MN National Guard Family Programs

November 2022

Who we are

Minnesota National Guard Family Programs coordinates with state, federal, and contract personnel to connect service members, veterans, and their families to resources that help meet their needs. We promote awareness and self-reliance in our service members and their families by preparing, assisting, and supporting them throughout their military service. To learn more, visit our website.

Native American Heritage Month

In recognition and in honor of the contributions and service of Native Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The National Resource Directory lists resources available for Native American service members and their families. Visit the NRD website.

Month of the Military Family: Guard families reflect on military life

Two Minnesota National Guard families shared their thoughts on life as a military family during Month of the Military Family.

The Vogel Family

Army Sgt. Maj. Joe Vogel serves with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division personnel section and has 25 years of military service. His wife, Molly, is a Soldier & Family Readiness specialist. She will soon start her new position with the Primary Prevention Team supporting the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, in Rosemount. They have three children, William, 16; Graydon, 13; and Ava, 6. Joe provided his responses for this article.

What does Month of the Military Family mean to you?

"It reminds us to be grateful for our nation and to stop and count our blessings. Sharing November with Veterans Day and Thanksgiving allows for intentional reminders to be proud and pay respect for those that have paved the way. We've learned a lot from those who've served before us. Those sacrifices are not in vain or forgotten. This month should also be an awareness of support and resources available to all past and current service members in all branches."

What is the most challenging part of being a military family?
"Being an active-duty service member puts a strain on my wife and children to pick up the pieces while I'm away. Temporary duty pulls me away from my family several times throughout the year. These events change the dynamic of our home. There is the time apart as well as stress leading up to leaving and the reintegration when returning. We asked our kids this same question and they said, 'It’s tough explaining to friends sometimes.'"

What is the best part of being a military family?

"Pride of being part of something bigger than our family while supporting local, state, and national missions."

What message would you like to give other military families?

"Get connected, attend, and/or volunteer for the next event. Ask for help when needed. It’s okay to not be okay physically, mentally, or emotionally. Reach out for support. Pay it forward when you're able. Support each other, especially on the Guard side where we don't have military housing. It is essential to build community and take care of each other to remain strong and resilient. We are all human. We all stumble. We learned at basic training not to leave your battle buddy behind. Because we are such a small part of the population, we must look out for one another. Leaning on extended family, neighbors, friends, and battle buddies is essential to successfully complete the mission of life."

What would you like the public to know about military families?

"Military families are ordinary people who do extraordinary things! Our children said, 'We make sacrifices that not many understand.' Military families deal with stressors that impact moods or decisions they make daily. I joined the military when I was 19. My wife and children didn’t make the choice but have embraced this way of life alongside me. It is a long, difficult road to travel as a military family. Deployments, drill weekends, and annual trainings take you away from your family for the weekend or a full year. However, military life has also been very good to us and allowed us to live comfortably. If you’re considering enlisting or debating about staying in the force, please know there are many perks and much pride being a military family."

The Riemenschneider Family

During the week, Amanda Riemenschneider serves as the Airman & Family Readiness assistant at the 133rd Airlift Wing. She assists Molly Holm, A&FR program manager, with planning events, workshops, meetings, data entry, and more. When service members are in or out processing, she meets with them and ensures they have the support and resources they need. During drill weekends, Air Force Staff Sgt. Amanda is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Student Flight. She, along with the officer in charge, lead, mentor, and prepare the newest airmen before they depart for basic training and tech school. Amanda and her husband, Joseph, have two children, Oliver, 6, and Natalie, 3. Amanda provided her responses.

What does Month of the Military Family mean to you?

"With it being in November along with Veterans Day, I feel that is fitting. Normally, it’s a lot of thanking going to the service member, but it’s nice to have the families recognized as well since they handle everything while we are gone. Everything from the house to kids and pets, to drop off and pick up, to sick kids, to band concerts, everything is on them while we are away, and some people don’t think about that side of it. All of this while worrying if we are going to be okay on deployment."

What is the most challenging part of being a military family?

"The unknown. Especially with recent events, you really don’t know if you’ll need to leave on a moment's notice. It’s what we train for, but it’s still hard to do. The being apart, whether for drill weekends or trainings or deployments, is hard on the kids. When I'm gone, they ask, 'Where is Mom? When will Mom be home?'"

What is the best part of being a military family?

"It brings us closer together. We do all sorts of activities on base, so that’s a lot of fun that other people wouldn’t get to do since they aren’t a part of this military life. It gives us an opportunity to spend time together when life is really busy. With so many other stressors in life, the health insurance is also a great help. It's nice to not have to worry whether or not you’re covered when you go to the doctor."

What message would you like to give other military families?

"Have patience, forgiveness, and grace towards each other. It’s not always easy when the service member comes home and says they have to go to XYZ for however long. You had plans or birthday parties during that timeframe, so it's hard to plan around those or plan without the member being at those events. Remember, it’s hard on both of you, for the one who's away and the one who's at home."

What would you like the public know about military families?

"We are the same as you. The house can be messy, we are always busy, and sometimes we get more takeout than we should."

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Companies, organizations unite to support military community

Seventy-one Minnesota companies and organizations attended the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon fall conference Nov. 3 in Eagan to share best practices in supporting military veterans, service members, and their families.

“These companies or organizations have dedicated members who work to formalize best practices, resources, recognition, and support to ensure members of our military community continue to thrive,” said Heather Bergeron, director of the Minnesota National Guard’s Family Programs. “The Minnesota National Guard is so grateful for the willingness and generosity of these networks.”

“As a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, we are recognized as a group that is committed to making the lives of our service members and their families better,” said Joe Fowler, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “We owe our service members support when they need it, whether that’s through job placement, volunteering, or outreach.”

The conference theme was "Uniting Communities." Through its community and corporate partnerships, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, also known as BTYR, program’s network provides veterans, service members, and their families in all military branches a wide range of support, including deployment readiness, family assistance and resources, youth programs, educational and career opportunities, and more.

There are currently 86 Minnesota BTYR companies and organizations. Twice a year, in the fall and spring, Minnesota BTYR companies and organizations meet to connect and discuss ways to enhance their support of the state’s military community. They also take turns hosting the conference.

This conference was hosted by Thomson Reuters. The road into and winding through the company's campus was lined with United States flags and trees were adorned with yellow ribbons. Guests were welcomed by Andrew Kotila, Thomson Reuters senior counsel, and Paul Fischer, Thomson Reuters legal professionals' president.

Event speakers included Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Blomquist, Chief of Staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard, who read Governor Tim Walz’s proclamation recognizing November as Month of the Military Family.

Keynote speaker retired U.S. Navy Commander Chip Laingen talked about the origin of the yellow ribbon. His mother, Penelope, united the nation with yellow ribbons during the Iran hostage crisis that started Nov. 4, 1979. Her husband, Bruce, was one of the 52 Americans who were held captive for 444 days.

Other speakers included Army Col. Eduardo Suarez, director of strategic communications with the Minnesota National Guard; Taylor Kristoffe-Jones, BTYR corporate outreach coordinator; Yolanda Von Itter, Minnesota National Guard Soldier and Family Readiness specialist; Tim McElroy of the Minnesota Military Family Foundation; Elizabeth Nelson, vice president of diversity and inclusion at Thomson Reuters; Duane Pike of the Eagan BTYR Network; and Thom Thiets, director and president of Meals From The Heart.

A panel discussion on supporting the military community was comprised of Barb Connolly, Hugo BTYR vice president; Joan Kacz, Hugo BTYR volunteer; Kacie Stanek; area supervisor Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Maria Baer, diversity recruitment specialist at the Mayo Clinic, and Nathan Helder, manager at ALLETE Clean Energy.

Representatives from 71 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon companies and organizations listen to speakers at the BTYR fall conference Nov. 3 in Eagan.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Blomquist, fifth from right, Chief of Staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard, and the Family Programs and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon teams pose with Governor Tim Walz's proclamation recognizing November as Month of the Military Family at the BTYR fall conference Nov. 3 in Eagan.

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New team members join Beyond The Yellow Ribbon

Two new staff members joined the Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) team recently. BTYR is part of the Minnesota National Guard Family Programs under the directorship of Heather Bergeron.

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Shawn Powell is the new BTYR outreach coordinator (YROC) for southern Minnesota. Shawn is an Army sergeant and religious affairs noncommissioned officer with the Minnesota National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment. He plans to go through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and earn a bachelor's degree in business management. He enjoys hiking, camping, and going on mission trips. Shawn and his wife, Valeria, are expecting their first child.

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Taylor Kristoffe-Jones is the new BTYR corporate outreach coordinator. Taylor is originally from Washington state and has lived in Hawaii and California. She is a former United States Navy spouse and former Minnesota State House of Representatives candidate. Taylor has a master's degree in education and a master's certificate in training. She is experienced in training and development. Most recently, she worked at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. She enjoys music, reading, and writing women's fiction.

Company, college recognized for supporting military community

Prime Therapeutics in Eagan was proclaimed a BTYR company Oct. 18 and St. Paul College was proclaimed a BTYR organization Oct. 28. BTYR proclamations are signed by the governor. There are currently 86 BTYR companies and organizations in Minnesota. Visit the BTYR webpage to learn more about the program.

Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, and St. Paul College President Deidra Peaslee hold Governor Tim Walz's proclamation designating the college as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization at a proclamation ceremony on the campus Oct. 28.

Army Brig. Gen. Stefanie Horvath, third from right, who serves as mobilization assistant to he director of operations, U.S. Cyber Command, Army Col. Eduardo Suarez, left, director of strategic communications with the Minnesota National Guard, and Prime Therapeutics staff members celebrate the company's designation as a BTYR company at a proclamation ceremony Oct. 18.

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Minnesota offers 9/11 service bonus

The 2022 Legislature passed and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible veterans who served from Sept. 11, 2001 to Aug. 30, 2021.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is facilitating this program for eligible veterans, currently serving service members, or veterans’ beneficiaries.

WHEN: The application period began July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted before then.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Veterans, currently serving service members, neterans’ beneficiaries, or Veterans’ guardians, conservators or legally appointed personal representatives. Veterans in Minnesota are defined under Minnesota statute 197.447. Visit the website for more details.

AMOUNT: There are three tiers of the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus: $600, $1,200 and $2,000. Visit the website for more details.

HOW TO APPLY: The online application is located at VetServiceBonus.mdva.mn.gov. For more information or to apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus. Anyone with questions can contact their local County Veterans Service Officer at MACVSO.org or call LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.