Homecoming and Reunion

Virtual Homecoming and Reunion Brief

Getting prepared for your Soldier's return from deployment is joyous yet very busy and stressful time for Families. Often, getting to the unit for the homecoming and reunion briefing adds to the stress. The Army Reserve Family Programs office is now offering these briefings via teleconference.

Reunion briefings are most effective if received prior to the Soldier’s return. This briefing will include topics such as the importance of communication, TRICARE and transitional health care benefits, United Concordia, reemployment rights, as well as emotional issues associated with a reunion.

Identifying realistic and positive expectations of reunion prepares Soldiers and family members for the challenges of homecoming and reunion therefore minimizing problems and maximizing positive aspects.

Join a live Homecoming and Reunion Telebrief via a Toll Free call. View the upcoming schedule.

Table of Contents

	Army Reserve Family Programs (ARFP) Our mission and vision statements reflect our commitment to the Army Reserve community.
	What to Expect Homecomings and Reunions from a Mobilization or a Deployment are perhaps the most challenging phase for Soldiers and Family Members.
	Five Phases of Homecoming and Reunion Five phases of reunion: pre-entry, reunion, disruption, communication and normalization.
	Tips for Soldiers and Families Reunion and homecoming tips for Soldiers, spouses, single Soldiers, parents, friends, and single parents.
	Chaplains - PREP/Strong Bonds and Single Soldier Retreats PREP/Strong Bonds and Single Soldier Retreats offers Army Reserve Soldiers a way to address the issues they face upon reunion and reintergration.
	Military ID Cards and DEERS Family Members will need to receive a new ID card upon the Soldier’s Release from Active Duty (REFRAD).
	TRICARE Programs and services available through TRICARE.
	Veterans Affairs Soldiers who serve on active duty may establish veteran status and eligibility for VA benefits.
	Military Family Life Consultants The goal of the consultants is to prevent family distress by providing education and information.
	Warning Signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Post Deployment Counseling Opportunities Definition and warning signs of PTSD and where you can turn for counseling.
	Post Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) This reassessment provides the opportunity to access care once the Soldier has returned from deployment.
	US Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) AW2 provides severely wounded Soldiers and their families a system of advocacy and follow-up.
	Legal Concerns Taking care of personal legal affairs in a timely manner is extremely important upon returning home from deployment.
	Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is only valid during the time of a Reserve Soldier's Active Duty orders.
	Financial Matters Finances should be reviewed to accommodate return to civilian employment.
	ESGR and USERRA Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployments Rights Act (USERRA).
	Military One Source Through Military One Source, you can find help to cope with life’s little and not so little issues.
	Child and Youth Services (CYS) The AR CYS team is here to establish and implement programs that address the Army Reserve's child care, youth development, and school transition needs.
	Family Readiness Group (FRG) An FRG is an organization of Family Members, Soldiers, volunteers, and other interested individuals.
	TRICARE Programs and services available through TRICARE.
	Virtual Reunion Brief Completion Survey Survey to be taken after completion of the Virtual Reunion Brief.