Photo By Spc. Andrew Baba | Soldiers and their family members check into the Yellow Ribbon Event, phase one, at...... read more read more
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CHICAGO -- For those who serve and those who support, it was yet another time to converge for the purpose of promoting the well-being of deploying Army Reserve members and their families, through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Periods of separation due to overseas deployments bring significant changes upon soldiers and their families, requiring special advice to be able to cope. For the past five years, the Yellow Ribbon Program has been helping out in this regard by providing important information and resources throughout the deployment cycle.
“The purpose of the program is to promote the well-being of the National Guard and Reserves by providing support to them, their families and their communities while the soldiers are on deployment,” said Alvina Smith, program coordinator for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
The family-focus of the Yellow Ribbon was immediately obvious to participants from the 490th Signal Company (Tactical Installation Network) as they arrived at the Westin Hotel in Chicago, the venue of the event, on June 14. It was so detailed that immediate childcare provisions were arranged to enable soldiers and their families to be to concentrate on the various classes lined up over the three-day event. The variety of courses offered to the Columbus, Ohio unit was to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
“Family members are very important to the military,” said Smith, “because they are the soldier’s support system.
“While soldiers on deployment grapple with changes, their families go through changes as well. So they are an integral part of this program because we need to prepare them for the deployment of their soldiers and equip them with all the information and resources they need to cope with the challenges of separation, as well as how to handle post-deployment reintegration.”
When officers at the very top of the chain of command make it a point to attend certain events, it is usually an eloquent statement of the importance accorded to it. Having in attendance Brig. Gen. Kaffia Jones, deputy commanding general of the 335th Signal Command (Theater), out of East Point, Ga, sets the Yellow Ribbon Program apart as one of those important events.
Jones emphasized the pride of place the family enjoys in the military, and why they must be carried along throughout the deployment cycle.
“The family member is the most important entity for our soldier,” said Jones. “As long as soldiers know that their families are standing by their side, they will continue to perform at the highest level.”
“When the family is not there, we have problems,” she said. “So we strive to ensure that our family members are involved with the soldier as they prepare to deploy, during their deployment, and when they are coming back home … because the family is the key to the success of the soldier.”
The deploying soldiers and their families were pleased with the program and the opportunities it offers them. For those who had prior deployments before the inception of the Yellow Ribbon Program, it was a welcome development because of the potential vacuums it stands to fill.
“I believe the Yellow Ribbon Program is very important,” said 1st Sgt. Rickey Jestice, first sergeant of the 490th SC (TIN). “This is because, not only does it prepare me, but it helps ensure that my family and my significant others are aware of what to expect while I am gone.”
“Now my family has a fair idea of how to deal with issues that may arise and how I may want them handled,” Jestice said.
There are six phases to the Yellow Ribbon program. Phase one is predeployment, while phases three and four are held during deployment. Phases four, five and six are post-deployment, and family members are involved every step of the way. The Chicago, Ill. event was phase one and assisted over 100 soldiers from the 490th SC (TIN).
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2013 21:24 |
| Story ID: | 108858 |
| Location: | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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