Program provides support for deploying reservists

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Amy Bailey
  • 926th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of family readiness
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  When military personnel deploy they attend numerous briefings and mandatory appointments prior to departure and upon return. However, not all members have the luxury of time to accomplish checklist items. Sometimes there is not enough funding to put reservists in a military status to take care of these appointments, or maybe their civilian job cannot afford to lose them anymore than they already are going to once they deploy. That is where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes into place.

The Department of Defense recognizes the importance of the mental and emotional well-being of its members. Therefore, the purpose of the program is to provide a smooth reintegration for reservists back into their civilian lifestyle.

The Yellow Ribbon Program informs and supports personnel before, during and after a deployment by hosting monthly regional events. These weekend conventions ensure that not only military members, but their families as well, are able to receive information they would generally get during these appointments. By including the family members, the program promotes the overall well-being of the military member, and also shows the family just how important they are during these stages. Yellow Ribbon also understands that the definition of "family" varies from person to person, so members are able to bring their support system with them to these events. Each military member is put on active-duty orders for the three-day event, along with their designated family members.

Topics covered during these events generally include the importance of resiliency, communication, and stress management, just to name a few. Since Reserve benefits differ from those of the typical active-duty member, local Veterans Affairs, TriCare, and United Concordia chapters come out to host an informational fair where members can learn more about their entitlements. Along with those three agencies, there can be up to 25 different resources available to answer questions on reservists' benefits. Members and their families can choose from a wide variety of topics covered over the weekend and learn from the experts how to implement those valuable tools into their family routine, building that bond needed during the deployment and reintegration phases.

Childcare is also provided over the event weekend. Representatives from youth programs such as Project Youth Extension Service, Teen Leadership Council, and Operation Military Kids volunteer their time to interact with the children, teaching them the many skills each of their camps specialize in.

The next Yellow Ribbon event is scheduled for Oct. 21-23 in Snowbird, Utah. Please call (702) 652-0711 for questions and eligibility requirements.