FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - The 252nd Engineer Company, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, based out of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, completed a post deployment Yellow Ribbon Event, here, earlier this month.
The unit returned home about a month ago from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan where they assisted in the draw-down.
The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to promote the well-being of National Guard members, their families, and communities by connecting them with resources throughout and beyond the deployment cycle, according to Capt. Gregory Kuleba, the Yellow Ribbon Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
The program has multiple components, Kuleba, explained. This event was the 30 day post deployment which provides information on resources for the returning Soldier and their family. Briefings include information on family assistance services, like child care, and financial assistance, education programs, TRICARE and psychological health resources, said Kuleba.
The engineers whose, mission as a horizontal engineer company with the ability to operate heavy equipment like cranes and graders were happy to be home after a successful deployment.
"My deployment the first time was great!" said Spc. Jovan Johnson, a combat engineer."It was a great first experience and everything,"
When asked about the best part about being back. "Family!" said Johnson. "Being around family, friends and just having time off, just to relax and kind of collect and regroup and everything."
Organized in 1849, the 213th Regional Support Group has a long history of providing support for both state and active duty operations. The 213th Regional Support Group consists of more than twenty specialized units located throughout the commonwealth. The units that represent the 213th RSG include finance, maintenance, personnel, sustainment, transportation, engineer, military police, contracting, public affairs, and hazardous materials organizations.
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