Hiawatha Valley Family - Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

04/13/2026

04/07/2026

Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Community

Our Hiawatha Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon team had the privilege of recognizing two incredible groups at the American Legion Post #54 who continue to serve our local veterans and their families with heart and dedication.

🇺🇸 All‑Veterans Color Guard
We presented the team with a special team photo. These patriotic volunteers stand tall at countless events, post the colors with dignity, and provide funeral honors that bring comfort and respect to families. Their service never stops, and neither does our gratitude.

⭐ Evening Star Quilters Guild – Honoring a Veteran
We were also proud to witness the Evening Star Quilters present a beautifully crafted quilt to a deserving U.S. Navy veteran, Dan Kerns. Their artistry and compassion remind us that honoring service comes in many forms — each stitch a symbol of appreciation.

This is what your local Yellow Ribbon mission is all about: community, connection, and honoring those who have served and continue to serve!

02/23/2026

Camp Opportunity for Military Children!!

Laketrails Base Camp, Lake of the Woods, MN is committed to bringing more military‑connected youth to camp throughout the summer!
https://laketrails.org

They have availability in 5 different sessions, including Session 3, July 5-13, which is dedicated for military-connected youth.

Discounted rates available for all sessions, along with scholarship opportunities.

Plus, they offer transportation to the camp with the southernmost pickup/dropoff in Rogers, MN.

Our family loved this camp—my daughter went for five years and my son for three. It’s an incredible place for military kids to explore the outdoors, build confidence, friendships, and resilience.

If you know a military family with a child in grades 6–12, please help spread the word.

Feel free to inquire with Troy using info on the flyer.
If you want a campers testimony about the camp, please e-mail [email protected]

02/07/2026

This week, our Beyond the Yellow Ribbon team had the privilege of entertaining the residents of Benedictine and honoring all who have served — or supported someone who served — in celebration of the USO’s birthday.

The All‑Veterans Honor Guard opened the event by posting the colors, followed by an overview of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, the American Legion, and the USO.

Our very own Tom Zenzen — “Tommy Zensation: Stars, Stripes & Smiles” — delivered big laughs with his classic military humor, bringing the USO spirit to life. Bob Hope would be proud!

An Army veteran and Daryl Dunden ceremoniously cut the birthday cake using a Navy sword to kick off camaraderie and stories.

Your Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Team does GREAT things for our veterans and their families — and we’re grateful for every opportunity to serve our community!

01/25/2026

If you are a veteran in our area and want to attend, please message us. We'll pay the costs for you to attend.

🇺🇸 February 6th - 8th, 2026 is…
Operation Welcome Home Winter Family Retreat.

It’s open to any vet or active duty service member and is free of charge as well.

Plz go to www.ironwoodsprings.com for more info. 🇺🇸

12/30/2025

We are looking for an apartment in Red Wing for a single male veteran. Hoping to stay around 1000.00 a month.

12/15/2025

Turn Your RMD Into a Gift That Honors
If you’re age 73 or older, the IRS requires you to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts each year.

You can direct your RMD to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
This allows you to support veterans and their families while potentially lowering your taxable income.
Your gift strengthens programs that honor service, build community, and provide care where it’s needed most.
How it works:
• Contact the financial institution that manages your IRA.
• Request that your RMD be sent directly to Hiawatha Valley Family Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
• The donation may count toward your RMD requirement. Please ensure you consult with your tax professional first!
Your generosity ensures our local veterans know their service will never be forgotten.

E-mail: [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

12/11/2025

Very special to honor Don! Happy 100th!

12/10/2025

Huge thanks to Jim & John Roper (and the entire Roper family) of Frontenac Farms Off Road Park!

Their annual Veterans Ride raised an incredible $10,000 for our Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to support our local veterans and their families.

We’re grateful for their generosity and commitment to those who served.