CONTACT: Mr. Eric Durr 518-786-4581 or (cell) 518-429-5186

FOR RELEASE: Friday, Feb 13, 2009

WHO:

Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and Commander of the New York National Guard,: New York State Division of Veterans Affairs Director Col (retired) Jim McDonough; federal Department of Veterans Affairs northeast deputy director Dr. James Garrett; and Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center Associate Director Doug Erickson.

WHAT:

As the Army wrestles with an increasing number of troop suicides, the New York National Guard is teaming up with state and federal veterans officials to guarantee that 1,200 Soldiers from across New York, who recently returned from combat in Afghanistan, get full access to counseling services in order to deal with combat and homecoming stressors, and prevent suicides. Media members are invited to speak with Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and Commander of the New York National Guard; and key leaders from the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center about these issues at a press conference at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters on Friday, Feb. 13. Discussion of the New York Army National Guard's 90-Day Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program that members of the largest New York National Guard deployment since 2004/2005 will go through. Representatives of the state and federal agencies will talk about the counseling services that will be provided to all Soldiers and their families at these reintegration events. Ensuring that all Soldiers have access to qualified counselors is particularly important in dealing with post-traumatic stress syndrome and other issues which could lead to suicidal thoughts.

WHEN:

11 a.m. Friday, 13 February, 2009

WHERE:

New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham

VISUALS: Major General Taluto and the other agency representatives will be available for one-on-one interviews following the general presentation. Graphics, a still photo of a Soldier and his family reuniting and a US Army Suicide prevention poster will be on display. A DVD with B-roll of 27th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers on duty in Afghanistan can be provided as well.

BACKGROUND:

The National Guard anticipates almost 1,000 Soldiers and family members will attend reintegration sessions at the Rochester Civic Center. Another 500 Soldiers and family members will attend reintegration meetings at the Saga more in Bolton Landing, while 600 Soldiers and family members will attend events at the Tarrytown Marriot. "This is the largest unit reintegration we've conducted since we launched our Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program a year ago," said Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and Commander of the New York National Guard. "We want to incorporate everything we've learned in running smaller units through the process and add new programs." "The return of these veterans and their reintegration with families, jobs and school can be a "make-or-break" endeavor. We're in this together with the New York National Guard to make sure their transition is one of "making it" by becoming successful veterans, each and every one of them," said Col (ret.) James D. McDonough, Jr., Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs. "It's important we make contact with as many Veterans as possible, letting them know about the multitude of programs, services and quality healthcare available," said Mary-Ellen Piché, Director of the Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The federal VA effort to provide counselors to talk to every returning Soldier for 10 to 15 minutes has been very successful since it was introduced in August of 2008. New to this round of reintegration events will be a "career fair" organized by the state Department of Labor. This event will be offered to the Soldiers and their families at the second round of reintegration meetings. Employers and trade unions will be on hand to talk to the veterans about potential jobs, and also offer advice on job search and resume writing. Both the veterans counseling and the job fair will take place at the 60-day reintegration event in the National Guard's 90-day reintegration program. These events are set for late March and early April for the members of the 27th Brigade Combat Team. "At the 60-day mark we've found that problems with stress, Soldiers relating to families, and alcohol abuse are starting to emerge and it is the right time to talk about these issues," Taluto said. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program requires Soldiers to be present for paid assemblies at 30 and 60 days after their return from a combat zone, and invites families to attend as well. The sessions are held in a non-threatening, non-military environment, to provide Soldiers and families a chance to share experiences and talk frankly with each other and counselors about their experiences. National Guard Soldiers are put back in touch with people who shared and understand their experience, at about the time the "honeymoon phase" of their homecoming starts fading. And with their families by their side, they hear about benefits and programs such as veterans' benefits, education and job opportunities and available support networks. At two months, there are briefings on anger management, substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, financial management and other topics. Army studies have found that these issues occur at about those times. Again, spouses and families are invited along and the National Guard pays for the hotel for this session. After 90 days, the Soldiers return to regular drilling status and report to their Armory for medical checks and additional briefings following a "Freedom Salute" ceremony at which they receive awards and public recognition for their service in combat. The program is constantly changing as the National Guard learns more about how to help Soldiers come home from combat. To gain access to this secure military facility, members of the media should contact the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs Office at 518-786-4581.