Medica, which offers health insurance plans across the Midwest, was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event in Minnetonka on Aug. 29, 2004. 

Several dignitaries were in attendance and spoke at the ceremony. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan provided remarks and read the official proclamation.  

“This is one of my favorite things to do because it is the very best of Minnesota – stepping up and stepping in and simply taking care of each other,” said Flanagan, whose brother was a Marine Corps veteran. “And I know that sometimes it can be a little intimidating to ask for help or to ask for support. So, creating spaces and Yellow Ribbon communities is one of the most powerful things we can do to tell people. ‘We’ve got you.’ Right there is a net of support.” 

Army Maj. Gen. Johanna Clyborne, the Minnesota National Guard assistant adjutant general, welcomed Medica as it joins a statewide Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network of 83 companies and organizations, 53 communities, and other partners that are committed to supporting military veterans, service members, and families. 

“Being in the military is about service and community – giving of ourselves selflessly and safeguarding our communities and nation,” Clyborne said.  “It’s also about facing challenges and making sacrifices that many of us can’t fully comprehend. Receiving this recognition today shows that Medica also believes in service and community. It reflects Medica’s dedication and hard work in creating an inclusive workplace for its military-connected employees and its outstanding outreach, service, and community-building efforts that extend beyond Minnesota.” 

During the ceremony, three Medica managers were honored by employees and received the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. National Guard or Reserve service member employees, or spouses of Guard or Reserve members, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided to the service members and their family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. 

“We are extremely proud to earn the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon designation,” said Dan Abdul, Medica’s chief information officer, a military veteran, and executive sponsor of Medica Salutes, an employee resource group for military veterans and advocates. “Medica is committed to supporting our employees’ military service whether they’re active duty, a veteran, or a family member. This provides an opportunity to create broader support for our communities as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization.” 

After the ceremony, guests visited a veterans’ resource fair.  

The mission of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 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. Visit MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr to learn more about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. 

By Cristina Oxtra 

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs