Spotlight: Andersen Recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Company for Supporting Military Communities

Lund reinforced Andersen’s commitment to the nation's Guard and Reserve units by signing the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement. As part of its comprehensive strategy, Andersen has committed to several key initiatives:

• Hire, retain, and support employees who serve in the reserves 
• Host career events for individuals transitioning from military to civilian employment 
• Develop support plans for deployed employees and their families 
• Provide pay differential that exceeds legal requirements for active military employees 
• Collaborate with veteran-owned businesses and enhancing diversity within its supply chain 
• Support veterans' aid organizations 

Governor Tim Walz praised Andersen, stating, "It's my honor to recognize Andersen Windows and Doors for their commitment to supporting service members and their families by becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company. Our service members face unique challenges during and after deployment, and stable employment with supportive companies can make all the difference in easing those difficulties. Minnesota leads on supporting our servicemembers, veterans, and military families with the support of incredible partners like Andersen Windows.”   

Furthering its commitment, the company also announced a generous $25,000 grant from the Andersen Corporate Foundation to the Youth Service Bureau. This initiative supports the new Military Family Support Program, a direct response to the needs identified by the Minnesota Army National Guard and Reserves. It offers customized programs and practical solutions to address mental health challenges and other obstacles faced by military families before, during, and after deployments. 

The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Proclamation Ceremony received support from notable figures such as Major General Johanna Clyborne, deputy adjutant general for the Minnesota National Guard, Annette Brechon Kuyper, director of military outreach for the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, and Tom Simonet, chair of the ESGR-MN, a Department of Defense office.   

Historical Commitment During Wartime

Andersen's support for the armed forces dates back to World War I. Under Fred Andersen's leadership, the company shifted its operations to produce over 200,000 window frames for barracks and other military buildings. Employees also manufactured thousands of target frames used in gunnery practice. By 1918, the entire plant was dedicated to the war effort, suspending normal business. Fred’s sister, Mary “Molly” Andersen, also created the first American Field Service recreation camp for U.S. military nurses in Europe during the first World War.   
 
During World War II, Andersen redesigned its Narroline® double-hung window to eliminate 97 percent of critical materials for the war effort, dubbing it the Victory window. Andersen also contributed to the war efforts by producing wooden ammunition boxes. These efforts earned Andersen two prestigious Army-Navy "E" awards, celebrating "Excellence in Production" of war equipment. 

These significant contributions underscore Andersen's exceptional commitment to national defense and support for military personnel, a commitment that continues to this day.