Children’s Minnesota recognized as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization

Children’s Minnesota was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event in St. Paul on Sept. 26, 2024.

“The commitment of Children’s Minnesota to our military community is invaluable and we appreciate all it does to meet the unique and ever-expanding needs of our veterans, service members, and families,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General, who spoke at the event. “Thank you to Children’s Minnesota for creating a workplace environment and culture that support, recognize, and value military service.”

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan provided remarks at the ceremony and read the official proclamation that was presented to Children’s Minnesota. Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota, also signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, fulfilling one of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon commitments.

Children’s Minnesota, which is also celebrating its 100 years of service, is honored to be named a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization.

“At Children’s Minnesota, we are profoundly committed to supporting the brave individuals in uniform, as well as their families,” said Dr. Emily Chapman, Chief Medical Officer and executive sponsor of the Military and Veterans employee resource group at Children’s Minnesota. “We acknowledge the unique challenges that military service members, veterans and their families face, and we are dedicated to providing the resources and support they need to thrive. It is an immense privilege to stand alongside them and express our unwavering gratitude for their sacrifices.”

A steering committee from Children’s Minnesota’s military and veterans’ employee resource group spent several months developing and submitting an action plan to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization.

The action plan details Children’s Minnesota’s commitment in the areas of leadership support, workforce recruiting, training, development and policy, community and employee outreach, and support infrastructure.

The mission of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, also known as BTYR, is to establish and sustain a comprehensive community and corporate support network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, and resources to meet the needs of Minnesota’s military veterans, service members, and families in all military branches.

 Learn more about BTYR at https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr.

By Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs