Photo By Staff Sgt. Shayna Hodge | Col. Eric J. Rivero, 512th Airlift Wing commander, speaks at the Liberty Launch:...... read more read more
More than 100 512th Airlift Wing reservists attended the Liberty Launch: Pre-deployment Readiness and Connection event at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 1, 2026, to access resources to support them before, during and after a deployment.
Throughout the event, representatives from 512th AW helping agencies and community organizations answered questions and provided guidance about financial readiness, childcare, TRICARE benefits, mental health resources, family support and spiritual care.
“I want to give you the confidence that the team at Dover and the Air Force Reserve has you and your families’ back as you go out the door to complete the mission,” said Col. Eric J. Rivero, 512th AW commander. “We’re your first line of support, and we’ll be right here to help with whatever you need when you return from deployment.”
He also emphasized the importance of readiness, which laid the foundation for the planning and execution of the event.
“Colonel Rivero’s intent was very clear,” said Tech. Sgt. Kandiann Ashley, 512th AW Yellow Ribbon representative, who planned the event alongside 512th AW leadership and helping agencies. “He wanted to ensure every deployer — whether or not they could attend a Yellow Ribbon event — received the same access to key resources before leaving home station."
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a Department of War effort that supports National Guardsmen and Reservists by connecting them to resources throughout the deployment cycle.
The 512th AW’s Liberty Launch event reflected a broader Air Force Reserve Command effort to bring deployment support directly to reserve wings, making resources more accessible to Airmen.
When the time comes for wing members to deploy around the globe, they now have a clearer path forward to help them prepare.
“Today, gave me a peace of mind,” said Senior Airman Prince Acquaye, who’s assigned to the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron. “As a first time deployer, I have a lot of questions, so it was reassuring to have many of those questions answered and to learn about resources that will ensure my responsibilities at home are taken care of while I’m away.”
Ashley applauded the collective efforts of 512th AW members and community organizations for providing Airmen with critical resources needed to successfully navigate the deployment cycle.
“I love pouring into people,” she said. “I’m proud to have been part of the team that brought this event to life.
“I hope today gave our reservists a sense of comfort and reminded them the wing truly cares about not only their mission readiness, but also about their family, friends and other parts of their lives that will be impacted by a deployment.”
| Date Taken: | 08.03.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2026 15:08 |
| Story ID: | 571420 |
| Location: | DOVER, DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pre-deployment event connects Dover reservists to key resources, by SSgt Shayna Hodge, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
