Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organizes in Oakdale

Recognizing that military service can affect the entire families of those who serve, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon provides community outreach to soldiers and their families. 

The community-based organization held its Oakdale kick-off Wednesday, Aug. 3, with a meeting at attended by military families, community members and Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL-Maplewood).

Platinum Bank Senior Vice President Marc Cove, who has been involved with the organization for almost two years, said the bank has provided initial funding for organization meetings and will provide assistance to local service men and women. 

"The bank will focus on professional services such as help with resume building, networking and financial management for our troops and their families. That is one of the key areas of our global Yellow Ribbon Plan," Cove said. "In addition, we have opened our facility to the Minnesota National Guard for continued use for meetings and planning within their organization." 

The organization continues to seek volunteers to help with local outreach efforts.

Having helped start Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in surrounding communities, Slawik said it's a really important connection for the community with the military families.

 "I think they need the support while the folks are deployed and then they need support when the troops are back, so I think it makes us a stronger community to acknowledge and to rally around both our national guard and our full-time military folks," Slawik said. 

The next meeting for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon takes place Wednesday, Sept. 14. Starting time and location for the meeting will be announced at a later date.