YRRP: 10 years supporting the Guard and Reserve

Anniversary is officially recognized with entry into the Congressional Record

A decade ago, the U.S. military marked seven years of continuous fighting in the Middle East. Scores of service members had already deployed multiple times, and the pressures of deployment had taken a toll on many — physically, psychologically, emotionally. That year, 2008, the U.S. Congress stepped up to help, approving a new program specifically for National Guard and Reserve members: the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP).

In establishing YRRP, Congress recognized that Guard and Reserve service members face challenges throughout the deployment cycle that are uniquely different than those confronting their active duty counterparts. The program connects service members and their families with resources where they live and provides a support network to aid their unique challenges.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who was instrumental in introducing the legislation creating the program in 2008, honored YRRP’s 10th anniversary by entering a statement into the official record of the United States Congress. The proclamation recognized the program’s successes and dedication to ensuring a ready and resilient Reserve Component.

Klobuchar also acknowledged the contributions made by other members of Congress in the creation of the program by recognizing: retired Congressman John Kline, R-Minn.; former Senators Norm Coleman, R-Minn. and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; and current U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.. Minnesota’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program for its National Guard served as a model for the national program.

Since its creation, YRRP has continually evolved to address the changing needs of a dynamic and diverse military community. YRRP’s pre-, during, and post-deployment events have supported more than 1.5 million service members and their families. Post-event surveys show attendees overwhelmingly approve of the effectiveness and benefit — program events received an 87 percent satisfaction rate in the most recent survey.

The full text of the proclamation can be found below. It can also be found online here.