New York Army National Guard Conducts Reintegration Event for Combat Veterans from Albany and New York City

Media Advisory

TARRYTOWN, NY (03/18/2010)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard combat veterans and their families will spend two days learning how to cope with the stresses of returning from a combat zone, and the benefits they are entitled two, during a weekend event at the Marriot Hotel here.

WHO: More than 70 Soldiers, and 90 members of their families and friends.

WHAT: A weekend Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program for Soldiers of the 53rd Army Liaison Team, the 27th Finance Detachment, the 3rd of the 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, and other units. The Soldiers come from the Capital Region, New York City, and Long Island.

WHEN: 1 -3 p.m. Saturday, March 20 (Media are welcome to attend during these times.)

WHERE: 670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown NY, 10591

Coverage Opportunities:

A chance speak with leaders of the New York Army National Guard about the issues returning veterans face, as well as an opportunity to interview Soldiers who have returned from Iraq and their families. There will also be a chance to observe the introductory sessions.

The members of the 53rd Army Liaison Team, who served in Baghdad in 2009, come from both New York City and the Albany region, while the other Soldiers come mainly from the New York City area.

BACKGROUND:

The New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is an effort to help Soldiers and their families cope with the stress of returning to civilian life after deployment, while also helping Army National Guard units' transition from their federal mobilization status back to state control.

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program requires Soldiers to be present for paid assemblies at 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.

For this reintegration event, because of the small size of the group, topics covered during both the 30 and 60 day events will be combined into one weekend. This will include an opportunity for all Soldiers to meet with Veterans Administration counselors.

The program is constantly changing as the National Guard learns more about how to help Soldiers come home from combat.