MINNEAPOLIS  –   Providing critical information at the moment it’s needed can often be the difference between success and failure of a mission – regardless of the type of mission.

For Soldiers and family members at the most recent 88th Readiness Division-hosted Yellow Ribbon, that mission was a successful re-integration and post-mobilization, during the March 23 to 25 event. The more than 300 Soldiers and family members in attendance learned about the changes to Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) as well as from a slew of other agencies and organizations focused on assisting Soldiers and their families.

“The Yellow Ribbon Program is an evolving program and it’s based on the operational needs of the Army,” said Sylvia Lopez, Yellow Ribbon program manager, 88th Readiness Division. “That’s why we have changes and we flow with the changes. We want to keep the Soldier in the fight and the family members are a critical part of that. They go in tandem.”

This event brought in Soldiers from across the Army Reserve spectrum who are between two and six months from their most recent mobilization. For some Soldiers this was their first mobilization. For others this was another in a list that’s too long to count. However, one theme rang true for everyone in attendance.

“(Yellow Ribbon) gives Soldier and family member a chance to reach out and talk to a lot of services that you can’t find back home,” said Sgt. Michael Stevens, who was attending his second Yellow Ribbon event. “You can ask your questions face-to-face.”

The 88th RD works with specific community partners for each event and responds to the post-event surveys from attendees to ensure that each event is better than the last. There are also U.S. Army Reserve Command guidelines in place that help ensure that each readiness division-sponsored event provides a similar level of support to Soldiers and their families.

“All community partners in one venue is just great for the service members. It’s a one stop shop for them to check it out when they’re here with their family members,” Lopez said.