ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Members of Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308 participated in a post-deployment event organized by the Yellow Ribbon Program, Saturday, in Orange Beach.
The two-day event educated the members on education opportunities, stress management and other topics pertaining to a healthy transition from war zone to life after their deployment to the Middle East.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Department of Defense effort to help National Guard and Reserve service members and their families connect with local resources before, during, and after deployments, especially during the reintegration phase that occurs months after service members return home. Commanders and leaders play a critical role in assuring that Reserve service members and their families attend Yellow Ribbon events where they can access information on health care, education and training opportunities and financial and legal benefits.
“The Yellow Ribbon Program acknowledges the hardships of deployment, both on the service members and their loved ones,” said Lt. Emir Holmes, Yellow Ribbon project coordinator. “The resources made available though the program reassures them both that there is a network of support available, and creates strong resilient members and families. Deployment should never be a solitary experience.”
The Department of Defense works in conjunction with federal partners, including the Small Business Administration, the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to provide up-to-date and relevant information to Coast Guard reservists and their families.
