TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Despite an approaching winter storm, the U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division hosted a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program event to bridge the gap between service members, their families and resources available to them before, during and after deployment at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, New York, Jan. 23-24.
The event, which drew hundreds of attendees from across the country, even some virtually, along with 42 community partners, was shortened to two days as a precaution ahead of Winter Storm Fern. “The safety of our soldiers, family members and community partners is our priority,” said Ms. Tiera White, the event coordinator.
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a congressionally mandated initiative designed to support National Guard and Reserve families throughout the deployment cycle. For many, the weekend provided a rare opportunity for face-to-face networking and childcare—the latter being a service that returned to the 99th this year after an 11-year interruption.
“It takes up an ease with the family members, so they can be attentive to what the briefings are,” said April Millington, 99th Family Programs manager.
Workshops focused on stress reduction, effective communication, financial readiness and more. During a panel session, Brig. Gen. Reginald J. Kornegay, deputy commanding general of the 99th Readiness Division, emphasized that these connections are more than just administrative—they are a lifeline.
Kornegay shared a personal account from 2004, where he was wounded in a firefight and unable to contact his family. It was a Family Readiness Group coordinator who bridged the gap.
“It’s important that they stay grounded and connected with their lives back at home,” Kornegay said.
While the 99th RD led the event, the weekend was a joint effort. Units from the California-based 63rd Readiness Division also participated, ensuring Soldiers from across the country had access to the deployment support resources necessary for a successful return to civilian life.