Yellow Ribbon Offers Support to ‘Lone Star Battalion’

Photo By Lance Cpl. Donminic Young | Commander Richmond Stoglin, the chaplain for Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment, gives his speech during the event. Stoglin gave the invocation for the event.  

ELLINGTON FIELD, TEXAS, TX, UNITED STATES

11.19.2010

Story by Pfc. Joseph Altemus 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

ELLINGTON FIELD, Texas – Marines, and their family members, from Alpha and Headquarters & Service Companies, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment took part in a Yellow Ribbon event, Nov. 8, at the reserve training command here, in support of their Marines who will be deploying to Afghanistan in the near future.

The legislatively mandated Yellow Ribbon program provides information, services, referrals and proactive outreach programs to servicemembers of the National Guard and Reserve and their families through all phases of the deployment cycle.

“The Yellow Ribbon event is so families understand the mobilization process, the benefits and support for deployment,” said Maj. Christopher Toland, the H&S company commander. “Yellow Ribbon provides outreach to families to keep them involved.

We’ve had a great outcome. Approximately 350 family members showed up, as well as Marines from all over the country,” Toland said.

Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. Maj. Kim Davis, Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve, both attended the event.

Kelly gave a speech to the assembled Marines, sailors and their families.

“The real enemy when Marines are overseas is rumors. Stay in contact. Don’t panic. Rumors will kill you. If something bad happens, the unit will let you know,” Kelly said.

“These events are really important, particularly for reserves because we’re spread out all over the country,” he explained. The active-duty Marines have constant support, but the Reserve have to rely on events like this to be sure they have that support as well.

Speakers at the event went over various resources available to Marines and family members during deployment, including pay entitlements, health and dental insurance benefits and how to access it, as well as financial benefits they’re eligible for, budgeting for deployments, and how to deal with stress in a positive manner. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, that aims to develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

The Marines from Alpha and Headquarters & Service Companies, 1st Bn., 23rd Marines, also known as the “Lone Star Battalion,” left to start their predeployment training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 9.

• Date Taken: 11.19.2010
• Date Posted: 11.19.2010 13:01
• Story ID: 60503
• Location: ELLINGTON FIELD, TEXAS, TX, US