FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - The Pennsylvania National Guard’s 252nd Engineer Company, 213th Regional Support Group, completed a post-deployment Yellow Ribbon event here earlier this month.
The unit, based in Johnstown, returned home about a month ago from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan where members assisted in the drawdown.
The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to promote the well-being of National Guard members, their families, and communities by connecting them with resources throughout and beyond the deployment cycle, according to Capt. Gregory Kuleba, the Yellow Ribbon Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
The program has multiple components, Kuleba, explained. This event was the 30-day post-deployment which provides information on resources for the returning Soldier and his or her family. Briefings include information on family assistance services such as child care, and financial assistance, education programs, TRICARE and psychological health resources, Kuleba said.
The engineers, whose mission as a horizontal engineer company includes operating heavy equipment such as cranes and graders, were happy to be home after a successful deployment.
“My deployment the first time was great!” said Spc. Jovan Johnson, a combat engineer. ‘It was a great first experience.”
When asked about the best part of being back, he said, “Family!”
Organized in 1849, the 213th Regional Support Group has a long history of providing support for both state and active duty operations. The 213th Regional Support Group consists of more than 20 specialized units located throughout the commonwealth. The units that represent the 213th RSG include finance, maintenance, personnel, sustainment, transportation, engineer, military police, contracting, public affairs and hazardous materials organizations.