New York National Guard Troops Conduct Reintegration Training After Deployment

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (02/28/2014)-- More than 200 New York Army National Guard Soldiers and family members of the 222nd Military Police Company will take part in the New York Army National Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program on Saturday, March 1, in Rochester. The Soldiers returned from deployment to Qatar in December 2013.

WHO: Approximately 130 Soldiers and their family members of the New York Army National Guard's 222nd Military Police Company. Most of the Soldiers are from the Rochester area. The unit is based in Rochester with a detachment in Hornell.

WHAT: A 30-day Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event at which the combat veterans and their families will learn about the benefits they can take advantage of, as well as some of the stresses service members and their families experience following a combat deployment.

WHEN: Media is invited to visit the opening events between 10 a.m. and noon, Saturday, March 1, 2014.

WHERE: Rochester Riverside Radisson Hotel, 120 E Main St, Rochester, New York 14604

Coverage Opportunities:

Coverage opportunities include interviews with Soldiers and family members and New York National Guard leaders about the Yellow Ribbon program and the reintegration process. There is also an opportunity to observe the "provider fair" which is part of the event. Media should contact Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scott Walker at 518-527-7011 for access to the event.

BACKGROUND

222nd Military Police Company

The 222nd Military Police Company was activated in 2005 as part of the 102nd Military Police Battalion. After standing up, the unit was immediately called to active duty to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in theater, the Company performed over 1600 combat patrols in Baghdad Iraq.

Since returning from combat, the 222 MP Company has continued to distinguish itself. Soldiers from the unit have deployed with our sister units, to serve their nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Hurricane Irene took the company from Hornell to Long Island, eventually ending up in Margrettsville, New York. Soldiers assisted the local community by helping the people clean up after their homes were ravished by the floods. Over 1,000 miles of roads were travelled, and hours of patrols were conducted to ensure the safety and welfare for those who were affected by the storm.

The company mobilized in February 2013 to conduct security force missions for U.S. facilities in Qatar. The Soldiers returned home December 21, 2013.

The Yellow Ribbon Program:

The New York Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is an effort to help Soldiers and their families cope with the stress of returning to civilian life after deployment, while helping Army National Guard units transition from federal status back to state control.

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program requires Soldiers to be present for paid assemblies after their return from a combat zone and invites families to attend as well. The sessions are held in a non-military environment to provide Soldiers and families a chance to share experiences and talk frankly with each other and counselors about their experiences.

Each Soldier is given the opportunity to talk to a Veterans Administration counselor and information on jobs, education, careers and health care is made available.

With their families by their side, they hear about benefits and programs such as veterans' benefits, education and job opportunities and available support networks.

After 90 days, the Soldiers return to regular drilling status and report to their Armory for medical checks and additional briefings.

The program is constantly changing as the National Guard learns more about how to help Soldiers come home from overseas.