It has been two years since North Heights Lutheran Church in Arden Hills adopted Soldiers of the Army Reserve 407th Civil Affairs Battalion as they prepped for upcoming deployments. The church made it their goal to connect with military families and provide support by connecting the deploying Soldiers with families in the congregation.

"Our mission at North Heights is honor, serve and support military families and veterans," said Bob Shirm, military care leader for North Heights Lutheran Church. "A program called 'Adopt a Soldier' was generated to do just that."

Adopt a Soldier is a way to offer support and encouragement to those currently deployed with care packages and letters, as well as to the families of those deployed with prayer and communication.

North Heights is honored that two-thirds of the soldiers who have deployed in the last year have allowed the church to adopt them and, in some cases, adopt their families. The 407th has deployed about 75 Soldiers in three different deployments dating back to July 2010.

One of the groups returned home on Sunday, July 24. North Heights members and the adopted families greeted their Soldiers at the airport and are planning to throw them a picnic for later this summer. Upon their return, the other two groups will also be greeted at the airport and activities will be planned. North Heights Lutheran Church is a leader in the Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program.

Yellow Ribbon Kickoffs have surged lately. Several communities held Kickoff events in the last few weeks to begin the process of becoming proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon entity.

One of those kickoffs was in Burnsville, a strong community that has a history of focusing on their Servicemembers. Years ago they started a "veteran initiative," and today they want to add to that initiative, re-brand themselves and get Burnsville on the path of becoming a Yellow Ribbon City. At the Kickoff on July 20, Mayor Elizabeth Kautz took the lead by encouraging community members to get involved. By the end of the meeting, they were well on their way to forming a steering committee and scheduling future meetings.

"Burnsville has community support and a strong desire to make this project succeed," said Master Sgt. Dave Denton, yellow ribbon outreach coordinator for Dakota County. "The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is essential. Deployed soldiers are relieved and able to focus on their mission, knowing that their family is taken care of. Whether you are a Servicemember or not, build community awareness. Get out there and help."

Yellow Ribbon Kickoffs are one of the first big steps of the 16-step process toward becoming a proclaimed Yellow Ribbon entity. Expect several more Kickoffs throughout the summer. Jump on the calendar, posted on Beyond the Yellow Ribbon's homepage, to keep abreast of upcoming events.

With the Great Minnesota Get-Together just around the corner, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and other organizations that support the military community are ramping up for Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

On Aug. 30 active military, their immediate families, retired military and veterans will receive discounted admission when purchasing a ticket at the gate with valid documentation of military service.

In addition, State Fair organizers have delivered 500 free tickets to Gold Star Families, a group of individuals who know firsthand what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice.

"It's great to do something for these family members," said Jerry Hammer, general manager of the State Fair. "They sacrifice a lot."

Gold Star Families are defined as the primary and secondary next of kin of a Servicemembers who died while serving on active duty. This group includes parents, spouses, dependent children, siblings and legal guardians of the Servicemembers.

Upon receiving the tickets for Gold Star Families, Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator Gail Springborg said, "Amazing! Now that is a true commitment to military families. Many times Gold Star Families are left out of military family and veteran recognition. They are going to love this!"

Outstanding volunteerism recognized

Throughout 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
Servicemembers and military families. This summer several nominations of outstanding volunteers have come in for recognition by the Twins at Target Field. In July that distinction went to Kenn Roehl of Rochester. He received four tickets to the July 21 game, and during the pregame ceremonies Kenn was brought onto the field as the following script was read over the PA system: