Several residents lined the streets to welcome home soldier Donnie Hance and Pastor Daryl Thul. The two veterans received a police and fire department escort around the Becker schools campus last week.

Hance served in the Army and was deployed for about a year, serving in the Middle East. Hance said he is excited to be home, and it was great to see everyone, including the kids who got out of school to welcome him home.

Local Pastor Daryl Thul was also deployed for about a year in the Middle East. Thul is a pastor at the South Santiago Church.

The parade was organized by the Becker chapter of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, a non-profit organization that seeks to help military families at the community level.

Kent Graning, organizer for the Becker chapter, stated, “I like when we are able to do send-offs and welcome home escorts because we can get the community involved so everyone can show their support for the soldiers and their families. I couldn’t even imagine having to be in their position.” 

Graning also said that the organization relies on families to reach out when they need help. Military families are encouraged to visit www.ci.Becker.mn.us/265/Becker-Beyond-the-Yellow-Ribbon for more information, or send an email to KentGraning@gmail.com.