Redeployers, families attend reintegration program

  • Published
  • By Maj. Don Traud
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  "During the Vietnam War, if you had problems, you kept it to yourself," said U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie. "That why many vets turned to drugs and alcohol; some gave up and died. We are not going back to those days again." 

Caffie was one of a dozen speakers who demonstrated that financial, physical and emotional help is there, all you have to do is ask for it. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program offers a variety of support and services so that military members and their families feel like they don't have to go it alone. With reservists and guard members scattered across the country and not close to any base to use the resources there, Yellow Ribbon becomes extremely valuable for these people. 

Dr. Barbara Schochet, assistant director of The Soldiers Project, said her organization offers free, confidential counseling to the member and family. She stresses that counseling sessions are confidential which means they are not reported to the military. In therapy, family members can gain a deeper understanding of each other's feelings and experiences and ease the transition to home. 

"We need to change people's frame of mind and let them know it's OK to say, 'I need help," said Caffie.

YELLOW RIBBON PRESENTERS & VENDORS 

Airmen and Family Readiness
Veteran's Affairs - Health care and education
Hire A Vet.com
ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
Military One-Source
Springboard - financial counseling
TRICARE
National Military Family Association
452 AMW Financial Management
Blue Star Mothers
452 AMW Force Support Squadron (Services)
452 AMW/JA - legal
452 AMW/HC - chaplain
452 MSS - personnel
The Soldiers Project
452 AMDS - clinical social worker
AFRC medical - mental health advocate