About Us

Mission Statement:

To empower leadership, service members and families by providing relevant training, services, and resources throughout the deployment cycle.

Deployment Cycle Support Documentary

A 20 minute look at the elements within Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Deployment Cycle Support Team. This video features testimonies from three Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and their families about the reintegration process that they personally experienced.

"As we rank all of the things that we want to have as priorities in Minnesota, the first one should be taking care of our members of the military and the people who protect our safety and security. They give so much for us, we need to make sure that we match that commitment in our words and our deeds.” - Governor Tim Pawlenty

The Minnesota National Guard has pioneered a comprehensive approach to providing services, training and resources to Service Members and their families throughout the deployment cycle. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon training is open to all branches of the military. Even its name, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a reminder that the supporting military Service Members cannot end when they return home from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied; but continues throughout the process of reintegration.

Envisioned by Major General Larry Shellito’s personal experience of reintegration after the Vietnam war, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon umbrella features several programs. From reintegration events and wellness programs for Service Members and their families to creating Yellow Ribbon Cities, Deployment Cycle Support in Cottage Grove is the headquarters for all Beyond the Yellow Ribbon programs.

"This is not a program, it is process. And it’s not the military’s process alone. It takes all the resources of the local, county, state and federal government, along with every non-profit organization that’s willing to help.” - Chaplain (LTC) John Morris'

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a group effort by the Minnesota National Guard and supported by Governor Tim Pawlenty. It has helped thousands of men and women reconnect with their families and their communities.

When Service Members deploy, their families, employers and communities are all affected in many ways. Minnesota’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon guides all those affected through developing their own readiness action plans.

“We get there by building the team. By, what we call in Minnesota, building Fort Minnesota. And Building Fort Minnesota is a concept where we harness the goodwill and we harness the partnerships of communities and the agencies within those communities to reach out and touch Service members and families”. - COL Kevin Gerdes, MNARNG Personnel Director

Page last modified on Thursday 21 of January, 2010 18:33:35 UTC

What's New

Deals and Happenings
Thu 18 of Feb, 2010

Click below for the latest information on Minnesota events, news, and happenings.

Family events

In the News
Free Expeditions for OIF/OEF Veterans & Servicemembers
Wed 17 of Feb, 2010

Interested Canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters or kayaking Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands? Outward Bound is providing free all expenses paid wilderness expeditions to OIF/OEF veterans and Servicemembers. Click here for their flyer.
Yellow Ribbon Employment Coaches
Wed 17 of Feb, 2010

You demonstrated your leadership, work ethic and skills during your deployment. Get a Yellow Ribbon Employment Coach to support you in your search for a new job.

Job seekers click here to sign up.

Volunteer to become an employment coach by clicking here
Governor’s Proclaimation: April is Month of the Military Child
Wed 17 of Feb, 2010

Your military child can get a letter from the Governor and First Lady. The MDVA website will be open for families to request a letter signed by the Governor and First Lady for their military child, key word for the letter is 'Hero'.
Youth Opportunities for Toddlers & Teens
Mon 15 of Feb, 2010

Parents as Teachers Play Group announces their new spring Play Group Schedule. Click here for their flyer.

Speak Out for Military Kids Retreat for 7th - 12th grades in Duluth April 23-25.

All articles

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