Helping hands for Citizen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber Sorsek
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Citizen Airmen face complex challenges unique from the full-time military forces. Not all reservists are local to the military installation where they work. Thankfully, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other organizations provide services and resources for reservists in any duty status.

The Air Force Reserve Psychological Health Advocacy Program is available to reservists and their immediate families. According to the PHAP website, reservists and their families can call the 24-hour call center in order to indicate a need and PHAP will locate resources in the local area to assist. PHAP team members will follow a case to ensure the military member’s needs are met. The PHAP will also reach out to family members during all stages of a deployment for a welfare check upon the member’s request.

PHAP will coordinate referral resources for:
Services for children, suicide prevention, substance abuse awareness, mental health awareness, financial management, anger management, domestic violence awareness and prevention and employment assistance.

“We are here to listen and help with anything and everything that causes stress in life,” said Pamela Boyd, North Region outreach specialist. “Our services are confidential and available to assist people and their families; we are here to see you through.”

To contact PHAP, call 1-866-417-0707 and leave a message; a PHAP team member will return the call within 24 hours.
Citizen Airmen and their families may also call the case facilitator or outreach specialist in their region.
North Region: Case Facilitator: (937) 656-1709; Outreach Specialist: (937) 656-1748
West Region: Case Facilitator: (707) 424-2704; Outreach Specialist: (707) 424-8189
South Region: Case Facilitator: (678) 655-2464; Outreach Specialist: (678) 655-4356

For more information about PHAP services and information, visit http://phap.net/

In addition to PHAP, Military One Source a resource available to reservists and their immediate family members, offers non-medical counseling for up to 12 sessions per issue. A reservist in any duty status and their immediate family can utilize these services.

“The Military One Source counselors are available for nonmedical counseling online, over the phone, in person, or video conference,” said Maria Spencer, 21st Space Wing geographically separated units specialist for primary prevention of violence. “The military or family member will be screened over the phone and an appointment will be made within three days of a screened in issue.”

For 24/7 confidential help through Military One Source, call 1-800-342-9647 and request online non-medical counseling and health and wellness coaching. Visit http://www.militaryonesource.mil/ for more information on programs available through Military One Source.

Another counseling service is available for Citizen Airmen through the 21st Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center. Military Family Life Consultants will schedule in-person appointments or conduct counseling over the phone with reservists. There are four MFLCs, two for adults and two for children. To reach the adult MFLCs call (719) 342-9572 or (719) 425-1115. To reach the child and youth MFLCs call (719) 651-0736 or (719) 651-7851.

Reservists assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing can take part in the 21st FSS A&FRC classes such as financial management, relocation assistance, career planning, transition assistance program and work life programs. According to the 21st FSS A&FRC staff, reservists in any duty status can participate in all classes and workshops conducted Monday through Friday.

To schedule a one-on-one personal finance appointment with Fornander, call (719) 556-6141.

For more information about classes available visit https://www.21fss.com/about/airman-family-readiness/ or call (719) 556-6141. The A&FRC is located in Building 350 Room 1203.

302nd A&FRC traditional reservists and civilians are available during the Unit Training Assembly in addition to Monday through Friday to provide services and classes as well.

“The two common classes provided during the UTA are personal financial readiness and the transition assistance program,” said Tech. Sgt. Klenise Wallace, 302nd FSS A&FRC. “We are here to help anybody in the 302nd AW even if you are not local, we will find a way to assist you.”

TAP is required for reservists coming off of 180 days or more orders, 90 days prior to voluntary or involuntary separation and retirement according to Wallace. The 302nd FSS A&FRC offers Reserve- specific TAP every other UTA.

The personal financial readiness class teaches Citizen Airmen how to manage a budget based on income received. For first-term Citizen Airmen, this class is mandatory; however, any member can sign up said Wallace.

“The trick to personal finance today is to discover for oneself how much they will need in retirement and how they will get there,” said Chris Fornander, a 21st FSS A&FRC accredited financial counselor who teaches the personal financial readiness class every other month during UTAs. “How you budget your family finances will dictate the lifestyle you will live later.”

Also with the 302nd FSS A&FRC is Alejandra Locke, community readiness consultant. Locke can inform Citizen Airmen about services and resources such as the Air Force Reserve Command Yellow,. Ribbon program pre-deployment briefings, community resources and the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System during a UTA. To book an appointment or to schedule a 30-45 minute lunch and learn class for your unit with Locke, call (719) 556-2944.

For more information about classes offered through the 302nd A&FRC visit http://www.afrc.af.mil/AboutUs/AirmanFamily.aspx

The 302nd AW Chaplains can be contacted at any time. Chaplain (Maj.) Brandon Markette’s cell phone number is (708) 220-2326. Citizen Airmen may also call the Peterson Air Force Base command post 24/7 to be connected to the Peterson AFB on-call duty chaplain. The command post phone number is (719) 556-4555. During UTA duty hours, reservists can call Team Pete Chaplain’s office at (719) 556-4442.