An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 23, 2010

New York families prepare for homecoming

By Staff Sgt. Dennis Gravelle New York National Guard

LATHAM, N.Y., - Families of the New York Army National Guard's 206th Military Police Company marked the mid-point of their Soldiers' deployment to Iraq Feb. 20 with a meeting designed to help them understand what happens when their loved one returns.

The Family Readiness Group meeting is part of the New York Army National Guard's Project Yellow Ribbon, which provides redeploying Soldiers and families a robust support network of information and services available from county, state, federal and private outreach organizations upon their return home.

Gordon Lattey, lead volunteer for the 206th, said that this Yellow Ribbon program marks the midpoint of the deployment, so now the families know that they are on the downhill side and their Soldiers will be coming home soon.

"A lot of things come into play, and we want the families to be aware that once their Soldier comes back, there will be changes in the amount of benefits they receive," Lattey said. "Also, we want them to be ready for a different person coming home, the person that left last August has changed, and it's important for the families to hear that and recognize that, so they will adjust their thinking as well."

Families of Soldiers from the newly deployed 1108th Explosive Ordnance Company also attended the event.

"I am here for the family readiness mid-deployment briefing designed to support and educate families on anything that is currently happening, and to be sure that we are supported with an awareness of the different programs that are available to us if we need any support," said Theresa Martel, wife of 1st Sgt. Joseph A. Martel, who is currently in Basra, Iraq.

The Yellow Ribbon reintegration program was established under the 2008 National Defense Act. The program is to prepare service members and their families for deployment, and service members through deployment and help them reintegrate back into their civilian communities when they return.

"A lot of things come into play and we want the families to be aware that once their Soldier comes back, there will be changes in the amount of benefits they receive," Lattey said. "Also, we want them to be ready for a different person coming home, the person that left last August has changed, and it's important for the families to hear that and recognize that, so they will adjust their thinking as well."

The commander of the 206th, Capt. Kevin Manion, who is home on leave from Iraq, added that the Yellow Ribbon program encompasses the entire deployment, from pre-mobilization, where the state family readiness group was able to bring in groups that can assist families with mobilization.

"If my Soldiers know that their families are provided for when they are deployed, and they are in positive spirits and their problems are solved, they can focus more on their mission, which puts them at ease, more focused therefore much safer," Manion said. "Today is a mid tour meeting ... to start the preparations for the reunion in a few months with their Soldier."

When the Soldiers return, the Yellow Ribbon program requires they to be present for paid assembles at 30 and 60 days after their return from a combat zone, and invite families to attend as well. Sessions are held in a non-threatening, non-military environment, to provide Soldiers and families a chance to share experiences and talk with each other about their experiences.

"The Yellow Ribbon program takes cares of the needs of the families here at home, and the needs of the guys and gals in Iraq," Lattey stated. "It's that simple."

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air National Guard members assigned to the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Component Test Center conduct preflight checks during Resolute Force Pacific 25, in the Indo-Pacific region, July 24, 2025. The exercise’s comprehensive nature with thousands of participants across multiple Indo-Pacific locations provided optimal conditions to validate the enhanced KC-135's data systems under operational stress.
AATC Delivers Rapid KC-135 Modernization During Indo-Pacific Exercise
By Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran, | Aug. 4, 2025
PACIFIC OCEAN, Japan – The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center, or AATC, demonstrated how warfighter-driven innovation rapidly transforms proven platforms into next-generation weapons systems during...

Pilots and boom operators assigned to the 106th and 99th Air Refueling Squadrons swim for their rescue raft during water survival training in Trussville, Ala., August 2, 2025. Airmen assigned to the 117th Operation Support Squadron provide the training twice a year for the regular Air Force and Air National Guard flyers assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard.
Alabama Air Guard Completes Water Survival Training
By Paul Mann, | Aug. 4, 2025
SUMPTER SMITH JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Alabama — Operating a military aircraft and being a U.S. Air Force aircrew member doesn’t just mean knowing what to do inside the cockpit or inside the boom pod; it also means knowing...

Airmen from the 155th Security Forces Squadron train on shoot, move, and communicate tactics at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 25, 2025. The exercise focused on developing critical combat skills, including accurate engagement, tactical movement, and effective team communication. Offsite training at JBER enhances operational realism and reinforces deployment readiness.
Nebraska Air Guard Squadron Conducts Deployment Training in Alaska
By Senior Airman Jeremiah Johnson, | Aug. 4, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - In the dense woodlands of Alaska, far from the familiarity of their home station, Airmen from the Nebraska National Guard’s 155th Security Forces Squadron honed their skills - one...