Beyond the Yellow Ribbon representatives from 20 communities and 29 companies and organizations across Minnesota attended a workshop at Camp Ripley on April 30 to share best practices in supporting the military community.

A statewide program that began in 2008, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, known also as BTYR, establishes and sustains a community and corporate network to meet the needs of Minnesota’s military veterans and service members of all branches and their families.

“The strength, preparedness, and well-being of our veterans, service members, and their families are influenced by the support they receive from the people in the places where they live, work, and serve,” said Army Lt. Col. Jackie Stenger, Minnesota National Guard’s chief of community engagement. “The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon workshop aims to bring together communities, companies, and organizations to collaborate, build connections, and enhance their efforts in support of our military community.”

The theme of this year’s annual workshop was “What’s Brewing with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.” While guests sipped on cups of coffee, they listened to presentations, participated in breakout sessions, and engaged in networking activities. They also enjoyed a base tour.

“Our partnerships and collaborations are vital to our success. We are grateful for the care and commitment that you, our fellow Minnesotans, show through your efforts for our veterans, service members, and military families. We cannot do the work we do without you,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General in his welcome remarks. “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a shining example of how true collaboration between partnering entities can benefit not just those involved, but also many others beyond them,”

Several community networks, corporate partners, and individuals were recognized for their efforts, including the Minnesota Twins, Land O’ Lakes, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Maple Grove BTYR, the Big Lake BTYR, and Chuck Haas, chair and president of the Hugo BTYR, which celebrated its 15-year anniversary this past March.

There are currently 50 communities and 87 companies and organizations in the BTYR network. Last year, BTYR communities coordinated over 400 events, performed more than 12,000 volunteer hours, sent over 2,500 packages to deployed service members, and provided an estimated $400,000 in assistance to veterans, service members, and their families. BTYR corporate partners supported over 90 events, contributed more than 4,000 volunteer hours, sent over 750 packages, and provided approximately $350,000 to assist those in Minnesota’s miliary community. To learn more about BTYR, visit MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr.

Story by Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs