MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin

The second annual Yellow Ribbon Ribfest was held at the Minnesota National Guard Readiness Center in Arden Hills on Sept. 21.

The event, hosted by the Beyond Yellow Ribbon committee of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, a recognized BTYR organization, featured a barbecue competition with 25 competitors. There was also a career fair, live entertainment, a flyover performed by the T-6 Thunder Fliers, and door prizes that included everything from concert tickets to a weeklong stay in Belize. Nearly 70 sponsors helped make the event possible and proceeds will enable Minnesota Building and Construction Trades to continue its efforts in providing support for veterans, service members, and families.

Visit the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon website and follow on X @BTYRmn and Facebook to learn more about BTYR communities, companies, and organizations and their efforts to support Minnesota's military community.

The Minnesota Twins, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, celebrated the Twins 21st Armed Forces Appreciation Day at a game at Target Field on Sept. 14. This year, the Twins paid special tribute to military spouses and families. See more event photos at the Minnesota National Guard page on Facebook.

Medica, which offers health insurance plans across the Midwest, was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event in Minnetonka, Minn., on Aug. 29.

Several dignitaries were in attendance and spoke at the ceremony, including Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who provided remarks and read the official proclamation.

“This is one of my favorite things to do because it is the very best of Minnesota – stepping up and stepping in and simply taking care of each other,” said Flanagan, whose brother was a Marine Corps veteran. “And I know that sometimes it can be a little intimidating to ask for help or to ask for support. So, creating spaces and Yellow Ribbon communities is one of the most powerful things we can do to tell people. ‘We’ve got you.’ Right there is a net of support.”

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Johanna Clyborne, former Minnesota National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, welcomed Medica as it joins a statewide Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network of companies, organizations, and communities that are committed to supporting military veterans, service members, and families.

“Being in the military is about service and community – giving of ourselves selflessly and safeguarding our communities and nation. It’s also about facing challenges and making sacrifices that many of us can’t fully comprehend,” Clyborne said. “Receiving this recognition today shows that Medica also believes in service and community. It reflects Medica's dedication and hard work in creating an inclusive workplace for its military-connected employees and its outstanding outreach, service, and community-building efforts that extends beyond Minnesota.”

During the ceremony, three Medica managers were honored by employees and received the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. National Guard or Reserve service member employees, or spouses of Guard or Reserve members, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided to the service members and their family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

“We are extremely proud to earn the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon designation,” said Dan Abdul, Medica’s Chief Information Officer, a military veteran, and executive sponsor of Medica Salutes, an employee resource group for military veterans and advocates. “Medica is committed to supporting our employees' military service whether they’re active duty, a veteran, or a family member. This provides an opportunity to create broader support for our communities as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization.”

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments and visited a veterans’ resource fair.

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 military veterans, service members, and families in all military branches. Visit MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr to learn more about BTYR.

Fairview Health Services, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, has been busy supporting Minnesota's military community.

Brent Elert, medical director, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award recently. Fairview employee and Army Maj. John Isenberg, who serves in the Minnesota National Guard's 834th Aviation Support Battalion, nominated Elert for the award. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Fairview also gave away more than 200 children’s books at this year’s 133rd Airlift Wing's Family Day. There was even a special appearance from Pete the Cat!

Matt Cohen and Sara Wigdahl with Replenex were guests on the Minnesota Military Radio show Sept. 19. They talked about their company's journey toward becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company and shared their personal stories. The show also discussed the new Women's Clinic being built at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and got an update from the Minnesota Patriot Guard. Tune in now!

To learn more, e-mail Holistic Health & Fitness at H2F-Internal-Project-Management@army.mil.

By Chaplain (Capt.) Michael A. Rivera Jr.

84th Troop Command/Holistic Health and Fitness

October brings the vibrant colors of fall and a time of harvest. It reminds us of change, reflection, and renewal across all dimensions of wellness — spiritual, mental, nutritional, sleep, and physical. This month, align your practices with the essence of the season.

Spiritual wellness: October invites introspection as days shorten. Reflect on your beliefs and incorporate rituals such as journaling, meditation, or nature walks. Embrace gratitude for the past year's harvest and seek community through volunteering or local events.

Mental wellness: Focus on mental health by fostering resilience and positivity. Engage in activities that uplift your mood, like reading or completing a puzzle, and set aside time for self-care. Build a strong support network with friends and family for comfort during this transitional period.

Nutritional wellness: The fall harvest offers nutritious foods. Add seasonal vegetables, like squash and root vegetables to your meals. Try new recipes that celebrate autumn flavors and practice mindful eating. Focus on balance as the holidays approach, enjoying treats in moderation while prioritizing nourishment.

Sleep wellness: Evaluate your sleep hygiene with the daylight shift. Create a calming sleep environment using soft lighting and relaxing scents. Establish a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation to enhance sleep quality, keeping your comfort in mind as temperatures drop.

Physical wellness: Engage in outdoor activities, like hiking or walking, to enjoy the fall scenery. Consider seasonal sports or group classes that promote physical movement and social interaction. Listen to your body and maintain a balanced exercise routine that supports physical and mental health.

This October, embrace the opportunity for renewal and balance. Reflect on spiritual beliefs, nourish your body, support mental health through connections, ensure restorative sleep, and engage in physical activity. By aligning your practices with nature’s rhythms, you can enhance your overall wellness and find peace in the changes ahead.

For upcoming events, sign up here. Visit also the Family Programs website and follow the Family Programs Facebook page and Child & Youth Program Facebook page.

Military youth enjoyed a day of climbing at an event hosted by the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program at Vertical Endeavors last month.

For more Beyond the Yellow Ribbon events, see the calendar on the BTYR webpage and follow BTYR on Facebook and X.

Meals for members of military community

Medtronic, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, hosts annual Twin Cities Marathon.

Minnesota Wild Military Appreciation Night

The Minnesota Wild is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization. Donations go to a local Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community network.

Career and entrepreneurship opportunities

Xcel Energy Center, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, offers military discount.

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.

Subscribe: E-mail beyondtheyellowribbon.com.

E-mail: ng.mn.mnarng.list.j9-beyond-the-yellow-ribbon@army.mil

Follow: X @BTYRmn and Facebook
Visit: BTYR website
Download: Minnesota National Guard app.
Resources: Minnesota National Guard Family Programs

Editor: cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil