City of Golden Valley Looks to Become Yellow Ribbon Community

The City of Golden Valley, along with Crystal, Robbinsdale and New Hope, is entering a process to become a Yellow Ribbon community.

At a recent council/manager meeting, Annette Kuyper, director of military outreach for the State of Minnesota, explained the benefits of becoming a Yellow Ribbon city.

According to its website, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive support network that works to meet the needs of servicemembers, military families and employers across the state of Minnesota.

Kuyper explained that through the Yellow Ribbon program, cities pool and synchronize their resources to support veterans in their community.

On March 6 at 7 p.m., Kuyper will host a kick-off event for the community at the Golden Valley VFW where Mayor Shep Harris and leaders from Crystal, Robbinsdale and New Hope will learn more about  the process to become a Yellow Ribbon community.  

“We don’t ask for money,” Kuyper said. “We just ask that you participate on a steering committee in key areas.”

Yellow Ribbon communities operate on a completely volunteer basis. They do not approach municipalities for funds, nor do they hold fundraising events.

According to council documents, key areas include education, city leadership, public safety, businesses, churches and volunteer organizations.