The Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network hosted its ‘Patriots in the Park’ festivities at Rosemount Central Park on June 10, 2025.

The free event, which was open to the public, featured music, entertainment, food, games, giveaways, static military vehicle displays, a fire truck, and interactive information booths.

Onstage, the Rosemount BTYR was recognized for its efforts in supporting the military community. While Stefanie Hurt, BTYR community outreach coordinator, awarded coins to each member of the Rosemount team, Taylor Kristoffe-Jones, BTYR corporate outreach coordinator, provided remarks.

She said the group demonstrates “what’s possible when commitment meets compassion.”

“They make it personal,” Kristoffe-Jones said. “They make it feel like family. And they make the rest of us want to step up a little more. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon has always been about more than a program. It’s a promise–one that says we will never leave our military community behind, whether they’re returning from deployment, navigating hardships, or aging into new needs. And Rosemount? You don’t just keep that promise–you also lead it…You remind us all that while we may serve in different communities, we stand together as one united effort.”

In 2024, the Rosemount BTYR’s support for the military community included rent and mortgage assistance, utility payments, groceries, appliances, car repairs, care packages for deployed service members, holiday meals, holiday gifts for veterans in assisted living, recognition for high school military recruits, and scholarships for veterans attending community college.

Rosemount BTYR also hosted a Veterans Day banquet and free bowling[O(1] [MA2]  n[O(3] [O(4] ight for military families and supported numerous military causes and area events.

The group received a certificate of appreciation signed by Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s adjutant general, and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erickson, Minnesota National Guard’s command senior enlisted leader.

In addition, local resident and Army veteran, Ken Talbert, 96, for his military service. Talbert served in the Army for two years during the Korean War and received the Combat Infantry Medal.

After his military service, he attended college and earned a teaching degree. He taught accounting in Rosemount for 34 years until he retired in 1991. Talbert and his friend, Ted Northwick, co-managed the project to build the Rosemount Veterans Memorial at Rosemount Central Park. The evening’s celebration was designated as Ken Talbert Night.

There are 50 BTYR community networks across Minnesota. To learn more, visit MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr.

By Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs