A growing number of volunteer-led programs aim to support military families and veterans during and after deployment.
Some military families have found volunteers to mow their lawns. Others have received discounts from restaurants and businesses. Some have learned about resources for veterans when they have run-ins with the law.
Throughout Dakota County, programs to support military members and their families -- both during and after deployment -- are taking off as the region deals with ever more veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
"They're really good programs and they're really trying to make a difference, so we don't have another situation like we did after Vietnam," said Michael Labovitch, director of veteran services for Dakota County. "I don't care if you like the war or don't like the war, you've got to take care of the people that are fighting it."
The programs are all volunteer-led in separate communities, and not every program is as vibrant or active as Labovitch would like. But things are improving.
"It's going to go," Labovitch said. "But it's an infant that needs a little TLC to keep it going."
According to the Minnesota National Guard website, more than 18,919 Minnesota National Guard members have been deployed and served in more than 33 countries.
Filling a need
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon programs lend community support to families that need help when a family member is deployed and returns.
If a family's snowblower breaks, for example, and the deployed family member is the only one who knows how to fix it, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon can find someone to repair it.
The programs are run community by community, and cities, churches, colleges and companies can become official Beyond the Yellow Ribbon sites. Isanti and Washington counties have been approved, and Dakota County will eventually seek approval, Labovitch said.
Farmington has an official program, and Lakeville and Hastings will receive official designations this year, according to Annette Kuyper, who started the Farmington program and is now the state's director of military outreach.
By EMILY JOHNS, Star Tribune
Last update: July 24, 2010 - 9:12 PM
TO LEARN MORE
Visit the website for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon at www.btyr.org.
