MN National Guard BTYR Bulletin
March 2024 - Women's History Month
Department of Transportation featured on radio
On Feb, 8, the Minnesota Military Radio show talked to representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation about becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization. It also discussed veteran survivor benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and received an update from the Minnesota National Guard's Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erickson. Tune in at https://wp.me/peVOtP-21k.
Minnesota Department of Transportation trucks and snowplows escorted buses of 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls service members on their way from the Arden Hills Armory to the airport on the first part of their deployment Feb. 1. The effort is part of MnDOT's Operation Orange Overwatch. The deploying service members were also escorted by motorcycle riders with the Patriot Guard and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department.
Team members deploy, specialists ready to support families
The Minnesota National Guard Family Programs bid farewell to four team members as they embarked on a journey to serve the nation alongside hundreds of other Minnesotans during the 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls deployment Feb. 1.
Four Minnesota National Guard Family Programs team members, Army Sgt. Maj. Sandra Johnson, Army Capt. Sadie Grinsell, and Army Maj. Justin Fedorowski, headed for deployment with the 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls on Feb. 1. (Not pictured: Army Sgt. Maj. Adam Vanderwal)
Support for families of deployed service members
Throughout the deployment, the Division Outreach Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists (SFRS) team will connect monthly with deployed service members' families to help them cope with the impact of separation and connect them with other families and resources. Click on the QR code to connect with the team. Or complete the form, call 1 (888) 234-1274, or e-mail ng.mn.mnarng.list.j1-dcs-sfrs@mail.mil. For volunteer opportunities, click here.
Reach out
Click on the QR code link to connect with the team.
Ashley Bredemus
Cambridge, Minnesota
Ben Johnson
Arden Hills, Minnesota
Cristy Hilton
Joe Fisher
Savannah Polzin
BTYR network, local youth assist veteran
The Watonwan County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and local teens teamed up Jan. 27 to load a moving truck for a veteran in Ormsby who was moving for a job. St. James High School student athletes and National Honor Society members along with Trimont Covenant Church youth group members joined forces for the volunteer effort.
"It was amazing to see so many kids come together on a Saturday morning in January to help a local veteran," said Deb Grote, Watonwan County veterans service officer.
Childcare providers needed for new program
Minnesota launched the Weekend Drill Childcare pilot program recently as a benefit for soldiers. The program offers funding for childcare during drill weekends for qualifying Minnesota National Guard soldiers.
Licensed childcare providers are needed for the program and can potentially earn up to $2,000 in a weekend. Minnesota's WayFinder website lists steps to becoming a licensed provider to include 1:1 mentorship. Providers can earn certifications that can make them more marketable. In many instances, these additional certifications are at no cost to the participant with the help of grants and certification programs. See the flyers for more details.
Women's History Month celebrated in March
Each year, Women's History Month is observed throughout the month of March to celebrate the struggles and achievements of women throughout the history of the United States. To learn more and for observance resources, visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute website.
Nutrition connected with overall health, well-being
To learn more, e-mail Holistic Health & Fitness at H2F-Internal-Project-Management@army.mil.
Commentary: Thaw, flourish as spring approaches
By Army Chaplain (Col.) Buddy Winn
Minnesota National Guard State Chaplain
Whenever someone asks where I’m from and I reply I'm from Minnesota, I get a variety of reactions. I receive sympathy for Minnesotans' role as long-suffering fans in professional sports. There is also the mocking impression of our “accent" and a comment about the weather, specifically winter.
We are fortunate to enjoy all four seasons, sometimes to the extreme. But each year, after the snow and ice, comes spring. It brings a fresh feeling that’s all about new beginnings and growth. Nature shakes off the snow and starts to wake up. Lakes thaw, trees start to bud, and animals emerge from hiding. This change isn’t just happening outside; it’s a perfect moment for us to refresh and strengthen our spiritual selves, too.
Spring in Minnesota is more than warmer weather and potholes. It’s a visual reminder of how life can bounce back and thrive after tough times. It’s a nudge for us to check in on our spiritual health and make sure we’re solid, not only physically but on the inside as well. Whether through mindfulness, connecting more with family and friends, or finding peace in nature, it’s prime time to recharge our inner batteries. Getting into spiritual practices, like meditation, prayer, or long walks in the fresh spring air, can boost our home environment, making everyone feel more connected and ready to tackle life’s ups and downs together.
As everything around us starts to bloom, let's take the cue to grow our spiritual resilience, ensuring we’re all ready to support each other and face the future with optimism and strength.
University asks military community for input on behavioral, mental health study
As part of this effort, the university is offering an opportunity for members of the military community to provide their input on issues related to this topic. They are invited to complete a survey and indicate if they would prefer to meet in an individual interview or participate in a focus group. See the flyer for more information and the survey link.
Tax software, tax credits offered this year
Military One Source offers tax software at no cost to current service members of any military branch or component. Visit the Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.mil or call (800) 342-9647.
The state of Minnesota offers new tax credit adjustments this year. This includes the Minnesota Working Family Credit, which can provide a refund even if an individual owes tax. Check eligibility details, especially if the income is below $35,000 (joint filers). Find out more at https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/working-family-credit. In addition, with changes to the Working Family Credit and its combination with the Minnesota Child Tax Credit, income phaseout rates now vary. See the linked information.
Child & Youth Program events
For upcoming events, sign up here. Visit also the Family Programs website and follow the Family Programs Facebook page and Child & Youth Program Facebook page.
Celebrate Month of the Military Child in April
Month of the Military Child highlights the important role military children play in the armed forces community. It is a way to recognize and show support for them. Here are events and activities in which military youth and their families can participate throughout April.
Purple Up! Day and Month of the Military Child Celebration
Held on April 15 of each year, “Purple Up! For Military Kids” is a day for communities to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Each year, the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program celebrates Purple Up! Day and Month of the Military Child by hosting an open house-style event for military youth and families. Activities include air brush tattoos, a photo booth, character appearances, music, and more. Registration, which opens March 5, is required for the Build A Bear experience and Nickelodeon wristbands provided by the Mall of America. See the flyer for more details. The Mall of America is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company.
Military children can receive a letter from the Governor
Art and photo contests for military children
Military youth are invited to enter the Month of the Military Child art contest and photo contest. Art allows kids to express themselves and how proud they are of their military family. The photo contest is designed to depict what military life is like for families, who must endure weeks of extended trainings, annual training, monthly drill and year-long deployments. Month of the Military Child is a great way to recognize military youth and their families and to show support for all they do. See the flyers for more information
Order a Month of the Military Child T-shirt
Teen Leadership Forum
This weekend of learning and fun is for military connected youth in grades 6-12. They will learn leadership skills by participating in a group project, volunteering for a community service project, and connecting with other military teens. Activities include horseback riding, campfire donuts, crate staking, gaga ball, rock wall, leather making, and more. Registration is required.
Volunteers needed for summer camp
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Networks and Partners events
Rosemount BTYR Golf Tournament
Owatonna BTYR Women Veterans' Retreat
Career Expo & Hiring Fair
Reach out.
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 all military 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