MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon - August 2023
Vietnam veterans sought for events, spouse shares story
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam veterans leaving Vietnam, the Minnesota National Guard seeks 300 Vietnam veterans to participate in the Vietnam veterans march during Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 29. Each Vietnam veteran will receive a complimentary ticket for the day. For more information and to sign up, go to https://tinyurl.com/VietnamVeteransMarch. All veterans, service members, and their families are invited to visit the 50 booths and participate in the Military Appreciation Day activities at Dan Patch Park at the fair.
Fifty Vietnam veterans are also needed to participate in an on-field recognition during the Minnesota Twins Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Sept. 10. Each Vietnam veteran will receive two complimentary tickets for the day. For more details and to sign up, go to https://tinyurl.com/TwinsAFAD2023. This is a first-come, first-served opportunity.
In honor of the 50th anniversary observance, Dorothy Radermacher, a member of the Lino Lakes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community network, shared a video telling her and her husband Ronald's story. Ronald was a Vietnam veteran.
BTYR partners featured on radio show
On July 20, Minnesota Military Radio spoke with Joe Fowler from the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, which is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, and Anita Harris with the Central Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Warrior to Citizen community network. Both help support Minnesota's military community. The radio show also honored the life of Army Sergeant and Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin. Tune in to the show.
Pictured are Anita Harris with Central Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Warrior to Citizen and Minnesota Military Radio show host Tom Lyons.
Minnesota organization supports family event
The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council supported the annual 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Family Day on July 23. The event included bounce houses, llamas, a dunk tank, face painting, rock climbing, and the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band.
“We value our partnership with the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council,” said
Army Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Commander. “They are
tremendous supporters of our service members and their families.”
The council became a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company in 2022 and comprises 15
construction trade unions representing more than 70,000 construction workers. This is the second year it has supported the event by providing more than 30 volunteers to cook and serve the meal so soldiers can spend time with their families.
“Our relationship with the Minnesota National Guard is strategic, and we see it as a benefit to
both organizations,” said Joe Fowler, Minnesota Building and Trades Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee member. “We want to give back and recognize those who keep us safe. Minnesota Guard members make good apprentices for the construction trades. They show up on time, do what is asked of them, give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, and they do not shy away from hard work.”
The Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council will host Ribfest in Arden Hills on Sept. 16.
Military families enjoy racing, other events
Military families and youth enjoyed a remote control car and truck racing event hosted by the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Services at the Arden Hills Armory on July 12.
Party Crashers RC Racing provided remote control vehicles and tracks for free. The youth learned about remote control vehicles then raced them around a track. The Suburban Ramsey County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community network provided a meal for the youth and their families at the event.
CYS is a part of the Minnesota Minnesota National Guard Family Programs. This summer, it has hosted several events, including golfing at Top Golf, swimming at Cascade Bay, and climbing at Vertical Endeavors. These events teach life skills to military youth and connect military families with one another.
For upcoming events, sign up here for more information and follow the Child & Youth Services Facebook page. Visit also the Family Programs website and follow the Family Programs Facebook page. Drop by the CYS and Family Programs booth in Dan Patch Park during Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 29.
Diversity councils celebrate Philippine Day
Commentary: Spiritual resilience can be part of readiness
By Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain
The Army’s Holistic and Health Program emphasizes the role of spiritual resilience in readiness. Emerging from our core, this resilience, rooted in hope, purpose, connection, and values, acts as a compass in adversity, sustaining not just the individual, but the whole family unit.
Building spiritual resilience can be achieved through religious practices, but also through service, charity, mindfulness, and journaling. Research by Columbia University, examining individuals with long-term spiritual practices, found these individuals had thicker brain areas associated with perception, reflection, and understanding. Interestingly, these areas were thinner in people who often experience severe depression, hinting at a possible connection between brain structure, spirituality, and mental health.
Challenges are inherent in our journeys. However, by fostering spiritual resilience, we're not just surviving, we're thriving, converting adversities into pillars of growth. Harnessing this power, especially in uncertain times, enables us to stay connected, hopeful, and resilient, forming a network of strength impenetrable by any obstacle.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon events
Power of One Wellness Event
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Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
E-mail: ng.mn.mnarng.list.j9-beyond-the-yellow-ribbon@army.mil
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