Reservists attend local Yellow Ribbon event

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. --  "Ho ho ho, what you need to know before you go."

That was the theme of the local Yellow Ribbon program held Dec. 12 to provide reservists and spouses with assistance in preparing for deployment.

Duke Field members got out of the rainy Fort Walton Beach weather into the Four Points Sheraton to learn more about health insurance, family assistance, legal issues, finance, communication and other issues vital to a deploying servicemember.

"The Reserves and National Guard have taken a larger portion of the military mission all over the world," Master Sgt. Steve Morgan, 919th Special Operations Wing first sergeant. "With the increased responsibilities comes an increase in stress. The Yellow Ribbon program helps members and their families deal with the stresses of deployments by connecting them with information and benefits they can use before, during and after a deployment."

The casual atmosphere and small forum benefited the attendees allowing families to ask questions and create a personal connection rather than by-the-book slide presentation.

Word bingo was played during the event with deployment "buzz words."

Children were integrated into the program with a full play room and games provided by a local company "Nanny Can."

Displays with benefits information, goodies and toys for the kids were laid out and picked up during the breaks.

After lunch, Jacqualine and Dewayne Thomas invigorated the attendees with their "You don't say" presentation, an interactive brief that provided techniques and tips to better communication between spouses.

"We want to provide them ways to have better, safe, healthy, and positive communication thoughout the deployment cycle and frankly throughout the entire marriage," said Mrs. Thomas. "We want to show them how to avoid the communication pitfalls many experience in a deployment situation."

Of those who attended, many were able to take something away from the program.

"It was eye-opening for me," said Debbie Zukosky, wife of Tech Sgt. Michael Zukosky, 919th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Last time he deployed there was nothing like this and I was stuck with a lot of questions, but this time I feel much more prepared."