Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Carkeet IV | Anna-Maria Bennet, a volunteer instructor, outlines the features and benefits of the...... read more read more
ORLANDO, Fla. - More than 300 mobilizing or recently deployed U.S. Army Reserve soldiers and their families gathered near Orlando, Florida, for the 81st Readiness Division Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event Feb. 23-24, 2019.
These events unite dozens of programs to disseminate information tailored to help Soldiers successfully navigate the deployment cycle.
“The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program orientates soldiers and their families to the unique challenges of deployment,” said Donna M. McGee, Yellow Ribbon program manager, 81st Readiness Division. “It builds relationships and enhances camaraderie by connecting soldiers and family members to numerous resources to help meet the needs of a deployed service member.”
“Most Soldiers do not have immediate access to these resources because they live and work far from a [military] base,” said Katherine A. Wilkins, Yellow Ribbon reintegration program coordinator, 81st RD. “Yellow Ribbon is often the best and only option for Reserve soldiers and their families can tap into the resources they need from a centralized location.”
The soldiers and their guests received a complimentary, three-night stay at the four-star rated Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. They participated in educational breakout sessions presenting dozens of topics designed for Soldiers and loved ones enduring the pre-deployment or post-deployment cycle. Subject matter experts from diverse disciplines led these 30-60 minute workshops ranging from education benefits and financial planning to stress management and intimacy enrichment.
“It makes a difference when you have 12 or more presenters with a unique skillset and practical experience to help soldiers physically, mentally, financially and spiritually prepare for their deployment,” said Rev. Aljournal Franklin, Army Substance Abuse Program specialist and Yellow Ribbon instructor. “We understand firsthand the hardships of deployment … They put their heart, mind and soul into developing engaging presentations with relevant material.”
Between breakout sessions, soldiers and families engaged in dozens of face-to-face conversations with community partners from military-friendly industries, universities, technical schools and non-profit organizations. The vendors educated the troops on career opportunities, academic programs and financial resources available to them.
“Each Yellow Ribbon event attracts 40 to 45 community partners,” said Norris D. Thomas, Yellow Ribbon community partner program manager, 81st Readiness Division. “The community partners want to come …They embrace our mission and encourage other organizations to join us in supporting our soldiers and families.”
The focus on family and soldiers culminates in a pair of panels. In the Family Panel, love ones asked their questions and voiced their concerns to senior soldiers, family members and other subject matter experts who experienced multiple deployments as a service member or spouse of a service member.
“The goal of the [Family Panel] is to connect family members new to the military with those who have experienced multiple deployments,” said Franklin, a minister hailing from Columbus, S.C. “They provide more than just helpful information. They are a forum forged by testimonials that shed light on some of the toughest lessons learned by those who deployed a half-dozen times.”
In the Soldiers Panel, senior noncommissioned officers from the 81st RD educated Reserve soldiers on the enlisted promotion process. The briefing provided specific instructions on how soldiers should complete and submit their packets. It also clarified how promotion boards evaluate packets and select applicants as they climb up the enlisted ranks.
“We understand the challenges and sacrifices Reserve Soldiers and their families make to balance their civilian and military life,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Levi Meynard, command sergeant major, 81st RD. We want to see Soldiers succeed, and we want to recognize their success by empowering them to earn the rank they deserve.”
For Soldiers preparing for their first ever deployment, this and other time sensitive information can place and positive and permanent impact on their careers.
“This is a big change for us,” said Spc. Andre H. Gentles, a cargo specialist with the 1188th Transportation Battalion, as he points to himself and his wife, Courtney. “We are happy to meet so many people who can help us mentally, physically and financially prepare for this year-long separation … We look forward to meeting them again when we return for the Post-Deployment [Yellow Ribbon] Event.
As soldiers and their loved ones depart the hotel to spend quality time in and around Central Florida’s tourist attractions, Wilkins, a ten-year veteran of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, reflects on the fruits of her team’s labors.
“The longevity [of Yellow Ribbon] is the most inspiring aspect of this program,” said Wilkins, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla. “It proves the program is relevant, and it will remain relevant so long as the people who manage it have an open mind and a generous heart … My team and I love what we do: support the Soldier.”
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.24.2019 19:53 |
| Story ID: | 311810 |
| Location: | CHAMPIONSGATE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 235 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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