Driving Force behind Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Following the devastating and unthinkable events of September 11, 2001 many of our own Minnesotans have answered our Nation’s call to willingly and proudly serve our Country during a time of war. By 2010 about 10,000 Minnesota National Guard Members had deployed in the years after 9-11, not to mention the thousands of Air Force, Navy and Marine Reserve Members that have also been called into action since that time. For this reason, the National Guard was looking for help on the home front to support the families left behind during times of deployment, thus began the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.

Since its inception over 4 years ago, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon has spread like wild fire throughout Minnesota cities and counties. It has also become a model program for campaigns around the country. This enthusiasm has been fueled by thousands of residents/volunteers who have invested their time to ensure our service members and their families are supported and that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Volunteers do things from caring for military families' homes during deployment, to shoveling driveways after a heavy snow, to arranging free vacations in northern Minnesota for wounded soldiers. If you would like to get involved with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon by offering your time or a service, please contact us at RosemountYellowRibbon@gmail.com.

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune-Kevin Giles

http://www.startribune.com/local/82524972.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#start

Rosemount High School Honors Service Members and Vets at Homecoming Football Game

On October 7th at 7:00pm the Rosemount Irish Varsity Football team will take on one of their long time rivals, the Apple Valley Eagles in this year’s Homecoming Game. Homecoming is always a memorable experience however this year’s game will be made even more remarkable with a special presentation to honor our local Service Members, past and present. Service Members and their families are invited to attend the game and the service member is encouraged to wear their uniform for entrance into the game through the player’s gate as well as to enjoy reserved seating during the game. Additionally, a plaque will be dedicated to Rosemount High School by Jill Stephenson, the mother of Cpl. Benjamin Stephen Kopp who died in 2009 from wounds suffered in an attack while he was on tour in Afghanistan. Cpl. Kopp was a 2006 graduate of RHS; his mother will be presenting the plaque to the school which will honor all of the Rosemount graduates who have paid the ultimate sacrifice; their lives, while defending freedom. For more details or questions, please contact the general information line at Rosemount High School 651-423-7501.

Military Family Care Initiative-Courtesy of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

The Military Family Care Initiative is a web based program designed to help military families during times of deployment. The Initiative unites community organizations and businesses with military families to provide simple volunteer services and discounted services to the families of military personnel during times of separation from their loved-one. Created by First Lady Mary Pawlenty in 2003, this program is now managed by the Minnesota National Guard's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.

Through this Initiative, Minnesota service, community, and faith-based organizations register online their interest in providing military families with a variety of simple, volunteer services such as mowing the lawn, shopping for groceries, preparing a meal, and so many more.

Using this website, it is easy to find volunteers and businesses willing to lend a helping hand! First select the service/s you are seeking and then narrow your results by selecting your county. Finally, click the "search" button to generate a listing of organizations and businesses willing to provide some assistance.

Please refer questions regarding website to ngmn.militaryfamilycare@ng.army.mil

Link to Military Family Care Initiative Website

Hiring Our Heroes-Veterans Hiring Fair August 27, 2011

On March 24, 2011 the U.S Chamber of Commerce, launched a year long nationwide effort to help veterans and their spouses find meaningful employment. Throughout the year, the chamber, in conjunction with many state chambers, the Department of Labor, VETS groups, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and other strategic partners will host 100 hiring fairs across the country. Minnesota veterans and their spouses are encouraged to attend the following fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, and the local Minnesota Chambers will be co-hosting a FREE one-of-a-kind veterans hiring fair in Minneapolis on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 11 a.m.— 4 p.m. Hiring our Heroes Minnesota will take place at Minneapolis Convention Center,1301 2nd Avenue S in Minneapolis, Minnesota Rooms M100A-J on the Mezzanine Level. Over 60 employers are expected to participate. 

Register today at www.hoh.greatjob.net.

Source: United States Chamber of Commerce; www.uschamber.com/veterans

City of Rosemount Receives Yellow Ribbon Designation

On August 23rd, Rosemount will be recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Community at Inver Hills Community College. The steps it took to achieve this status were sometimes long and arduous but Rosemount’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Board and Committee members were very much invested in seeing the project through. As a result of these efforts Rosemount BTYR has established a network of support as well as an action

plan to ensure that all Service Members and their families feel connected to the community and resources while they bear the burden of deployments; before, during and after.

Welcome to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Rosemount

This blog site has been created to support outreach efforts made by the Rosemount BTYR Committee to better serve members of the Military from all branches as well as their families in Rosemount and in the surrounding areas. It will also be used as a place to provide news-worthy updates and information on future events.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Rosemount is organized for the purpose of creating a community wide effort to honor our area's Service Members especially those returning veterans while displaying a united symbol of community support. Rosemount residents, businesses, schools, political leaders, civic, and faith based organizations joined together as the BTYR campaign by finding opportunities to pay tribute to our Service Members and show support as a community. 

Rosemount BTYR currently assists local families in need, sponsors veteran related events, offers local training opportunities, and creates pathways for resources for veterans and families affected by struggles related to deployments.