Returning Warrior Workshop Brings Families, Service Members Together

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Commander, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs

BELLEVUE, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 150 active duty and Reserve personnel and their families attended the Navy Region Northwest Reserve Component Command (NRNWRCC) "Returning Warrior" Workshop (RWW) in Bellevue, Wash., Sept. 24-26.

Service members and families learned how to get through changes caused by Individual Augmentee (IA) deployments, through guest speakers and by sharing their own stories.

"This event is designed for Reservists and active duty service members who recently returned from an IA deployment; to help them reintegrate back into their normal lives," said Cynthia Miller, NRNWRCC warrior family support program specialist. "This workshop is very beneficial for participants because we provide tools and information they need to help themselves."

RWW is part of the Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and is designed to honor IA service members who have returned from overseas and those who have had particularly hard deployments. The RWW addresses the stress that comes from these hardships.

"The RWW provides a venue where we can build unit cohesion and the ability to open up and interact with others to share similar experiences," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (FMF) David G. Oihus, Marine Corps Mobilization Command Kansas City. "This is designed to assist them with the reintegration progress back with their families, back into their communities and with their employers."

Topics during the event included warrior transitions, telling your story, spiritual and emotional well-being, reconnecting couples, and why a warrior would want to go back. Attendees are given information about resources available to assist with their transition back from deployment. For those wishing to speak about issues in a private environment, confidential sessions with counselors were available.

RWWs are hosted throughout the country by Reserve component commands and provide an opportunity for Sailors and their families to talk to others who have had similar experiences.

For Construction Electrician 2nd Class Lance Marvich, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18, and his wife, Kellie Peterson, the workshop was an outlet where they could reconnect as a couple.

"This workshop has been very helpful, and it helps us to get our feelings out and teaches us how to communicate better," said Marvich. "My favorite part was the play where they had actors perform a skit for us, and we could relate to it."

The RWW held a banquet of honor which featured gourmet food and a "Thank You to Our Heroes" speech by Rear Adm. Raymond P. English, Supply Corps, Reserve Forces director.

Letters of appreciation were given to Sailors and their families and friends for standing by their side. The night concluded with Capt. James D. Puttler, Navy Region Northwest chaplain, presenting each returning warrior with a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

"My favorite part was the Couples Reconnecting Workshop because it helps us build a stronger relationship as a couple," said Peterson. "It helps us grow closer and stronger, and this has been a great opportunity for us. I strongly encourage others to attend and come with an open mind."