JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Reservists volunteer to work one weekend a month and two weeks a year for Reserve duty, however, there are times when Airmen are required to deploy to various locations in support support the overall mission.
These deployments can be strenuous not only on the Airman, but their loved ones as well. This is why the DoD created the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.
“The program provides support to members and their families through their deployment cycle,” said Tech Sgt. Candace Gonzalez, 459th Air Refueling Wing YRRP manager.
Gonzalez is the first enlisted member to manage the YRRP for the 459th ARW in the program’s history, which was established in 2008.
Officers from the 459th ARW Chaplains office managed the program until Gonzalez took over in May.
“Gonzalez is a fast learner and takes ownership of her programs,” said Senior Master Sgt. Shaleen Parson, 459th Force Support Squadron superintendent. “She’s a people person and genuinely wants and looks for opportunities to help members and their families.”
YRRP’s main mission is to promote the well-being of Reserve and National Guard members, their families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle.
“I want our wing members to know that during their deployment they have a network and when they return home there is support and transition assistance for them as well,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez’s duties include keeping members informed of events about health care, education/training opportunities, and financial and legal benefits. She also organizes and manages trips to various U.S. destinations such as Phoenix, Arizona; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Orlando, Florida.
According to Parson, Gonzalez is a very well versed, non-commissioned officer who performs at a senior non-commissioned officer level.
“Her role and leadership in the YRRP will not only promote the Air Force Reserve Command program, but will have a lasting impact on the 459th ARW,” said Parson. “She is definitely the top candidate to carry on the program for the wing.”
For more information about the YRRP and to find a reintegration event, visit http://www.yellowribbon.mil/. In addition, links are sent via the wing distribution list, so be sure to have an updated email on file. Registration is generally available eight weeks prior an event.