DoD Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (National Guard YRRP) Ms. Janet Salotti NGB-J1-YR 703-607-5499 Janet.S.Salotti@us.army.mil This briefing is UNCLASSIFIED

Program Overview Establishment of the Program: J1 Program Overview Establishment of the Program: Section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -08 directs that “The Secretary of Defense shall establish a national combat veteran reintegration program to provide National Guard and Reserve members and their families with sufficient information, services, referral, and proactive outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle. This program shall be known as the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. TTL – 1500 PAX

What is the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program? Program Overview What is the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program? It’s a cooperative network of Military Services, Veteran Service organizations, state governmental departments and other agencies that provide information, resources, referral and proactive outreach to Service Members, Families, and Employers throughout all phases of the deployment cycle.

J1 Program Overview, Cont. National Guard Bureau implementation guidance was signed by the CNGB, the DAARNG, the DAANG, and the DJS, and issued to the field on 20 Jul 09. The guidance delineates overall program responsibilities (J1/G1/A1) Defines what a required Yellow Ribbon event is, with recommended briefings and activities that should take place during an event Provides overarching funding guidance on the use of Yellow Ribbon Funds TTL – 1500 PAX

Program Overview Cont. The YRRP is a Joint program, not only between the Army and Air NG, but all other Reserve Components as well. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is not a “nice to do,” it is a “must do.” The program is mandated by law. Attendance at YRRP events and activities, as directed by the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force, the CNGB and all three Directors, is mandatory. The Service Member must be in a paid status. Family Members should be on ITAs when attending Pre-Deployment, During, and the 30-, and 60-Day events. JIEE request dated 8 Jan 09 for TN, IA & FL to provide forces: TN: MP – 200 PAX IA: 1BCT – 1000 PAX FL – 300 PAX (unit not identified) TTL – 1500 PAX

The Road to Reintegration Program Overview Cont. The Road to Reintegration PDHRA Reintegration 60 day event PDRMA leave challenges 30 day event Deploy Ensure benefits are being received and prepare for reunion Event prior to mobilization/deployment. (ARNG authorizes two) One during for Families. Three events after. Alert Pre-Deployment - 1 day event for SMs / Families 1 day seminar for Families Post-Deployment - 2 day event for SMs / Families

“Before, During, and After” Events Before Event: These events are attended by the Service Members their Families. Typical topics addressed at this event include Family counseling, single Service Member support, Military OneSource, TRICARE, financial planning, DEERS update, Family care plans. During Event: This event is unique as it is only attended by the Family Members during the deployment. The main purpose is to ensure Families are coping and to prepare for reintegration. Topics discussed at this event include youth counseling, BattleMind Training, and financial management . After Event: These events are attended by the Service Member and their Families. Typical topics addressed at this event include anger management, substance abuse, educational benefits, marriage counseling, reconnecting with children, single Service Member workshop, and Chaplain briefings.

Benefits of the Program Some things attendees at YRRP events depart with: Health and counseling services awareness, including an understanding of medical benefits, i.e. TRICARE and Veterans Administration care, etc. Reference materials to assist them in making future contacts Training on installation services, commissary, and PX facilities A linkage to the Family Assistance Centers (FACs) and Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) if not previously completed Marriage enrichment training Anger / stress management training Military, legal, and financial services Substance abuse / domestic violence prevention training Childcare services points of contact and program utilization information ESGR and employment support Traumatic brain injury awareness and points of contact Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) / community based WTU support overview Suicide prevention training and awareness

Final Thought Full time Yellow Ribbon staff facilitate the events, but it is important that the unit chain of command provide Command and Control of the Service Members during the event Yellow Ribbon provides support to the Chain of Command, it does not take the place of it JIEE request dated 8 Jan 09 for TN, IA & FL to provide forces: TN: MP – 200 PAX IA: 1BCT – 1000 PAX FL – 300 PAX (unit not identified) TTL – 1500 PAX

NGB Yellow Ribbon Program THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION. QUESTIONS?