Yellow ribbon program aims to help deployers, families Published July 28, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH -- The 419th Fighter Wing launched the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to combat the stresses of the deployment process by providing information, support, and outreach services to reservists and their families. The mandatory commander directed program's base team will consist of the chaplain, personnel, family readiness, finance, health, legal, military personnel flight, and other base support services. This new program places an emphasis on reconnecting deployers with their family, and helping families cope with new issues as well as past problems, said Lt. Col. Barbara Godsey, process manager and family liaison officer for the 419th FW. A 2007 congressional directive established the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to assist reservists and their families through all three deployment stages: pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration events might possibly take place in Park City, Utah over a 2-3 day period, but that is still tentative, Colonel Godsey said. The event's major themes will cover what to expect during the deployment period, offering counselors for that timeframe, and strengthening coping and stress mechanisms. "Any existing family problems tend to intensify when members are deployed," Colonel Godsey said. The program can help military families learn about each individual's personality and communication types to help alleviate past family miscommunications and avoid potential problems, she said. Colonel Godsey spearheaded the wing's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program but the wing is looking for a permanent volunteer, said Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth Atisme, 419th FW command chief. "We need a SNCO or officer up to CGO level as the Deployed Cycle Support coordinator. An energetic professional with initiative should ensure the program's success," Chief Atisme said. For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program, contact Colonel Godsey at 775-2245.