MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin

Replenex, a distributor of cutting tools, abrasives, adhesives, safety products, and industrial supplies, was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event in Eden Prairie on June 11.

“We are pleased to welcome Replenex, a company founded by a veteran, to our Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network,” said Army Lt. Col. Joseph Sanganoo, Minnesota National Guard’s Family Programs Officer and the representative who spoke at the event. “We look forward to growing our partnership today and well into the future.”

Sanganoo also shared his personal story, what inspired him to join the military more than 30 years ago, and why it’s important to support the military community. Sara Wigdahl, Replenex chief culture advocate, shared her personal experience, that included the immense pride and challenges, of being the mother of a Marine Corps service member.

Army Col. Sidney R. Cohen, the grandfather of Matt Cohen, Replenex president and CEO, established the company 78 years ago. The Army recognized Col. Cohen’s veteran status, which enabled him to make successful bids to purchase its surplus industrial supplies.

“Without that opportunity, who knows where our family and this business would be today,” Matt Cohen said. “Being a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company not only honors my grandfather’s military service, but also recognizes the support Replenex provides to military families, veterans, and the community. This recognition is a daily reminder to honor and support our military community.”

After Brad Lindsay, Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, read Governor Tim Walz's proclamation recognizing Replenex as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, Matt signed the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support. This statement is part of ESGR’s program that encourages employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military.

Also known as BTYR, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s mission 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. To learn more about BTYR, visit the BTYR website and see more photos from the proclamation event on the BTYR page on Facebook.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon outreach coordinators Taylor Kristoffe-Jones and Stefanie Hurt met with representatives from the City of Minneapolis at a BTYR kick off on June 17. This marks the beginning of the city’s journey to meeting the requirements and undergoing the process to become a BTYR city and be part of BTYR’s community network.

This year, the theme for the Minnesota State Fair's Military Appreciation Day on Aug. 27 is "Honoring Military Spouses." Current service 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.

Tune in to the Minnesota Military Radio and meet Raymond Kane and Patrick Nickle of the Mississippi River Valley/Cottage Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community network, who were guests on the show June 27. Learn what they and their BTYR network do to build community and serve military veterans, service members, and families.

The Mississippi River Valley/Cottage Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was recognized at the BTYR conference in April for its efforts in supporting the military community in its local area.

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

See flyer for more details.

• The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Vessel Safety Checks. For more information, go to https://cgaux.org/vsc/.
• In 2021, a federal law went into effect requiring operators of watercrafts less than 26 feet to wear a kill switch.
• Water safety instructors recommend that parents have children wear swimsuits in neon pink or neon orange to be more visible in water. See chart below.

For more summer safety tips in the water and out, go to Get #SummerReady | Ready.gov.

By Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Beckwith
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain

Do know the significance of the name Samuel Pierpont Langley? Not a name you easily remember. He attempted to be the first to get controlled flight off the ground.

Langley attempted flight on Oct. 7, 1903. His huge 54-foot-long flying machine had two 48-foot wings -- one in front and one in back. It was launched from a catapult on the Potomac River, and it fell like a sack of cement into the water. On Dec. 8, he tried again. This time, the rear wing caved in before it got off its catapult.

Nine days later, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright flew a trim little biplane, with almost no recognition, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their advantage was that they had mastered the problem of controlling the movement of their plane, and they had preceded their work with four years of careful experimentation with kites and gliders.

Why is this important? It highlights that ingenuity is not solely based on the amount of financial backing or notoriety. Sometimes, the greatest resilient actions and behavior come from frustration and trial and error. Some of the greatest moments in history are elevated from some of the most frustrating times of failure and missed opportunities. We often look at failure as a moment in time when we were not enough. Instead, what if failure and frustration were a springboard to something even greater?

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

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.

Remote controlled car racing

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

Baseball night
The Minnesota Twins is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization.

Pine City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon annual bike run

Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon volleyball tournament

South Central Beyond the Yellow Ribbon sponsors VetsFest

Family Day and car show at 934th Airlift Wing

Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon fishing event

Fundraiser sponsored by Meals from the Heart

Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon golf tournament

Lower St. Croix Beyond the Yellow Ribbon annual music event

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

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