California Yellow Ribbon Program

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by Sandra Pishner
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2015 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash., - Reserve Airmen facing deployment, or returning from deployment can escape the dreary winter weather of Washington to Garden Grove, California at the end of February. That's the next scheduled Yellow Ribbon event on the books. Registration is now open for this Feb. 27-March 1 event.

The Secretary of Defense initiated the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program which provides information, services, referral, and proactive outreach programs to service members and their families through all phases of the deployment cycle.

The goal of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is to prepare Airmen and families for mobilization, sustain families during mobilization, and reintegrate Airmen with their families, communities, and employers upon redeployment

"It's a great time to come out and speak face-to-face with subject matter experts on all your military benefits, " said Master Sgt. David Panelo, Yellow Ribbon Program coordinator. "Families will be introduced to some outstanding benefits they may not have even known about."

Panelo considers the time at a Yellow Ribbon event the best time to learn about benefits.

"You're in a relaxed environment with your family. It is something you must absolutely take advantage of, as you can help others feel more comfortable about deploying if you have already been or vice versa, and can help better prepare them and your family, while networking with others, " he said.

Reservists qualify if they have been activated in support of an operational mission for 90 days or more. So whether you're currently activated, going to be activated or have previously been activated (within the last year) you and your family are eligible to attend.

Reservists wishing to attend may bring their spouse and children, and single Airmen may bring parents, sibling, or designated individual. Those attending will be placed on Yellow Ribbon orders so that hotel cost, travel and meals will be reimbursed at the government rate. Free licensed professional childcare is available with structured fun activities for kids ages 0 to17.