Maple Grove’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Hosts Kickoff Event

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is gearing up in Maple Grove and organizers are encouraging community members to attend an upcoming free ice cream social to learn about one of Maple Grove’s newest organizations.

Since 9/11, several Minnesota communities have been working to help create a local network to connect service members with assistance organizations. Maple Grove has created a similar network.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is a unique, Minnesota spin-off of the original Yellow Ribbon program formed by the Minnesota National Guard to support the thousands of service members who have served Minnesota since 9/11.

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 community members head over to for a free ice cream social which includes speakers to talk about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and how community members can become part of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization.

Chairperson Joel Skagerberg is one of several residents involved in the organization and is encourage more people to become involved.

“My son-in-law as in the National Guard and I saw firsthand how much help both the service member and their family needs,” Skagerberg said.

“We have about 10 members now on the committee and need lots more,” Skagerberg said. Volunteers are being sought in areas and from education/community, youth programs, public safety, business and employers, faith based organizations, veteran organizations, social services/medical providers and volunteer coordination.

Those unable to attend the Tuesday Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ice Cream Social can visit the organizations Facebook page and leave a message for the Maple Grove Yellow Ribbon Network.

“Helping these families is very rewarding,” Skagerberg said.