U. S. Steel was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event in Virginia, Minnesota, on June 27, 2024.

“We value our partnerships with the many companies, organizations, and communities across Minnesota that are part of our Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network, and we are pleased to welcome U.S. Steel as our newest partner to this network,” said Air Force Col. Nathan Aysta, 148th Fighter Wing commander and the Minnesota National Guard representative who spoke at the event. “The company’s commitment to actively supporting our military veterans, service members, and families is important and deeply appreciated by all of us.”

Besides maintaining a veterans’ employee resource group, U.S. Steel’s efforts include establishing training for company managers and recruiters to expand their knowledge of service member skillsets, military values, service members’ rights, and resources to support families of deployed service members. It is developing a deployment support plan for service members’ families. U.S. Steel connects with national and local partners as well as military-connected organizations to stay up to date on resources, training opportunities, and available support. Its website allows veterans and service members to find custom matched job opportunities based on their military experience. The company recognizes Veterans Day, celebrates service branch birthdays, and posts welcome home messages for returning service members. It also partners with service organizations to help those in the military community beyond the company.

“Earning the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon distinction is a great honor for U.S. Steel and solidifies our commitment to active duty and veteran members of the armed forces who work in our mines and mills,” said Travis Kolari, head of Minnesota ore operations processing for U.S. Steel. “These individuals and their families make tremendous sacrifices for our freedom, and we strive to create a workplace where the men and women who have served our nation can have the support and opportunities they deserve.”

The event was attended by local dignitaries as well as 148th Fighter Wing service members who are also U.S. Steel employees. This includes Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jared Hinks, who sang the National Anthem.

Also known as BTYR, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s mission 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 MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X.

By Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard