Yellow Ribbon maintains course at YARS, despite funding issues Published Dec. 18, 2013 By Senior Airman Rachel Kocin 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- A Yellow Ribbon event was held here, Dec. 8, 2013 at the Community Activity Center. Funding issues prevented YARS Airmen from attending a Yellow Ribbon event in Orlando, Fla., so organizes held the event locally to offer access to the same resources and remind Airmen that they are not forgotten. "Yellow Ribbon events are extremely significant because they allow the deployed member to be aware of the support system they have with the military and the services that are provided," said U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Nancy Hornsby, 910th Airlift Wing Yellow Ribbon representative. "The Yellow Ribbon program allows family members to connect and become in sync with the military member as they go through their deployment experience, prior, during and after." Yellow Ribbon informs family members of the details of their service member's deployment. The program is also a resource for family members to be aware of the services available to them, such as financial planning, career advisement and chaplain services. "Yellow Ribbon events are very helpful in that you learn a lot, such as information on Tricare and the pastor services available," said U.S. Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. James Graves, 910th Airlift Wing Maintenance Squadron. This event is not intended to replace the Regional Yellow Ribbon event. Once the budget is resolved eligible members and their families can attend a regional event. "This event is about rewarding you, thanking you for your deployment, past or future, we would like to say thank you with a big heart," said Hornsby.