Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Community Kick-Off Event Held

The communities of Bayport, Oak Park Heights, West Lakeland and Baytown Townships are joining together to be recognized as Yellow Ribbon Cities.  Recognition as a Yellow Ribbon City is part of the nationwide movement pioneered by the MN National Guard.  The program synchronizes efforts to build an enduring network of support for service members and families throughout the deployment cycle and beyond.
The recent kick-off event was held at the American Legion in Bayport and included an information session, a presentation by a MN service member who has recently returned from deployment as well as, breakout sessions on topics related to the deployment cycle and how it affects service members and their families back at home.  Breakout sessions included (but are not limited to):
*  How schools & parents can support military kids
*  Counseling strategies for military marriages/families
*  Supporting military personnel & their families in the workplace
*  Benefits, entitlements, support resources & medical help for veterans                
*  Spiritual needs of military personnel &  their families 
(how faith based organizations can help)
*  Public safety & combat veterans

St. Croix Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to be one of many who attended the event and has joined efforts with other local entities to support the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon campaign.
We join with our community partners in honoring our Armed Forces especially during Memorial weekend.  We gratefully acknowledge the heroic efforts of Americans who have served in the five U.S. military branches – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.  

NEW MILITARY “FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER” OPENS
A new element has been established to better serve all military personnel and their families.  A Family Assistance Center is now operational and a Family Assistance Specialist, Jill Monson, is housed there.   “The purpose of the FAC is to be a one-stop shop for military and their families to access a broad array of support resources,” says Jill.   “Military and their families can contact me directly to learn about the extent of the many broad support services available to them.”  Jill attended the recent Yellow Ribbon Kick-Off Event at the American Legion in Bayport and encourages individuals and community businesses to join in supporting Yellow Ribbon efforts throughout America. 

To contact the Family Assistance Center call:
Jill Monson
Family Assistance Specialist
MPSC Contractor
107 E Chestnut St
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-282-4138