Yellow Ribbon FAQs

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. James Bishop
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is 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. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 established the program.

Reservists returning from or preparing to go on a deployment, along with their families attend regional events at Resorts where they will hear presenters talk about the benefits they've earned, have an opportunity to visit the vendors tables and to share some quality family time.

How much does it cost participants?

- The Air Force Reserve Command funds 100 percent of the program. The Reserve puts military members on orders, so airline and hotel are covered. They're also given per-diem. Family members or a "designated representative" for single members are put on invitational travel orders and are reimbursed for meals that are not provided. AFRC also covers the cost of the family's or designated representative's airline tickets.

How many events are there?

- In fiscal year 2010, the Air Force hosted 82 events, with 8,100 attendees. Past event locations in the Northeast Region have included Virginia Beach, Stowe, Vt., St. Louis, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

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 Representative, MSgt. Michelle Dunfield, decides who is eligible within established guidelines, but the wing commander ultimately determines eligibility.

Where are the upcoming events?

- Future possible venues include South Carolina, Florida, Texas and many others. Although the October and November 2011 events are on hold due to the budget shortfall, organizers plan to continue the program once funding becomes available.

How many events can I attend?

-Every deployer and their family or designated representative is eligible to attend three Yellow Ribbon Events - one before the deployment and two afterwards.

Where do I get more information?

- Contact the Yellow Ribbon Office co-located with the Airman and Family Readiness Center (and Chapel) in Building 1100 for information and eligibility requirements at (413) 557-3862.

I heard about another Yellow Ribbon program connected with tuition assistance? What's that about?

- There is another "Yellow Ribbon Program" connected with the Post 9-11 GI Bill.
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 United States 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.