Beyond the yellow ribbon
Fort Minnesota ExpressJuly 2011 Vol. II, No. 11
In This Issue
Community Honors a Hero
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Yellow Ribbon in action
Riding to Remember
Chaska Yellow Ribbon
Climbing Above
1-Years
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Events
A military family attends a camp
Voyageur Camp
July 10-13, 2011
Register by July 8.
Kickoff2

W. St. Paul Yellow

Ribbon Kickoff
July 13, 2011

W. St. Paul Armory

C-130

MN Air National

Guard Air Expo
July 16, 2011

133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul

Reintegration event

147th HRC FPA
July 17, 2011

Family Preparation Academy.
Kickoff3

Burnsville Yellow

Ribbon Kickoff
July 20, 2011

Performing Arts Center,

Burnsville

YROC meeting cropped

St. Peter Yellow

Ribbon Kickoff
July 21, 2011

St. Peter Armory

Soldiers attend a reintegration event

34th ID 1-year
July 22-23, 2011

34th Infantry Division 1-year reintegration event.
YR_crowd_at_event

Austin Yellow

Ribbon Kickoff
July 25, 2011

Hormell Nature Center,

Austin

Yellow shirt speaks

Delano Area Yellow

Ribbon Kickoff
July 26, 2011

Delano City Hall

Kickoff1

Mankato Yellow

Ribbon Kickoff
July 26, 2011

Mankato Armory

Youth_at_Ripley

MN National Guard

Youth & Teen Camp,

Week 1
July 24-30, 2011

 

Camp Ripley 

For children of active and retired MN National Guard members.

Register by July 15.

NG_camp_logo

MN National Guard

Youth & Teen Camp,

Week 2
July 31 - Aug. 6, 2011

 

Camp Ripley 

For children of active and retired MN National Guard members.

Register by July 31.

AG Team FPA
Aug. 6, 2011

Family Preparation Academy.

A military family attends a camp

Operation Military

Kids Family Day
Aug. 6, 2011

Hartley Nature Center,

Duluth

Register by July 15.

couple planning

Strong Bonds
Aug. 19-21, 2011

Metro Area

 

small business seminar

114th Trans. Co.

1-year
Aug. 21, 2011

Duluth

 

FRPC

2-211, B Co. FRA
Sep. 10, 2011

Family Readiness Academy.

happy couple

Strong Bonds
Sep. 16-18, 2011

Metro Area

 

Operation Welcome Home

Operation Welcome

Home
Sep. 16-18, 2011

Ironwood Springs,

Stewartville

 

Community honors a hero
Malin FamilyA little over a year ago, Army Staff Sergeant Kyle Malin suffered a devastating injury while serving in Afghanistan. He returned home last month for a brief visit, as Lakeville Mayor Mark Bellows proclaimed June 27 "Kyle Malin Day."

 

Malin grew up in Lakeville and graduated from Farmington High School in 2002 before enlisting. While serving on his fourth deployment (the previous three were in Iraq), Malin fell victim to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while his squad was trying to assist another squad that had come under attack. The IED blast resulted in Malin losing both of his legs.

 

Now Malin, married with two children ages 4 and 6, continues rehab out of state and hopes to eventually walk "semi-normal" with the help of a cane and prosthetic legs.

 

For "Kyle Malin Day," Lakeville requested that all of its residents raise their flags and hang yellow ribbons. Additionally, Malin was asked to raise the flag at Target Field, prior to the Minnesota Twins playing on June 27.

 

"This is just a small way for Kyle's home community to show and extend our thanks to Staff Sergeant Malin and the entire Malin family for their sacrifice," said Bellows, as reported by the Lakeville Patch. "And a way to say, 'Welcome home, Kyle.'"

Neighbors help finish the project
Empty sandboxBefore leaving on deployment, Staff Sergeant Calvin Crouse wanted to leave something behind for his three kids, all of whom are under 5 years old. Calvin went to work and managed to build a large sandbox in the backyard just before leaving for Fort McCoy, but he didn't have time to fill it with sand. It wasn't long before the Crow Wing County Yellow Ribbon Network heard about it, and a couple days later a delivery of sand was in the works.

 

It started at the Aitkin County Kickoff, when Calvin's mother told the story of the sandbox. Once the Crow Wing Network heard about it, they contacted the VFW Auxiliary who volunteered to buy the sand and arrange for its delivery.

 

"They'll be ecstatic," said Becky Crouse, Calvin's wife, "they used a little turtle box before, and now they'll have tons of room to play."

 

Little Ethan, the oldest of the three kids, looks forward to playing with his brother and his tractor in the new sandbox, and Becky is more than grateful that the network pulled together to finish her deployed husband's project.

Yellow Ribbbon in action
Primrose SchoolLast month, at the Primrose School of Rochester's Spring Fling carnival, nearly $1,000 was raised for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Southeast Minnesota. Dozens of Servicemembers, military family members and supporters attended the daylong festival to enjoy the games, food and collective support of a Yellow Ribbon community.

 

"Primrose helped in the past with child care for soldier's families on a case-by-case basis," said Kenn Roehl, chair of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Southeast MN. "It's typical for us to partner with a local business."

 

Servicemembers and their families were invited to attend the fundraiser to enjoy the food, games and activities for free. They, along with community supporters, enjoyed the dunk-tank, blow-up slides and a booth where they could write a note to a deployed soldier on a yellow ribbon and then tie it to a tree.

 

"We had some soldiers go in the dunk booth," Roehl said. "That was the hit of the day."

 

Not only did the event allow Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Southeast MN to raise money for future events, but military families benefited from having an opportunity to spend time together.

Make A Difference

Another patriot recognized

Ron Schlangen ApplaudedThroughout the 2011 season, the Minnesota Twins are recognizing Yellow Ribbon Volunteers that go above and beyond in their community Yellow Ribbon Networks in support of military families. Each month, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon accepts nominations for outstanding volunteers for recognition by the Twins at Target Field, and in June that distinction went to Ron Schlangen. For his efforts he received four tickets to the June 28 game, and during the pregame ceremonies Ron was brought onto the field as the following script was read over the PA system:

 

Almost forty years ago Ron Schlangen volunteered to go to Vietnam so a young soldier with a family didn't have to. Since then he's been actively involved in veteran's affairs and now serves as the Commander of the Chanhassen American Legion. Ron is spearheading an event at Chanhassen's 4th of July Parade that will recognize military children for their sacrifice.

 

These military kids will form a "Junior Honor Guard" that will march with the Legion Honor Guard. Videos of them marching in the parade will be sent to their parents overseas.

 

Ron recently attended the Bloomington Yellow Ribbon Kickoff, to gather information about how to get his own community of Chanhassen started in the process of becoming a Yellow Ribbon City.

 

The day after his recognition, via e-mail, Ron said, "Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! What a night ... I think I was in a daze this morning yet!"

 

Twins Nomination Banner
Riding to remember
Girl waves at RidersMore than 1,200 bikes, 60 miles of road and countless supporters cheering them on through sunshine and rain - the 6th Annual Patriot Ride was a true show of support for military, veterans and their families.

 

Less than a mile before the half-way point, between Lions Park in Ham lake and the Cambridge National Guard Armory, riders were greeted by locals who had come out with flags and lawn chairs.

 

"One of the nurses at Cambridge Primary School is riding today," said Judy Bergland, "and we support the troops."

 

Despite the onset of rain, she and her husband, Alan, stood for nearly 45 minutes waving little flags as riders rode by, honking in return.

 

"Our son is in the Navy," Allan added. "He's stationed in Florida, that's where his family is. But he's deployed a lot. It's hard."

 

Many of the riders understand what the Bergland's are going through, because many of the riders are members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard. The Patriot Guard has stood by, showing their support during thousands of military events throughout the state. From military funerals and honor flights to deployment ceremonies and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon reintegration events, the Patriot Guard is there.

 

The Patriot Guard is a diverse group of riders and individuals that have respect for those who risk their lives every day, whether it be on American soil or abroad. Their primary mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen heroes and show respect for those in mourning.

 

Back in Cambridge, at just about the half-way point, bikers see supporters along the side of the road - and reminders of what the ride is all about. A white sign with the words, "Never Forget" stands alone in a ditch. And just up ahead, a soldier holding another sign.

 

"This is my first year doing this," says Specialist Jake Nash of the 850th Horizontal Engineer Company, as he holds a sign that reads, "Joseph Kennedy 4/15/11."

 

"There are eight of us out here all holding signs for recent KIAs," Nash adds.  In addition to six of his fellow unit soldiers there are two Marines in Dress Blue uniforms holding signs.

 

Funds raised at the 6th Annual Patriot Ride go to the Minnesota Patriot Guard and the Minnesota Military Family Foundation. 

Chaska residents show Yellow Ribbon

Linda-MaryLast month Linda-Mary Mellon, the wife of a deployed soldier, attended a Rotary Club of Chaska meeting to talk about the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. The community had been introduced to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon last year, but until Linda-Mary spoke, nobody knew there were military families affected by deployment living in their midst.

 

During her presentation, Linda-Mary explained how her lawn mower had recently broken down. With her husband gone, it was just another challenge she faced alone. Before she was done speaking, however, one of the community members in attendance volunteered to help her out. Unbeknownst to Linda-Mary, the friend that invited her to speak gave her address to the volunteer.

 

The following day Linda-Mary was shocked to see a truck and trailer pull up with two mowers. While people went to work on her yard, another car pulled up and a young girl went to Linda-Mary's garden that needed weeding.

 

"I stood there, and tears came down my face," Linda-Mary said. "All I could say was, 'Wow.'"

 

When the mowing and weeding were done, the original volunteer asked to take her mower home so he could try and repair it. When he returned a couple of days later, Linda-Mary was again stunned to see a brand new mower. Because the repairs would have cost more than the mower was worth, the volunteer decided to go ahead and buy Linda-Mary a new one.

 

Though only in the introductory stages, Chaska residents understand the "neighbor-helping-neighbor" concept and are more than ready to start a  Yellow Ribbon community.

 

Climbing above

Teens at SummitMinnesota's first Teen Summit, "It's the Climb," was held in Brooklyn Center in late June. For three days, 30 teens came together for peer mentorship and friendship. It was designed as an opportunity for teens to help one another climb over the challenges they face during a family member's deployment.

 

Marshall, Minn., natives Annalise (16) and Sadie (14) Wasberg attended the Summit.  Their father, a Chaplain, was deployed for a year in Iraq, having returned two years ago this month.

 

"It was hard," said Annalise, "I was the oldest so I had to take up a lot of responsibility in the house."

 

Annalise is one of eight members on the Teen Panel. The Teen Panel, along with leadership from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Youth Programs and Operation: Military Kids, spent several months planning the event.

 

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and hearing their stories. It's different for everyone," said Annalise.

 

Eden Powers of Brainerd (14) is another member of the Teen Panel. Her dad left just three weeks ago for a year-long deployment.

 

"I'm worried about my dad being in danger," Eden said. "And I'm sad for my mom. They've been married since they were 19, and he's 43 now. That's a really long time to be married."

 

Eden is concerned about the challenges her parents will go through while being separated for a year.  She plans to make it through the 12-month deployment without dad by staying busy and being positive. But Eden won't be entirely alone, as her best friend will be going through her own dad's deployment at the same time.  

 

"A lot of kids don't have people ... You've got to find somebody. You can't do it alone, you need your family," said Eden.

 

Family members of all ages - when their Servicemember deploy - hear the advice, "Stay busy."  A good resource to find activities for families is the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon website, and by visiting other military friendly sites. 

 

The mother of one teen attending the Summit says she heard about the opportunity from her unit.

 

"You've got to open those e-mails," says Jennifer Henderson, a Master Sergeant with the 934th Air Lift Wing. "I get the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon e-postcards, I check out their Facebook page and I'm connected with the Yellow Ribbon Network of Hastings." She was surprised to find out how many military families were in her community.

 

By being connected, Henderson's teen spent the three days getting to know other military-teens, volunteering for the nonprofit Feed My Staring Children and learning how to overcome challenges.

 

Same event, different implementation
Soldiers listen at eventWhen Minnesota units return home from deployment, they are greeted with a series of formal training events to help them reintegrate back into civilian life. First, Servicemembers attend the Initial Training, which is followed by the 30- and 60-day events that assist both the Servicemembers and their families in understanding the reintegration process. The events also introduce them to resources that can help with everything from joining the VFW to mental wellness. Later, Servicemembers attend the 90-day, to conduct a thorough post-deployment assessment, and 1-year events without their families. The 1-year event is an opportunity for unit commanders to reconnect with their soldiers and identify any issues that may have arisen.

 

In June the 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery (1-151) conducted their 1-year reintegration event at Camp Ripley. The battalion had each of their almost 400 soldiers spend at least two hours with representatives from one of four entities: Veterans Affairs (VA), Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Family Assistance Centers (FAC) and Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSA).

 

The next 1-year event is scheduled for July 22-23, for members of the 34th Infantry Division that returned from Iraq in January 2010. The two-day event, for almost 800 soldiers, will take place at Inver Hills Community College. The 34th, who conducted a survey of its soldiers to identify the top needs, have asked a trove of entities to show up including those that provide finance and education information.

 

The 1-year events are flexible events and can be as thorough as unit leadership deems necessary. The key is identifying the problem, if there are any, and providing opportunities for them to be addressed.

Copyright �2011 Minnesota National Guard and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon All Rights Reserved.
www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org