SMSgt Vance named Grissom’s YRRP representative Published June 16, 2017 By Staff Sgt. Katrina Heikkinen 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Since the days of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the image of a yellow ribbon has instilled phrases such as “bring our troops home” or “support our troops” often donned on vehicles. But today, and since its inception in 2008, ‘Yellow Ribbon’ means something much more to the 1.5 million Guard, Reservists and their family members.In an effort to assist Guard, Reservists and their families during the deployment process, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 established the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program [YRRP] to assist Airmen and their families throughout the deployment cycle.“Yellow ribbon is the Air Force Reserve Command’s reintegration program,” said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Vance, 434th Air Refueling Wing Yellow Ribbon representative. “This program is important because many of our families here don’t have a military background and they’re not used to the military lifestyle day-in- and day-in. It serves to assist Airmen prior to their deployments and when they return from their deployment by giving them the knowledge they need while they’re deployed and how to take full advantage of their benefits.”Vance only recently filled the role as YRRP representative, a position he’s patiently waited to apply for.“I’ve deployed many times and I’ve taken advantage of this program in the past and I really enjoyed the benefits,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to get involve in Yellow Ribbon.”According to Vance, there are two equally important aspects to his job.“I’m the local representative for all Airmen at Grissom to work to ensure that as many as airmen as possible who are eligible for the program can participate in the program,” Vance said. “The program is completely voluntary; we don’t force people to go we just try to get as many people involved as we can. The second aspect is that I work for AFRC at these events monthly, weeklong events and assist with trying to get them to run smoothly, get the information out, and to provide the resources that the Airmen need.”According to Vance, all deploying Airmen should be eligible to attend and participate in Yellow Ribbon events.“Airmen have 120 days to attend a pre-deployment event and upon returning, Airmen have 365 days to attend two post-deployment briefings,” he added.Attesting to personal experience, Vance says that the benefits of Yellow Ribbon are twofold: Airmen and their families are given information on healthcare, education, employment, and financial and legal benefits during and after a deployment in a setting akin to military leave by sending them to various destination throughout the United States, including Boston, Atlanta, Orlando and San Antonio.“I joined the Navy in 1991 and I’ve deployed numerous times since then in the Navy and the Air Force,” Vance said. “The Navy had absolutely nothing like this. Up until 10 years ago the Air Force didn’t either. Two years ago I attend a Yellow Ribbon event with my family and even though I’ve deployed multiple times, it meant a lot to me and helped me understand the deployment process. That event – when my family came with me – every member got something out of the event. They gained an understanding of what was going to transpire and information they’ve never received before.”According to Vance, Grissom’s Yellow Ribbon attendance has historically been lower than other AFRC units, something he hopes to change.“Yellow Ribbon offers a lot but it doesn’t ask for very much in return,” he added. “I like taking care of Airmen and the knowledge that this program distributes to the Airmen is one of the better ways we can take care of our Airmen.”The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
