Minnesota

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/">Visit the Minnesota National Guard</a></li>

<li><a href="http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Minnesota.html">State Benefits</a></li>

</ul>

<h3 class="dark">State and Community Programs and Services</h3>

<h4>The Yellow Ribbon Task Force</h4>

<p>The Yellow Ribbon Task Force coordinates federal, state, and community level support for returning military veterans in Minnesota. The Task Force is comprised of more than 56 governmental, non-governmental, and private agencies working to connect service-members and families with programs and services. Many positive initiatives have been instituted, including an increase in participating TRICARE providers and an increase in the number of Veteran assistance centers at college campuses in Minnesota from four to 56. For more information call (651) 268-8919 or visit <a href="http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/press_room/e-zine/articles/index.php'item=653">www.minnesotanationalguard.org/press_room.</a></p>

<h4>Yellow Ribbon Communities</h4>

<p>The Yellow Ribbon Community program provides reintegration guidance and consultation for the communities of Minnesota service members and provides members adequate and accessible community level support throughout the state. Many Minnesota businesses, educational programs, and religious groups support service members and their Families through this program. For more information visit <a href="http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/btyr/">www.btyr.org.</a></p>

<h4>Minnesota's First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative</h4>

<p>The Military Family Care Initiative unites neighbors and community members to assist military families in need. Families of service members register online for assistance ranging from yard work and minor repairs to preparing meals. Families are then matched with a volunteer group from the community. <a href="https://www.militaryfamilies.state.mn.us/">www.militaryfamilies.state.mn.us.</a></p>

<h4>Home Front Connection</h4>

<p>Home Front Connection is a community based group in central Minnesota with a strong desire to meet the needs of those serving the nation and their Families on the home front. The group connects central Minnesota Families with those who can assist locally in their neighborhood, town, or city. For more information call 320-212-8708 or visit <a href="http://www.homefrontconnection.org/">www.homefrontconnection.org.</a></p>

<h4>Minnesota Military Family Foundation</h4>

<p>The Minnesota Military Family Foundation offers needs based grants to families of service members in Minnesota. For more information visit <a href="http://www.minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org/">www.minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org.</a></p>

<h4>Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund </h4>

<p>The Minnesota Military Family Foundation (MMFF) offers needs based grants to families of service members in Minnesota. <a href="http://www.thankmntroops.org/">www.thankmntroops.org.</a></p>

<h4>Military Spouse Residency Relief Act</h4>

<p>On November 11, 2009, the President signed into law the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. This Act, among other things, provides that when a service member leaves his or her home State in accord with military or naval orders, the service member's spouse may retain residency in his or her home State for voting and tax purposes, after relocating from that State to accompany the service member. In the State of Minnesota an exemption from Minnesota withholding tax may be claimed if an employees spouse is a member of the US Armed Services and their state of legal residence is not Minnesota. For more information visit <a href="http://taxes.state.mn.us/individ/pages/other_supporting_content_military_spouses_residency_relief_act.aspx">http://taxes.state.mn.us/taxes.</a></p>