Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs Yellow Ribbon Program
Since World War I Yellow Ribbon Program helps returning veterans
— Photo by Ray Lauenstein
Speaking from the heart, Colonel Gerald Larghe, with the Marine Corps, tells the Helderberg Kiwanis about the Yellow Ribbon Program, which, among other things, helps find work for returning veterans. Larghe, a retired Marine, lives in Berne and works as a contractor for the Department of Defense.
To the Editor:
On Wednesday evening, Dec.14, at the Highlands restaurant, the Helderberg Kiwanis Club heard from Marine Corps Colonel Gerald Larghe about the Yellow Ribbon Program, first developed during World War I. Today it remains an important part of the support system for families of reservists and National Guard members.
Since the reserve and guard are now an integral part of the active military, the Yellow Ribbon Program serves two important functions:
— 1. To prepare the families and communities for the departure and return of the service member; and
— 2. To put the reservist in contact with community support, so he or she is aware of the resources available to them.
Although each service functions differently, the Yellow Ribbon Program is built on generations of experience, and the delivery is integrated into all the services. The program's website is YellowRibbon.mil, which gives information about the program and the 2,200 events it held last year across the country.
It works to find jobs for returning veterans; jobs are critical to well-being and are a big issue right now. Col. Larghe is a retired Marine, working as a contractor for the Department of Defense, and lives in Berne.
This was just one of the many interesting programs the Kiwanis members are exposed to at their weekly meetings and we invite any and all to join us on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Highlands for supper and the meeting.
Ray Lauenstein President-elect
Helderberg Kiwanis
- Altamont Enterprise - Thursday, December 29, 2011
