Albert Lea was proclaimed a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community on Aug. 31, 2011. A Yellow Ribbon community unites all areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting service members and military families. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon provides this support to service members and families of all branches of the United States armed forces.  

If you ask a service member what he or she needs while on deployment, they will tell you, “Take care of my family.” As a proactive organization, Albert Lea BTYR would like to ensure that the resources are in place to make sure service members’ families are taken care of in the event of a deployment, activation, training exercise or any need that may arise.

Since the proclamation in 2011, Albert Lea Beyond the Yellow Ribbon has helped several service members and service member families in need. Our goal is to continue to help support service members in any way possible. Last year marked the fourth annual BTYR Freedom Festival in Albert Lea, which honors and recognizes service members through a free meal and entertainment.

Please join us in our dedication to helping our veterans. Consider what you can offer this organization as they stay prepared to take care of the service members who have given so much. BTYR is currently accepting fundraisers on their behalf, monetary donations or any resources you may have available to provide service members and their families.

If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to our organization, please send a check to Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce, 1725 W. Main St, Albert Lea, MN 56007, c/o Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Also, please like us on Facebook at Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Albert Lea.

 

John Severtson

Chairman

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Albert Lea