Operation Turkey Drop: Bringing Thanksgiving to military community
Minnesota National Guard staff and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon partners and volunteers teamed up for Operation Turkey Drop to provide food for Thanksgiving for veterans, service members, and families in need.
“This is a tremendous effort that can only be accomplished with the hard work, kindness, volunteerism, and generosity of so many people across Minnesota, and we greatly appreciate it,” said Army. Col. Eduardo Suarez, Minnesota National Guard’s Director of Culture, Resiliency, and Community Engagement. “Thank you to all of them. We are so fortunate to live and serve in a state that cares for and supports our veterans, service members, and families. This is what community is all about.”
The annual effort involved packing, transporting, and distributing an estimated 1,000 items, weighing approximately 10 tons. Five hundred meals kits (300 from Meals from the Heart and 200 from the United Christian Academy) were packed. On Nov. 15, Minnesota Department of Transportation volunteers moved the meal kits to Thomson Reuters, where on Nov. 18, the kits, along with turkeys (200 donated by the Minnesota Wild and approximately 300 donated by Thomson Reuters), were loaded onto vehicles and delivered by volunteers to armories and air wings across the state. There, the food was distributed to those who registered to receive them.
Stefanie Hurt, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community outreach coordinator, serves as the project lead for Operation Turkey Drop, and she is thankful to witness every part of it -- from the planning, packing, loading and unloading, and eventually to the delivery.
“And then to the service member or the veteran or their family that gets to walk in and we hand them everything you need for a Thanksgiving meal, from the turkey to the cranberry, to the gravy, to the mashed potatoes, to the stuffing, to the green bean casserole, and everything Minnesotan. And I get to watch that relief,” Hurt said in an interview with Minnesota News Network. “To know that family has a reason to count their blessings around the table, and it’s because it has touched so many hands along the way and it reaches where it needs to be.”
A similar effort, known as Operation Merry Meals, will be conducted for the Christmas holiday season. See video and more photos from Operation Turkey Drop on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon page on Facebook.
“The Minnesota National Guard values all of our corporate and community partnerships, including those who are part of our Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network, like the City of Minneapolis,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General, who spoke at the event. “We appreciate the value they place and the respect they have for the service and sacrifices of our veterans, service members, and their families and the support they offer them in their workplaces and communities.”
While Farmington was the first Minnesota city to be recognized as part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community network in 2008, the City of Minneapolis is the first Minnesota city government to be recognized as an employer and become part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon corporate network.
“Receiving the designation as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization is a tremendous honor, and we are immensely proud to be the first city in Minnesota to achieve this milestone,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “It is a privilege to support our service members, veterans, and their families who have made such significant sacrifices for our nation. The City of Minneapolis is dedicated to serving those who have served us, and we look forward to deepening our partnership with the Minnesota National Guard.”
Staffan Swanson, Minneapolis Fire Department deputy fire chief, served in the Army for three years. After separating from the military in 1989, he wanted to continue serving in some capacity. He took the civil service exam as soon as he could and began his career as a firefighter in 1991. Swanson said veterans deserve a place that acknowledges their service and supports them and their families.
“I’m here to tell you that the City of Minneapolis is just that place,” Swanson said. “Nearly 34 years later, as a senior member of the Minneapolis Fire Department, I get to sit back and observe young people who also serve their country and choose to continue their service as a Minneapolis firefighter. I take great comfort knowing that the city will be there for them and their families in their time of need. Just as it was there for me.”
Katie Blackwell, Minneapolis Police Department assistant chief, currently serves in the Minnesota National Guard. She has 27 years of military service with the Army. She said the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program and the resources and assistance it provides have been a blessing to service members and their families, especially before, during, and after deployments.
“It was nice to depend on community members back home that were taking care of our families while we were deployed. Whether it was a leaky faucet, needing help with mowing the lawn, or shoveling sidewalks,” Blackwell said. “A sincere thank you to all community members who volunteer and compassionately serve for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and who help our service members and their families.”
Blackwell also thanked the mayor and city leaders, citing that there are 61 veterans and service members in the Minneapolis Police Department. “It takes a whole community to ensure this wonderful support continues,” she added.
Radio show highlights community network
Dorothy Radermacher, chair of the Northeast Metro Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, was a guest on the Minnesota Military Radio show Nov. 14 and talked about how the local community network supports the military community. The show also highlighted the Fargo VA Health Care System's Caregiver Support Program and received an update from the Minnesota National Guard's Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erickson. Tune in at https://wp.me/peVOtP-29u.
Commentary: Holistic practices can enhance winter, holiday season
By Chaplain (Capt.) Michael A. Rivera Jr.
84th Troop Command/Holistic Health and Fitness
Living in December, a season filled with diverse traditions, means honoring all aspects of life -- spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional. This approach nurtures the connection between body, mind, and spirit, drawing inspiration from interfaith beliefs that celebrate unity, peace, and reflection, and invites us all to be part of this shared experience.
Spiritually, December encourages introspection, gratitude, and connection to a higher purpose. Celebrations, like Hanukkah, symbolize hope, while winter solstice traditions honor the return of light. Christmas promotes themes of compassion and generosity, inspiring acts of kindness. Meditation, prayer, or community rituals foster inner peace and a sense of reverence for the season, bringing a calm and centered feeling to our lives. Mentally, the season can bring joy, but also stress from holiday preparations and year-end responsibilities.
Practicing mindfulness through meditation, journaling, or deep breathing helps maintain clarity and manage pressures. Setting realistic expectations and embracing quiet moments for reflection can provide healing and set intentions for the new year. Staying physically active during December is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. Activities, like brisk walks, yoga, or stretching, can improve mood and immunity. In addition, exposure to natural light can help regulate circadian rhythms, that are essential for a healthy lifestyle.
December offers an abundance of seasonal foods nutritionally. Mindful eating involves savoring dishes with awareness and creates a balanced approach. Enjoying seasonal produce and moderating treats promotes satisfaction without compromising health. Quality sleep is a cornerstone of holistic living, especially during December’s shorter days, which naturally invite longer rest. By prioritizing calming bedtime routines and reducing screen time, you can enhance your overall health and resilience during this season of celebration and renewal.
By embracing these holistic practices rooted in interfaith traditions, December transforms into a time of celebration, healing, and renewal, fostering connection, reflection, and unity.
Reach out.
The mission of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 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 veterans, service members, and families in all military branches.
The BTYR Bulletin informs, connects, and supports Minnesota's military community and its many partners across the state.
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