Yellow Ribbon program assists deploying Airmen

  • Published
  • By SMSgt. Karen Scott
  • Base Yellow Ribbon Program Coordinator
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. - --  Have you deployed recently or are you preparing to deploy? Have you heard of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Congressionally-mandated program that is intended to provide reservists and their families a forum to gather information on the resources and benefits available to them before and after deploying for 90 days or longer.

It's a fantastic way to reconnect with those close to you in a premium venue and a location that has plenty of activities. You are encouraged to bring your family or whoever is your designated representative during your deployment. Best of all, it's 100 percent funded by AFRC!

To be eligible you must be deploying or have you been deployed for a minimum of 90 days. If this is you, contact your local Yellow Ribbon office located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 1100, ext. 3862 to find out how to sign up. You are eligible to attend one pre- deployment and 2 post deployment Yellow Ribbon Events if you deployed for 90 days or longer.

There is one small catch: You remain eligible for only six months after your return date.

By now most of you have heard this is a great event for you and your family. However, single folks are planned for as well. There are programs specifically for singles at the event. You can also bring designated individuals, such as a parent, sibling, roommate, or fiancé. Think, "who helped pay my bills and watched my stuff?" while deployed. Those people may attend as your guests. 

The next event is scheduled for 27-29 April in Tyson's Corner, Virginia near Washington D.C. The typical event schedule is travel on Friday to arrive at the hotel for registration from 3-6 p.m., speakers and activities on Saturday and a half-day Sunday, then travel home Sunday afternoon.

All three days are duty days, but we always allow for family time on Friday and Saturday afternoon/evenings.

Please call 557-3512 for more details and for the required authorization form.