MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon - September 2023
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon networks recognized at state fair
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community and Corporate Networks were recognized at an awards ceremony during the 12th Annual Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 29.
The mission of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, known as BTYR, 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.
“We, in The Minnesota National Guard, value our partnerships with our BTYR networks. Given the complexity of our mission and the pace of our training and deployment requirements, along with the unique needs of our military community, we appreciate our networks’ hard work and unwavering commitment and support,” said Lt. Col. Joe Sanganoo, Minnesota National Guard Family Programs Officer. “BTYR is an outstanding example of the power and impact of a true and meaningful collaboration between partnering entities and individuals.”
Among the 83 active BTYR Corporate Networks, Thomson Reuters was recognized for hosting last year’s BTYR fall conference and donating 570 turkeys during the holidays to help those in need in the military community. Allianz Life Insurance was recognized for volunteering to host the spring conference when another company was not able to do so.
Six companies and organizations that were recently proclaimed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as BTYR companies and organizations for their efforts in supporting the state’s military community were also recognized. They included Tokyo Electron, Prime Therapeutics, St. Paul College, YMCA of the North, Ryan Companies US, Inc., and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures - Grand Casino.
Among the 53 active BTYR Community Networks, four networks were recognized, including Northern Dakota County, Hugo, Pine City, and Big Lake. These networks performed hundreds of volunteer hours since this spring to support the military community. These networks assisted veterans, service members, and their families with lawncare, snow removal, utilities, vehicle repair, house repair, groceries, fuel cost, appliance replacement, and recovery treatment. They also served meals to veterans, sent care packages to deployed service members, participated in welcome home events, hosted special events, and so much more.
Visit the BTYR page on Facebook for more photos of the recognition ceremony and thank you to BTYR volunteers as well as the Minnesota National Guard website and social media for other state fair highlights.
Pine City BTYR Bike Run a success
The Pine City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 4th Annual Bike Run held July 29 featured 150 motorcycles, 250 participants, and raised almost $14,000. This is the group's only fundraiser for the year and the money raised go towards its efforts in helping local veterans, service members, and their families.
"We were about $1,000 short of making our goal financially, but met our goal with the number of bikes," said Jada Osterdyk, Pine City BTYR chair. "From what we heard, everyone really enjoyed the ride and will be back next year with even more friends!"
Pine City BTYR was one of four BTYR Community Networks that received recognition at the Military Appreciation Day festivities at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 29 for its efforts in supporting the state's military community.
See more photos from the bike run and many other BTYR Community Network events on the BTYR page on Facebook.
BTYR company featured on radio show
Listen to the Minnesota Military Radio show. Meet Bill Scherling with Ryan Companies US, Inc. a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company; learn about food insecurity from the Veterans Health Education coordinator at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System; and hear an update from Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erickson, Minnesota National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader. Tune in at https://wp.me/peVOtP-1W3.
Ryan Companies US, Inc. in Minneapolis, in partnership with Homeco and Operation Homefront, created 25 baskets filled with baby items totaling an estimated $4,000 for military families at the 133rd Airlift Wing. The items were packaged and delivered the week of Aug. 14. As a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, this is one of Ryan Companies US, Inc.'s many efforts in supporting Minnesota's military community.
Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists offer help at fitness event
Members of the Minnesota National Guard’s Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist team, better known as SFRS, supported soldiers who participated in the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Course held July 9 to 16 and Aug. 13 to 20 at the Camp Ripley Training Center.
The SFRS team served as cadre and subject matter experts in military benefits and resources.
"A heightened focus was placed on providing on-the-spot assistance to enhance soldiers' quality of life," said Adam Vanderwal, SFRS lead. "The heightened focus resulted in several attendees improving their financial well-being, gaining better employment, maximizing benefits, and even finding stable housing for a homeless soldier."
The training course focuses on teaching soldiers proper nutrition, fitness, and wellness techniques to enhance their overall wellbeing and readiness. The event was hosted by the Holistic Health and Fitness program.
Resources offered during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to raise their voices to broadcast the message that suicide can be prevented and healing is possible.
A toolkit is available and includes key messages and resources, social media posts, learning opportunities, and ideas for action. It is for any person, organization, and community to use as a starting point to talk about mental health and suicide prevention.
The theme for this year is connection. The weekly topics include:
- Week 1: Connection for ourselves
- Week 2: Connecting with our loved ones
- Week 3: Connecting with community
- Week 4: Connecting to hope and healing
As part of this year's observance, be sure to participate in the 2023 Power of One Wellness 5K at Arden Hills on Sept. 10 and the Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day event in Bemidji on Oct. 7. See the enclosed flyers for more details.
Commentary - National Guard families: champions of change
By Army Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain
The great writer George Eliot, who must be a kindred spirit, wrote, "Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it. And if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
Like many others, fall is my favorite season of the year. Though I'm not particularly fond of pumpkin spice flavored foods, I welcome sweater weather, college and pro football, the state fair (Pronto Pups!), and the unique fall fragrance in the air.
Just as fall signals change, our National Guard families are no strangers to shifts and transitions, including snowblower maintenance, rapid weather changes, and kids returning to school (and all the parents said, "Amen!")
Each National Guard family has its own unique story. Like trees that transition in the fall, we navigate unexpected calls to duty, weekends away, and sometimes longer separations. Yet, with each challenge, we regroup, adapt, and shine even brighter. Being part of the Guard means juggling regular life with the call of duty. One moment you're at home, and the next, you're serving your community or country. But through it all, there's an unbreakable bond that ties our families together.
Just as fall promises new beginnings, our families embody the spirit of resilience. We are living proof that after every challenge, there's an opportunity to grow and thrive. So, as the leaves turn and the air chills, we celebrate our National Guard families. You are the unsung heroes, teaching us to face life's curveballs with courage and grace. Every leaf that falls is a reminder of your dedication, strength, and the love you bring to all of life's changes.
* George Eliot was a pen name used by Mary Ann Evans.
Soldier & Family Readiness offers back-to-school safety tips
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon networks host upcoming events
Reach out.
Established in 2008, Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon supports military veterans, service members, and families in all branches in the places where they live, work, and serve.
E-mail: ng.mn.mnarng.list.j9-beyond-the-yellow-ribbon@army.mil.
Follow: Twitter (X) @BTYRmn and Facebook,
Visit: BTYR website
Download: Minnesota National Guard app.
BTYR Bulletin editor: cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil