Lt. Col. Charlie Bates speaks to Soldiers of the 335th Signal Command (Theater) from East Point and their family members about pre-deployment preparedness at the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program held on March 9. This latest detachment of approximately 40 Army Reserve signal personnel are scheduled to depart on Sunday, March 15th.
By: Sgt. Mekonya Cheefus
335th SC (T) Public Affairs
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program keeps AR Soldiers, families informed
Phases one and two of the Army Reserve’s new Yellow Ribbon Integration Program were held Monday, March 09, at the Country Inn and Suites for approximately 40 Soldiers from the 335th Signal Command (Theater) from East Point. Soldiers were also allowed to invite family members to arm them with useful information during the deployment.
The YRP, not be confused with the Army’s traditional yellow ribbon ceremony held once Soldiers return from deployment, was implemented in November 2008 by the Secretary of Defense, said 335th YRP Coordinator, Maya Troupe Gulley.
The goal of the program is to prepare Soldiers and families for mobilization, sustain families during mobilization, and reintegrate Soldiers with their Families, communities, and employers upon redeployment.
“This is a good program. We haven’t had anything like this before but it is encouraging especially for families who don’t live close to the unit,” said Lt. Col. James McAdams, an operations officer in the unit. He and his wife are from Anderson, S.C. which is a two-hour drive from the 335th in East Point. “I am pleased that my wife will have point of contacts while I am deployed,” said McAdams.
Phases one and two take place within 90-days before the Soldier deploys. All 94 attendees of the event received briefings such as financial readiness, current benefits and resources available to overcome the challenges of reintegration.
“This is an excellent program,” said Gulley, “there were four people here today who had not signed up for Tricare [health benefits] and were able to get signed up on the spot.”
Phase three is held 30-days after the unit departs while phase four is held 30-days before they return. It is designed ensure families have adjusted to the absence of their deployed loved one as well as preparing for the Soldier’s return home and readjustment to civilian life.
“This program is very educational for spouses,” said 1st Sgt. Efrem Gray while holding his 5-month-old son, Efrem II. This will be his first deployment overseas since being in the Army Reserve.
Phases five and six take place 30-days and again at 60-days after redeployment. Both Soldiers and families receive briefings on readjustment, post traumatic stress disorder, marriage counseling, financial counseling and other proactive outreach opportunities.
The final phase is held 90-days after redeployment, and is for Soldiers only. At this point the Soldier is given the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment. It is designed to screen and address members for health concerns that may have emerged since overtime since redeployment.
“This is a great way to facilitate Soldiers and families through the entire deployment cycle,” said Gulley, “It is more effective because the families are involved and benefit too.” said Gulley.
Detachment 22 is scheduled to leave for deployment on Sunday, March 15.
