Category Archives: PBYR at work

Plymouth Memorial Day Event to be live streamed May 22 at 11AM

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2020 Plymouth Memorial Day
 
Like many, the City of Plymouth and Plymouth’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network made the difficult decision to forego a Memorial Day live event this year. Our alternative was to work with the City of Plymouth’s Park & Recreation Department and CCX Media to produce a virtual remembrance. Our event will be live streamed on Facebook LIVE this Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. It will also be streamed on the CCX website. We hope to get an On-Demand link so that people will be able to watch it on their own schedule. The program will consist of:
 
 
  • Welcome – Jeffrey Wosje, City of Plymouth Mayor
  • Pledge of Allegiance – VFW Post 5903
  • Invocation – Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Phillip A. (Buddy) Winn Jr. United States Army, 34th Red Bull ID & MN National Guard State Chaplain Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation Pastor
  • America the Beautiful – Sara Shiff Robbinsdale Armstrong High School Senior
  • Remembering the Families – Jennifer B. Rodgers, Military Spouse & Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon President
  • Honoring the Fallen & Keeping Remembrance Alive – Colonel Terry W. Branham (Ret.) United States Army, Vietnam ‘69-’70, Desert Storm, Drug War ‘91-’93 VFW Post 210 & Legion Post 44
  • In Flanders Fields – Erin Anderson Wayzata High School Senior
  • Benediction – Chaplain Winn
  • Moment of Silence – Chaplain Winn
  • Taps – VFW Post 5903 (Conclusion of Program)

UPDATE May 25 – If you missed the live event you can still catch it here – https://tinyurl.com/yakmqq5j

Hopefully it’ll be the next best thing to being there.

PBYR Helped Sponsor the Thank MN Troops Block Party

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On September 21, 2019 the Heinzen-Ditter served as host to this event and helped recognize and support  the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund which has assisted  veterans and soldiers for many years.  PBYR managed a hydration station for the 5K run and gave a donation to the  Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund.  The weather was not the most cooperative but the sun finally appeared and there was a good dedicated turnout. Kudos to Joe Bennek and  Jim Heimerl for all their hard work and efforts to make this event a SUCCESS.  And despite all the hard work, Jim even had the energy to do the run as the photo documents!

 

Heinzen-Ditter Celebrates PBYR, Home Depot and Volunteers!

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On June 7, 2019,  Jennifer, Dean and I attended a dinner celebration at the VFW regarding individuals and organizations that helped make their recent restroom renovation project a success. The completed project looks great and will help Veterans and their families for many years into the future, especially those with mobility issues due to service injury illnesses and aging.

During the celebration, PBYR  presented a plaque to Commander Jim Heimerl in honor of his lifelong dedication to community service.  His quiet Dignity and Courage is an inspiration to all!

Gary was able to highlight the PBYR-VFW partnership since 2011:

  • The VFW helped with a steering committee for PBYR, even before PBYR was operational
  • The VFW has had continued presence on the PBYR Board since 2012
  • The VFW is the mail address for PBYR
  • The PBYR-VFW have partnered and shared tables at Home Depot Programs and other programs
  • PBYR-VFW Partnered with purchase of American Dream Oak – a living part of the Plymouth Veterans Memorial
  • The VFW  helped PBYR achieve 501(c)3 status
  • PBYR-VFW have partnered  with programs for Memorial Day  and Veterans Day

It was an honor for PBYR to attend the celebratory dinner and participate in this remodeling project.  PBYR looks forward for the PBYR-VFW partnership to continue and grow with the passage of time.  Also, I must note that their prime rib was 12 on a 10 point scale!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

PBYR presented a plaque to Commander Jim Heimerl in honor of his lifelong dedication to community service.

 

Plymouth Memorial Day Event on May 24

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The Hamel VFW, the City of Plymouth and PBYR are very pleased with the cooperation from all partnering organizations to make this happen. It is great to see the cooperation displayed in such a quality program!

This year we will have community participation which includes the VFW, Armstrong High School, Wayzata High School, Plymouth Police Explorers, a Military Chaplain and an excellent and highly qualified speaker.  Please try to attend.

Plymouth Lions donate $5,000 to PBYR

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In May 2019, The Plymouth Lions donated $5,000 to PBYR.  The Plymouth Lion’s trust and support has been critical to PBYR’s success since 2012.  Clearly, without their support and trust,  PBYR could not have done all the positive and helpful projects to date.  We sincerely thank the Plymouth Lions and appreciate their efforts to help and improve our community.

PBYR’s most recent project was a $10,000 grant to the Heinzen-Ditter VFW that was used to help bring their restrooms up to the American Disability Act (ADA) requirements.  The Veterans that come to the VFW are often elderly and many have disabilities, mobility problems and service related injuries that impact their easy use of the restrooms, hence this project will serve Veterans for many years in the future in a very helpful and positive way. Hug a Plymouth Lion!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Good News is all around us, we just have to pay attention

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Good news in this time era is always helpful to one’s spirit!  The attached video on CCX Media highlights the Hamel VFW’s recent project to renovate their restrooms and make them ADA compliant.  PBYR is delighted to have been able to help in this project!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

 

HAMEL VFW GETS BATHROOM MAKEOVER

PROTOLABS selects Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon for a donation

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I am pleased to announce that PBYR was selected by Protolabs for their quarterly project to support a local community non-profit. They heard about the PBYR mission and very much liked our PBYR.org website.

**KUDOS to John Swol for steadily helping behind the scenes to make our website interesting.  The yearly increase in traffic to the PBYR website from 2012 to the present speaks to his efforts!!  PBYR is very lucky to have John’s help and support.  He also helps PBYR even when he is engaged in competitive sun tanning competitions in Florida!!

Protolabs will be doing a raffle and I will be the PBYR representative in attendance so the raffle will not be construed as violating gambling laws as we are a 501c3 organization. The date of the raffle is February 13, 2019 from 11 AM-1 PM at their office in Maple Plain.

** PBYR extends appreciation and sincere thanks to Protolabs for their support and trust!!!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D., LP
 President, PBYR Board

PBYR and Wayzata High School Y.E.S. Partner to Support MN Soldiers

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On December 3, 2018 PBYR mailed 7 boxes of treats for deployed MN soldiers. This represents an annual partnership between WHS and PBYR to support deployed MN soldiers.

Gary is in the Plymouth Police Department packing boxes of coffee, beef sticks and letters from WHS students for deployed Minnesota soldiers

 

PBYR Volunteers Agree to Assist 90 year old Veteran

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In October, 2018 PBYR was alerted that a 90-year-old Veteran in Minnetonka needed some assistance as he enters hospice.  Three PBYR volunteers offered to run errands and do some chores to help the family as needed. Kudos to Jennifer Rodgers and Sylvia Grismer!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

PBYR Says Thanks to the Plymouth Lions

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On June 14, 2018, Gary Goldetsky, PBYR President, on behalf of the PBYR Board of Directors presented a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon coin to the Plymouth Lions during their picnic at Medicine Lake. This BYR coin represents PBYR’s sincere appreciation and acknowledgement of the Plymouth Lions’ support and assistance since 2012. PBYR greatly appreciates  the partnership with the Plymouth Lions as without this support PBYR would not be able to do its’ mission in the BYR network of cities.

Dunbar Family Update

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Dear BTYR Communities,

It is with a warm and heavy heart that we at Family Programs extend our deepest gratitude for coming together to raise the travel funds necessary for Master SGT Jonathan J Dunbar’s MN extended family to attend his funeral. The “Youcaring” link is no longer up and the family was able to lay their loved one to rest today. Thank you for coming together as a network to serve those who serve us. The family wanted this statement to go out to you:

“Please forward to all involved.  Today we as a family were able to all come together in honor and to say goodbye to our loved one, Master Sgt Jonathan J Dunbar at National Arlington Cemetery.   Thank you to all who made this burden lighter through your support and words of condolence.  We as a family have sorrow and grief for his loss but know that he loved this country and his family and that is why he served.    It was amazing to see the strength and sorrow at the same time of the soldiers wearing Dunbar on their badges to honor him today.  Thanks again for all your generosity and kindness.   The Dunbar Family”

V/R,

Tiffany KovaleskiMN State Coordinator – Building Healthy Military Communities (BHMC)
Contractor – Alutiiq, LLC
MN National Guard/Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
8180 Belden Blvd
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
(O): (612) 787-2556

BTYR Family in Need

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Dear BTYR Communities,

Unfortunately, the extended family (who live in MN) of a Service member are in need due to a tragic loss. Sgt Jonathan Dunbar was killed in active duty. The immediate family of this soldier have their costs covered but the extended family here in MN are travelling to attend the funeral in Arlington, VA via vehicle with limited monetary resources. They have stated they have the capacity to reach Arlington but would have to utilize credit to do so.

If your community would like to donate to help offset their travel cost, you are able to donate to the family’s “you caring” site listed below. At this time this is the only need, the family anticipates to have. The family has asked for privacy and no direct contact or outreach to the family is authorized at this time.

Please send any questions to MN National Guard Family Programs Director, CPT Adam Gades at (651)-248-2912 or adam.c.gades.mil@mail.mil

The following statement was given and approved by the family of the soldier,
“We are grieving the loss of our nephew, Sgt Jonathan Dunbar, cousin, family member from the IED bombing in Syria. Our family is close and big and several aunts, uncles and cousins would like to attend the service of Jon at Arlington National Cemetery for his internment. We know Jon would want us all there to support our loved ones. We are looking for funds to get us there from Minnesota to out east.  Plans for service are the week if 4/17 per government schedule. We have made the most economical travel plans including driving out. We are also staying 4 per room at the Virginian with a rate of 385.00 for 2 nights. We will have one hotel out and back, but uncertain where that will be or the cost depending on where we stop. RIP Jonathan Dunbar. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and beloved family member.  It is sure different when it is one of your own. Thank you all for your support and care! The Dunbar Family.”

https://www.youcaring.com/dunbarfamilyjonathandunbar-1156992

http://www.ifallsjournal.com/news/local/international-falls-native-soldier-killed-in-syria/article_acdd26e0-45dc-555e-ba55-87892704c67b.html

 

PBYR Assists Family to Attend a Funeral at Arlington Cemetery

On April 18, 2018 the PBYR Board  authorized $200 to assist the extended family of Sgt Jonathan Dunbar to attend his funeral.  He was killed in action. The family has expressed a desire for privacy.  Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and we acknowledge Sgt Dunbar’s service and sacrifice.

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

 

PBYR at work

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This weekend the military Family Assistance Center (FAC) contacted  PBYR with a request for service.  A service member’s  father is in an AZ hospice.  He is very ill and will likely die in several days. The service member  would like to see his father  and bring 4 family members to AZ, however does not have the funds.  The service member contacted the FAC,  the airline , the Red Cross  and  the American Legion .  The cost for the flight is $1,760.

PBYR agreed to provide  an emergency grant of $880.00 to assist this family. We appreciate the FAC for bringing this situation to our attention as we want to support this military family in their time of need.

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP

President – Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Free Beanie Babies

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I received an email about a woman in the SW Metro that has several large tubs of Beanie Babies that she would like to donate to military service members children. They are new and/or in like new condition and belonged to the woman’s daughter who is now at school and no longer wants them. I’m hoping that others would be willing/wanting to take some so we can get them to military families, my contact information is below. The donor wants to see them gone soon so time is short as they may end up at Goodwill. Thank you!

Mark Muhlenkort
mark.muhlenkort@gmail.com
mmuhlenkort2000@yahoo.com
612-310-8356

 

 

Donor Connect

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Donor Connect contacts:

I was approached by Gary Komaniecki of the Rochester Public Schools who stated his auto shop students have repaired a 1998 Ford Conversion Van with a powered wheelchair ramp which is in good working order for donation.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from having a handicapped vehicle please get in touch with Gary at 507-261-7566.

Thank you.

Stephanie Zeimetz
St. Cloud VA HSC
Donor Connect
(320)828-6761 (cell)
(320) 252-1670 ext 6676 (office)
stephanie@davmn.org
http://www.davmn.org

 

PBYR assists service member with temporary housing

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On December 27, 2017 the Bloomington Family Assistance Center (FAC) encountered a Service Member that needed temporary housing for 3 weeks prior to starting National Guard Training.  PBYR and The American Legion quickly partnered to house the Service Member at an Extended Stay Motel.  The Service Member was very pleased that she  was protected from homelessness prior to starting training, especially with the severe winter weather upon us in Minnesota.

Kudos to all that were able to agree to effectively partner in such a helpful manner!!  PBYR wishes the Service Member well in her future training and a Happy and Healthy New Year. We thank her for her planned service! And PBYR acknowledges the assistance and support from our partners –the American Legion and John Wagle, Bloomington FAC Representative!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, PBYR President

DAV Donor Connect- Available Item

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DAV of Minnesota

Donor Connect Friends-

As we near Christmas I want to send a special thank you to all of you who have helped make the Donor Connect Program as successful as it is. Without your donations and offers to assist many veterans and their family members would not have been able to benefit from the equipment listed with the Donor Connect Program.

I was contacted by Greg Peterson, CVSO for Brown County, who has a unique item he would like to let people know is available as a donation- Please get ahold of Greg if you know of anyone who is interested or could benefit from this great walk-in bath tub.

“We received a walk-in bath tub as a donation last week.  The tub is in great shape, but it does not have whirlpool jets.  The tub is currently in the back of our Veterans van and will be at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center on Friday, Dec 15th, and at the Minneapolis VAMC on Monday, Dec 18th.  We are willing to deliver it to anyone in the near proximity of these two locations.  It is heavy and would take at least two strong people to lift out of our van.  The photos were taken with the tub in the van, and the interior photos include two exterior access panels.

Please call 507-233-6636 if you would like to have the tub.  If it is not taken by Monday, we will store it at our DAV chapter in New Ulm.”

 

bath

Stephanie Zeimetz
St. Cloud VA HSC
Donor Connect
(320)828-6761
stephanie@davmn.org
http://www.davmn.org