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Council salutes veterans, those serving and their families

Yellow Ribbon Campaign connects service members and their families with community support, services and resources

The Metropolitan Council was selected as a Yellow Ribbon Company by the Minnesota National Guard this month. The Council is one of only a few large government bodies to receive the distinction.

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and Colonel Greg Haase, Commander of 133rd Airlift Wing, Air National Guard, presented the honor to Council Chair Susan Haigh just before the Council’s regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 9.

The Yellow Ribbon designation recognizes the Council for supporting its National Guard members, war veterans and their families during and after their active service. The Council has long supported veterans through its hiring practices, and by supporting National Guardsmen and Guardswomen who are called to service.

The Council recently began reaching out to veterans in broader ways by:

• Recruiting employees at veterans job fairs across the metro area.
• Increasing its support for the families of those serving.
• Publicly recognizing Council veterans and employees currently serving.

 

Many Council employees also are engaged in volunteer activities to support the  troops.

“All our efforts to support these brave men and women pale by comparison with the actual service they each have provided to keep our country safe and strong,” said Council Chair Susan Haigh. “These men and women – truly heroes among us -- deserve our deepest admiration and gratitude.”
  

During the week of Veterans Day, the Council’s Yellow Ribbon Committee held several events across the agency to offer public tribute to its employees who have ties to the military, and all those who have gone before.