U.S. Army photo by John Crosby/Released

Members of the Guard and Reserve face unique post-deployment challenges that active duty Service members do not experience. For example, they are often expected to:

• Resume their civilian careers immediately upon their return, leaving little time to readjust or unwind from the stressors of deployment;
• Reintegrate into civilian life without the vibrant support networks, and social structures that are sensitive to what they may have experienced during deployment, (i.e. Guard and Reserve members may return as the only individual in their neighborhood who has deployed);
• Hit the ground running when they get back home, because their service overseas is viewed as “time off” from their “real” lives by supervisors or civilian employers; or
• Pick up where they left off with their families despite changes that occurred while they were deployed (i.e. children have grown, responsibilities have shifted, roles have been redefined, and spouses have often had their own stressful deployment experience while they were away).

These factors among others can make reintegration difficult for members of the National Guard and Reserve, but there are special ways we can show thanks and assist our citizen-soldiers throughout the deployment cycle. This Veterans Day, honor these warriors by following the suggestions below:

1. Offer to house-sit or baby-sit for a Guard or Reserve family.

Give the citizen-warrior families in your neighborhood a chance to take a vacation and spend quality time together. If that sounds too daunting, offer to watch their kids on a Friday night and give them a chance to go out on a date. It can be difficult for members of the Guard and Reserve to readjust to civilian life and balance work, family life, and relationships following a deployment. By simply providing an opportunity to relax and spend time with their family or spouse, you can make a great impact on the reintegration process for these warriors!

2. Offer to run errands, pick up the groceries, drop off dry-cleaning, or make dinner.

Spouses of Guard and Reserve members make a special sacrifice for our nation; while their soldier, sailor, airman or Marine is deployed, they are solely responsible for running the house and taking care of the kids. Offer to help out with odd jobs around the house or yard; whether it is mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, or even providing a homemade surprise like dessert for the kids, even the smallest favor can go a long way in making a these spouses’ lives easier.

3. Drive or accompany a member of the Guard or Reserve to a medical facility.

Members of these components may come back with visible and invisible wounds that often require ongoing medical treatment and support. You can assist them by offering to help with transportation to and from their appointments. This thoughtful act can benefit both the wounded warrior, who will appreciate the company, and his/her family, who may not be able to drive or have the ability to pay for transportation.

4. Host a community event to welcome members of the Guard and Reserve home.

Since some of these returning warriors may not live near military facilities, their homecoming may not be as festive as others. Work with community centers and contact local military installations to plan events that will properly welcome these warriors home.

5. Promote Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events.

Check out the Yellow Ribbon Event Planner for local events and contact information, and encourage members of the Guard and Reserve you know to participate in these events. Read about the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program for more information.

6. Help make reintegration easier for Guard and Reserve members.

If you are an employer, read about how you can help smooth the reintegration process for your employees who are members of the Guard and Reserve.

7. Volunteer your time.

• Sign up online to become a volunteer with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to help National Guard and Reserve members experience a smooth transition back into civilian careers.
• Lend your skills or join a service project with The Mission Continues, which seeks to empower wounded Service members and veterans to continue serving as citizen leaders.
• Or volunteer with Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services (CAUSE), which brings relaxation and recreation into the challenging circumstances of recovery and rehabilitation.
• Be sure to check out other Real Warriors Campaign Partners to see additional opportunities to volunteer to support Service members and members of the Reserve components.

Members of the National Guard and Reserve serve our nation in a unique way, as both citizens and warriors. If you know a member of these components, be sure to thank them for their dedicated and loyal service.

Additional Resources

• “Mobilization Guide,” [PDF 1.54MB] The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Last accessed October 12, 2010.
• Frequently Asked Questions, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. Last accessed October 12, 2010.