Wing prepares for Yellow Ribbon Event

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Members of the 944th Fighter Wing who have recently returned from deployment will participate in a Yellow Ribbon Event June 13 at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix. 

The Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a congressionally legislated directive that dictates that "deployment support and reintegration programs shall be provided for National Guard and Reserve members and their families... to minimize to the extent practicable the stresses of military service, particularly the stress of deployment and family separation." 

"Our goal is to make this a positive, fun and relaxing environment for our members and their families to receive help with the challenges that come with a homecoming after deployment," said Tech. Sgt. Felicia Montoya, 944th Fighter Wing chaplain assistant and Yellow Ribbon event coordinator. 

Attendee's at this year's event must meet two eligibility requirements. The member must have returned from a deployment within the last six months and have been deployed for 90 days or more. 

"We are asking an awful lot of our reservists these days," said Col. Mary Hill, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command Office of Deployment Cycle Support director. "We owe it to them to make sure they and their families are taken care of. That's what Yellow Ribbon is all about." 

The 944th FW event is open to more than 100 reservists who have deployed in the last six months. Members will receive appropriate pay and allowances for attending these deployment support and reintegration activities. 

"Participants should expect to learn effective tools to help with integration back into their families, community and workplaces," Sergeant Montoya said. 

About half of the group will attend the 30-day reintegration session. At that time, they will be given information from representatives from the chaplain's office, legal office, medical group and Veterans Administration. 

The other group will participate in the 60-day enrichment session which will focus on family, couples and singles enrichment as well as education on deployment issues. 

"The connection to community resources will be very valuable to our Airmen," Sergeant Montoya said. "The mini job fair we'll have will also be helpful for some. 

After lunch, both groups will have an opportunity to visit resource centers from the 944th Fighter Wing as well as from the local community. 

For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Event, call (623) 856-8324.