The Warrior to Citizen Campaign, originated by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute, is a non-political call to civic action bringing communities together to assist our troops and their families with the transition home.

Through the efforts of dedicated residents, the partnership of our eight ELCA Lutheran congregations, and the support of city officials, Bloomington has become the pilot site for a unique community response.

We have tremendous gifts and resources in our midst, and we are calling for this city to stand together.

As part of this program, there will be a community "Stand To" from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Bloomington National Guard Armory, 3300 W. 98th St.

A military "stand to" means "all personnel to your post."

As a community, our post is to surround and support those who have offered to serve us. This special Bloomington event is a way we can "be community" for our fellow citizens serving in all the branches of military service whose dedication to our country has imparted a heavy toll.

This community picnic-type event is meant to bring together people, not agencies, to say "Thank you" and "Can I help you in return?"

We are looking for people who are service-providers to donate a suggested 20 to 40 hours of their time and talent to the troops and their families.

Areas of need include painting, plumbing, money management workshops, classes to manage stress, resume coaching, family counseling, mock interviewing exercises, lawn care and snow removal.

Almost anything participants want to offer as a "Welcome home, and thank you" to our troops will be accepted.

We ask that your organization or governing body designate a point person to collect information from those willing to donate their time and talents to our vets.

Individual providers will fill out an agreement form that specifies their donated service, amount of hours, and distance they will travel. Providers should also indicate their interest in attending the event, having table space,greeting participants, and talking about what they have to offer.

We are inviting the Chamber of Commerce, community churches, and different service clubs of Bloomington to participate.

If you have a door prize you would like to donate or make a contribution to our Bloomington effort, all donations are tax-deductible. Donors will receive a receipt.

If you are interested in participating or want more information about volunteer opportunities, have your organizational point person contact Karen Eileen at 952-943-0793 or via e-mail at ke_create@yahoo.com.

She is the project manager for this effort and is producing cable TV programs regarding the Warrior to Citizen civic action plan. Service organizations and churches are invited to participate in those as well.

This is one way we can do a collective "Stand to" for our troops and their families. Let's create something that can be duplicated around the state, region, and even nationally so those who serve might know they do not stand alone.

Together we can make a difference.

All branches of military troops are invited. Those interested - and those interested in serving as providers -should make reservations by Dec. 20 via e-mail to warrior2citizen@live.com.

Gene Winstead is mayor of Bloomington. The Rev. John D. Nelson is a pastor at Transfiguration Lutheran Church. Dennis Donovan is a research fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute.

We are inviting the Chamber of Commerce, community churches, and different service clubs of Bloomington to participate.

If you have a door prize you would like to donate or make a contribution to our Bloomington effort, all donations are tax-deductible. Donors will receive a receipt.

If you are interested in participating or want more information about volunteer opportunities, have your organizational point person contact Karen Eileen at 952-943-0793 or via e-mail at ke_create@yahoo.com.

She is the project manager for this effort and is producing cable TV programs regarding the Warrior to Citizen civic action plan. Service organizations and churches are invited to participate in those as well.

This is one way we can do a collective "Stand to" for our troops and their families. Let's create something that can be duplicated around the state, region, and even nationally so those who serve might know they do not stand alone.

Together we can make a difference.

All branches of military troops are invited. Those interested - and those interested in serving as providers -should make reservations by Dec. 20 via e-mail to warrior2citizen@live.com.

Gene Winstead is mayor of Bloomington. The Rev. John D. Nelson is a pastor at Transfiguration Lutheran Church. Dennis Donovan is a research fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute.