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NEWS | Feb. 16, 2016

Yellow Ribbon Event a first for many Army Reserve Soldiers

By Catherine Threat 88th Regional Support Command

Fort McCoy, Wis. - The 88th Regional Support Command hosted more than 400 Army Reserve Soldiers representing 13 Army Reserve Units from 17 States, one Air National Guard Unit, and their Family members at a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Event held in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, Feb. 5-7, 2016. 

This event also supported the pre-deployment phase for Quartermaster Units belonging to the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, Iowa, who are preparing for a deployment later this year.

Events like these are significant service members and their Families who may not understand the wide scope of information, services, referrals, and outreach opportunities available throughout the entire deployment cycle. 

Scott Welch, 88th RSC Yellow Ribbon Program operation manager, stated that many of the service members were attending a Yellow Ribbon for the first time.

"This event was unique in that many attendees were very young and first time deployers,” Welch said. “The resources at the event were well received as attendees were engaged in learning everything they could to help them and their families prepare for their upcoming mission.”

“Knowing there is a support system for them and their families before, during and after deployment helps alleviate some of the stress of being away and allows them to focus on the mission, knowing we will be here for them when they return,” continued Welch.

In addition to the training, more than 40 Yellow Ribbon Community Partners were on hand to offer assistance and information to participants. These included representatives of multiple military resources, as well as employers and colleges. 

The 88th RSC also welcomed Minnesota Army Reserve Ambassadors, Thomas Haugo and James Lundell. Army Reserve Ambassadors work to build a bridge between the service members and the communities in which they live. Being on hand to speak with attendees provided an opportunity to gain direct insight into the concerns and needs of service members and their families. 

Maj. Gen. Patrick Reinert, new 88th RSC commanding general, attended the event to speak with service members and their families, and observed his team for the first time.

"Watching my organization in action was a great feeling," Reinert said. "We have an experienced Yellow Ribbon staff that works hard to ensure service members and their families get the tools and resources needed through every step of the deployment process.” 

“The Yellow Ribbon Program is critical to building and maintaining the resilience of our service members and their families. Resilient Soldiers and families are the backbone of a strong Army,” said Reinert.