Yellow Ribbon FAQs

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. James Bishop
  • 439th AW 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. Since then, its popularity has grown exponentially.

Reservists returning from or preparing to go on a deployment, along with their friends or families, can attend regional events at popular resorts. While there, they will hear presenters discuss a variety of military benefits they’ve earned as well as have the opportunity to visit tables of 50+ organizations who provide resources to military members and their families. Members also have the opportunity to share 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 costs are covered for them and their guests. They’re also given per-diem and provided some meals. Family members or a designated individual for single members are put on invitational travel orders and are reimbursed for any meal not provided at the YR event.

How many events are there?
Events occur at least once a month. In fiscal year 2010, for example, the Air Force hosted 82 events, with 8,100 attendees. Past event locations in the Northeast Region have included Orlando, Fla., Virginia Beach, Va., Stowe, Vt., St. Louis, Mo., Philadelphia, and Denver, Colo.

Who is eligible?
Any member who will be deploying or has deployed away from family for more than 90 days is eligible to attend an event. “Away from home” could mean you were activated in place at Westover and separated from your family if living outside the commuting area. Or it could mean you were deployed overseas. The Wing Yellow Ribbon Coordinator, 1st Lt. Steven Marchegiani, validates who is eligible within established guidelines. The wing commander ultimately determines eligibility.

Where are the upcoming events?
Future venues include Orlando, Denver, Myrtle Beach, and many others.

How many events can I attend?
Every deployer and their family or designated individual is eligible to attend a total of three Yellow Ribbon Events – one before deployment and two afterwards.

Where do I get more information?
Contact the Yellow Ribbon Office co-located with the Inspector General’s office in Bldg. 1850 for information and eligibility requirements at (413) 557-2273 or email Steven.Marchegiani@us.af.mil.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A pre-deployment briefing will be held Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the Westover Conference Center. For more information, email Maj. Diane Burch at diane.burch@us.af.mil.