods in Eagan.
More than 20 group members signed up to participate in the event, according to Julie Johnson, who co-chairs Eagan's Yellow Ribbon committee. The group is working to raise money to support local military families, Johnson said.
Read more at Eagan Patch
Oakdale in line as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city Katy Zillmer 23 Dec. 11
With the start of 2012, Oakdale will be certified as a "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" city in recognition of local volunteers' work to provide resources to members of the military and their families.
The Minnesota National Guard regulates the program and accepts materials from cities to be certified.
Annette Kuyper, director of military outreach at the Department of Affairs in Minnesota, said the first proclamation to a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city was made in 2008 and now there are well over 100 in the state.
Read more at OakdaleLakeElmoReview.com
Reintegration programs for soldiers returning home KARE 11 21 Dec. 11
With the end of the war in Iraq, many soldiers are beginning to make the trek home.
This morning, Captain Ron Jarvi from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Deployment Cycle Support, joined us to discuss their reintegration programs and how family and friends can help make the transition an easier one.
See the video at KARE 11
Thomson Reuters Honored by Yellow Ribbon Keighla Schmidt 16 Dec. 11
Eagan's own Thomson Reuters officially became a Yellow Ribbon company after an official ceremony Dec. 16.
"A Yellow Ribbon Company," said Minnesota Army National Guard Maj. Gen. David J. Eliceria, "is a broad, organizationally structured company with national, regional and statewide influence. In addition, a Yellow Ribbon Company needs to contain essential areas including a HR recruiting and HR policy and procedure department, training and development and community and employee outreach and support departments."
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive program creating awareness to connecting military members and their families with community support, training, services and resources.
Read more at Eagan Patch
Minnesota honors city, business efforts to support troops, families John Myers 15 Dec. 11
Grand Rapids, Hibbing and Chisholm and Pine City were awarded Minnesota's Yellow Ribbon City honors Wednesday while Cliffs Natural Resources' Minnesota operations were proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon Company.
The honors, presented by Gov. Mark Dayton and the state's top military personnel, were awarded at the Depot in Duluth.
The designation goes to communities and companies in the state that have organized to support the families of deployed military personnel and who come together to help those service men and women when they return.
Read more at Duluth News Tribune
Rep. Kline's Yellow Ribbon legislation included in NDAA Conference Report HometownSource.com 13 Dec. 11
Minnesota Second District Congressman John Kline ensured a nationwide expansion of the Minnesota National Guard's "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" reintegration program was included in the National Defense Authorization Act conference report, which was agreed upon this week.
Kline, who was appointed to the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee responsible for reconciling differences between House and Senate versions of the bill that will serve as the budgetary blueprint for the Pentagon, signed the report last night. The NDAA conference report will be voted on by Congress later this week.
Read more at HometownSource.com
Military Parents Get A Break From Everyday Stresses Katie Eldred 10 Dec. 11
Every once in a while parents need a break, especially families with a loved one deployed overseas. A local organization is giving parents a breather during a stressful time.
...
At New Horizon Academy in Rochester, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon helped military parents, like Michelle Stevens, by giving them a break. Where children, like Zachary, played for a few hours.
Read more at KAALtv.com
Cravaack, Kline named as conferees to committee on National Defense Bill HometownSource.com 8 Dec. 11
Eighth District U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack, R-MN, and Second U.S. District U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-MN, have been chosen to serve on the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee to preside over the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (NDAA), and to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense.
...
Earlier this year, Kline ensured a nationwide expansion of the Minnesota National Guard's "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" reintegration program was included in the bipartisan national defense bill that passed the House of Representatives just days before thousands of Minnesota Guard members deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for "Operation New Dawn," the final phase of "Iragi Freedom."
Read more at HometownSource.com
Groups plan Christmas party for military families Emily Zimmer 1 Dec. 11
Rosemount's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee wanted to do something for Christmas. The VFW and the National Guard also wanted to do something for military personnel and veterans during the holiday season.
Instead of hosting three different parties, the three groups decided to combine their efforts into one grand party. What's come from the effort is an afternoon of holiday cheer that will be open to all members of the military, veterans and their families. The party will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Rosemount Community Center.
Read more at Rosemount Town Pages
Happy Thanksgiving from Kuwait Chaska Herald 25 Nov. 11
Linda-Mary Mellon, Chaska organizer of the local "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" group told her husband Dave Mellon, stationed in Kuwait, to let his fellow troops know that Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Chaska has "got your backs." She received the attached photo back.
Dave, a mobility warrant officer with the Minnesota National Guard 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division, is pictured second from the right. "They call him 'Chief.' I call him my hero, my soldier, my love!" wrote Linda-Mary in an e-mail.
Read more at Chaska Herald
Yellow Ribbon strives to tie military families to local resources Richard Crawford 23 Nov. 11
For Cara Rainey, wife of Sgt. Colin Rainey of the Army Reserves, starting the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) program in Chanhassen should help make families of military members feel like they matter all the time — not just on Veterans Day or the Fourth of July.
She knows what it feels like to go it alone. Her husband has been deployed three times.
Little things, such as having someone to talk with or go to a movie with can make a big difference, said Rainey, a Chanhassen resident.
Read more at Chanhassen Villager
City column: Reasons to be thankful in Rosemount Bill Droste 23 Nov. 11
This week many of us will pull together our family and our friends to observe Thanksgiving, and to look forward to all the attractions of the holiday season that reaches across the next month. At this time of reflection, I'd like to share a partial list of some of the things for which I am grateful in Rosemount.
...
I'm grateful to those serving our nation in the military and to our veterans, celebrated on Nov. 11 in the community's schools and churches. And I am thankful so many of our citizens have stepped forward to show their support of our military families, as demonstrated when Rosemount was officially designated as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community this year.
Read more at Rosemount Town Pages
CBP's Minneapolis Hiring Center Saluted for Veterans Support CBP.gov 18 Nov. 11
Like many soldiers returning from war, Brandon Woody, a human resources specialist at the CBP Minneapolis Hiring Center, was a bit apprehensive about going back to his civilian workplace after serving in Afghanistan for more than a year. Woody, a battalion officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, had been deployed to the Logar Province near the border of Pakistan.
"It's hard to adjust going from a really stressful and tense situation where your adrenaline is rushing all the time to sitting in an office environmet," said Woody. "It has a big impact when you go from two extremes."
Woody, who had only been in the job for a year before leaving to do his service, had other concerns. "I had changed teams and had a new supervisor when I came back.," he said. "I hadn't built a relationship with that supervisor in the past, so I was a little nervous."
Read more at CBP.gov
Mission activated at local church Jim Boyle 18 Nov. 11
River of Life's gymnasium-style sanctuary was transformed into an assembly line operation this past weekend at both of the congregation's Sunday morning church services in Elk River.
More than 450 care packages were filled with everything from socks and note pads to snacks and worship music at the church. Those who filled the boxes also added personal items and letters or notes as well as their return addresses.
The packages are being sent to soldiers by name in Afghanistan, an opportunity members of the congregation leapt at, given the chance.
Read more at Star News
Hastings students in military families find support in school group Christopher Magan 20 Nov. 11
When Danika "Dani" Truax's mom deployed to Iraq in 2004, her friends thought that it was "cool" that she was going to "get the bad guys," but Dani had mixed emotions.
"I understood what could happen," Truax explained. "I didn't have anyone to relate to."
As a third-grader, Truax joined a military support group at her Hastings grade school. Now a junior, she'll become president next year of a similar group at Hastings High School. Both of her parents are now retired from the Army National Guard but are still involved in supporting military families.
Read more at Pioneer Press
Morris begins to move Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Kim Ukura 12 Nov. 11
The City of Morris took the first step towards being recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Community as part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program last month when local leaders met to learn about the program and begin drafting a plan for identifying and coordinating services for veterans in the community.
The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is deisgned to create awareness of the needs of service members — from any branch of the military — and their families and connect them with resources in the community.
City Manager Blaine Hill, a service member in the Army Reserves for almost 34 years, will serve as the chair of the committee. At the group's first meeting in October, Hill said he believes the work of the committee will not be about fundraising, but rather a process of finding out what the community is already doing and helping fill any gaps in services.
Read more at Morris Sun Tribune
Wiger: Don't Let Veterans Day Pass Without Showing Gratitude Charles Wiger 11 Nov. 11
The following quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower is an important reminder that freedom is not free. Rather, it is something the United States has to earn every day.
"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of me and so it must be daily earned and refresehd—else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die."
Living in the United States, away from overseas conflicts, it can be easy to forget the efforts to keep our country safe. Brave Americans put their lives on the line to keep our country safe and that cannot go unrecognized.
Do not let this Veterans Day pass without showing your gratitude for every man and woman that has served, and is currently serving in the military. In honor of our veterans and country, please support our troops.
Many patriotic groups work hard to assist our veterans and families. For example:
- Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: ...
Read more at Oakdale Patch
Best Buy to Join Richfield in Becoming Yellow Ribbon Certified Caitlin Burgess 10 Nov. 11
Following in the steps of its hometown and a handful of other area cities, regions and businesses, Best Buy will officially become part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community network during an awards ceremony Friday, Veterans Day.
The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign aims to connect community leaders and organizations in order to provide support to military veterans and their families.
By becoming Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company, Best Buy will demonstrate a public business commitment to supporting military employees and local communities.
Read more at Richfield Patch
Dayton, Woodbury's Shellito outline expansion of military education aid Don Davis 10 Nov. 11
Older Minnesota veterans need education help, like those just returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, so the Dayton administration proposes expanding a program to include them, too.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito on Thursday announced plans to ask the Legislature next year to increase the Minnesota GI Bill's reach to provide benefits to all Minnesota veterans. The program now spends $1.5 million of its $6 million two-year budget, so Shellito, a Woodbury resident, said money should not be a problem.
... Also, the National Guard reported its Beyond the Yellow Ribon program has updated its Web site (www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org) to include a button showing ways Minnesotans can help veterans and their families.
For instance, it suggeests that a solider's sidewalk could be shoveled this winter. It also shows how "care packages" can be sent to troops overseas.
Read more at Woodbury Bulletin
Lyle Koenen, St. Paul, letter: Minnesota can do better for veterans Lyle Koenen 11 No. 11
The first Veterans Day wasn't actually called Veterans Day.
On Nov. 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an "Armistice Day," a day to honor those who served and died in World War I — "The War to End All Wars," as it was called then.
... There are ways Herald readers can help our veterans. Minnesota has a terrific program called Beyond the Yellow Ribon, which works to connect service members and their families with community suport, training, services and resources.
Read more at GrandForksHerald.com
Make a Difference button supports deployed service members and families HometownSource.com 10 Nov. 11
The 'Make a Difference' button is in place ready to assist individuals who want to support deployed service members and their families this holiday seasonat www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org.
"We have created a 'Make a Difference' button on our website to assist in aligning the good intentions of Minnesotans with actual needs of military families," said Army 2nd Lt. Melanie K. Nelson, public affairs officer for the Minnesota National Guard.
"Each year, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon office sees an incredible outpouring of individuals that want to do something for service members and their families," said Nelson. "The most common questions include, 'How can I send care packages to deployed service members' and 'How do I connect with my local Yellow Ribbon Network?' The 'Make a Difference' button connects individuals to their local Family Assistance Centers, geographically dispersed throughout the state, to answer those questions at the local level."
Read more at HometownSource.com
Slawik: Supporting our Veterans Patty Busse 10 Nov. 11
On Friday, Nov. 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. All of us know at least one veteran, whether it's the parent or grandparent who served in World War II, the brother who served in Vietnam, or the former classmate currently serving in Afghanistan, and they deserve our utmost thanks and appreciation. As a daughter of a World War II veteran, I am aware of the sacrifices and struggles facing our military members and their families.
Our most recent military men and women are still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. As of last month, the War in Afghansistan has been going on for more than 10 years, making it the longest war in our country's history. The veterans coming home from these ware are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, terrible injuries and high unemployment. We can and we must do better for these veterans.
I've long been a supporter of "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" program that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting service members and their families with community support, training, services and resources. Most recently, I was part of the Oakdale "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" kick-off in September. Under the leadership of Marc Cove from Platinum Bank, members of the military, community leaders, business people, government agency personnel, school staff and a variety of Oakdale residents gathered to start to plan a BYR Collaborative.
Read more at Oakdale Patch
Hire Me. Our Alarming Veteran Unemployment Crisis Minnesota Business November, 2011
Minnesota military vets can't find work. What are local companies doing about it? What is their obligation?
Consider this: In Minnesota, nearly 23 percent of veterans who have served after Sept. 11, 2011, can't find a job. Twice the national average of 11.5 percent, Minnesota's veteran unemployment rate ranks third-highest in the nation, falling slightly behind Michigan and Indiana and is more than three times Minnesota's unemployment rate of 7.2 percent as of August 2011.
While some military experts say those numbers reflect the lack of an active military base in Minnesota, others say it is the result of companies not understandig the impact these veterans can have on their organizations.
Read more at Minnesota Business
Red Wing becomes Yellow Ribbon city Danielle Nordine 9 Nov. 11
Communities often rally around soldiers to send them off or welcome them home, but the Red Wing area has made the commitment to help service members and their families beyond those times as well.
The city officially was recognized as a Yellow Ribbon community during a ceremony in the newly remodeled Red Wing Naitonal Guard Armory on Saturday.
"The city of Red Wing has a longstanding tradition of supporting service members, veterans and their families," said Annette Kuyper, director of military outreach for the state of Minnesota. She cited visible examples such the flags at Bay Point Park during Memorial Day weekend and the new flag on Barn Bluff alongside assistance provided by local residents and businesses to military families.
Read more at Red Wing Republican Eagle
Northfield gets the ball rolling toward Yellow Ribbon Suzy Rook 7 Nov. 11
Northfield is taking its first steps in becoming an official Yellow Ribbon City.
At a meeting last month, members of the community and officers from the National Guard discussed the need for Northfield to become a Yellow Ribbon Community — a city that supports service members and their families — and develop a rough steering committee.
The Yellow Ribbon Campaign does not limit its service to active duty military.
Read more at Northfieldnews.com
Celebrating Veterans Day Red Wing Republican Eagle 5 Nov. 11
Veterans Day lands on 11/11/11 this year, but in Red Wing celebrations will span more than a week around the holiday.
"There is a movement among the citizens of the U.S., regardless of what they think of the war, to thank the soldier that is fighting for our freedom," one of the event coordinators, Jerry Borgen, said in an email abou this year's celebrations. "This is an attempt by Red Wing to thank our men and women for protecting our freedom."
The day in honor of veterans and troops also is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Read more at Red Wing Republican Eagle
Waiting to meet Daddy AlbertLeaTribune.com 5 Nov. 11
When she's trying to fall asleep, lying in their bed wearing one of his old T-shirts, that's when she misses him the most.
The life of a deployed soldier's wife is full of ups and downs, good days and bad. For Albert Lea mom Tasha Kilen, wife of Staff Sgt. Eric Kilen, caring for their 2 1/2-month-old-son, Keegan, helps her get through the days.
"I go month-by-month," Tasha said. "I love turning the calendar."
Read more at AlberLeaTribune.com
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Awareness Week in Crookston Nov. 6-12 CrookstonTimes.com 4 Nov. 11
A Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community assists in building strong communities through uniting businesses, organizations and other agencies as a way to display the support of service members and their families. Just last year Crookston becoman an official "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" community. The 2nd Annual Yellow Ribbon Awareness Week, recognized in conjuction with Veterans' Day, will begin Sunday, Nov. 6 and continue through Saturday, Nov. 12.
There are many ways Crookston residents can show their support. Community members are encouraged to tie a yellow ribbon around a tree in the front yard, place one on the front door, display a ribbon in a window, place magnetic yellow ribbons on vehicles and fly the American flag high. Crookston businesses may display a "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" sign, place yellow ribbon in and around the business and encourage employees to wear yellow ribbon throughout the week.
Read more at CrookstonTimes.com
Inver Hills Community College Helps Soldiers Make Transition to Students Inver Grove Patch 31 Oct. 11
They come into her office stressed, troubled by memories of their military service, or lost in a complex bureaucratic system.
Sue Flannigan hopes they leave with a sense of direction
Since 1982, Flannigan has served as a link between Inver Hills Community College and students who are military veterans. Over the years, she's seen veterans from the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and other conflicts. But never has she dealt with as many veterans as she is now.
Flannigan, the school's veterans services coordinator, estimates that as many as 800 military veterans—many of whom saw service in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—currently attend classes at Inver Hills. More than 300 of those veterans access veteran support services, Flannigan said. To serve the needs of those students, the school has a substantial support network—a network that helped the school earn its status as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization earlier this year.
Read more at Inver Grove Patch
Chanhassen Yellow Ribbon campaign Kickoff Nov. 19 Chanhassen Villager 29 Oct. 11
Representatives from Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program and members of the Chanhassen Steering Committee will have a kickoff event for a local Yellow Ribbon program on Saturday, Nov. 19.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is working with Chanhassen as well as other Minnesota cities and counties to create local networks of support for service members, military families and employers before, during and after a military deployment.
The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Kickoff event will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Chanhassen American Legion, 290 Lake Dr. East, Chanhassen.
Read more at Chanhassen Villager
Interactive veterans tribute show to be presented on LAT stage Echo Press 28 Oct. 11
Lakes Area Theatre (LAT) in Alexandria is offering the following productions this week:
On Friday, October 28 at 7 p.m. Lakes Area Theatre (LAT) will have a community conversation with people who are currently involved in the military or who have served in the past.
Audience members will meet the mother of a current soldier, a young couple who experienced the war in Iraq at home and abroad, a woman whose husband was deployed during the Vietnam War, along with a representative of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign who will explain how we can help the families of those deployed.
Read more at Echo Press
Families of Deployed Soldiers Receive Help From Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Northland News Center 27 Oct 11
Last week President Obama announced the withdrawal of all U.S. troops currently stationed in Iraq, saying they would be home by years end.
Many of those soldiers are from the Northland.
There are about 300 National Guard Soldiers between Grand Rapids and Virginia.
Iron Range Community members are working together and learning new ways to help their families.
Read more at Northland News Center
Adjutant general thanks Montevideo community for supporting veterans MonteNews.com 13 Oct 11
Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, adjutant general of the Minnesota Army National Guard, visited Montevideo Wednesday last week to recognize the work Montevideo and surrouding communities have done on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.
The program is among the six priorities Nash has announced following his appointment last year as adjutant general.
The general met with community leaders, including city staff, city council members, law enforcement, emergency management, educators and major employers throughout the day to express appreciation for their support of the program, as well as to discuss ways they and the National Guard can best collaborate. The innovative program is designed to bring servicemembers all the way home by connecting servicemembers and their families with community support, training, services and resources.
Read more at MonteNews.com
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program sought Star News 3 Oct 11
If things work out as they are being planned, Elk River-area men and women in the military and their families will have a convenient place to turn for help when they need it.
A Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is being organized to help military families in the Elk River area.
"(Servicemen and women) have unique problems and require unique solutions," said SSG Aaron Hoska, a Yellow Ribbon outreach coordinator who led an informational meeting on Yellow Ribbon communities at the Elk River American Legion.
Read more at Star News
Oakdale Kicks off Yellow Ribbon Campaign Oakdale Patch 30 Sep 11
By completing the third of 16 steps to becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community, the city of Oakdale has officially made a commitment to support its Servicemembers and military families.
In a collective show of support for the initiative, Oakdale mayor Carmen Sarrack, Fire Chief Jeff Anderson, Police Chief Bill Sullivan, State Rep. Nora Slawick and the City Council turned up to the Yellow Ribbon Kickoff Sep. 14 at the Oakdale Discovery Center.
According to its website, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive support network that works to meet the needs of Servicemembers, military families and employers across the State of Minnesota.
Annette Kuyper, director of military outreach for the State of Minnesota, was on hand to outline the basic requirements of a Yellow Ribbon community.
For more, visit the Oakdale Patch
Yellow Ribbon City Community Support Day KIMT TV 3 29 Sep 11
A local community is coming together to help military personnel and their families.
It's Yellow Ribbon Community Support Day and Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea is offering free booth space to businesses and other supportive services to hlep get information out to military families.
Organizers tell us it's an effort to get more volunteers involved.
The Yellow Ribbon Program provides services, such as doing yard work or babysitting for military families.
"This is their way of paying back these families, giving them the service, showing them the support that the community has for those military families," Minnesota Family Assistant Specialist Pat Corrow said.
Today's event also was an effort to give all military families a "one stop shopping day" with businesses on hand to offer them supplies and services.
Room links families to deployed Soldiers Brainerd Dispatch 14 Sep 11
The genuine warmth from friends who were able to see deployed soldiers for the first time in months was apparent to the eye and ear.
They signed and smiled and made comments about haircuts. Separted by nearly 7,000 miles, eight hours and more than 70 degress, and yet they appeared in the same room at the same time connected by sight and sound. All through the power of telecommunications fueled by a will and donations comes the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Room at the American Legion Post 255 in Brainerd.
Read more at Brainerd Dispatch
Yellow Ribbon signs soon to be posted around community Albert Lea Tribune 27 Sep 11
Anyone driving into Albert Lea is soon going to know the city has been designated as a Yellow Ribbon Community.
The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved the purchase of five "Yellow Ribbon City" signs that will be installed at various entrances into the city. ...
... Four will be posted by population signs: on East Main Street by the Knights Inn, on Minnesota Highway 13 by Sundance Lane, on U.S. Highway 69 by West Ninth Street and on U.S. Highway 65 by Betha Larson Lane.
Read more at AlbertLeaTribune.com
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: They helped, like they said they would Savage Pacer 23 Sep 11
As Americans were preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, a family friend was preparing for a second tour in Afghanistan.
But instead of spending his remaining time saying goodbye to friends and family, he was furiously installing insulation and ceiling panels in his mom's basement. A U.S. Navy reservist, Matthew Lindemeier learned last month he would be deployed early.
For the last year, Matthew and his wife, Jenny, have spent their spare weekends constructing an apartment for themselves in the old farmhouse where Matthew grew up. his widowed mother suffered a rehabilitating stroke and requires 24/7 care.
Read more at Savage Pacer
More Communities Joining Beyond the Yellow Ribbon kaaltv.com 1 Sep 11
Support for military families in our area is growing. You may have heard of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, its a group that provides resources and support for military members and their families.
They're now operating in nine new cities in Southeast Minnesota.
For nearly two years, Beth Blauvelt has been away from her husband, whose stationed in Japan as a Marine. She knows not having that extra hand around can be stressful. That's why she called Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
Read the story and watch the video at kaaltv.com
Operation Home Base: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Fox Sports North 24 Aug 11
Find out how the Twins give back to military families through Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
See the video at Fox Sports North
Richfield is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community
Hard Work, determination and love of self, family, community and coutry are just of the few qualities that make any United States Servicemember successful.
The city of richfield bagan the process to become a Yellow Ribbon City and because of their hard work, determination and love of self, family, community and country they will be recognized for their efforts to provide military base-like care in the community.
On Tuesday, Aug. 23, at a proclamation event held at the Inver Hills Community College Auditorium, 2500 80th St. E, Inver Grove Heights, where Gov. Mark Dayton and Minnesota's Adjutant General of the National Guard, Maj. Gen. Rick Nash will honor the city of Richfield for becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community.
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Dayton to speak at Beyond Yellow Ribbon event
Gov. Mark Dayton has been confirmed to speak at a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) Proclamation event set for Friday, Sept. 16 in the Martin Luther College Auditorium.
The event, which will proclaim the founding of BTYR organizations in Watonwan, Martin and Jackson counties, was announced Tuesday.
Open to the public, the event will include a light meal in the reception area outside the auditorium.
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· · Offering more than just 'thanks' Redwood Falls Gazette 10 Aug 11 · Over the weekend I had the privilege of sitting down for a few minutes with a Vietnam veteran and member of my extended family. He told me about his experience on the front lines, and afterward I told him how much respect I have for men like him who served their country. I haev always made saying thanks to veteran a priority and try my best, especially during Veterans Day and Memorial Day, to let them know they are appreciated. Yet, I also have come to recognize just saying words of thanks is not enought. · Which is why I am officially announcing my involvement in the·Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign. · Read more here. · · · 148th Welcomes Prestigious Award Again · OSHA gave them the prestigious "star status" under their voluntary prontection plan. It's a plan that awards bases for going above and beyond the required levels of safety on and off the work base. An award that means more than just "doing their jobs". · Rosemount designated a Yellow Ribbon City · "It really means we have to start walking the walk," said Renee Hedstrom, a volunteer with the group that organized Rosemount's Yellow Ribbon efforts. · The group of about 15 volunteers has been working for the last year to get a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiative going in the community. · Read more at Rosemount Town Pages · · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiative gains popularity KSTP-TV 1 Aug 11 · Right now, 2,400 MN National Guard troops are being deployed to Kuwait. It's that kind of service that has the rest of us looking for ways to pitch in and help.l · Watch at KSTP · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon goes countywide Jordan News 3 Aug 11 · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is honoring local veterans, and Jordan officials are considering climbing aboard. · Jordan City Councilmember Joe Thill invited Dawn Buhain to speak during Monday's council meeting. · "We're in the process of going countrywide," Buhain said. · Prior Lake, by mayoral proclaimation, is a Yellow Ribbon Community, offering assistance to active military members, veterans and their families in need. The organization is asking other cities in Scott County to get involved. · Read more at Jordan News · Military Deployment Town Hall Meeting: The Heart of the Matter
· · Yellow Ribbon Programs smooths the road home · Back in 2003, when Capt. Justin Baker came back from serving a tour of duty in Bosnia, there was no reintegration program. It was welcome home and good luck. · During that time Justin said he struggled with boredom and missed the people he deployed with. · "It was a transition," said Baker. · Last year when Baker returned from a 22-month deployment in Iraq, it was a much different experience. Through the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, Baker and the rest of the 34th Infantry Division, went through reintegration programs at 30, 60,m 90 days and then again at a year. · Read more at Rosemount Town Pages. · · Douglas County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon places plaque ·
Schlangen was humbled Tuesday night when the Minnesota Twins brought him onto the field near home plate to honor his service to veteran's causes.
· ... "We cannot imagine what it would be like as parents of our soldiers that take these multiple combat tours and then to receive call saying that your son has been severely injured in an IED explosion," said Terry Granham, a representative from Lakeville Yellow Ribbon, a community organization in partnership with the city that helps returning veterans and their families with a variety of assistance resources. "And then to find ou that he has lost both of his legs."
· "I could barely stand up the rest of the night after getting that call at work. I called my mom and was in tears. My friend feels terrible, but I just told him I'm so glad he's OK, and it was him by himself rather than me and the kids trying to get out of there," Siebold said. · Siebold is certain if she were driving the truck with her 3-year-old autistic son, Brayden, and her 18-month-old dauther, Taylor, lives would have been lost instead of belongings and a vehicle.
· I would like to thank all the people who came out for the Yellow Ribbon Farewell Picnic for our National Guard soldiers and their families. I know they all appreciated the show of community support. · I would also like to thank the Moose Lodge for holding it, and the companies that donated items for the picnic, Cargil, Mrs. Gerry's, Hy-Vee, Nelson's Market Place, Moose Lodge, EZ Rental and Mal & Colleen Printing, for the use of their sign. And thanks to all the great volunteers who made it happen. · The Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Committee is set up not only to help the Guard families during deployment, but any family that has a deployed soldier from any branch of the military if they want or need our help. Thanks to everybody again. · Read more at Albert Lea Tribune ·
If you remember the first quote you were mostly around when World War II was in progress, and if you relate to the second quote you were possibly part of the peace and love generation. During this time around Memorial Day our thoughts naturally turn to those men and women who have served our country. Read more at Presspubs.com · Among them is Staff Sgt. Anthony Folstad, who will be on his second tour of duty overseas (his first was to Bosnia in 2003). Staff Sgt. Folstad is the training NCO stationed in Duluth, MN. That means he is responsible for coordinating the training and testing held in the Duluth area. Since every member of the National Guard is required to complete a regular regimen of training, this is a full-time job. · Staff Sgt. Folstad joined the Guard 11 years ago, and served part-time while going to school to become a Journeyman Electrician. He was working as an electrician when a full-time position with the Guard opened up and has never looked back. · Read more at Associated Contect from Yahoo
· "It's not just the men and women who put on the uniform," said Roseville councilmember Tammy Pust. "It's the families that are the backbone." Maj. Jeff Bibeau, who lives, teaches history and commands a Minnesota Army National Guard unit all in the Roseville area, shared his story at the meeting. He has been deployed twice in the last eight years and said he felt very supported by his community. · Read more at Minnesota National Guard · · · HHS Military Support Group honored Jane Lightbourn 6 May 11 · The Hasting's High School Military Support Group, along with the community's initiative, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, has been recognized by Minnesota Second District Congressman John Kline at the recent Stars of the North ceremony for its unselfishness giving to our military, veterans and their families. · Accepting the award for the Military Support Group was Dani Traux, and accepting the award for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was Bob Sellars, on behalf of Dean Markuson. · Through the Hastings High School military Support Group, the students find support, friendship and ways to help members and their families. · Read more at Hastings Star Gazette · · · Brown County support group getting busy Tanner Kent · With the recent deployment of the New Ulm-based battery of the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery unit, these have been busy days for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Brown County. · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is an organization devoted to providing support and services to military personnel from all service branches and their families before, during and after deployment. With efforts that began nearly one year ago, Brown County is the third in Minnesota to receive a designation as Yellow RIbbon. · Read more at Mankato Free Press · · · Navy family stays connected through reading program Submitted by Michelle Valdez · My husband, BM1 (SW) Jose Valdez, and I are both originally from the Mankato area. He joined the Navy 14 years ago and is still active duty. We are stationed in San Diego (and formerly resided in Mankato). · We have two kids, ages 10 and 4. Although my husband has never surprised me (he knows I don't like surprises), he stays connected on deployment through a unique program called United Through Reading. · Read more at Mankato Free Press · · · Camo Quilt Project new to area's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 28 April 11 · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is spreading through the state of MInnesota. Especially in the surrounding area. Isanti County is a Beyond-the-Yellow-Ribbon county. · The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon project began out of a need to help troops not only prepare for deployment and during deployment but also when they return to civilian life. · Bob Boone, head of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon project, remembered how troops were treated after returning from the Vietnam War and he was determined that history would not repeat itself with the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. · Read more at Princeton Union-Eagle · · · Donated computers offer link to troops Mark Brunswick 8 April 11 · The levels of technology for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have risen exponentially since the beginning of the wars. Internet access is common --if not always reliable -- and on most bases Skype software has allowed service members to keep connected through phone calls and video connections like never before. · That's why it's so important to have a good computer back home. · Last week 150 families of deploying members of the Minnesota National Guard were the recipients of refurbished computers through a Chicago-based nonprofit called Operation Homelink. The group has provided computers to more than 3,500 military families since it began in February 2003. The most recent donation came from Massachusetts-based defense contractor Raytheon Co. and was coordinated by the Guard's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Family Program. · Read more at Star Tribune · · · Organizers work to make A.L. a Yellow Ribbon City Sarah Stultz 2 Apr 11 · The final pieces of a plan aimed at making Albert Lea a Yellow Ribbon City were finalized Friday with the signature of the city's mayor. · The plan, which includes support from city leadership, various businesses, medical providers, church leaders, school officials, volunteers and others, will next be sent to Gov. Mark Dayton for final approval. · "We're excited to get to this step," said Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Dahlen of the Delta Company. · Read more at Albert Lea Tribune · · · Event distributes computers to military families Ben Katzner 3 Apr 11 · It's no surprise that having a loved one who serves in the military is stressful. · The uncertainty that builds during the time friends and family spend apart from them can be agonizing. Dan Shannon wants to change that. · That's what brought Shannon, the presidnet and founder of Operation Homelink, to the St. Cloud National Guard Training and Community Center on Sunday afternoon. · Read more at St. Cloud Times · · · Spring Lake Park ties the ribbon Anna Pratt 22 Mar 11 · There's a new fort in Spring Lake Park -- a metaphorical one, but just as important to armed service members as one made of bricks and mortar. · Fort Spring Lake Park is a support network for military families, part of the city's efforts since it became a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city last year. BYR aims to connect military members and their families to support services and other resources to help returning troops make the transition to the home front, according to the program's website. · In Spring Lake Park, the "fort" is made up of individuals, clinics and other organizations that are pitching in. City Council Member Barbara Lee Carlson likened it to a commissary or Post Exchange, where a soldier might go to job hunt or get day care. · Read more at Star Tribune · · · Camps for kids with deployed parents Sgt. Patrick Loch 8 Mar 11 · For the Sepeda girls, there was nothing worse than math. And occasionally, Amelia (12), Brianna (10), and Caitlyn's (7) math class was enough to bring them to tears. · It hadn't always been that way. Back when their father, David, was home to help them with their studies, they loved math. With David in Iraq, it left his wife Mary, acting as a single mother, to deal with their heartbroken kids who missed their dad the most when it came time to concentrate on numbers. · "If anything, it gave the girls a chance to bond over their dislike for math," Mary says. · Read more at Minnesota Parent · · · Above and Beyond 8 Mar 11 · They go above and beyond the call of duty. And all they ask is for a little help back home. · That was the message at the kickoff event for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign. · "The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network is committed to bringing soldiers all the way home," said 1st Lieutenant Adam Kedrowski, the Yellow Ribbon outreach coordinator for Sauk Centre. · Read more at Sauk Centre Herald · · · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon event planned in Little Falls Kari Petrie 3 Mar 11 · A Beyond the Yellow Ribbon kick-off event will be March 15 in Little Falls. · The event will be 6-8:30 p.m. at Lindbergh Elementary School Performing Arts Center. Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program officials and members of the Camp Ripley Citizen's Committee will be at the event. · The program is working with Morrison County to create local networks of support for service members, military families and employers before, during and after deployment. · · · Bataan Death March survivor Peck dies at 90 Mike O'Rourke 28 Feb 11 · Henry Peck of Brainerd, a survivor of the Bataan Death March, was remembered Monday by his longtime friend and fellow survivor, Walt Straka, as a hardworking, honest man who was a "damn good soldier." · Peck, 90, died Monday at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany. · "He was kind of bull-headed in a way," Straka said, remembering that Peck took offense when a Bataan memorial portrayed the soldiers in the wrong type of helmet. "You couldn't ask for better friends. He was always honest to me, just a good honest guy. I really liked the guy." · Read more at Brainerd Dispatch · · · Lakeville area veterans find support, services through Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program Amy Finch, LakevillePatch 7 Feb 11 · Lakeville is home to over 100 active military service members , many of them currently deployed in the Middle East. When they return home, reintegrating back into the rhythm of life with family and work can be challenging, even more so when a soldier is wounded or recovering longterm from injury. · The Beyond the Yellow RIbbon program helps service members and their families by streamlining access to much-needed help. Volunteers may help parents at home alone with childcare, errands and even hot meals on stressful days. The program also helps returning soldiers with job search tools, health care coordination and access to discounts on goods and services. · Read more at LakevillePatch · · · Guard Program Bolsters Community Support Elaine Wilson, GX Magazine 18 Jan 11 · Two signs stand at the entryway to Farmington, MN. One displays the city’s population and, just underneath, another sign states “Yellow Ribbon City,” a message to all who pass by that this city stands for military Family support. · These signs are cropping up on city borders and on company walls across the state, thanks to a Minnesota National Guard program that’s bolstering community support of troops and their Families. · The Guard’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program aims to raise community awareness of the unique wartime challenges military Families face and to ensure troops and their Families are surrounded by support throughout the deployment process and long after, explained Army Lieutenant Colonel Barbara O’Reilly, the program’s chief. · Read more at GX Magazine · · · Tim Pugmire, MPR 26 Dec 10 · Governor Mark Dayton today announced the appointment of retired Major General Larry Shellito, who recently retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, to lead the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. · Major General Shellito is widely regarded as a strong and dynamic leader who is respected for his dedication to our nation's service men and women. During his seven years at the helm of the Minnesota National Guard, Major General Shellito helped build a national reputation for the Guard, which is the nation's fifth largest National Guard formation with more than 14,000 members, operating 63 facilities across Minnesota. He was instrumental in establishing the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program" - a project on which he worked cooperatively and closely with then-United States Senator Dayton. "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" is a nationally-recognized program to reintegrate National Guard and Reserve military service members following deployments. · Read more at MPR News · · · Military Family Preparation Academy Fanna Haile-Selassie, KTTC Rochester 9 Jan 11 ·
· As a person worries about a loved one overseas, fighting for their country, the stress can build up. Especially if you're now dealing with raising a family a family on your own. That's why these folks are trying to do something about it. · "It's a great class. You know, it talks about strengths and weaknesses and how to actively listen and be apart of things," says Christina McDonald, who's fiancee will be deployed. · It's all part of the Family Preparation Academy in Rochester this weekend. To make sure families are as ready as possible for when their loved one is deployed. · Read more at KTTC · · · Military Family Preparation Academy Andrew Lovelette, ABC 6 news-KAAL Rochester 8 Jan 11 · Soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard can undergo a lot of pain and anxiety when they are deployed, but their spouses, children, and family members are often just as distraught and worried. · This weekend more than 2,000 military family members will gather at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester for a Family Preparation Academy in hopes of learning more about how to cope with the deployment process. · "In the past four years we started preparing families because we realize that the families are one of the most important supporters for the service members while they are deployed. So the more that they know, the more resources that they have to help get them through the deployment the better,” says Lieutenant Barb O'Reilly, the National Guard's chief of deployment cycle support. · Read more at KAAL · · · Helping those who protect our freedom Julie Pfitzinger, Woodbury Patch 3 Jan 11 · Putting up Christmas lights, shoveling the driveway and changing the furnace filter might seem like routine tasks. But for Staff Sgt. Marcus Kuboy (ret.), a 30-year-old Iraq war veteran living in Woodbury, when members of the community stepped up to help him get those chores done, the experience was far from routine. · Members of the Woodbury Yellow Ribbon Network stopped out at Kuboy's home in early December to lend a hand. He has lived in Woodbury for two and a half years; his house was built specifically for him by Homes for Our Troops, a national nonprofit that provides homes for severely disabled veterans. · "Not long after I got in touch with someone from the Woodbury network, these people showed up to help me out, and it was great," said Kuboy. "A lot of them were veterans themselves, but some were just supporters of the military who wanted to help." · Read more at Woodbury Patch · ·
Dustin Kass, Winona Daily News 26 Dec 10 · Winona's National Guard unit will be mobilized this spring, and a coalition of Winona County groups is already working to establish a support network for those guard members and their families. Officials representing local units of government, churches, schools and businesses have met several times to plan the implementation of the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon." · The Minnesota National Guard program focuses on reintegrating service members when they return from duty, but also emphasizes supporting those deployed and their families during the deployments. · Read more at WinonaDailyNews.com · · · Kline's legislation to improve Yellow Ribbon program Coon Rapids ECM Publishers 18 Dec 10 · Second District Congressman John Kline's bills to improve the Yellow Ribbon reintegration program, and help veterans compete for jobs received bipartisan support and were included in the national defense bill that passed Friday, Dec. 17 in the U.S. House of Representatives. · Read more at HometownSource.com · · · Blaine will seek 'Yellow Ribbon' status Tim Hennagir, Coon Rapids Herald 10 Dec 10 · City officials announced last week Blaine will seek Minnesota National Guard Yellow Ribbon status. The program provides a support network for military families. · Mayor Tom Ryan and City Manager Clark Arneson met in November with guard representatives to discuss the program. · The Blaine City Council Dec. 2 unanimously approved a resolution to support the program. · Read more at abcnewspapers.com · · · Angel Food Ministries offers an opportunity to sponsor families of military personnel. Maria Elena Baca, Star Tribune 2 Nov 10 · Especially around the holidays, thankful Americans look for ways to give back. · This year, a national discounted-food distributor is offering a way for folks to reach out to families of deployed armed service members and those who recently have returned from overseas deployments. · Most of the year, the Angel Food Ministries distributes boxes of food through 6,000 host sites in 44 states. Unlike with a traditional food shelf, the food isn't free, but it is discounted by about half, said Phil Winn, outreach pastor at Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park and the organization's state coordinator. Nationwide, the program serves about half a million families a month, with deliveries of restaurant-grade meats, produce and prepared foods that it buys at quantity discounts. · Read more at Star Tribune ·
Area seminar planned to help veterans build business opportunities · Veterans and servicemembers can attend a small-business seminar Nov. 3 in St. Cloud. · The seminar will be 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University. The seminar is one of six statewide. · The seminar is meant to support veterans and service members who are working to improve or start their own business. Attendees will hear from experts, network and learn about entrepreneurial programs and resources. · Attendees will also have the chance to be linked to an experienced mentor. 13 Oct 10 · Earlier this month, a group of 82 Minnesota National Guard members were honored with a welcome home celebration in Cottage Grove after their return from Iraq over the summer. · Last week, the city of Cottage Grove took another step toward joining a handful of surrounding cities in setting up a program to support local guard members and their families during deployment and help reintegrate the citizen soldiers once they return home. · The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is aimed at setting up a network of volunteers that will offer support to the families of deployed soldiers, doing anything from providing transportation to helping with household chores, throughout their tour of duty and beyond. · · 29 Sep 10 · In a ceremony in Farmington, Minn. last week, Gov. Pawlenty designated Bayport, Oak Park Heights, West Lakeland Township and Baytown Township as Yellow Ribbon cities.
· Along with Gov. Pawlenty, Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito of the Minnesota National Guard was on hand to recognize the four local communities, which have jointly collaborated to establish a network of support for deployed and returning military troops and their families. · "I am extremely proud of the way our communities have come together to form this network of support," said Bayport City Councilwoman Judy Seeberger, who has helped lead the effort to achieve Beyond the Yellow Ribbon status for the collaborative. · "This is not only a great honor for our communities, but is also a testament to the hard work and dedication our citizens and leaders have shown to our military personnel and their families." · · · Help for military families goes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 23 Sep 10 · Nine-year-old Annie Buresh of Kasson wears something camouflage every day in solidarity with her dad, Rob Buresh, a master sergeant with the Minnesota National Guard's 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. · "I'm very proud of my dad. I'm proud of all of the military people. And I'm proud to be a military kid," Annie said. · But along with that, her father is often away from home. International deployments put a stress on military families, especially those that don't live on a military base where support services are in place. · In Buresh's case, his squadron is based in St. Paul, and his family is 70 miles away in Kasson. · "Out of sight, out of mind," he said. · · · 22 Sep 10 · "Yellow Ribbon City" and "Yellow Ribbon County." That's what Rochester and Olmsted County are now being recognized as. · With sounds of war so far away it's a round of applause for Rochester Community and Technical College, the city of Rochester and Olmsted County. · All because of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. · "We know that there are about 600 military families that live in about a 35-mile area around Rochester, 900 military kids and just hundreds of military family members like parents and grandparents," said Kenn Roehl of Southeast Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. · The group provides services to military families, and links them to businesses and volunteer services. · Read more at KAAL
· Details are still coming together, but one thing is certain - in September, Farmington is going to be the host community for a pretty big event. · On Wednesday, Sept. 22, mayors from around Minnesota will arrive in Farmington to participate in a daylong Beyond the Yellow Ribbon training session. · It’s an event that is expected to positively affect many communities. In its early planning stages, the event is expected to bring representatives of at least 80 communities and corporations to Farmington. · Many of those who will attend are from cities and organizations that are earning Yellow Ribbon Community or Yellow Ribbon Company status, a recognition that comes only after a community or organization has completed an action plan that outlines how they can and will help military service members and their families. · Read more at Farmington Independent ·
· When Sgt. Nathan Pauly, 27, was in Iraq, he worried about maintaining radar equipment so coalition forces would be warned about attacks. · Now that he is home in Ramsey, his focus has shifted to paying the bills, spending time with his three-year-old son Grant and planning the honeymoon with his wife Brandi that they never were able to fit in.?? · Making this drastic shift can be tough on some of the men and women who served in the military. There has been a lot of publicity about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but there is much more to reintegration to society than knowing how to handle yourself when you have a flashback of a catastrophic moment. · Coping with the mental stress of job hunting, improving financial planning, awareness of the services available to veterans and relationships are just as important to the Minnesota National Guard as PTSD in its Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, which was founded in 2005 to serve all branches of the military. · · · Pawlentys tout aid for military families · Mary Pawlenty’s initiative to provide service and assistance to military families will live on even after her husband, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, leaves office later this year. · The Pawlentys touched down Wednesday at the Army Aviation Support Facility in St. Cloud to announce that the only impending cut to the First Lady’s Military Family Care Initiative is the first two words of its name. The Web-based program will expand in preparation for the deployment of hundreds of Minnesota National Guard troops to the Middle East next year. · The National Guard’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program has stepped in to run the website, which serves as a registry for organizations looking to help military families with services such as child care, financial advice or repair of a leaky faucet.· · · · Maplewood aims to move "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" · Maplewood officials are throwing their weight behind a move to make their city a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community. · Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a program sponsored by the Minnesota National Guard that offers support to dependents of military service members stationed overseas. · “If your husband is off in Afghanistan and you need the driveway shoveled, there will be people there to help,” says Maplewood City Manager Jim Antonen. “If you have three kids that are screaming, maybe you need an afternoon off to do some shopping. That type of stuff.” · Read more at Politics in Minnesota · · · Minnesota Veterans struggle to find jobs · Joblessness among Minnesota veterans is as high as 15- 20 percent in some areas of the state, said Lt. Col. Barb O’Reilly, chief of deployment cycle support at the Minnesota National Guard. · ·Across the country, it’s not as stark but still high — 8.1 percent unemployment among veterans of all service periods, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. · ·O’Reilly and her staff at the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program help service members with the transition back home and into their communities, including finding a job. · ·She said a lot of help exists for veterans, but sometimes it’s not enough. More companies, for example, are laying off workers before deployment. ·· · · 4-H project will help veterans, military families
Patti Bitney Starke, of the Minnesota National Guard's Deployment Cycle Support Team, invited them June 9 to join the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. Its purpose is to create a network of support for Servicemembers and families before deployment, during deployment and after they return. "We want to get you ready so that every day, no matter where you go, you're prepared to support military people," Starke said. Some conference attendees knew right away who would receive their medallions. One by one, they took the microphone and named their uncles, mothers, cousins, friends, fathers and grandfathers. Read more at AgriNews · ·
· Military deployment is a cycle, Kelly Wasberg said. You have to spend time mentally preparing to go, and time readjusting when you come home. And you can't expect either of those periods to be short, he said. "I know I'm not all the way back yet," said Wasberg, a Marshall pastor and National Guard chaplain who returned to Minnesota this spring with the 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery. · Reintegration events are held 30, 60, and 90 days after a unit comes back from overseas service. Sunday's event, the 30-day requirement for local Guard members, included workshops and resources on topics from managing a budget to communicating with loved ones. "There's no doubt you have done something great," said Lt. Col. Barb O'Reilly, chief of deployment cycle support, in opening remarks to soldiers. The 1-151 FA traveled a total of 1.9 million miles on transport missions in the past year without an accident. But knowledge of those accomplishments doesn't take away the stress of going back to civilian life, she said. Read more at Independent Southwestern Minnesota's Daily Newspaper · ·
Brig. Gen. Joseph Kelly and a large contingent of officials from the Minnesota National Guard attended a planning session for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign in Plymouth May 24. The campaign aims to help military service members reintegrate into their communities and help support their families while they are deployed. The name is derived "as a reminder that the support of Soldiers cannot end when they return from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied," states the Minnesota National Guard's website.
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"They've been working more than a year on their own looking within the community to see what needs are there and how can they support the needs of military families," she said. Read more at Rochester Post Bulletin · ·
· O’Reilly is the chief cycle support officer for the state’s National Guard’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program that builds a network of sustainable community support for military families. The initiative is designed to meet every aspect of need soldiers and their families face leading up to deployment, during active service and even after returning to civilian life. · The Rogers Police Department’s Terri Hanson is heading the effort to get city officials, business leaders, educators and others in Rogers on board in her quest to make Rogers a Yellow Ribbon city. · ·
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This month, Duluth is taking the first steps toward becoming one of Minnesota’s Yellow Ribbon Cities by hosting a community wide training. · ·
· The meeting served as an introduction and brain storming session. Success stories of how truly wonderful it is when the wife of a soldier need not worry about shoveling the driveway or fixing the lawnmower were incredibly inspiring. Making a difference is as easy as bringing over a pot of chili that can be frozen and later thawed out or taking care of the children for a few hours so that the spouse can have some peace. The network also helps to facilitate discussions with schools and faith-based groups to provide a wide reaching support team. Read more at Owatonna People's Press · ·
· About a week later, a captain from the military’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program called me. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon started in Minnesota, but is now in all states. It offers training, education, and volunteer support services to members of the military and their families, both before and after deployment. When the captain asked how I could assist, I explained, “I help people achieve their financial goals. Do you think your soldiers could use my help?” The program did not have any workshops on financial literacy; my help was welcomed. · ·
· It's innocent faces like that of little Alex Funk, who are left at home during deployments. She's the daughter of Colonel and Albert Lea Schools Superintendent Mike Funk who most recently served in Kosovo. · Read more at KIMT · ·
"It's good to see this level of support," said 1st Battalion 125th Field Artillery CPT Michael Graves, of New Ulm. · Increasing numbers of cities and counties are becoming designated as "Yellow Ribbon" because as servicemembers deploy from Minnesota's Reserve, there are components of their family members who are often left behind without support from their immediate community. Many people feel that they are often alone, and it may be difficult for them to ask others within the community for help in their situation. · Read more at The Journal ·
Now, a new grass-roots movement in Minnesota is aimed at making sure that never again happens to soldiers — or their families. "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" was started in 2008 with government-funded reintegration sessions for returning service members and their families and has grown into a community-based network of volunteer services. · The goal is to create an "enduring network of support," said Lt. Col. Barbara O'Reilly, chief of deployment-cycle support for the Minnesota National Guard. · Read more at Pioneer Press · ·
· "I can say the same thing everyone else says - it's humbling, " Sackett said midway through the course. "I'd feel worse if I'd shot more. I'm just here to have fun." · Wild Wings of Oneka Hunt club threw open its fields and sporting clay courses for almost 100 newly returned members of the 34th Infantry Division, with the cost of the hunt and game dinner for each Soldier covered by sportsmen and women from across the east-metro area. · Read more at StarTribune · ·
“We were treated pretty badly when we got back,” Hamre recalled. · Although soldiers returning from duty in Iraq haven’t been shunned and disparaged like many soldiers were at the end of America’s combat role in Vietnam, today’s servicemen and women – and their families – are still very much in need of support, said Hamre, a Prior Lake resident whose son, Leif, served in Iraq.· · ·
· The purpose was to explain Brown County’s goal of becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon County in Minnesota. This would make Brown County the third such county in Minnesota. · Read more at Sleepy Eye Herald-Dispatch · ·
So last month, the City Council voted unanimously to seek Yellow Ribbon City designation — an outward sign of the community's commitment to helping military families get through their loved ones' deployments and to assisting returning veterans in re-acclimating to their daily lives. · Read more at Star Tribune · · · Spring Lake Park to move forward with process to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city
· The city will begin the process of becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) city. According to the BTYR website, the program was established by the Minnesota National Guard and is supported by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. It provides services, training and resources to service members and their families. Farmington, Hugo, Stillwater and Woodbury have been proclaimed BTYR cities, and about 20 other cities are vying for that status. · Read more at Sun Newspapers · · · Lake Elmo becomes 'Beyond the Yellow Ribbon' city
· Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a program started by the Minnesota National Guard to help "provide services, training and resources to service members and their families throughout the deployment cycle," according to the organization's Web site. · Read more at Oakdale Lake Elmo Review · ·
The ribbons are being hung to show the city's support of military families and the desire to become a Yellow Ribbon city. Community members are invited to attend a Yellow Ribbon meeting at South St. Paul City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N., on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. · A Yellow Ribbon city, designed to support the various needs of military families, is a part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, which was created by the National Guard as a means to lend support during pre-deployment, deployment and reintegration into mainstream society. · Read more at Southwest Review News · ·
· Soon she learned the two Washington County Sheriff squad cars and Mahtomedi fire truck were part of a surprise “welcome home” celebration for Klaiber last month. She received a colorful escort to the Mahtomedi Education Center where friends, family and even total strangers were waiting with well wishes. · Read more at White Bear Press · ·
· Coming back from war isn’t a simple process. For many it means learning to be part of their old lives again. It can be difficult for the soldier and it can be difficult for the people who love them. · Read more at The Farmington Independent · ·
· The first wave of soldiers came home Sunday night, about 250 men and women, and they were dropped off at locations in Rosemount, Inver Grove Heights and Stillwater. There will be three more waves of returning soldiers before all 1,000 are home. · Read more at Hastings Star-Gazette · ·
· "It really means a lot," said Capt. Bryan Watters of the Minnesota National Guard. · Read more at Marshall Independent · ·
Despite there being an ill-fated Vikings NFC Championship game on as the soldiers returned, almost 200 people showed up to show support to the returning troops, said Gary Kriesel, head of Washington County's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network. · Read more at Stillwater Gazette · ·
· "I just didn't think it was fair because he wasn't going to get the hero's welcome he deserved," said Meier, who was preparing that morning of Dec. 11 to greet her husband, James, at the airport. "In just a few hours, somehow, word had gotten out and there were probably 20 or 25 people there." · Read more at Star Tribune · ·
Read more and watch the video at http://wcco.com/video/?cid=5 · ·
Businesses, churches, law enforcement and other organizations in Yellow Ribbon cities - like Farmington, Hugo, Stillwater and Woodbury - provide soldiers and their families support and resources before, during and after their deployment. · "If they know we have this kind of a program in their city ... they know their family can contact us," said Jan Frazier, an auxiliary member at the Red Wing American Legion. "That takes a lot of pressure of them while they are over there." · Read more at The Republican Eagle · ·
Since May 2009, the 34th Infantry Division provided command and control of military forces in the southern third of Iraq. Headquartered in Basra, the 34th Infantry Division led a force of approximately 14,000 U.S. service members throughout nine of Iraq's 18 provinces. · Read more at Stillwater Gazette · ·
· Because there is not an Army base near her Eagan home, Daley didn’t expect much support from the community. That’s why she was surprised when one day she received a phone call from someone asking if there was anything she needed. · Read more at The Catholic Spirit · ·
· The Minnesota National Guard’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” campaign held a Yellow Ribbon Summit at the college to recognize members of the community who have developed a network of support for deployed Guard service members and their families. · Read more at Woodbury Bulletin · Read more articles on the Yellow Ribbon summit: · ·
· In November, Don Shelby and photojournalist Tom Aviles were embedded in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. They met Master Sgt. Rich Kemp and carried this message home to his wife Terri and two daughters — Taylor, 6 and Erica, 3. · ·
My name is Sherry and I have a soldier who is currently serving with the 34th Infantry Division in Basra, Iraq. Being a part of the military lifestyle is something that is not for the weak. I have had to learn how to be strong over the years. I’ve always managed to pull through however, this year it is a bit different. · ·
· Lily's father, Eric, a member of the Army National Guard, is deployed in Iraq and has been gone since early summer. Since they don't have family members in town, Jen Van Hecke, who lives in Minneapolis, said she is excited about meeting other military moms with young children and learning how to keep Eric and Lily connected while he is away. · ·
· The National Guard’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, which works year-round to support deployed and returning troops and their families, is making a special effort to help during the holidays. Its prime focus is on directing charitable efforts toward helping military families. · ·
Stillwater City Councilman Mike Polehna has been leading the charge for the city. He says the effort has come out of personal experience. Polehna noted his family's military history (his uncle died at 19 during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and his father fought during the Korean War) and Ben Johnson, a Stillwater native and Green Beret, as personal inspirations in his life. "This is the least I can do for the guys out protecting us," he said. · Read more at Stillwater Gazette · ·
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· Read more at St.Croix Valley Press · ·
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Captain Nathan Foster rescued wound ed soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan."It's noisy. It's busy. It's a never ending story," said Foster. "It's 24 hours a day."It's the most rewarding work he said he has ever done. "We do our part and they do their part. If they're willing to go into houses. You better be willing to risk your life to go get them out of there when they do get hurt," said Foster. · However, here's not much demand for Medevac chopper pilots stateside. Since returning home in July, Foster's been applying for military jobs. · Read more at WCCO · ·
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· · · Yellow Ribbon program hits home with Chan families By: Laura Hoogeveen Feb. 6, 2012
An American flag flies above the garage and three paper stars hang on the front door. It isn't the Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Veteran's Day, but a cold Sunday afternoon in the middle of December.
The year-round display of patriotism of retired Col. Bob Ayotte, 63, and his wife, 53, honors their three grown children serving in the military.
"It's 10 times anything, no, 100 times anything I've ever experienced," said Bob, who served 33 years in the military, about his sons' deployments overseas. "I can't even come close to depicting the realities that these people have experienced."
(VIDEO) Hopkins Learns About Yellow Ribbon Communities By: James Warden Feb. 7, 2012
Hopkins council members on Tuesday learned a bit more about how they can help members of the Minnesota Naitonal Guard and their families.
First. Lt. Adam J. Kedrowski, a yellow ribbon outreach coordinator for the guard, noted that guardsmen and guardswomen live in a different environment that their active-duty counterparts.
Watch the video at HopkinsPatch.com
Preparing soldiers for beyond the battlefield By: Jeff Malachowski Feb. 5, 2012
For soldiers preparing for their first deployment overseas, safety and the mission are top priorities. That preparation goes beyond battlefield scenarios.
Over 220 Army National Guard soldiers from across the state who will deploy to Afghanistan in August learned yesterday the importance of financially and mentally preparing themselves and their families for their deployment during a Yellow Ribbon pre-mobilization seminar at the Sheraton Hotel.
Jon Harrington, a finance counselor for the National Guard, said the Yellow Ribbon program connects soldiers with community organizations and volunteers who provide financial and emotional advice to soldiers in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
Read more at The Milford Daily News
Veterans Court: 'Taking Care of Our Brothers and Sisters and Our Sons and Daughters' By: Shawn Hogendorf Jan. 31, 2012
Dan Hanson and two of his brothers joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2004. They were sent off on an intense deployment to Iraq where their unit lost 35 guys—including one to suicide.
"We came back and didn't really talk about it," said Hanson, now a veterans advocate and member of the Lake Elmo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program. "We kept moving forward and got ready for the next deployment."
Read more at OakdalePatch.com
Project Linus chapter contributes blankets to soldiers' children at event By: Jane Turpin Moore, Worthington Daily Globe Jan. 12, 2012
When your spouse is overseas on military duty, life isn't always much of a party.
But on Sunday, families of deployed National Guard members were treated to an afternoon of food and fun at the Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Centre, courtesy of the Luverne National Guard Armory and a long list of sponsors and supporters.
“Every year we have a Christmas party and a summer picnic for the families of our service people,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Fiferlick, the administrative sergeant for the Luverne armory. “It’s nice for them to get together and meet other families, and it’s a time to build morale and cohesion.”
At least 116 people affiliated with members of the National Guard unit Alpha Battery 1-125 Field Artillery (part of the 34 th Infantry Division known as the Red Bulls) attended Sunday’s gathering, which is targeted for the soldiers’ families.
“The staff at Blue Mound Banquet Centre was phenomenal,” Fiferlick said. “The food was awesome—ham and turkey with all the fixings, plus dessert—and they treated us like kings.”
A variety of area organizations and businesses contributed to make the event special for the National Guard members’ families, many of whom have soldiers currently deployed at Camp Patriot in Kuwait.
“Travis left in August,” said Al Thiner, Worthington, of his son, one of the unit’s members. “He was home for two weeks at Christmas and just went back. He’s been in the National Guard for four years and just re-enlisted—this is his first deployment—and he will be gone with the unit until May.”
Travis Thiner’s situation is similar to that of several other guard members; his wife, Angela, and two young children — Kenadie, 5, and Tayton, 14 months — are striving to keep life on an even keel in Worthington while he focuses on the work he must do on behalf of the United States overseas.
That’s why Al Thiner and his wife, Pam, are involved in trying to help Worthington become a Yellow Ribbon community, meaning family members with deployed soldiers can more easily find assistance for anything they might need, whether it’s a broken furnace or some babysitting help.
“It’s a long process, but we’re working on it,” Al Thiner said of efforts to establish the program locally.
Meanwhile, Sunday provided a respite for soldiers’ families, along with many treats for the 36 children attending. (There are close to 70 children of soldiers in the Luverne/Pipestone group, but not all could be present.)
A special feature this year was the gift of warm blankets for each child, courtesy of the Southwest Minnesota chapter of Project Linus.
Project Linus, a non-profit volunteer organization that provides comfort to children in need via handmade blankets, has operated in this area for about the past three years. Beve Vajgrt is the chapter’s coordinator, and Sheryl Kucker, Vajgrt’s assistant, brought 110 blankets to the Luverne gathering from which the children could choose.
“It was really exciting and very fun,” Kucker said, adding the Project Linus volunteers don’t usually get to see the recipients receive the blankets, which are more typically given out by police officers, Southwest Crisis Center workers, Love INC representatives and medical professionals who assist children in emergency or traumatic situations.
“The kids really seemed to enjoy choosing their own blankets, and the families were appreciative,” Kucker added. “I thought it was reassuring to know there are soldiers out there working on our behalf, and that basic American values—like praying before the meal—are alive and well.”
“The handmade blankets are pretty neat, and it means a little more that someone took the time to make each blanket and not just buy them,” Fiferlick said. “The blankets went over well.”
While Fiferlick said the Alpha Battery 1-125 Field Artillery unit of Luverne/Pipestone has soldiers from Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, the majority are from Luverne, Pipestone, Worthington and Sioux Falls—and the fundraising and donations for Sunday’s event came “100 percent from southwest Minnesota,” according to Fiferlick.
A high percentage of the businesses and organizations Fiferlick approached for assistance with the party responded favorably, and as a result, the children who attended received toys and a $10 gift card, besides the Project Linus blankets, and there were additional prizes for the deployed families.
“They had a good time,” confirmed Fiferlick of the families attending.
And Al Thiner, who pointed out that his grandson was only crawling when his son Travis left for Kuwait but was walking capably when his dad came home for his Christmas break, is similarly happy about the demonstrated public support for families of deployed soldiers.
“I’m grateful for the community support,” assured Al Thiner. “My daughterin-law is doing a fine job getting along, but it makes it easier for the soldiers to know their families are taken care of here so they can better focus on the jobs they need to do over there.”
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 14:19 |
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