Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Initiative Gains Popularity

Right now, 2400 MN National Guard troops are being deployed to Kuwait. It's that kind of service that has the rest of the us looking for ways to pitch in and help.

Minnesota has found a pretty unique way to make that happen. It's called the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Integration Initiative and it's more popular than ever.

The program started in 2005 and there are 45 entities that have been declared Yellow Ribbon Communities, but there are close to 100 others eager to join, including Burnsville. Burnsville's Deputy Manager says they are interested in joining the program because the residents in the community believe it's their duty to help families who have served our country.

It's not an easy task either, the 16 point program takes six months to a year to complete and includes public safety, education, healthcare and residents and business owners stepping in to help families with services like auto and home care.