Yellow Ribbon events utilize deployment resources

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Luke Olson
  • 114th Fighter Wing
Sioux Fall, S.D. --  SIOUX FALLS, S.D.— As a part of preparations for upcoming unit deployments, more than 120 members from the 114th Fighter Wing attended Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events at the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., Feb. 4.

The YRRP is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities, by connecting them with local resources before, during, and after deployments.

During the event, Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Reecy, 114th HQ South Dakota Air National Guard, conducted 4 lenses training which works to promote successful relationships at home or in the work environment.

“For pre-deployment training we really work on building their understanding of one another,” said Reecy. “Providing these common experiences with family members of those going through these different types of preparations allows them to be more open to how each other sees the world.”

The YRRP events provide on-site counseling, resiliency training, and even some non-traditional training based on local resources. These resources include but are not limited to: healthcare, counseling, education, employment, chaplain services, and financial and legal benefits.

Reecy explained the aim point is to increase the service members and family member’s ability to be resilient.

“I think the greatest value of being resilient is knowing that you are going to make it out on the other end,” said Reecy. “If we don’t work toward finding commonplace in our relationships and building resiliency then we can move backwards in the face of adversity.”