National Guard Explosive Ordnance Disposal Experts Go through "Reintegration Program"

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (01/21/2011)(readMedia)-- Fifty Soldiers and family members of a Scotia-based New York Army National Guard explosives ordnance disposal company that spent 10-months serving in Kuwait will participate in the first phase of the Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Saturday, Jan. 22 in Saratoga Springs. Members of the media are invited to attend part of the event.

WHO: 15 Soldiers assigned to the 1108th Ordnance Company (Explosives Ordnance Disposal) and their family members.

WHAT: 30-day unit reintegration event following the 1108th's return from Kuwait on Dec. 4, 2010. Soldiers will receive briefings on things to expect as they return to civilian life following a year on active duty.

WHEN: Saturday January 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Media opportunity)

WHERE: The Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

On-site POC for Saturday, July 31 is Mr. Eric Durr (cell) 518-429-5186

Coverage Opportunities:

Videographers and still photographers can film soldiers and their families as they are greeted, undergo briefings and tour displays of support services from public and private providers, service agencies, employers and schools. There will be opportunities for interviews with Soldiers and their family members.

BACKGROUND :

The 1108th Ordnance Co. (EOD):

The highly specialized unit was mobilized last year for Operation New Dawn in Iraq. While overseas the unit supervised eight EOD response teams spread between three countries in the region. It performed 115 EOD emergency response missions, four demolition operations, four support missions for visiting dignitaries including two for the Vice President, and three personnel recovery missions without injury.The unit also conducted munitions safety classes to American service members and contractors and over saw the safe destruction of more than 150,000 tons of explosive materials in order to prevent them from getting into the wrong hands.

Yellow Ribbon Re-Integration Program:

The New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program was created to help Soldiers and their family members cope with the stress of returning to civilian life after deployment, while also helping Army National Guard units transition from federal mobilization status back to state control. Yellow Ribbon events have proved to be an effective way to help reintegrate troops with families, employers and the community.

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program requires Soldiers to be present for paid assemblies at approximately 30 and 60 days after their return from a combat zone, and invites families to attend as well. The sessions are held in a non-threatening, non-military environment, to provide Soldiers and families a chance to share experiences and talk frankly with each other and counselors about their experiences.

More than 3,000 members of the New York Army National Guard have participated in Yellow Ribbon Re-Integration events since 2008 following the return of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Posted Friday January 21, 2011 at 08:49 am by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Last Updated Friday January 21, 2011 at 02:46 pm