Beyond the Yellow Ribbon reports $45,000 in aid last year, plans "Patriots in the Park" event

Representatives of Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon told the City Council on Tuesday the volunteer organization provided nearly $45,000 in direct assistance last year and logged roughly 1,500 volunteer hours, and they invited residents to the group's Patriots in the Park event on Tuesday, June 10.

"We continue to serve a single purpose: we support active duty and veteran military members in our community," said Steve, a representative of Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. He described assistance ranging from an emergency housing payment after a January house fire to scholarships, nursing-license reinstatement fees and gift cards for food, gas and utilities. "To summarize it, if we now look at last year, we provided just under $45,000 worth of assistance," he said.

Jake Raylander, a retired Air Force veteran and volunteer with the chapter, said the group's growth reflects strong volunteer engagement and cooperation with the city. "Our core group of volunteers get things done," Raylander said. "The Rosemount chapter of the Yellow Ribbon has quickly become a premier Yellow Ribbon chapter across the entire state of Minnesota."

Organizers said Patriots in the Park will run 5–9 p.m. (announcement text also referenced 5–10 p.m.) on June 10 at Rosemount Central Park, with a live band, food trucks, a beer garden, family activities and National Guard displays. The first 900 veterans and active-duty attendees will receive a $10 food-and-drink voucher. The group said it expects several events in May and June and emphasized the role of fundraising — notably an annual Salute Our Troops golf tournament — in funding services.

Council members thanked the volunteers for their work and encouraged attendance at the event. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon representatives asked for continued partnership as demand for services grows with community population increases.