Oregon Soldiers And Families Prep For Mobilization At Yellow Ribbon Event (Photo) -05/06/24

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard held a pre-deployment Yellow Ribbon event on May 5 at the Salem Convention Center for the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and their families prior to upcoming mobilizations to Kosovo and other overseas locations.

Approximately 2,000 Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Clackamas, are scheduled to deploy to Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East starting summer through next spring.

"Deployments are difficult for everyone, especially in the Guard since we don't have a base with all the resources and all our families in one place," said Col. Peter Helzer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "I encourage everyone to get to know each other and the community partners here so you know who to call when you need assistance."

Helzer also noted the challenge of completing an intensive Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, right before mobilizing. "That exercise will be key in ensuring we are ready for any challenge we may face while deployed."

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program connects National Guard members with resources throughout the deployment cycle through events for service members and their loved ones.

"Oregon National Guard members proudly serve the communities they live in during state emergencies and also serve the nation in defense of our interests overseas," said Oregon Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold. "That's what makes us the Service of Choice."

At the event, soldiers and families received information on health care, education, financial and legal benefits through military support programs and community partners.

The Yellow Ribbon Program promotes the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities by connecting them to resources before, during and after deployments.

 

Released Photos:

 

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Soldiers and families from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team attend a Yellow Ribbon event May 5, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center. They received information and resources to help cope with the brigade's upcoming deployment of nearly 2,000 soldiers to Kosovo, Egypt, the Horn of Africa and Syria beginning this summer through next spring. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

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Greg Malkasian, a Volunteer Management Coordinator with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), briefs members of the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade on their employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) during a Yellow Ribbon event May 5, 2024, in Salem. The briefing ensures soldiers understand their civilian job protections before mobilizing for nearly a year deployment to Kosovo and other overseas locations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)