Camp Ripley: Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program recognized during State Fair Military Appreciation Day

ST. PAUL-Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program was recognized Monday during the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul.

As part of the sixth annual Military Appreciation Day of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, fairgoers were provided an educational opportunity for all to learn about Minnesota's military community.

"Veterans, active duty service members and military families deserve our immense gratitude for their sacrifice and commitment," said Gov. Mark Dayton. "Since 2008, over 290 cities, counties, businesses and nonprofits have joined Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, and are now providing community support and employment assistance to veterans and military families."

The program, which highlighted all the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon programs within Minnesota, showed the overwhelming appreciation for the communities that have united to honor, support and embrace those with past and present military service. Their efforts enable the synchronization of local resources and strengthens the partnership with service providers and military members while building a stronger, more compassionate community.

"Since the inception of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program in 2008, companies and communities within Minnesota have shown immense support to their service members," said Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, Minnesota National Guard adjutant general.

Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program connects service members and their families with support and resources in their local communities.

"As I have traveled around the state I am always amazed at the patriotism, pride and collaboration that goes into forming and sustaining a Yellow Ribbon network," said Annette Kuyper, Minnesota National Guard director of Military Outreach.

Locally, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon programs in Morrison and Crow Wing counties are just two of the programs that have contributed to the welfare and quality of life for hundreds of service members and their families. Their contributions to the surrounding communities have helped the coordination of organizations, agencies and companies to assist in providing resources and support to service members and their families.

"The individuals at these cities, counties and companies have taken it upon themselves to identify resources in their community to support our military-connected residents and their families," added Kuyper.

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3/4: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon held a Family Readiness Academy for more than 150 families, of Soldiers deployed with the 1/34th Brigade Combat Team, at Brainerd High School. (Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Dajon N. Ferrell, Minnesota National Guard)

4/4: Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed nine new entities during a Yellow Ribbon Proclamation Ceremony at the Detroit Lakes Pavilion in Detroit Lakes, Minn. on Aug. 22, 2012. (Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Dajon N. Ferrell, Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs)