Take advantage of the Yellow Ribbon program

  • Published
  • By Col. Karen “Jack” Magnus
  • 439th Airlift Wing
I remember when the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program began. I was working at the Pentagon in 2008 when Congress mandated the program to begin. I wondered if it would make a difference. After eight years of the program, and talking to hundreds of our members who have participated, and attending myself, I can definitely say this program is a great service to our deployers and their families.
Like any program, it has evolved and improved with time and feedback. On average each year, the Air Force Reserve is able to provide about 8,000 deployers and family members with very valuable information on educational benefits, health care, retirement, fitness and health, financial planning, and reintegration communication skills and techniques to name a few. Every deployer and his or her family has the opportunity to attend these events before departure and again within a year after returning from deployment.
Yellow Ribbon ensures our members and their families are fully informed regarding all the resources available to them for just about every possible scenario or challenge that might present itself. These events are held monthly at popular resorts around the country. Up to two guests may accompany the member to the event. The Air Force Reserve pays costs formembers and their guests to attend, including air fare, lodging, and meals.
If you have deployed within the past year but have not attended an event, I highly encourage you to do so. Prior to going to a Yellow Ribbon myself, I hadn’t expected to learn a lot of new information because I have been a part of the reserve a long time. But quite honestly the event is chalk full of information and you will learn something you or your family did not know. Plus, it’s fun! In the evenings – after a day of informative events - you and your family can take advantage of the fun things to do in the area depending on which location you attend – some upcoming locations include Orlando, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Tucson, Ariz.
Westover’s Yellow Ribbon Coordinator is Capt. Alan Fairey. He can be reached at 413-557-2718 or by email Alan.Fairey@us.af.mil. If you need information or have questions, please contact him – he will be glad to assist.