Minnesota Military Radio

Going Beyond: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s 2025 Impact and 2026 Vision

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In this special segment of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham welcomes the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) outreach team for a comprehensive 2025 year-in-review. The discussion covers the program’s statewide impact, key initiatives, the power of community and corporate volunteers, distinctions from the federal Yellow Ribbon program, and exciting goals for 2026.Guests:

  • Stephanie Hurt – Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Taunja Moe Forbes – Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Taylor Kristoffe-Jones – Corporate Outreach Coordinator

    • Key Highlights from 2025:

    • Helped approximately 76,000 service members, veterans, and families across Minnesota — equivalent to filling U.S. Bank Stadium!
    • Statewide initiatives including Operation Kinship (themed care packages for military families left behind during deployments) and Hero Meals (Thanksgiving/Christmas support, especially vital during challenging times).
    • Reboot success since 2022: Unified community and corporate sides, fostering stronger partnerships and resource sharing.
    • No government funding/red tape — support comes from private donations, volunteers, and companies, enabling quick, flexible aid (e.g., coffee and muffins at Camp Ripley polar plunges, emergency assistance, job connections).
    • New corporate partners joined, including Walser Automotive Group (first automotive group in the program, offering military discounts and potential repair support).
    • Emphasis on volunteers as the “heartbeat” — patriots helping patriots, with opportunities for all ages and commitment levels.

      • Looking Ahead to 2026:

      • Expanding to over 100 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon companies, including all Minnesota state colleges and universities.
      • Growing volunteer numbers and statewide momentum through more combined initiatives.
      • Continued focus on supporting all branches, families, and filling gaps for those in need — from rural wood delivery to metro job placement.
        • https://minnesotamilitaryradiohour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-22-MMR.mp3

        The post Going Beyond: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s 2025 Impact and 2026 Vision appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

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