Photo By Alun Thomas | Meg Haycraft, suicide prevention coordinator, 63rd Readiness Division, stands on a...... read more read more
PHOENIX- The 63rd Readiness Division hosted more than 150 deploying and redeploying Army Reserve Soldiers and their family members at a Yellow Ribbon Event in Phoenix, March 30-31.
The purpose of the event and the entire Yellow Ribbon Program is to provide Soldiers and their families with information, services, referrals, and outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle.
In addition to the training, more than 20 Yellow Ribbon community partners were on hand to offer assistance and information to participants. These included representatives of multiple military and civilian resources, as well as employers and colleges.
Also on hand were Army Reserve ambassadors who provide strategic outreach, advocacy and advisory support to Army Reserve units, Soldiers and families throughout the country.
Assisting the Soldiers was Adrienne Edmondson, instructor, Yellow Ribbon program, who said the event is all about getting Soldiers and their families ready for deployment.
“My job is to make sure the Soldiers know everything they have to do ... we have representatives this weekend for them to talk to and it’s critical they do,” Edmonson said. “This is why we’re here.”
The many objectives of the Yellow Ribbon event included informing Soldiers on legal matters, financial planning and suicide prevention, among others, Edmonson said.
“These are things they have to take care of … and I emphasize HAVE to,” Edmonson said emphatically. “I’ve seen Soldiers get burned pretty badly in the past by neglecting these things, especially financially. They have to be organized. All the information they receive this weekend should be kept in a binder, in a safe place that can be found easily.”
Attending a Yellow Ribbon event for the first time was Spc. Kaycee
Freema, from Salt Lake City, military policeman, 420th MP Company, who said he found the event extremely beneficial, as he prepares to deploy to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“This is my first Yellow Ribbon event, so I want to be prepared while I’m deployed and the resources I’ve found here have helped give me peace of mind,” Freema said. “I’ve had a great time and found the event to be very well organized.”
Freema said learning about the reintegration process was valuable, helping him understand the complex nature of deploying and returning home.
“Understanding TRICARE benefits and how my family will be supported was essential … those are the kinds of things everyone needs to know,” he said. “All the benefits that are available to us should we need them are all here today.”
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2019 15:26 |
| Story ID: | 316801 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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