MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin

By Cristina Oxtra

Father's Day on June 16 is a day to celebrate fathers and father figures, and to show appreciation for their love, support, and guidance. It's also a day to recognize the importance, influence, and strength of paternal bonds. For a Minnesota National Guard father and son, this bond has been made even more special and indelible through their joint military service.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Gigliotti, and his son, Senior Airman Joseph (Joey) Gigliotti both serve with the 148th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group in Duluth. Ryan, who has 34 years of military service, is the group’s senior enlisted leader, while Joey, with three years of service, is an avionics technician.

There is a long-established tradition of military service in the Gigliotti family, which, besides Ryan and Joey, includes grandfathers, great grandfathers who fought in World War II, numerous uncles, and an aunt. In addition, Joey’s mom, Kalika Pukema, has 12 years of military service and is a technical sergeant at the 148th Fighter Wing headquarters.

“Having family members in the service, I experienced from a young age the strong community that is created at the 148th Fighter Wing,” Joey said. “Growing up, I heard countless stories and adventures through the military, which inspired me to create my own. The opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and contribute to a team was one I couldn’t pass up.”

His dad also values being part of a team.

“I played a lot of sports growing up and always liked being part of a team and something bigger than myself,” Ryan said. “In my neighborhood, several people were part of the 148th to include my recruiter, so I had a good understanding of what it was all about. Joining the 148th was one of the best decisions of my life.”

Having father and son serving together can cause some family concerns.

“It can be more difficult for family when it comes to deployments, and with both of us gone, it increases the stress and worry on our family back home,” Ryan said.

Joey also faces a more personal challenge.

“My dad has been my role model my whole life. Through his military career, he has set large footprints to follow,” he said. “A challenge I face is filling those footprints and being known for who I am and the work that I do, not just being known by my last name.”

Serving alongside each other also has its benefits, such as companionship.

“On longer term deployments one of the harder things is missing your family. Having Joey there on our last deployment made that a little bit easier,” Ryan said.

It also provides opportunities to create unique and lasting memories.

“By the time many kids leave home, they have already spent the majority of the time they will ever have with their parents. Serving together means that we get to continue to create new memories,” Joey said. “One of my favorite memories of our service together has to be my promotion to senior airman. For the quick ceremony in the shop, my dad was the one who tore off my old rank insignia from my uniform and punched on my new rank to my chest. He didn’t go easy with the punch.”

These memories are often filled not only with some humor but also great pride.

“Watching Joey graduate from basic training was a very proud moment for me,” Ryan said. “Serving with him and watching his career progress continues to make me proud each day.”

This Father’s Day, the Gigliottis plan to celebrate outdoors and enjoy precious, often fleeting, family time together.

“Hopefully, the weather is nice so we can get out in the boat. I’m sure after that we will be having a big barbecue with family before our upcoming deployment,” Ryan said.

No doubt. Father’s Day will also be a time for reflection.

“Throughout my career, I’ve held many different positions, gained invaluable knowledge, made lifelong friendships, and made memories I’ll always treasure,” Ryan said. “It’s great to combine that with my favorite job, being a dad, and hopefully Joey finds his career in the military just as rewarding.”

Joey does find it rewarding, and more.

“The perspective I’ve gained from joining the military has strengthened not only our father-son relationship,” Joey said. “But also, our friendship.”

***

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Sirrina Martinez

All members of military families serve. For some, that service involves keeping the home front running while their service member is deployed or working. For others, it includes taking an oath and putting the uniform on themselves. That is how the family of Steve Johnson chose to serve.

Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven (Steve) Johnson started his career at the age of 18 in the active-duty Army. After serving from 1971 to 1973, he left the military. But not for long.

“I missed the military, and in 1984, I decided to join the Guard part time,” he said.

Steve served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1984 to 2004. He retired as a recruiting and retention noncommissioned officer and was inducted into the Minnesota National Guard Court of Honor in 2016. During Steve’s time in service, his children watched and learned from him. In fact, of his four children -- Sarah, Leah, Ben, and Luke, three went on to serve in military.

“I absolutely love that three of my children serve or did serve in the military," Steve said.

Following their dad

Army 1st Sgt. Sarah Johnson-Vanderwal enlisted into the Minnesota National Guard at 17. She is the medical detachment first sergeant and full-time staff noncommissioned officer in charge for her unit. Her husband, Army Sgt. Maj. Adam Vanderwal, is deployed with the 34th Infantry Division in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Ben Johnson was in the active-duty Army from 2005 to 2022 and served in various capacities, including as an infantryman, drill sergeant, and military science instructor at the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse. His wife transitioned from the active-duty Army to the Minnesota National Guard in 2023. Ben is now a member of the Minnesota National Guard Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists team supporting military families.

Army Staff Sgt. Luke Johnson enlisted into the Minnesota National Guard in 2007 and serves as a truck driver and squad leader in the distribution platoon of Foxtrot Company, 134th Brigade Support Battalion.

Like father, like children

Sarah enlisted to earn college benefits. Her recruiter was her dad, Steve, with whom she later deployed. “We deployed to Kosovo together on separate bases,” Sarah said. “I went to his base for about three weeks for additional training, so we got to spend time together. He was the keynote speaker at my basic noncommissioned officer course phase on graduation.”

Ben’s decision to enlist was influenced by his dad, his family, and the military families he knew.

“I grew up surrounded by the Minnesota National Guard,” Ben said. “My dad served 26 years, and most of my friends growing up had a parent who served. From a young age, I always wanted to be a soldier. Every Halloween, my friends and I went as soldiers wearing our parents’ BDUs [Battle Dress Uniform]. My best friend and I decided to join in 2005 after one of our friends with the 34th Infantry Division was wounded in Iraq. We both went active duty.”

Luke’s decision to serve in the military was also impacted by his loved ones. “My family was the biggest influence on me enlisting,” Luke said. “I think the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met and worked with over the years have been what kept me in.”

Lasting memories

Sarah said that despite their dad’s busy career, he has always been there for them from childhood to adulthood. Like the time he stepped up to support Sarah and her husband.

“My husband was going to pre-mobilization and annual training and I was activated during the first civil unrest,” Sarah said. “My daughter, Alexandra, could not stay at home, she followed my husband to Little Falls and my dad drove down to have my daughter follow him up to Park Rapids. They had the best time visiting, doing homework, and fishing.”

Some of Ben’s favorite childhood memories include seeing their dad come home in his uniform. “I always admired the fact that my dad was a soldier,” Ben said. “I have fond memories of attending his unit’s family days and camp trips.”

Now, as an adult, Ben’s favorite memory is seeing Steve hold his only grandson for the first time. “I was deployed to Iraq and was able to make it home for the birth of my son for two weeks and had to go back,” Ben said.

Luke’s favorite childhood memories include visiting their dad at work at the armory, making popcorn for movie nights, selling sweet corn during the summer, going fishing, and spending time with family.

“We still get to go fishing and out on the lake at his house,” Luke said. “I have enjoyed learning to cook and grill from my dad as I’ve gotten older and also really enjoy the times the whole family is together at his house for a weekend.”

Luke said their dad taught him and his siblings everything they needed to know. “He taught us solid values and morals to be successful in life,” Luke said. “He has a larger-than-life personality and always took care of us and his soldiers.”

Family in service

Sarah takes pride in serving, like their dad, and being part of a family with a history of military service. “I am very proud to be a ‘Serving Johnson,’” she said. “I am so proud of my father, brothers, and husband. The Minnesota National Guard has been an amazing organization to be part of.”

Watching his dad and sister serve was inspiring, Ben said.

“I looked up to them as leaders and always asked them for advice while navigating my own leadership challenges throughout my career,” Ben said. “It was truly an honor to call myself a noncommissioned officer alongside my dad and sister. As a family, we have always taken pride in our service to our nation.”

Following their dad’s example and each other’s mean a lot to the Johnsons. “I believe it strengthens the bond between us as we have all shared similar experiences, even if the times were different,” Luke said. “I am very grateful for that.”

This year, the theme for the Minnesota State Fair's Military Appreciation Day on Aug. 27 is "Honoring Military Spouses." Currently serving military members and their spouses can participate in a special ceremony at the state fair. See the flyer for more information. Register using the QR code or click on this link.

The Minnesota Twins Armed Forces Appreciation game on Sept. 14 will also pay tribute to military spouses. More details coming soon.

Fairview Health Services was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event in St. Paul on May 16.

“We are pleased to welcome Fairview Health Services to our Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network of partners,” said Army Col. Scott Rohweder, Minnesota National Guard Joint Chief of Staff and the representative who spoke at the event. “We appreciate the invaluable assistance, opportunities, care, and support it provides to our Minnesota veterans, service members, and families within the organization and beyond.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gave his remarks at the event and presented the proclamation to Fairview Health Services.

“Becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization is the embodiment of Fairview’s commitment to supporting the military community; whether they are our employees and their families, patients, or part of the communities we serve,” said James Hereford, president and chief executive officer of Fairview Health Services. “We recognize the sacrifices service members and their families have made and the unique challenges they face. As one of the largest employers in the state of Minnesota, we take great pride in creating a space that honors and supports those who have selflessly served our nation.”

Known also as BTYR, the mission of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program 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. There are currently 81 active BTYR companies and organizations, including Fairview Health Services, and more than 50 community networks

BTYR’s Operation Food Fairy kicked off May 17 to help service members struggling with food insecurities through the summer with pantry stretcher kits. Service members can pick up the kits from the Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists or Airman & Family Readiness team. BTYR staff and volunteers picked up the kits from Meals From The Heart and delivered them to armories and installations across the state. Any service member or military spouse in need of support can reach out to the Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists or Airman & Family Readiness team.

Contact information:

Minnesota National Guard

https://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/minnesota-soldier.../

133rd Airlift Wing

148th Fighter Wing

https://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/airman-and-family.../

934th Airlift Wing - Air Force Reserve

https://www.minneapolis.afrc.af.mil/.../Family-Support.../

Tune in to the Minnesota Military Radio show, meet Chris Magnusson and hear about the efforts of the Hibbing-Chisholm Area Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to support our state’s military community, including a clean-up at a local cemetery. Learn also about the COMPACT Act and mental health with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and get an update from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

On May 11, in preparation for Memorial Day, Hibbing-Chisholm Area Beyond the Yellow Ribbon teamed up the Minnesota National Guard Delta Company, 134th Brigade Support Battalion, from Chisholm to clean headstones of veterans' gravesites at a cemetery. They were joined by Veterans Community Thrift Store, Mid-Range Honor Guard Hibbing, and local veterans. The staff with Perpetual Care taught all the volunteers how to properly clean the headstones based on National Cemetery guidelines.

Every year in May and June, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community networks honor high school students who are joining the military and award scholarships to children of veterans. For more photos of these events, visit the BTYR page on Facebook. According to the Census Bureau, 6.2 percent of the adult American population, or 16.2 million people, identified as veterans in 2022. This number has been steadily declining for decades. As of 2022 in Minnesota, an estimated 6 percent of the adult civilian population, or 265,234 people, are veterans.

The Farmington Beyond the Yellow Ribbon honored 13 Farmington High School seniors who will be joining the military after graduation. They were recognized at a ceremony and dinner with veterans hosted by Farmington BTYR at a local church May 6. The soon-to-be graduates received a red, white, and blue braided cord to wear with their cap and gown at their school graduation.

The Rosemount Beyond The Yellow Ribbon attended a ceremony at Rosemount High School recently to recognize students who have made a commitment to join the military. Rosemount BTYR gave each student a gift to show its appreciation.

The Burnsville Beyond the Yellow Ribbon recently recognized six Burnsville High School students for making a commitment to enter military service. Four out of the six students attended a recognition event with the City of Burnsville municipal government and the school district. Three students are joining the Minnesota National Guard, one will serve with the Marine Corps, one with the Navy, and another with the Air Force.

The Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon attended the dedication of the Hornet Wall of Honor at Big Lake High School on May 21. Big Lake BTYR members provided technical support with the project, which honors Big Lake High School current students and graduates who are serving and have served in the military. Each year, framed pictures of the graduates are displayed on the wall and a monitor above plays a video recognizing the previous year's graduates.

The Lower St. Croix Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon awarded scholarships to Stillwater High School students who are children of veterans at an event on May 6.

Before the Memorial Day weekend, the Cambridge community, joined by the Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, gathered to honor veterans at the Cambridge Primary School on May 24.

The students spent the week learning about veterans and patriotism. This culminated in the annual “silent dismissal." At the end of the school day, the students marched out class by class with their hand over their hearts and carrying either an American flag or a piece of patriotic art they created. As they left the school and walked past the veterans, including several members of the Isanti County BTYR, they were completely silent to show their respect.

The Isanti County BTYR also brought cookies for the veterans who attended. Last year, it purchased the small flags that the students carried and helped pay for the cookies.

Members of the Minnesota National Guard Diversity & Inclusion's Asian American and Pacific Islander Special Emphasis Council and other service members participated in the annual Minnesota Songkran Festival at the State Capitol on May 18 and 19. Songkran is a festival celebrating the traditional Thai New Year and marked by the throwing and sprinkling of water. The free public festival, hosted by the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota, included food, musical performances, traditional dances, a papaya eating contest, and more. An evening reception was held May 16. See more photos on the Minnesota National Guard page on Facebook.

June is Pride Month and the state observance of Juneteenth. Anyone interested in attending or volunteering at an upcoming event for these and other observances with the Minnesota National Guard's Diversity Initiative can visit the website for more information.

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

By Army Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain

Let's dive into a concept that resonates with us deeply as service members — morale. This term, with its French roots from the word moral, directly links to the spirit and principles guiding us. In our military lives, morale is the collective emotional and mental condition in terms of discipline, confidence, and willingness to perform assigned tasks. It’s the unseen force that significantly influences whether we stand firm or falter under pressure.

High morale isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential, acting as the backbone of our effectiveness on and off the field. Reflect on the tough moments we face in uniform — challenging missions, the grind of daily responsibilities, and the sacrifices required during deployments. Morale is what sustains us through these trials. It’s the shared jokes, the pat on the back, and the mutual respect and care we show one another. It’s knowing that you are part of something larger than yourself and believing in the mission and your comrades.

Maintaining high morale also means nurturing our spiritual well-being. We rely on our faith to maintain our morale, drawing strength from scriptures and prayer. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18 doesn’t just talk about spiritual warfare and defenses in theoretical terms. He’s giving us the blueprint for maintaining spiritual morale. He tells us to put on the full armor of God. Each piece of this armor — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation — helps guard our spirits and boost our resolve. In our daily routines, whether in service or in personal life, how do we actively maintain this morale? We can start by fostering an environment of encouragement and support. Share a scripture, lend a listening ear, or simply spend quality time together. Every action that strengthens our bonds also fortifies our collective morale.

One of our nation’s most revered states people is Army General George Marshall. He served as the Army Chief of Staff during World War II and developed the reconstruction plan for Europe after the war. He also later served as U.S. Secretary of State during the Truman administration. General Marshall was a veteran of World War I and knew of the horrors of war and the toll of sustained combat.

In a speech at Trinity College in June 1941, General Marshall spoke of war's impact on morale, citing that although food, shelter, and clothing can sustain a soldier, more is needed. “The soldier’s heart, the soldier’s spirit, the soldier’s soul, are everything," he said. "Unless the soldier’s soul sustains him, he cannot be relied on and will fail himself and his commander and his country in the end.”

General Marshall went on to state that war is not a succession of mere episodes in a day or a week. It is long and drawn out. And the longer it continues, the heavier the demands are on the character as well as the mental and spiritual qualities, capacities, and powers of those engaged in it.

Therefore, let's come together as a community bound by duty and faith to seek spiritual guidance and uphold high morale. Let's inspire each other in our daily tasks and help bear each other’s burdens, celebrate each other’s victories, and remain united in the face of challenges. May our spirits always reflect love and grace as we serve with honor and integrity. Let's keep our morale strong so it can sustain us through difficult times and be a beacon of light, a testament to our faith, and a symbol of our commitment to service.

With Annual Training season approaching, the Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists team would like to highlight two counselors at Camp Ripley Training Center who are ready to assist and support service members. Meet John Reiner, military family life counselor, and Kelly Gillen, personal financial counselor.

Military and family life counselor

John Reinert is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has helped individuals, couples, and families for the past 20 years. Military and family life counselors provide service members and their families short-term non-medical counseling. Services include individual and couples counseling and group presentations. Skills-based sessions can include topics such as a relationships check-up, effective emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-care. For more information, call (571) 921-5424.

Personal financial counselor
Kelly Gillen is an accredited financial counselor. She has a background in finance having worked for both a credit union and bank. She has also served as a financial counselor at Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Base assisting Navy and Air Force service members. Personal financial counselors provide service members and their dependents with financial information regarding buying a home or car, investing in Thrift Savings Plan, starting an emergency fund, as well as how to improve credit scores, setting up a budget, and reducing debt. Appointments are free to service members and their dependents. Go to https://finred.usalearning.gov/pfcMap to find a personal financial counselor or call Kelly at (218) 341-3617.

Service members in need of resources are encouraged to reach out to their assigned Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist, call 1(888) 234-1274, or e-mail ng.mn.mnarng.list.j9-dcs-sfrs@army.mil. Have a safe and successful Annual Training.

See flyer for more details. For childcare providers, go to upwards.com/provide-care.

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

Vietnam War commemoration

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event at Mall of America on June 13 to 15. A resource fair for Vietnam veterans and their families will be included. Visit the event page for more information. Or e-mail Chris Kakos at chris.kakos@state.mn.us or call (651) 297-4451 or e-mail Paula Wright at pwright@tunheim.com or call (612) 508-9899.

Volunteers are needed for the event. Here are the links to sign up.

Ste-up/tear down

Operational support during the event

Pine City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon hosts annual bike run

Family Day and car show opportunity to participate and support

Golfing events

Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to host Ribs for the Ribbon

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 Teen Summit to be held in June

Remote controlled car racing

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.

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.
Resources: Minnesota National Guard Family Programs

BTYR Bulletin editor: cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil