Webster at Yellow Ribbon Program Event in San Antonio

The Air Force Reserve (AFR) Yellow Ribbon Program held a Training Event in San Antonio for deploying or recently deployed members from around the country June 17-18. Webster University was invited by the AFR to participate as a Resource Provider.

Campus directors Nicole Garcia (Lackland Air Firce Base) and Ruben Molina, Jr. (Randolph Air Force Base) worked the event providing educational brochures, program options, campus locations, and online options to members, spouses, and other interested family members. Each prospect provided their contact information and completed a referral card identifying educational program and campus location for entry into Recruiter and follow-up as appropriate.

Billed as the most up-to-date and accurate information about the program and its benefits, over 700 participants gathered at the event designed for the whole family on a Father’s Day weekend. Breakout topics included benefits information, financial management, educational options, marriage enrichment, and living as a single. There were also activities targeting teenagers and free professional childcare during the event.

As a member of the National Guard, Garcia shared first-hand many of her own challenges and stressors associated with separation. “I immersed myself in my studies and used online options to remain enrolled while serving overseas," said Garcia." My studies did truly reduce the stress of family separation.”

To help head off the stress and uncertainty of a deployment, the National Guard and Reserve Components implemented a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and sponsor events and activities around the country that provide guard and reserve members and their families valuable information on benefits, services, and resources available before, during and after a deployment.