News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: Mr. Eric Durr (518) 786-4581 or (On Site) 518-429-5186

National Guard Conducts “Reintegration” Event for Returning Soldiers, Families

Media Advisory

WHTIE PLAINS, NY (04/16/2008; 1200)(readMedia)-- Members of the Media are invited to meet with and observe Soldiers of the 104th MP Battalion, and their family members, participating in the New York Army National Guard Reintegration Program April 18-19 in White Plains. The new program is designed to help Soldiers and their families understand and cope with some of the stresses of returning home after deployment to a combat zone.

WHO: About 70 members of the New York Army National Guard’s 104th MP Battalion which returned from Iraq in March. The Adjutant General, and commander of the New York Army National Guard, Major General Joseph Taluto, will also be present.

WHAT: Reintegration weekend sponsored by the New York Army National Guard.

WHEN: April 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Renaissance Westchester Hotel, 80 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, New York, 10604.

BACKGROUND:

Coverage Opportunities:

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks from Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General

9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Chaplain’s Presentation on Reintegration Soldiers and Families.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Interview opportunities with Maj. Gen. Taluto, program organizers, and Soldiers and families, Job Fair-type event featuring VA, veterans groups, legal assistance, etc.

The Reintegration Program

The New York Army National Guard 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.

For the previous five years the policy when Army National Guard units returned from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan was to give the Soldiers 90 days to themselves before they were required to begin coming to regular monthly National Guard weekend drills. While the goal—giving Soldiers time to decompress and spend time with their families after a year or 18 months away—was laudable, the system had flaws. During that 90 day period, Soldiers might begin experiencing problems and they had no one to talk to about it. Family members also might be put under strain as a long-gone spouse suddenly returned home.

The new 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.

National Guard Soldiers are put back in touch with people who shared and understand their experience, at about the time the "honeymoon phase" of their homecoming starts fading. And with their spouses by their side, they hear about benefits and programs outlined (and potentially ignored) at briefings during demobilization.

At two months, there are briefings on anger management, substance abuse, gambling, financial management and other topics. Army studies have found that these issues occur at about those times. Again, spouses are invited along and the National Guard pays for the hotel for this session.

At the 90-day interval the Soldiers return to regular drilling status and report to their Armory for medical checks and additional briefings.

While many states are putting together reintegration programs, New York’s also focuses on the process of helping a unit get back into the rhythm of National Guard duty. The training schedule for the first year after return from a combat zone is provided to the unit, making it easier for the leadership to hit the ground running.

The New York Army National Guard's goal is to integration Soldiers, their families, and the Soldiers' units back into life here in New York following service in a war zone.