(Photos by WJON.com's Jim Maurice)

Program to help Minn. military families expanding
by Jim Maurice, WJON.com

ST. CLOUD -- Minnesota businesses can now offer services and discounts to Minnesota soldiers and their families, through the "Military Family Care Initiative". Governor Pawlenty and First Lady Mary Pawlenty stopped in St. Cloud today (Wednesday) to announce the expansion of the program.

Until now, the program launched by the First Lady only allowed organizations to sign-up. And the Governor says it's still important for civic groups to stay involved.  Mary Pawlenty says over 350 organizations around the state have signed-up for the program over the past seven years.

The Pawlenty's also announced today that the program will be transitioned over to the Minnesota National Guard's "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" staff, because Pawlenty will leave office at the end of the year.

More than 500 Minnesota National Guard soldiers are currently deployed worldwide. Another 2,700 will be sent to the Middle East early next year.

Resources
Military Family Care Initiative
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon