 |
| Join Our Mailing List |
 |
|
Events
Fort Minnesota Express is your family's link to what's going on Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
|
|
|
|
1-151 FRA
Feb. 20, 2010 |
1-151 Family Readiness Academy at Century Community College
|
|
|
|
Family Support Conf.
Mar. 23-25, 2010 |
Family Support Conference in Brainerd.
|
|
|
|
34th ID 30-Day/MIRT/CBWTU Mar. 6-7, 2010 |
Reintegration events for Soldiers and families.
|
|
|
|
1-151 FRA
Mar. 13, 2010 |
Family Readiness Academy in Morris, for 1-151 families.
|
|
|
|
1-151 FRA
Mar. 14, 2010 |
Family Readiness Academy in Marshall, for 1-151 families.
|
|
|
|
34th ID 30 day/MIRT
Apr. 10-11, 2010 |
30 day event and MIRT for returning 34th ID Soldiers.
|
|
|
|
FRPC
Apr. 16-18, 2010 |
Family Readiness Planning Conference in St. Cloud.
|
|
|
Gary Kriesel,
Washington County Yellow Ribbon Network |
I had the honor of welcoming home an injured Red Bull returning from Iraq. His wife called, distraught that her husband was feeling depressed because he believed he failed his mission. She asked if we could have some folks greet him at the airport.
I am proud to say that 20 appreciative citizens, gathered on short notice to honor him. When he arrived the look of shock and awe on his face was priceless. He stood a little taller and the cane he was using took on the appearance of a badge of honor.
This 58 year old warrior was returning home because he had an arthritic knee that failed him due to the rigors of duty. He stood tall beside his wife who had tears of pride streaming down her face!
As I looked around our group, eyes welled up with tears of appreciation. I wanted to let him know that the mission continues and that we have an important mission for him with his comrades at the Veterans Rest Camp or within the Yellow Ribbon Community.
This is the type of person I'm willing to share a foxhole with. He is why I support our troops.
|
|
| Local business gives gift to Guard family |
|
TJB Homes, a home contracting business in Blaine, Minn., is no stranger to lending a helping hand.
In 2007 and 2009 they built dream homes in Minnetonka and St. Paul for needy families as part of, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, a hit ABC television show.
After their 2007 build, Tom Budzynski, owner and president of TJB Homes had the idea of establishing a non-profit organization to do similar projects for needy families, to include Guard families.
Last October Budzynski heard about the Markgraf's, an Oak Grove family whose husband and father Terry was deployed to Iraq with the 34th Infantry Division. The Markgraf home badly needed new windows to replace the rotted frames.
Budzynski visited the home and noticed that not only did three windows need replacing but two bathroom fans and the front door needed replacing as well.
Soon after, TJB Homes, with the help of MEI Exteriors made all of the necessary repairs to the Markgraf home.
Terry Markgraf's wife Shelli said she was very grateful, "I don't know how long it would have been for us to afford to hire someone to replace these items, but with my husband being unemployed (before the deployment) it's not something we could have done quickly."
The renovations will be a welcome home gift for Terry when he gets back in February.
"This will be a surprise for my husband when he comes home...as I have not told him anything," said Shelli.
|
|
| Guard supporting organizations honored |
 |
Several Minnesota counties, cities, companies, churches and a campus were presented Yellow Ribbon Proclamations on Jan. 5th for their support of Minnesota Servicemembers and their families.
Governor Tim Pawlenty awarded the proclamations on behalf of the Minnesota National Guard during the Yellow Ribbon Summit at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn.
Those receiving their Yellow Ribbon proclamation included: Washington and Isanti counties; the cities of Hugo, Stillwater and Woodbury; North Heights Lutheran and St. John Neumann Churches; companies to include Cub Foods, Disabled Veterans Rest Camp, Baskfield and Associates, Faelon Partners Ltd. and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and Rasmussen College campus.
The recognized organizations worked under the guidance of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to develop a sustainable, organization specific, action plan detailing how they are going to support Minnesota Servicemembers and their families.
Pawlenty stressed why it was important for others in the state to get on board with the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign, "We have these great men and women who are willing to give up their lives for this country," said Pawlenty, "We need to do everything we can to support them in any way we can." |
|
| 34th Infantry Division returns from Iraq |
 |
Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division are returning in waves over the next four weeks following their 12-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The first wave home is expected this weekend.
Since May 2009, the 34th Infantry Division (34th ID) provided command and control of military forces in the southern third of Iraq. Headquartered at Contingency Operating Base Basra, the 34th Infantry Division led a force of approximately 14,000 U.S. Servicemembers throughout nine of Iraq's 18 provinces.
More than 1,200 Citizen Soldiers representing 273 Minnesota Communities and 14 states deployed with the Red Bulls. Three major units are deployed with the 34th Infantry Division:
468 Soldiers from the Rosemount-based 34th Infantry Division Headquarters, 400 Soldiers from the Inver Grove Heights-based 34th Infantry Division Special Troops Battalion and 169 Soldiers from the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company.
34th Infantry Division notable accomplishments include:
- Ensured Iraqi Security Forces could protect their population and borders in southern Iraq.
- Developed Southern Iraq's civil capacity and economic security.
- Set conditions for a successful drawdown of U.S. forces in their area of responsibility. |
|
| Get in the loop with e-postcards
by Spc. Nicholle Corcoran |
Have you ever wondered how some people always seem to be in the know about what's going on? The ones who get discounted tickets, know the best places to take the kids and know where all the fun events are.
That could be you! Once you sign up for the Fort Minnesota Express monthly newsletter you can also sign up to receive our e-postcards. E-postcards have the latest news and events to keep military families in the loop. E-postcard topics include youth programs, family events, events and deals, general interest, employment opportunities and more.
It's simple to sign up for our newsletter and e-postcards. Visit www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org and click on the join our mailing list button. Follow the instructions and check your areas of interest to receive information on the latest news. |
|
| Save money this tax season |
 |
2009 Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone is going up!
You are eligible to receive a credit if:
-You served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area anytime in 2009; and
-The pay you received qualifies to be excluded as combat pay from federal gross income under Internal Revenue Code Section 112; and
-Your home of record during your months of service was Minnesota.
The credit is equal to $120 for each month of service. Partial months are counted as full months.
2009 Subtraction for pay received in National Guard!
Minnesota residents who are members of the National Guard and Reserves are allowed a subtraction for pay received when they are ordered by the President or the Governor to certain types of qualifying active service within Minnesota.
"Qualifying active Service" includes:
1. Certain state active service, such as assistance in natural disasters and searches for lost persons
2. Federally funded state active service, under U.S.C. Title 32, such as airport security or active duty for special work (ADSW)
3. Federal active service, under U.S.C Title 10, such as while on medical hold under Title 10 active duty orders for community-based healthcare operations
4. Beginning in tax year 2009, "qualifying active service" also includes weekend drills and annual training (summer camp) and special schools.
Note: "Qualifying active service" excludes service by AGR personnel and by former members of the National Guard ordered to active service by the adjunct general to perform administrative duties.
|
|
| Department of Defense acknowledges top National Guard Family Readiness groups |
 |
Congratulations to the Air Guard's Family Readiness Group (FRG) of the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth. They will be honored by the Defense Department at the Reserve Family Awards ceremony on Feb. 12 at the Pentagon. They will receive an engraved plaque and a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America.
The Defense Department Family Readiness Group awards were established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each reserve component that demonstrates outstanding family readiness, while maintaining superior mission readiness.
Col. Frank Stokes, the 148th Wing commander, said, "Our mission success is critically dependent on the training and well-being of our airmen. Whether they are preparing to leave, currently deployed or returning, our members and their families deserve the very best care and support."
Servicemembers are proud to know they have the love and support from their families, friends, and communities while they are deployed and are honored to see them be rewarded for their tireless efforts on the homefront.
|
| |
