Photo By Staff Sgt. Carlynne King | Patriot Guard Riders stand guard as all in attendance make their exit from Yellow...... read more read more
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TAMPA, Fla. (June 26, 2016) – “As a spouse of a military member who’s gone through several deployments, I know what can happen,” said Wendy Layton. “I know all the disconnects. This [program] makes you feel like you’re not alone.”
Layton, former Air Wing Integrator, was referring to Yellow Ribbon, a reintegration program for pre- and post-deployers. Held throughout the year at different locations nationwide, a recent conference took place in Tampa June 25-26.
The families of 31 deploying service members attended the event to learn about the benefits and programs available. Each family received a custom-made education by selecting which break-out sessions to attend covering topics such as credit, assets, retirement, and resiliency. While the largest portion of attendees hailed from the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing (125FW), others came from as far away as New York.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to come back [from deployment] and pick up where you left off,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Lanaghan, Director of Staff for the Florida Air National Guard. “I wish I would have had the opportunity then to get the information provided [at Yellow Ribbon events] now.”
While Lanaghan never had the opportunity to attend the Yellow Ribbon program as a deployer, he recognizes the impact of the program and has volunteered to work more than a dozen of the events. He advised attendees to come with the right attitude and make the most of the experience.
“Take time to engage with the vendors, the service providers, and other attendees,” said Lanaghan. “Learn the resources available to you and take advantage of them. Enjoy this relaxed atmosphere; get reconnected with your family.”
Several military members did exactly that. Chief Master Sgt. Alan Secrest, 125FW Maintenance Group Chief, brought his wife and four of their five children.
“This is truly a benefit; it needs to keep on going,” said Secrest, his wife nodding in agreement. “This helps [deployers] override the obstacles.”
Yellow Ribbon Team Coordinator Ottis West served as keynote speaker for the event. A retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, West received the Bronze Star for leading more than 160 combat missions in Iraq as a convoy commander, and now takes his civilian job equally seriously. West provides resilience skills to Army and Air Force Guard and Reserve personnel and their families, to be used before, during and after deployment.
Diagnosed with PTSD in 2006, West said he believes in the dire need for troops to be receptive to guidance on being resilient, and tries to passionately convey this through his public speaking.
“Is our action improving our performance?” West asked the audience during his speech. “You can decide what you’re going to do with the cards you’re dealt. If you’re ‘broke,’ get help, and get back in the fight.”
Heroes2Hired, TRICARE, and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs were just some of the various vendors on hand offering information on topics that are crucial to a deployer, including financial counseling, medical benefits, mental health awareness, retirement, GI Bill, and family readiness.
Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager Laura Yates said she uses these events to help military and family members feel more comfortable approaching her with their needs.
“That face-to-face interaction is invaluable,” said Yates. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be here. It is a privilege to serve our military and their families.”
Jennifer Matthews, Director of Psychological Health for the National Guard Bureau’s Surgeon General’s Office, agreed.
“I always like to see the lightbulbs go on,” said Matthews. “We help normalize issues and concerns for them.”
The Naval Reserve has a program very similar to Yellow Ribbon, known as the Returning Warrior Workshop. Before retired Navy Commander Dave Kennett took over for Layton as 125FW Air Wing Integrator, he facilitated several of these workshops.
“The people, the warriors – they are our first objective,” said Kennett. “I’m very committed to this, and am thrilled to be in a position where I can give back. We are transforming people.”
Cecil Goodloe, one of the first Air Wing Integrators, showed his commitment by coming in from the 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville, Kentucky, to help ensure a smooth transition of supervision for this event. Goodloe retired from the Marines after 20 years, and has worked over 50 Yellow Ribbons.
“I take pride in my work,” Goodloe said. “A person has to be passionate to do this. It’s about the Airmen and their families. If they take away just one bit of information helpful to them, then we’ve done our job.”
Since the Yellow Ribbon Program was introduced in 2009, it has served more than 1.5 million individuals. A dedicated team of passionate supporters have helped make every event a success, giving each of the pre- and post-deployers an arsenal of tools to help them “carry on.”
“I’ve heard, from Crew Chiefs to Medical people – every time you deploy, you leave a piece of your soul over there. That’s why Yellow Ribbon exists,” said Layton. “We’ve got to get these people stronger, and more resilient, and have them be willing to admit when it’s all too much.”
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2016 11:22 |
| Story ID: | 207782 |
| Location: | TAMPA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 97 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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