An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Charleston Yellow Ribbon event provides relaxation, information

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert Pilch
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HILTON HEAD, S.C. --  Reservists and their families were treated to a relaxing and informative, all-expenses paid weekend at the beach Nov. 12-14, here during the Yellow Ribbon Program event hosted by the 315th Airlift Wing.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Department of Defense-wide effort to help Reserve and National Guard servicemembers and their families connect with local resources before, during and after deployments.

The event provided the opportunity for approximately 230 participants from the 315 AW and 439 AW from Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., to learn about the benefits and entitlements that are available to them and to meet with service providers face-to-face.

"We were looking forward to this event," said Tech. Sgt. Edward Ritchie, a Reservist with the 38th Aerial Port Squadron, who recently returned from deployment. "For me, it's good to listen to. There's a lot of things post deployment that my wife may need to know, or she has dealt with, that she now has answers to."

Trudy Ritchie, wife of Sergeant Ritchie, said "it's been awesome with all of the programs."

She found answers to educational benefits as a spouse and medical resources to help her children.

Hilton Head provided a casual setting allowing participants to mingle, sharing stories and advice among one another.

This event helps to build relationships by bringing people together to share their unique stories and common experiences, said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Carl Yost with the 315 AW.

Topics and services relating to education, health care, finance and employer/employee rights provided families and their military spouses with helpful tools to transition back from or prior to deployment.

Once servicemembers are registered with the VA, they are eligible for benefits the rest of their life, said Patrick O'Leary, the transitional patient advocate for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Southeast Network.

O'Leary said that servicemembers should never feel they are taking away from other veterans by using their benefits.

"I want to dispel that myth," said O'Leary.

Another key aspect of the Yellow Ribbon Program is the reintegration of the servicemember with their family after deployment and understanding the stresses placed on one another.

"I didn't realize how much he went through," said Mrs. Ritchie.

"It's opened up her eyes to a lot more stuff'" said Sergeant Ritchie, who is a driving supervisor with United Parcel Service when not serving with the 38 APS.

Relaxation was the theme of the program, which provided several breakout sessions that taught meditation and yoga techniques to servicemembers and their families.

"To make our force viable, we have to have them healthy mentally, physically and spiritually," said Colonel Steven J. Chapman, commander of the 315 Airlift Wing, who participated in events with his wife Janet.

As the weekend came to a close, servicemembers and their families received a well-deserved break from their duties and have a better understanding of the benefits available to them.

To find out more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program or an upcoming event, visit www.yellowribbon.mil or contact Senior Master Sgt. Edward Pankey, 315 AW Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program representative, at 843-963-8614 or via email at edward.pankey@charleston.af.mil

Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.