Faribault's Ruck 22 Fundraiser With Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

By Captain Martin Dahlen

MCF-Faribault Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee is dedicated to our veterans, military families and support that is needed. There are many ways these needs arise: financial, wellness, stress, and mental health. MCF-FRB Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee dedicated many hours, countless conversations, boosting morale through precise focus on raising funds for Mission 22.

Mission 22 was founded by Veterans. Mission 22 staff are Veterans, spouses of Veterans, or have immediate family members who have served in the US military. MCF-FRB teamed with Mission 22 to raise funds for their awareness, suicide prevention and needed Veteran support.

October 7, 2023, MCF-FRB offered a Ruck 22 event. Staff and volunteers donned 22-pound Ruck packs. Staff walked 2.2 miles and 22 miles as part of the fundraiser. Staff were cheered on, and families cheered on to support their loved ones.

MCF-FRB Honor guard showed their support. The Honor Guard retired the United Stated Flag. The flag was handed to MCF-Oak Park staff who attended. The flag was taken around on the Ruck 22 path. We are thankful, and moved, by both our Honor Guard and our fellow staff from MCF-OPH who attended.

The event also hosted an opportunity to get to know each other's families. There was a bouncy house on grounds for children. MCF-FRB unions provided funds for all staff attending the event. BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, smoked mac and cheese, smoked beans, and more were all served to every staff working, on all shifts, this day, as well as those in attendance.

MCF-FRB Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was able to raise $4,000 for Mission 22. We hope we also raised morale, awareness, and support for all of our staff at MCF-FRB. We are thankful for the opportunity to team with Mission 22. I grateful and humbled to work with so many fantastic individuals who continue to surprise and give hope to so many.