MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon - November 2023
Month of the Military Family: Reflecting on military family life
Air Force Master Sgt. Alyson Trisco and her husband, Air Force Master Sgt. Shane Trisco, have been serving in the military a combined total of 29 years. Both are with the 133rd Airlift Wing in Minneapolis.
Alyson is the base service manager in the Force Support Squadron. She leads a Services flight of 28 members and oversees the dining facility, wing fitness program, and lodging program and serves as the unit deployment manager. Shane is the base functional admin manager and is part of the command support staff for the Maintenance Group. He ensures the 133rd Airlift Wing’s administration career field is equipped, developed, and sustained to provide the required Air Force capabilities at the installation-level.
Between the two of them, the Triscos have deployed four times. They said the biggest challenge of being a miliary family is knowing that at any moment they are a day or two away from spending months apart from each other and their children, Roman 3, and Rylee, who will be a year old on Thanksgiving Day.
“Thankfully, we’ve never deployed at the same time, and thankfully our family are standing by and ready to help,” Alyson said. “We have a huge support network of family and friends, but I would say my mother’s support is unlike any other. Aside from watching Roman and Rylee for us every drill weekend, she consistently drops whatever she is doing to help us when we need it. Having been enlisted in the Army, she understands military life and the uncertainty it brings."
The Triscos have developed ways to cope with being apart during extended trainings, temporary tour of duties, or deployments. “We communicate as much as possible through video chat and send a lot of pictures of the kids and our dachshunds to each other. We also just try to keep our routine as normal as possible like we are both at home,” Alyson said.
For the Triscos, Month of the Military Family is about remembering the people who are always there for their family. “It reminds us that we are incredibly blessed with programs, like Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, that support our brothers and sisters in the military,” Alyson said. She is also glad to be able to bring their children to special events at the 133rd Airlift Wing to play with other children who understand how it feels to be a military child.
Alyson reminds all military families that “we are in this together, so please don’t isolate yourself. Reach out if you need a helping hand.” She would also like to let the public know that everything it does to support the military community "does not go unnoticed." “We are grateful to have the opportunity to serve you and to be your first line of defense,” Alyson said.
The Polzin Family
Savannah Polzin has been a military spouse for 20 years. She is the Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist for the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment in Brainerd, where she provides support, resources, and referrals to soldiers and their families. Her husband, Army Master Sgt. Terry Polzin, has been serving in the Minnesota National Guard for 26 years. He is the first sergeant for the 850th Engineer Construction Company in Cambridge. He also works for Automated Target Systems at Camp Ripley Training Center.
For the Polzins, Month of the Military Family acknowledges and honors the strength it takes to be a military family. “The most challenging part of being a military family for us is our time apart from one another,” Polzin said. “With every deployment, it becomes more challenging.” Thus far, Savannah, Terry, and their children, Tegan, 13, and Tristan, 11, have experienced three deployments.
“It’s hard for individuals who have no military experience to understand what comes with being a military family and the hardships families endure when their soldier is deployed or gone for training,” Savannah said. “It takes a lot of emotional, mental, and physical strength. It takes a team to keep life on the home front moving forward, a lot of patience, taking on additional roles and tasks. Family members might not wear the uniform, but they make sacrifices just as much as their soldiers do while serving our country.”
Savannah added that since Minnesota National Guard families are geographically dispersed throughout the state and outside of Minnesota, it can be difficult for family members to connect with others near them who may be going through similar struggles.
However, despite the challenges, being a military family strengthens the Polzins’ bond and makes any connection with others in the military community special.
“Terry and I have a deeper appreciation for one another because we are a military family. We have also gained many friendships with other military spouses, parents, and soldiers over the years,” Savannah said. “Being able to have friendships with other military families is a true blessing as they understand the ups and downs of military life. I would be lost without those friendships in my life, especially during deployments.”
Savannah encourages military families to be kind to themselves, use their support systems, and ask for help. “You’d be surprised how many other military families are going through similar hardships and obstacles. Being able to connect with another military family helps knowing you have someone who you can relate with,” Savannah said. “If you don’t feel you have a good support system, reach out to a Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist, like me.”
There are 13 Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists throughout Minnesota providing support and assistance to soldiers and families. Every SFRS has military experience either as a spouse, service member, or retired from military service. To connect with an SFRS, call 1(888) 234-1274.
BTYR outreach coordinator featured on radio
Farmington BTYR hosts dinners for veterans, service members
Farmington Beyond the Yellow Ribbon provides a free dinner to veterans and service members every first Monday of the month. Farmington BTYR partners with local companies and organizations to provide the dinners. On Oct. 2, dinner was served at Dakota Electric whose staff cooked five turkeys to serve for the meal.
In 2007, the City of Farmington offered to partner with the Minnesota National Guard and University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute to identify ways in which key areas within a community could coordinate and synchronize resources to support, honor, and recognize veterans, service members, and their families. Farmington documented their processes, created procedures, and submitted a commitment of support to the State of Minnesota. The City of Farmington was recognized by then Governor Tim Pawlenty as the first Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city in December 2008.
Central Minnesota BTYR supports veterans
Thai community leaders visit with Minnesota National Guard
Observing Native American Heritage Month
Nominations for employer award accepted
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve invites National Guard and Reserve service members to nominate their employer for the 2024 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. Nominations can be submitted through Dec. 31.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the United States government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The award was created to recognize employers who provide exceptional support to their Guard and Reserve employees. Click on the link to learn more or nominate an employer.
ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between service members and their employers.
Volunteer recognition nomination open
November is Month of the Military Family, an ideal time to recognize the efforts of those who work year-long to support military families.
Soldier & Family Readiness Group volunteers, many of whom are also military family members, support those who stay behind to manage the home front while their service member perform their military duty. By the end of calendar year 2022, 229 SFRG volunteers logged 9,570 volunteer hours. The 2022 value for volunteer time was $29.95 per hour, which equated to a donated value of $286,621.50 worth of time and service.
To recognize these volunteers' efforts during fiscal year 2023 and throughout fiscal year 2024, any leader within the Minnesota National Guard can connect with a Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist to learn how to officially recognize an outstanding volunteer at either the state or national level. Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 16. Call an SFRS at 1(888) 234-1274.
Grants offered to veterans
Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund is a statewide fundraising initiative by the citizens of Minnesota, for Minnesota military personnel and their families. Launched in August of 2005, MMAF is a non-partisan, non-political, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The mission of MMAF is to say thanks to Minnesota service members and their families. MMAF provides cash grants to Minnesota service members who have served in a combat zone since Sept. 11, 2001.
There are three levels of grant awards:
- $5,000 to the families of Minnesotans killed in combat
- $2,000 to $10,000 for Minnesotans who have received a Purple Heart, with the amount based on severity of injury
- $500 to Minnesotans who served in a combat zone
For more information, visit the MMAF website.
Survivor Day for those affected by suicide
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is Nov. 18.
In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, leading to the creation of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the U.S. Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was determined that Survivor Day would always fall on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in the U.S., as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors.
To learn more, visit the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day website and see a list of events across the country, contact a chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or e-mail survivorday@afsp.org. Locally, call Kylee McArdle, Survivor Outreach Service support coordinator at (651) 268-8265 or e-mail Kylee.g.mcardle.ctr@mail.mil.
Commentary: Harmony in holiday traditions and connections
By Army Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain
Later this month, American families will fulfill a familiar ritual as they gather around tables abundant with food, festive decorations, and their loved ones. Friends, families, neighbors, and others will pause to offer thanks and consider the aspects of their lives that elicit gratitude.
All across the country these practices bring us together, creating a sense of unity and connection in person and in spirit. These holiday rituals, like sharing a meal or exchanging gifts, transform simple moments into memorable ones. They connect us to each other and to the generations before us. It’s in these practices that we feel a deep sense of belonging, reminding us of the shared stories and bonds that unite us.
For those serving in uniform, these traditions are like anchors. Amidst our duties and responsibilities, they remind us of our connections to family and community. Each ritual, no matter how small, helps to strengthen these bonds and brings comfort and joy. So, as we enter this festive season, let’s cherish each tradition. May the warmth of shared moments and the joy of belonging light up our lives, making this holiday season a memorable one for all.
As we embrace these traditions, let’s also take a step further. Let’s make a conscious effort to reach out, to share these rituals with others, especially those who might be far from their families or in need of companionship. Each of us can bring the joy of the season to someone else, making their holidays brighter and enriching our own. The beauty of the season is magnified when shared, so let’s spread the warmth, one act of kindness at a time.
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Established in 2008, 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 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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Visit: BTYR website
Download: Minnesota National Guard app.
Resources: Minnesota National Guard Family Programs
BTYR Bulletin editor: cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil