It is estimated that more than 3,000 Minnesota military personnel will return from active duty in August of 2007.

Shepherd of the Lake and St. Michaels churches will be co-hosting “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon,” a seminar to learn about the challenges facing combat veterans and their families as they return from war and what the community can do to support them. The seminar will be held at Shepherd of the Lake Church, 13760 McKenna Road in Prior Lake, June 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

It is not a political statement, but rather a grass roots effort to engage the community in awareness and support for veterans and their families. The sponsors have invited the following organizations and their leaders: churches, schools, law enforcement, social workers and counselors.

The seminar will be led by representatives from the Minnesota National Guard.

Representatives will address the following questions:

What is it like to be a combat veteran trying to re-adjust to civilian life?

What are the common challenges a combat veteran and their family faces?

What is combat stress?

How does it affect the combat veteran and their family?

How can community members help combat veterans and their families?

The seminar is free. RSVP by contacting Brenda Hawkinson, Shepherd of the Lake parish nurse at (952) 230-2937 or by email at Brenda-hawkinson@sollc.org.