On Friday, May 6, the Federal Executive Board of Minnesota rolled out its Annual Civil Servant of the Year Awards Program. Two Deployment Cycle Support employees were recognized at the event; Sgt. Amy Monson, Family Programs NCOIC, and Cpt. Jackie Stenger, Family Programs Officer.

The Federal Employees of the Year Awards Program honors outstanding Minnesota Federal Employees who have demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication as a public servant.  It also honors Federal employees who have rendered voluntary time and service to the community in which they live.

Of the 88 Civil Servant of the Year Awards recipients, six were awarded special recognition for their work in one of six categories. Monson took home the Community Award for her efforts to create awareness and foster connections between Servicemembers, families and communities.

Part of Monson's nomination read, "Examples of her volunteerism include: supporting three Operation Military Kids camps, coordinating the donation of 150 computers from Operation Homelink to be given to families of Servicemembers who are being deployed, teaching a Military 101 class to youth at reintegration events, speaking to a book club and a church group and by meeting with a Waconia, Minnesota, Girl Scout troop to brainstorm ideas that would help them create a proposal they could submit to their council to earn their Silver Award."

More than 50 community members from surrounding cities gathered together for Roseville's Yellow Ribbon Kickoff on Monday. Elected officials from Roseville, Maplewood, Shoreview, Arden Hills and Falcon Heights want to work together to support military families.

"It's not just the men and women who put on the uniform," said Roseville councilmember Tammy Pust. "It's the families that are the backbone."

Maj. Jeff Bibeau, who lives, teaches history and commands a Minnesota Army National Guard unit, all in the Roseville area, shared his story at the Kickoff. He has been deployed twice in the last 8 years and said he felt very supported by his community. "When I finally returned home I was formally welcomed at the annual district-wide meeting. Later I was asked to say a few words and cut the ribbon at the opening of the High School's new football stadium.  These honors show the incredible support the Roseville area provides to their soldiers."

By beginning the process of becoming a Yellow Ribbon entity, community members roll up their sleeves and develop a plan to infuse support to Servicemembers and military families throughout all areas of the community. 

This summer the effort to build networks of support for military families is statewide. This week alone five events are being held, starting the process of making Yellow Ribbon Communities. Wadena, Northfield and St. Paul hosted Open Houses and Roseville and Moorhead with Kickoffs.

If nothing else the meeting in Roseville left World War II veteran Curt Moline inspired. The morning after the Kickoff he connected with the Roseville VFW to become a more active member. Moline said, "This campaign reminds me of Michael Ellison's Law of Awareness: 'Somewhere around you is someone or something to help you fulfill your life's purpose.'"

Moline said, "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is certainly on the right track.  We need to wake up our society to the sacrifices our troops and their families have made.  We must give them more than a nod on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, our entire community must wake up and share the burden."

Yellow Ribbon events will be popping up on calendars around the state all summer long. Some in the near future include;  Moorhead Kickoff at Moorhead State University on May 13, Litchfield Open House on May 21, Chisholm/Hibbing and Coon Rapids Kickoffs, both on May 25.

For a complete list of events, visit www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org.

"Military families have told us that deployment, and especially reintegration, are very challenging for parents and kids. In other situations - cold weather, for example - you wouldn't go out without a coat because it's a stressful event for your body. Well, deployment is a stressful event for your family, why would you go through it without support?" asks University of Minnesota professor Abi Gewirtz, Ph.D., who is leading research into a new parenting program for Minnesota National Guard and Reserve families.

After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools (ADAPT) focuses on building resilience among Minnesota National Guard and Reserve families that have experienced deployment. Gewirtz, project manager Laurel Bidwell, Ph.D., and their team will be recruiting 400 families over the next five years to participate in a study. Families that have a parent who has returned from deployment within the last three years and at least one child between 5- and 12-years old are eligible.

 "We have the data to show, first of all, that parents are critically important to children in high stress situations," says Gewirtz. "And second of all, good programs and supports can improve parenting, children's resilience and family life."

ADAPT participants who complete a 14-week program will receive parenting support literature or additional web-based tools. Parents will learn skills such as teaching through positive encouragement, family communication and problem solving. On-site daycare and homework help will be offered, and participants will be paid between $400 - $635 for four interviews.

"Our military personnel risk their lives for our country; they deserve the best services available," says Gewirtz. "We hope that families will participate in this study to help other families who face deployment in the future."

To find out more information and to participate, visit http://www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/ADAPT/.

Veterans in the Arts is a new organization designed to mentor veterans in a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Whether veterans go to Veterans in the Arts as practicing artists or beginners, wonderful facilities are available for use. There are visual arts and writing centers, music schools and theaters.

Veterans in the Arts is joining veterans and the arts in ways that are particularly safe and meaningful.  All veterans are appreciated for who they are, the experiences they've had and their desire to have fun. Those who participate will do incredible things like make paper, blow glass, play guitar, write plays, throw clay or print images.  Imagination is the key, and the free classes Veterans in the Arts provides will give veterans the power to create.

Learn more by visiting their website, www.veteransinthearts.org, finding them on Facebook or calling to ask about their class offerings at 651-270-9489.

It's that time of year to nominate your volunteers for the 4th annual AMVETS (American Veterans) PNC, John S. Lorec National Guard Volunteer of the Year Award!

There is no limit to the number of nominations that may be submitted on behalf of exemplary volunteers involved in the National Guard Family Program - but there will be only one recipient of the attractive plaque and $1,000 check. Some criteria nominees should meet include demonstrating a high degree of initiative and originality and exhibiting leadership in performing assigned duties in planning, organizing or directing a major program.

Nominations for the award may be from the Air or Army National Guard, and the winner will be selected by a committee of AMVETS and/or AMVETS National Auxiliary members. Complete the official nomination form by June 30 and help an outstanding volunteer you know get the recognition they deserve.