Seek help before the situation escalates

  • Published
  • By Merrie Schilter-Lowe
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – He had just put his kids in bed and was preparing to retire himself when security forces at Travis Air Force Base, California, called to say that a member of his unit was involved in a domestic incident. 

When he arrived at the member’s house, Master Sgt. Stephen Dugan, 60th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, sought out the security police for details.  Next, he talked to his Airman who was being treated in the ambulance for facial burns received when her wife threw a ladle of hot spaghetti sauce in her face.

Fortunately, in the four years that he has been a first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Jason Wilson, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron, has dealt with only two domestic violence issues.  Master Sgt. Brandon Galant, 60th Medical Group first sergeant, who has a little more than a year on the job, also has only dealt with two cases.  

In addition to having similar responsibilities, these first sergeants share a philosophy: “Regardless of the problem, getting in front of it is the best approach to solving it.”     

“If law enforcement gets involved, it’s usually too late,” said Galant.  “The commander will probably take some sort of administrative action.” 

Wilson, Dugan and Galant said they recommend voluntary counseling as the first step.    

“I refer them first to the chaplain or the Military and Family Life Counseling program since both offer more confidentiality,” said Wilson. “(Airmen) seem more comfortable with that.” 

Chaplains have complete confidentiality. 

“We are not mandated reporters for any issue,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Patrick Poock, 60th Air Mobility Wing. “In fact, by law, we cannot share the details with anyone about anything that is discussed as a matter of conscience or confession.”

Even if a member threatens to harm himself, chaplains can’t talk about the details.  However, they have “talked people off of ledges, removed the planned means for suicide from homes and escorted individuals to the hospital for further help,” said Poock.

MFLC has limited confidentiality. 

By law, counselors must report domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, illegal activities and when an individual threatens to harm self or another person. But counselors reveal this information up front so clients aren’t caught off guard.

Since 2004, the MFLC program has provided free and confidential non-medical counseling to active duty members and their families on a short-term basis.

 Travis has nine MFLC counselors, seven of whom work almost exclusively with children.

MFLC assists families, couples and single Airmen in working through challenges such as relationship and communication issues, stress due to deployments, reintegrating with family and friends and anxiety due to living away from home for the first time.  They provide crisis intervention, strategies to deal with loss and grief and teach parenting skills. 

Also, spouses can receive counseling without their military sponsor.    

Counselors don’t take notes or use clients’ last names and they can meet clients almost anywhere on base and in most public areas off base.

Another key to problem solving is knowing when to ask for help and getting it.

“Challenges are real, but people don’t reach out for help because they don’t want other people to know their business,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col). Gregory Jans, 60th AMW.

Some Airmen fear talking to a chaplain because they think religion will be forced on them, but that is not the case, said Jans.

“Spirituality is one of the four pillars that make us more resilient,” said Jans. “And spiritual resiliency connects us with others going through similar circumstances. But we are not going to cram religion down anyone’s throat.”

“Some of us have psychology as well as theology degrees,” said Jans. “We can help with work-life issues and how to balance them. Help is available.”

When the issue involves money, Master Sgt. Michael Richardson, 60th Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agency first sergeant, said he refers his Airmen to the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.

“Before they move out of the dormitory or purchase their first home or vehicle, I advise them to sit down with a financial counselor and go over their bank statements,” said Richardson.  “I want to make sure we’ve done everything to help prepare them to make payments.”   

Of course, there have been times when Airmen have not heeded his advice and the situation went south.

“That’s when we have to take it out of their hands and they end up seeing a counselor anyway, plus they face other consequences,” said Richardson.