AFRC creates new program Published Nov. 24, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Vincent A. Mouzon 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Airman and Family Readiness Center's new Military and Family Life Consultant program is now available to help servicemembers and their families cope with normal reactions to the stressful events created by deployments, war and re-integration. This new program should not be confused with mental health, a division of the medical group. Military and family life consultants are different from mental health in the sense that they don't take notes, said Dr. Patsy Johnson, 20th Force Support Squadron AFRC director. No records of the service member or their families' visits are kept and their time spent with the consultant is private except for "duty-to-warn" issues. These "duty-to-warn" issues, including hurting yourself or someone else, should be discussed up front. The consultants can meet with all branches of the military as well as Guard and Reserve servicemembers, at the AFRC during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The consultants also have the flexibility to meet with servicemembers and their families outside of those times and off the installation if necessary, however, the consultants may not meet people in their homes or at the Medical Treatment Facility. "We are directed to make sure servicemembers and their families are taken care of," said Mrs. Patti Busser, 20th FSS family advocacy outreach manager. Life consultants also cover various issues including stress, parenting skills, communication skills, cultural conflict, grief and anger management, Dr. Johnson said. Life consultants are here to help because they care about military members and their families. For more information call (803) 840-8265.