Families of deployed servicemen could soon receive help from a state program known as the Yellow Ribbon Program if it is implemented in Austin.

Sgt. Tom Eustice of Janesville spoke to City Council members about the initiative Tuesday night, saying the program “helps deployed servicemen’s families get what they need.”

Eustice told city officials he will never ask the city government to give money to the program. Instead, he wants the City Council to serve as a resource as he works with military families in Austin to identify their needs.

“What we’re about is helping deployed servicemen’s families when they are in need,” he said. “The need can be helping plow their driveways or helping someone when they’re in a crisis.”

Yellow Ribbon is a National Guard program run by the State of Minnesota, Eustice said. The mayor, City Council members and Eustice have planned to continue communicating and meeting in an effort to bring the program to Austin.