LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Airman and Family Readiness Flight has seen a new need for military families on Lackland and responded with a program to meet that need.
The military family life consultant program is housed in Bldg. 1249 and is available both on and off base for Air Force families.
"We've had the program since March, and it's been very successful," said AFRF flight Chief Sharon Whitter. "The consultant can see the families here at the flight or anywhere else on base by appointment. Sometimes we have walk-ins, and if the consultant's here and available, he or she will usually see that person."
The consultant position is funded by the Department of Defense.
"They rotate in and out on a 45-day basis," said Ms. Whitter. "They carry a cell phone, so they're reachable and available to take appointments."
Each military and family life consultant comes highly credentialed.
"They are Ph.D. or master's level, licensed, clinical providers," said Mrs. Whitter. "The DoD makes sure they're getting the people in here who know what they're doing. They're very professional."
The consultants deal with issues ranging from leaving their loved ones and possibly leaning and working in harm's way to reintegrating with their communities and families upon their return.
The consultant can do one-on-one sessions, couples sessions, family sessions or even teach classes.
All active-duty Airmen, Air Guard, Air Reserve and family members are eligible. There is no cost for the service.
"It's working out great," said Ms. Whitter. "It's definitely serving a need here at Lackland. The first counselor who was here at Lackland, the first 45 days he saw 45 customers. So it speaks for itself. We're not sure where those people would have gone if the consultant hadn't been here. It's definitely meeting a need. We usually average around two to three [appointments] a day."
To schedule an appointment with the military family life consultant, call 632-3231.