Readiness Groups Keep Families Informed Families Get Ready for Soldier Redeployments Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 369th Sustainment Brigade LATHAM - The New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company and 108th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD) held a middeployment Family Readiness Group (FRG) meeting Feb. 20 at the unit armory in Latham. The focus of the event began preparations for Soldiers coming home from deployment. The meeting, called “Project Yellow Ribbon” provided families a robust support network of information and services available from county, state, federal and private outreach organizations upon their return home. “I am here for the Family readiness middeployment briefing designed to support and educate families on anything that is currently happening, and to be sure that we are supported with an awareness of the different programs that are available to us if we need any support,”
Theresa Martel said. Martel is the wife of 1st Sgt. Joseph A. Martel, 206th Military Police Company, currently deployed to Basra, Iraq. The Yellow Ribbon reintegration program was established in the 2008 National Defense Act. The program prepares service members and their families for deployment and helps them reintegrate back into their civilian communities when they return. “A lot of things come into play, and we want families to be aware that once their Soldier comes back, there will be changes in the amount of benefits they receive,” said Gordon Lattey, FRG lead volunteer for the 206th. “We want them to be ready for a different person coming home, the person that left last August has changed, and it’s important for families to hear that and recognize that, so they will adjust their thinking as well.” The commander of the 206th MP Company, Capt. Kevin B. Manion, added that the Yellow Ribbon program encompasses the en-
Antonette Bevins shows off her artistic skills while her family attends the Family Readiness Group meeting for the 206th Military Police Company and 1108th Explosives Ordnance Disposal Company in Latham Feb. 20. The meeting, part of the New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program, provides National Guard families a support network of information and services available from county, state, federal and private outreach organizations for the Soldiers and their families when they return home from a war zone.
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tire deployment, from pre-mobilization where the State Family Readiness group brought in groups to assist families with mobilization. “If my Soldiers know that their families are provided for when they are deployed, and they are in positive spirits and their problems are solved, they can focus more on their mission, which puts them at ease, more focused therefore much safer,” Manion said. “Today is a mid tour meeting, kind of face-to-face, and starts the preparations for the reunion in a few months with their Soldier.” The 206th is scheduled to return home to their families later this spring and the next step in the Yellow Ribbon program requires Soldiers to be present for assemblies 30 and 60 days after their return. Sessions are held to provide troops and families a chance to share experiences. The New York Army National Guard’s goal is to integrate Soldiers, their families back into life in New York following service in a war zone. “The Yellow Ribbon program takes care of the needs of the families here at home, and the needs of the guys and gals in Iraq,” Lattey stated. “It’s that simple.”
Lacey Lautenschlager holds her daughter Emily during the family information briefings at the Family Readiness Group Yellow Ribbon Progeam Feb. 20 in Latham. Her husband, Staff Sgt. Eric Lautenschlager, is currently deployed with the 206th Military Police Company in Basra, Iraq.
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