Alpena, Mich.-A Road to Reintegration Community Event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Jun. 4, at the Collins Center, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Mich. The goal of the event, which is hosted by the Michigan National Guard and is open to the public, is to coordinate local military and community resources to benefit military personnel and their families.

The event involves bringing key stakeholders together that represent various military and community agencies in the local community. Discussion will be facilitated around how the community can assist in Road to Reintegration efforts.

"Time and time again Michigan citizens ask, 'How can I help?'" said Brig. Gen. James Anderson, assistant adjutant general of the Michigan Army National Guard. "This event is an ongoing effort to provide an integrated system of assistance for our service members and their families throughout all stages of deployment."

The Road to Reintegration Community Event will also provide local businesses and residents with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by active duty, reserve, and National Guard members, and the stressors associated with the deployment and separation of these personnel and their families.

The Michigan National Guard recognizes the need to coordinate military and community resources, improve access to affordable and effective services, and raise community awareness of the challenges of military life.

Today, nearly 1,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe in support of the global war on terrorism; however, more than 90 percent of the force is available, trained and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

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