New York Army National Guard Soldiers and Families Conduct Reintegration Program in Tarrytown Saturday

Media Advisory

Related Media

1569th Transportation Company Soldiers in Afghanistan.

TARRYTOWN NY (01/23/2015)(readMedia)-- More than 100 New York Army National Guard Soldiers and family members of the New Windsor-based 1569th Transportation Company will take part in the New York Army National Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The Soldiers were deployed in Afghanistan from May to October 2014 and were on federal active duty from March through November 2014.

WHO: Over 100 Soldiers assigned to the 1569th Transportation Company and their family members. Most of the Soldiers are from the Hudson Valley.

WHAT: A New York National Guard Reintegration program in which Soldiers and families learn about their benefits as combat veterans, and learn how to cope with family dynamic changes that can result from deployment. The two-day event begins on Saturday and ends Sunday.

WHEN: Media is invited to visit the opening events between 10 a.m. and noon, on Saturday, Jan. 24.

WHERE: Tarrytown Marriott 670 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY.

Reporters wishing to coverthis event should contact John Willsey at (518) 786-0404 for access .

Coverage Opportunities:

Coverage opportunities include interviews with Soldiers and family members and New York National Guard leaders about the Yellow Ribbon program and the reintegration process.

BACKGROUND

1569th Transportation Company

The 1569th Transportation Company, based at the New Windsor Armed Forces Reserve Center, deployed to Fort Hood Texas on March 6, 2014 prior to deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

At Fort Hood the soldiers trained in marksmanship, techniques to count improvised explosive devices, entry control point procedures and convoy operations.

The unit deployed to Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan in May, 2014 and supported the dismantling of combat outposts in the Regional Commands North and East operational areas. The unit also provided life support functions at Camp John Pratt and Camp Marmal.

During their deployment the Soldiers of the 1569th executed 53 transportation missions; drove 2,498 miles; and hauled 304 twenty foot equivalent units to prepare three combat outposts for transfer to the Afghan National Army.

1569th Soldiers processed 475 maintenance work orders, moved 225,000 gallons of fuel, turned in 219,200 rounds of ammunition and spent 2,856 man hours guarding the main entry point at the Camp Marmal Airfield during their deployment.

They also trained 32 Soldiers from Croatia and Mongolia on how to operate modern mine resistant vehicles.

During their deployment the Soldiers also found time for some fun. They took part in the annual Dutch Nijmegen 4-day march which the Dutch Army hosted at their camp and competed for the German Army Schutzenschnur marksmanship award. Other Soldiers competed in two five kilometer races held at the post and volunteered to assist the USO.

The Yellow Ribbon Program:

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 helping Army National Guard units transition from federal status back to state control.

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

Each Soldier is given the opportunity to talk to a Veterans Administration counselor and information on jobs, education, careers and health care is made available.

With their families by their side, they hear about benefits and programs such as veterans' benefits, education and job opportunities and available support networks.