Saturday the Becker and Big Lake organizations Beyond the Yellow Ribbon teamed up to celebrate Military children and their families at the Becker Community Center. This was a free community event with lots of food, games and prizes! 

 

Kari Westby, a military spouse and chair of the Becker Beyond the Yellow Ribbon said this is a great way to show support to the kids of parents who serve our country.

 

 Tami Kluras from Camp Ripley’s military family assistance center worked with the Becker and Big Lake groups to help at this event. They had lots of free books and prizes for kids to win along with 10 bikes that were donated to give a way! There was free food and dessert. Odie and Dotz from Clowning for Smiles were making balloon animals and kids laugh with their funny jokes and outfits. Angie and Frank with the Reptile Slideshow brought lots of snakes and creatures for the kids to see and touch. The Big Lake Ambassadors and candidates were there as well to do face paintings and visit with members of the communities.  

 

Bruce Price and Mike Paul with Sherburne County Veterans Services had information regarding getting military benefits and resources. Bruce stated that about 80% of nationwide veterans and spouses have never applied for their benefits. He wants to get the word out that they might be eligible and that he is there to help. 

 

For more information call 763-765-3100. 

 

Eugene Wangerin, member of the National Guard, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Big Lake Legion, and Cub Master of Scout Pack 92 was there with the scouts and did the presentation of the Flag and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The scouts also helped with the games and prizes. 

 

Becker Mayor Lefty Kleis along with Big Lake Mayor Raeanne Danielowski showed their support for military families and talked with members of the communities. The Becker firefighters brought one of their fire truck and kids had a chance to try on the firefighter’s gear and hold the fire hose. The Becker police were there as well. 

 

Becker Mayor Lefty stated that he wanted to say a huge “Thank You” to everyone who helped put this event together because none of it would have been possible without help and donations from the sponsors. 

 

The sponsors for this event were: Becker/Big Lake Yellow Ribbon Committees, TJ Potter Trucking, Becker Lions, Clear Lake Lions, Big Lake American Legion Post 147, Becker/Big Lake ladies Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Big Lake/Becker McDonalds, Klein Bank, Sherburne State Bank, Becker True Value, Angie Carroll, Adam Maskowski, Big Lake Ambassadors and the Becker Community Center.