Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program assists deployed reservists

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In January, Tech. Sgt. John Gifford returned from his fourth deployment since 2001. The 46-year-old 46th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist's recent deployment was only 120 days but he said it's long enough to make the conversion to civilian life a challenge. 

He got used to a routine while working long days for the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Joint Base Balad, Iraq, he said. His wife also established her own way of doing things while he was away. 

"When you spend time and distance away from a loved one you have to get reacquainted with each other when you get back," said Sergeant Gifford, who works at an auto parts store in civilian life. 

"And, on top of that you have to transition back to your civilian job," said Senior Airman Christopher Wilson, a 27-year-old 46th APS air transportation specialist who returned from his second deployment in January. He worked as an Air Force civil servant prior to his deployment and is now on orders supporting the 436th Contracting Squadron. 

Their situations are not unique, which is why the 512th Airlift Wing implemented the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. 

In October 2008, the Secretary of Defense approved the program for implementation at all Reserve and National Guard units. The program provides information, services, referral, and community and employer outreach programs to all Reserve and guard members and their families through all phases of the deployment cycle. 

"We also educate Airmen and the family members on current benefits, entitlements and resources available to assist them once they return from deployment," said Master Sgt. Linda Berry, 512th Airman and Family Readiness Center technician and Yellow Ribbon Integration Program manager. 

Currently, the 512th A&FR office is focusing on the reintegration process of the program. They are hosting three separate briefings for reservists at 30, 60 and 90 days following their return from deployment. 

These briefings are conducted during designated Unit Training Assemblies. Family members are encouraged to attend and are authorized to travel on Invitational Travel Orders, said Master Sgt. Laura Coseglia, 512th A&FR director. More information on this benefit can be obtained from 512th A&FR by calling (302) 677-3566. 

The 30-day briefing covers topics such as employer support programs, healthcare issues such as post traumatic stress and what benefits are available to them through TRICARE and the Veterans Administration. The 512th A&FR also highlights community and military resources available to reservists and their family members. 

The 60-day briefing is a follow up to see how the deployed member's reintegration with their family and employer is progressing. The 512th A&FR also provides additional support information; and, if the reservist has a question or needs assistance, they refer the reservist or family member to the appropriate agency. 

The 90-day briefing consists of a post-deployment health risk assessment survey, which is administered by the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. 

"This program is our way of saying we understand what a burden a deployment can be on our reservists and their families and here are some things we think will be of assistance during your transition," said Sergeant Coseglia. 

So far, the feedback is good, at least as far as Sergeant Gifford and Airman Wilson is concerned. 

Sergeant Gifford said he appreciated the information on the health care benefits, as well as the services and programs available for readjustment back to civilian life. 

"I didn't know about some of these resources, and it's important to know what benefits are available to you and your family," he said. 

Airman Wilson said he thinks the program is great. 

"There wasn't anything like this when I deployed the first time, so I didn't get the whole Yellow Ribbon experience," said Airman Wilson. "It's really cool to know I have a single point of contact where I can go for a wide range of issues."