Minnesota Companies, Organizations Gather to Support State’s Military Community

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
April 11, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota companies and organizations will attend the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon spring conference on Thursday at Allianz Life in Minneapolis to share best practices in supporting military veterans, service members, and their families.

“Beyond the Yellow Ribbon companies play a vital role in enabling our servicemembers and their families support our local community, state, and federal missions,” said Army Lt. Col. Joseph Sanganoo, Minnesota National Guard family programs officer. “The Minnesota National Guard is a more resilient and capable force because of their support and contribution towards the holistic well-being of our servicemembers and their families.”

“Allianz Life is proud to be a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, and to host the 2023 spring conference as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting military employees and communities,” said Bill Gaumond, chief financial officer at Allianz Life and executive sponsor of the company’s ‘Operation: SERVE’ employee resource group. “We’re looking forward to learning and sharing with other companies about how we can all continue to build more equitable and inclusive workplaces in the Twin Cities.”

Through its community and corporate partnerships, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, also known as BTYR, program’s network provides veterans, service members, and their families in all military branches a wide range of support, including deployment readiness, family assistance and resources, youth programs, educational and career opportunities, and more. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, Minnesota BTYR companies and organizations meet to connect and discuss ways to enhance their support of the state’s military community. They also take turns hosting the conference. There are currently 79 active Minnesota BTYR companies and organizations.

Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to the conference at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 13, at Allianz Life, located at 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Media can RSVP to
Cristina Oxtra at (651) 282-4100 or cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil.

About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
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