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

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
November 2, 2022

EAGAN, Minn. – Seventy-one Minnesota companies and organizations will attend the Beyond
the Yellow Ribbon fall conference tomorrow in Eagan to share best practices in supporting
military veterans, service members, and their families.

“These companies or organizations have dedicated members who work to formalize best
practices, resources, recognition, and support to ensure members of our military community
continue to thrive,” said Heather Bergeron, director of the Minnesota National Guard’s Family
Programs. “The Minnesota National Guard is so grateful for the willingness and generosity of
these networks.”

“As a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, we are recognized as a group that is committed
to making the lives of our service members and their families better,” said Joe Fowler, president
of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “We owe our service members
support when they need it, whether that’s through job placement, volunteering, or outreach.”

The conference theme is Uniting Communities. 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 fall and spring, 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 86 Minnesota
BTYR companies and organizations.\

Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to the conference at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 3 at
Thomson Reuters, located at 610 Opperman Drive, Eagan, Minn. 55123. 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.
-30-