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. Soldiers assigned to the 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group prepare dummies for a simulated casualty evacuation at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 17, 2025. The 108th Medical Company engaged in a weeklong field medical exercise to validate their readiness and elevate their medical and basic Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Christopher Booker)
Pennsylvania Guard Medics Simulate Chaos in Exercise
By Capt. Christopher Booker, | July 18, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard's 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, are engaged in a comprehensive two-week field medical exercise here.The...

Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Maintenance Group and 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron personnel load Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) equipment onto MAFFS #8, aircraft #554 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base on July 12, 2025. U.S. Northern Command activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) Aircraft, one from the 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in California. Two C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS and their associated personnel will support firefighting efforts in the Western United States. The 152nd Airlift Wing’s “High Rollers” and 146th Airlift Wing's “Hollywood Guard” report on July 14, 2025, and will be initially based out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California and are anticipated to be in place through August 14, 2025.
Nevada Air Guard Wing Assists in Firefighting Efforts
By Senior Master Sgt. Paula Macomber, | July 18, 2025
RENO, Nev. – U.S. Northern Command has activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System Aircraft, one from the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of...

Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the CNGB, join Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general of Texas, for an aerial assessment of flood-affected areas in Central Texas and to visit Guardsmen on duty supporting civil authorities with response efforts, Kerrville, Texas, July 15, 2025. To date, National Guard search and rescue operations, led by the Texas National Guard, have resulted in the rescue of more than 525 Texans. Hundreds of Guardsmen remain on mission to continue working with interagency partners in search and rescue and recovery operations.
Nordhaus, Raines see Heroism, Partnerships in Central Texas
By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, | July 18, 2025
KERRVILLE, Texas – Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding.Within hours, Texas National Guard...