Chaplain LTC John Morris

An Iraq veteran and deputy state chaplain for the Minnesota Army National Guard, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Morris determined that the community needed to be better educated about the needs of troops returning from deployment. He launched a program called, /"Beyond the Yellow Ribbon,/" through which more than 10,000 community leaders in Minnesota have been briefed and more than 100 training events have taken place statewide. The program aims to help soldiers, military families and communities with the transition from combat zone to civilian life. He then established Family Readiness Academies, which help family members understand soldiers' needs and provide resources to meet them. Nearly 1,500 family members have attended so far.