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NEWS | July 19, 2016

Yellow Ribbon program assist deploying families

By Cpl. Timothy Yao 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 17, 2016) – Army Reserve Soldiers and their families from the 376th Human Resources Company and the 314th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion prepare for deployment at a Yellow Ribbon event.
 

During this Army-sponsored weekend, family members learn about the many support programs available while their Soldiers are deployed overseas.

“We had family days in our unit, but this is like that times ten.” said Spc. Mario Salinas, 376th Human Resources Company. The presentations were able to answer more questions ranging from medical coverage to legal guidance.

“We’ve only been married a year, and this is his first deployment, but I’m more relieved knowing that there’s more help out there,” said Alma, Salinas’ wife.

With new and updated programs coming out each year, Yellow Ribbon benefits Soldiers who have deployed in the past as well. “I didn’t have Yellow Ribbon on my first deployment, and this helps Soldiers and their families know about resources and entitlements that I didn’t even know existed,” said Staff Sgt. Christian Villalon, 376th Human Resources Company. 

Yellow Ribbon plays a big role in the Army Reserve because family members do not live on an installation with a big family readiness group supporting them. “It’s a good way to relieve stress, families come and realize they are not alone,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Yerdon, 376th Human Resources Company commander. 

“The quickest way a Soldier loses motivation on deployment is bad news from home,” said Lt. Col. Kevin McKenzie, 314th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander. When on mission, if your mind is back home, you’ve essentially lost that Soldier until the issue is resolved. “Knowing that there’s a network of people they can reach out to and take care of things is important for both the Soldier and their families.”

Brig. Gen. David Elwell, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, addressed the Soldiers and their families on the last day of the event. “In general, people only think about themselves instead of about others. So I want to say thank you for your service.” 

Family members are just as important as the service member because they take care of things back home.

“This was a great experience. Ever since my husband joined the Army Reserve, this is the first time I really got a taste of the military,” said Alma.