MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon - October 2023
First Ribfest highlighted rib competition, partnerships
The inaugural Ribfest hosted by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, was held at the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Headquarters in Arden Hills on Sept. 16. The event included a ribs competition, career fair, flyover, live musical entertainment, and family activities.
"One of the Minnesota National Guard's priorities is partnerships," said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General. "And without a doubt, the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council is an extraordinary partner to our military members and their families."
See more photos from the event at the Ribfest and Minnesota National Guard social media pages.
Support needed to provide food for those in need during holidays
See the flyer for more details or e-mail Stefanie Hurt, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community outreach coordinator, at stefanie.hurt@state.mn.us.
Starkey Hearing to become BTYR company
Radio discusses suicide prevention, awareness
Suicide Prevention Awareness Day event
Domestic Violence Awareness Month observed in October
In Minnesota, anyone who find themselves or know someone who is in an unsafe home situation of any kind, can reach out to the Day One Hotline. It provides real-time availability of various shelters and resources around the state. Callers will not be asked to prove anything or press charges against anyone to receive services. The network spans the entire state.
Day One is not military-specific. However, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V) is included in the resource center since it offers immediate 45-day hotel stays for any service member who contacts the office for domestic violence-related needs. Call Day One at 1-(866) 223-111, text (612) 399-9995, or go to the Day One website.
Child & Youth Program welcomes new staff member
Joy Luedeman, is the new Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program coordinator. She will assist with events coordination and provide support for military-connected youth, especially during challenging times, such as a parent's deployment. She served as a teacher for 12 years in Ohio then moved to Minnesota to be closer to her family.
Luedeman is excited for her new role. "I'm looking forward to meeting military families and youth through upcoming events, including the Teen Leadership Forum, Teen Summit, and Purple Up events," Luedeman said.
She will work alongside Laura Groeneweg, lead Child & Youth Program coordinator. "With Joy's background in youth development and education and her creativity, she has lots to offer in her role, Groeneweg said.
Laura Greoneweg (left), lead Child & Youth Program coordinator, and Joy Luedeman (right), new Child & Youth Program coordinator, are pictured at an event for military youth and families.
Teen Panel plans activities for the year
The eight-member Military Teen Panel recently held its first meeting for the new school year. Panel members participated in a service project at Feed My Starving Children and began planning for the Teen Summit, which will be held next summer.
As part of the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program, the Teen Panel focuses on fostering resilience and provides networking and skill-building opportunities for military-connected teens. They learn to develop skills, such as teambuilding, leadership, and public speaking, as well as conduct service projects.
In August, the teens volunteered at Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair, where they handed out Child & Youth Program resources and materials and shared information about the Teen Panel and how to get involved. The panel will meet again in January.
Volunteer recognition nomination opens soon
By the end of calendar year 2022, there were 229 Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Statutory Volunteers who logged 9,570 hours. The 2022 value for volunteer time was $29.95 per hour, which equated to a donated value of $286,621.50 worth of time and service.
To recognize these volunteers' efforts during fiscal year 2023 and throughout fiscal year 2024, any leader within the Minnesota National Guard can connect with a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist (SFRS) to learn how to officially recognize an outstanding volunteer at either the state or national level. The submission period is from Nov. 1 through Dec. 16. Contact an SFRS at 1(888) 234-1274.
Minnesota National Guard Family Programs events
Minnesota National Guard earns Excellence in Diversity Award
The Minnesota National Guard has been named as the Fiscal Year 2022 Exemplary State, Territory, or District of Columbia - Minnesota National Guard Excellence in Diversity Award recipient. This award is presented to the State National Guard that stands out by consistently contributing to diversity and inclusion initiatives and ideas, institutionalizing best practices, building measurable milestones. and attaining individual or group diversity and inclusion goals.
Army Capt. Nicole Wiswell, Special Emphasis program manager for the Minnesota National Guard Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, thanks the Minnesota National Guard's Special Emphasis Council members and volunteers.
"Our small full-time team owes this success to them as volunteers and collateral duty members, advisors, managers, executive champions. Their passion, drive, innovative community engagements, feedback, and numerous other contributions have been pivotal to the state program's success," Wiswell said. "Our greatest appreciation to them for continuing to demonstrate the importance of our Minnesota force reflecting our Minnesota communities."
The council is made up of Army and Air Force service members and civilian staff in the Minnesota National Guard. Events the council is supporting this month include:
- Lavender Magazine's First Thursdays in St. Louis Park on Oct. 5.
- Filipino American History Month at Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center in St. Paul on Oct. 15.
- A World War II author event Oct. 25, and
- Safe Summer Nights Fall Festival in St. Paul on Oct. 28.
To learn more, visit the Minnesota National Guard Diversity and Inclusion Initiative website and page on Facebook.
DOD celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
Commentary: A call to spiritual unity - the power of prayer, fasting, and service
By Army Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain
Minnesota National Guard families, as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of our military lives, it is essential that we take a moment to recognize the profound impact of spiritual connection, not just with a higher power, but with each other.
In the month of October, we extend a heartfelt invitation to service members and their families worldwide: to come together in a collective act of prayer, fasting, meditation, and service. Our aim? To promote peace, healing, and unity within our ranks, our homes, and our hearts.
Prayer, regardless of faith or creed, has always been a cornerstone for many in seeking solace and strength. It’s a beacon of hope during the darkest nights and a source of gratitude in moments of victory. Whether you’re on the frontline or waiting at home, your prayers intertwine, creating a tapestry of faith, hope, and love. This month, let our prayers resonate with a single purpose — for the peace and healing of our global military family.
Fasting, a practice observed in many traditions, is not merely about abstaining from food, but a conscious act of self-discipline. It reminds us of our shared humanity, our vulnerabilities, and the significance of sacrifice. By fasting, even if just for a few hours, we align our spirits, echoing a sentiment of empathy and connection with our brothers and sisters in arms.
Meditation, the journey inwards, allows us to find clarity amidst chaos. It’s in silent moments we often find answers, understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we meditate, may we visualize a world where every service member, spouse, and child experiences the warmth of peace and the embrace of healing.
Lastly, service. Our roles in uniform revolve around service — to our nation, to our friends, to our families. This month, let’s amplify that attitude. Serve with kindness and compassion, reaching out to those who might need a comforting word, a helping hand, or merely the presence of a friend.
Together, through prayer, fasting, meditation, and service, we can manifest a wave of peace and healing that touches every life, every home, and every relationship. Let’s stand united in spirit and purpose. May peace be with us all.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Networks' events
Reach out.
Established in 2008, the mission of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is to establish and sustain a comprehensive community and corporate support network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, and resources to meet the needs of Minnesota's military veterans, service members, and families in al branches. The BTYR Bulletin informs, connects, and supports Minnesota's military community and its many partners across the state.
E-mail: ng.mn.mnarng.list.j9-beyond-the-yellow-ribbon@army.mil.
Follow: Twitter (X) @BTYRmn and Facebook,
Visit: BTYR website
Download: Minnesota National Guard app.
Resources: Minnesota National Guard Family Programs
BTYR Bulletin editor: cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil