HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – As the 419th Fighter Wing deploys Airmen in support of combat and humanitarian missions around the world, the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program offers a valuable resource to support reservists, both before and after deployment.
Yellow Ribbon aims to combat the stresses of deployment by providing information, support, and outreach to reservists and their families. The 419th FW sends out registration links just before the unit training assembly each month. The next link it set to be released May 11.
“This is an important program in making sure we are caring for our Airmen and their families,” said Vallaree McArthur, 419th FW Yellow Ribbon representative. “We’ve recently held events in Orlando, Seattle, Anaheim, and Washington, D.C.”
Airmen are eligible to attend one pre-deployment event beginning four months prior to a deployment of 90 days or more, and two post-deployment events within a year of their return. All travel expenses are covered for the reservist and two eligible guests, including airfare, hotel, and meals. DEERS-eligible children are considered one guest, so reservists can invite all DEERS-eligible children, plus one guest.
“I can’t stress enough how valuable these events are in terms of giving Airmen a chance to spend time with their families, both pre- and post-deployment, and also to give them opportunities to learn together,” McArthur said.
Yellow Ribbon classes include topics such as financial planning, how to sleep better, couples enrichment, home buying, resume writing, and retirement. There are also experts on hand to discuss TRICARE, education and training, Veteran Affairs, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System, and more.
“It’s a great opportunity to make connections, for families to connect with other families, which is a good thing when a loved one is deployed,” McArthur said. “We want to make sure wing members know about this program and keep them up to date on future opportunities.”
To have a personal email address added to the Yellow Ribbon email list, which includes registration links, reservists may send their information to vallaree.mcarthur.2@us.af.mil.