Yellow Ribbon Program

The Montana National Guard unveiled a new program Wednesday aimed at helping families cope with military service before, during and after their loved ones are deployed.

The new campaign, entitled the Yellow Ribbon Program, is designed for all branches of the military. The National Guard will host a public meeting Wednesday night in Billings to discuss the new program. The meeting will provide information about support groups, military programs and available services offered to service men and women.

Montana National Guard Senior Sergeant Master John O'Brien says the Billings community plays a vital role in the lives of service members and it's important they get involved.

"We see our members one weekend a month you know, but you see them 28 days a month. So really it's easy to hide something for 2 days but it isn't easy to hide something for 28 days. And we want to know genuinely if our folks are struggling and having problems because we want to steer them in the right direction and help them."

O'Brien encourages all community members to take part in Wednesday nights event. The meeting is open to the public and starts at 7 p.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve Center located at 2915 Gable Road in Billings.