Minnesota celebrates Month of the Military Child
To celebrate the Month of the Military Child, observed annually across the United States Department of Defense in April, the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program will host Purple Up at the Mall of America from noon to 6 p.m. April 19.
The event is designed to recognize the commitment, contributions, and sacrifices military-connected youth make for the nation. Purple is the official color of the military child. It combines all the colors of the U.S. Armed Forces -- Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard blues, Army green, and Marine Corps red.
“This is an exciting way to recognize and celebrate our military children,” said Laura Groeneweg, Child & Youth Program lead coordinator. “They share the burden of service when their loved ones must be away from home for long periods of time, miss important events in their lives to perform their military duty, or when frequent moves uproot them from something familiar, and they must adjust to new and different experiences. Being able to spend time together and enjoy an event like this is priceless for our military families.”
At the annual open house-style event, military-connected youth and their families can enjoy music, face painting, character appearances, giveaways, treats, rides at Nickelodeon Universe provided by the Mall of America, a Build-A-Bear experience provided by USAA and the Minnesota National Guard Association, and more.
Josiah Moss, 13, is a military teen who appreciates the annual celebration.
“Month of the Military Child is a chance for kids with a military parent to be recognized. It's not even the stuff that you guys do, like Purple Up. It's just nice to be recognized.” Moss said.
Moss, the son of Army Capt. Andrew Moss, of the 1347th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, said he is fortunate his dad has not been away from home as much as other military children’s parents. But he said the best part of being a military child is, “I can be proud of what my dad does.”
Moss has attended the Purple Up event six times. This year, he will assist his aunt, Joy Luedeman, Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program coordinator, at the event. He said he looks forward to, “having fun, helping, the free stuff, the activities, and the Nickelodeon wristband.”
Besides the Purple Up event, the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program will host its annual art and photos contests. Military families can also request a letter from Governor Tim Walz thanking military youth at MinnesotaVeteran.org/militarychild. More than 16,000 children in Minnesota have at least one parent serving in the military.
New program seeks childcare providers
Providers are needed for a new Department of Defense initiative designed to expand childcare options for full-time military staff and active-duty service families white reducing their childcare expenses.
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS, known as MCCYN-PLUS, has been introduced in more than a dozen states. It is a fee assistance program that offers state rated providers when on-installation care is not available and can save military families up to $1,800 per month per child. It is funded and operated by the DOD, which will pay benefits directly to qualifying licensed childcare providers who can earn up to $2,000 in a weekend.
Since it was unveiled in Minnesota in January, MCCYN-PLUS has helped service members, like Army Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Kasten, Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry Division. Kasten hopes more providers will consider being part of the program, especially those who can provide care on drill weekends.
“We lose soldiers due to lack of care on drill weekends. These soldiers are willing to sign up and help our country, let’s help them for the greater good,” Kasten said. “The relationship you can build with a soldier is like having another member of your family willing and available to help you as well. Your willingness to help us with our kids means we are willing to help you too.”
After going through the eligibility and application process with the help of the Minnesota National Guard Family Programs, Kasten, a single mom, was pleased to find a provider near her home and drill location who was a good fit for her family’s needs. In the past, obtaining childcare for her daughter, Scarlett, during monthly weekend drills was difficult. Family members did their best to help.
“But they started to be burnt out with the drive and planning for monthly care. So, I reached out to my weekday childcare center and hired someone from there. When she moved, I again reached out to the childcare center and hired another caregiver. Later, I was able to combine care with friends and the current caregiver,” Kasten said. “Hiring a caregiver for drill weekends helped prevent my family from burning out and I reserve family for more emergency situations, such as state active-duty missions, childcare plans falling through, and extended military trainings.”
Being part of MCCYN-PLUS has been a positive experience for Kasten and Scarlett.
“She loved her experience during March drill weekend and wanted to go back. It helps to know my child is with an experienced provider. She has other friends her age to play with and interact with and she is provided experiences outside of our normal routine,” Kasten said. “It’s a relief to know I have affordable and reliable childcare on drill weekends. Financially, it is a significant help as well.”
Malynda Zuleger of Backyard Adventures Daycare in Spring Lake is glad to be able to serve as the Kastens’ provider on drill weekends.
“When I heard Amanda was looking for care for her six-year-old daughter, I thought that could be fun for my own six-year-old. After we met and the girls hit it off, I knew it would work out," Zuleger said. "It’s a great program for the soldiers and I’m happy we could help out a family in need. We have enjoyed building a community family over the years and I’m happy that my daughter has a new friend. We hope over time, Amanda and her daughter will feel like part of that family as well.”
Zuleger encourages other childcare providers to be part of MCCYN-PLUS.
“I think it’s important for them to know they still get to interview and make the decision on whether a family will be a good fit,” Zuleger said. “As well as that they don’t need to commit to every weekend. Also, it’s not necessarily going to be a full 12 hours each day that care is needed.”
The Child Care WayFinder website lists steps to becoming a licensed provider to include 1:1 mentorship. Providers can also earn certifications. In many instances, these additional certifications are at no cost to the participant with the help of grants and certification programs. More information for providers is at www.childcarewayfinder.org. Families can go to the ChildCare Aware of America website.
Show highlights Owatonna Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, women veterans retreat
Patty McNeese with the Owatonna Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was a guest on the Minnesota Military Radio on March 7 and talked about a women veterans' retreat.
The radio show also featured an award-winning veteran and pharmacist from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and received an update from the Minnesota National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erickson. The show also thanked its military producer, Army 2nd Lt. Linsey Williams, for the years of helping make the show a success. Tune in at https://wp.me/peVOtP-21U.
Commentary: Spring brings renewal, change
By Army Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain
The transition from winter to spring in Minnesota is amazing. We move from snow blowers to sprightly flower buds. We create plans for our gardens, and feel the difference in the air. Snow begins to melt and it trickles down to quench the soil and wake the earth from the winter slumber. It’s like nature’s version of a refresh button -- everything is poised for a new beginning. This time of year reminds me of what a wise author once said, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Have you ever witnessed the spring melt north of Duluth? It’s stunning. Fresh, cold rivers swell with the increasing heat of spring and feed the mighty Gitchi Gumee. Melting snow is a reminder of renewal and growth, of how even the coldest, longest winters eventually give way to warmth and life. Transformed from snow to water, it drips off the roofs and into the drains shows us the beauty of transition – it's a promise that after every period of cold and dormancy, there comes rejuvenation and blossoming.
Take a cue from this season of thaw and renewal. Just like earth sheds its blanket of snow and embraces the warmth of spring, you can let go of what no longer serves you and open yourself to new possibilities. The beauty of change and the potential that lies in fresh starts is the lesson learned here. So, as we watch the snow melt away, revealing vibrant life beneath, remember to appreciate the cycles of nature and the lessons they offer. Stay inspired and connected.
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 military 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.
E-mail: ng.mn.mnarng.list.j9-beyond-the-yellow-ribbon@army.mil
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Resources: Minnesota National Guard Family Programs
BTYR Bulletin editor: cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil