Yellow Ribbon FAQs

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. James Bishop
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 established the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program as part of a DoD-wide effort to help the 1.2 million National Guard and Reserve members and their families connect with the best resources available before, during, and after deployments.

Reservists returning from or preparing to go on a deployment, along with their families, attend regional events at resorts where presenters provide information about the benefits they've earned and the resources available to them. They also have an opportunity to visit the many presenters' tables. There is ample opportunity for family time Friday and Saturday evenings.

How much does it cost?

The Air Force Reserve Command funds 100 percent of the program. Reservists are put on military orders. Three meals are provided at the event, and members and their families receive per-diem for meals not provided. Family members or a "designated representative" for single members are put on invitational travel orders. AFRC covers the cost of the family's or designated representative's airline tickets.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who will be, or has been deployed away from family for more than 90 days. "Away from home" could mean you were activated in place at Westover and separated from your family outside the commuting area. The Wing Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Representative, CMSgt. MichelleDunf ield, confirms eligibility within established guidelines, but the wing commander ultimately determines eligibility.

How many events are there?

There are approximately 24 events each year, one primarily for the North/South region and one for the West. The size of the events varies from 350-person to much bigger for national events. Some of the past locations have included Virginia Beach Va., Stowe Vt., St. Louis Mo., Philadelphia Penn., Orlando Fla., Myrtle Beach S.C., and Cincinnati Oh.

Where are the next events?

Future venues include Tyson's Corner, Va. and Orlando, Fla. Although the December 2012 event is full, organizers expect to hold an event every month in 2013.

How many events can I attend?

Every eligible deployer and their family member or designated representative is eligible to attend three Yellow Ribbon Events - one pre-deployment and two post-deployment.

Where do I get more info?

Contact the Yellow Ribbon Office co-located with the Airman and Family Readiness Center and Chapel in Building 1100 at (413) 557-2858/3862. Office hours are Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CMSgt. Dunfield can answer your questions and provide information including eligibility and event locations.

I heard about another Yellow Ribbon program connected with tuition assistance?

Same name. Different benefit. The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, aka the Yellow Ribbon Program, is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows degree-granting institutions in the U.S. to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veterans Administration to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. For more information on the VA Post 9-11 Bill, visit gibill. va.gov or call the Base Education Office at (413) 557-3440.