Supporting the National Guard and Reserve through the Yellow Ribbon Program

by: Glenn F. Welling, Jr.
Acting Executive Director, DoD Yellow Ribbon Program

April 26, 2010 - As April (Month of the Military Child) draws to a close, I’m reminded that we must continue to serve the needs of our military children throughout the year, especially Guard and Reserve children. I attended a U.S. Army Reserve Yellow Ribbon event earlier this month in St. Louis, and more than 70 kids participated. The children took part in fun, kid-friendly activities while their parents attended sessions on interpersonal relationships, stress management, and other reintegration issues. They also had a chance to talk one-on-one with financial counselors and other providers. I found the weekend to be very rewarding, and I hope that the soldiers and families who attended did to.

Without question, family readiness is an essential part of combat deployments. Several programs exist to help families and children cope with the lasting effects that deployments can have on family life. The DoD’s Yellow Ribbon Program is here to help children, families and service members before, during, and after deployments.

We hope that for as long as they are needed, Yellow Ribbon events will be a positive tradition for our National Guard and Reserve service members and loved ones, including kids.

We invite you to visit www.yellowribbon.mil to find a Yellow Ribbon event near you and connect with resources.