PHAP provides vital assistance to reservists

by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- "How many of you have deployed, once, twice, three times," asked Ernest Farmer to 433rd Security Forces Airmen packed into a briefing room here Jan 25.

Farmer, a Psychological Health Advocacy Program outreach specialist with the Air Force Reserve Command, deployed three times as a mental health technician during his Air Force career.

"I wasn't good," he said about his mental state after his return from his deployments. He explained he took out his anger on his employees in his civilian career as an auto parts manager for a national chain after he left the Air Force.

Little things, like an item located out of place at home, made him angry he said. He realized he needed help. His realization led him to want to help today's Reserve Airmen,

"We are here for the reservists. It doesn't matter if you are on orders or not," said Farmer.

The staff of the PHAP assists AFRC Airmen and their families regardless of their deployment status.

Farmer emphasized that if a member uses any of the services from PHAP it is not reported to the member's medical unit.

"Airmen have a place to go where their career won't be jeopardized," he said.

The 433rd SFS recently had members return from a deployment to Afghanistan.

"I didn't know about the services, until now," said Senior Airman April Carrillo, a security forces Airman, who was deployed to Southwest Asia in 2011.

"The PHAP visit was very informative for my next deployment," she said.

PHAP staff locates resources to assist reservists and their family members with various issues. They include: domestic violence, substance abuse, suicide prevention and awareness; financial and anger management, family services, employment, medical, mental health and marital assistance and services for parents and children.

PHAP provides reservists with free confidential assistance around-the-clock. Those services include psychological and mental health services regardless of location, income.

Additionally, they assist in locating resources for Airmen and their family members. They also provide consultation for wing and group leaders who are concerned about the psychological health of their Airmen.

"The good thing about the PHAP is that it can even help me with day-to-day life struggles in the civilian world," said Carrillo, a mother with three daughters ages 16, nine and three.

To reach the PHAP call center and speak to a representative about available resources, call 1-888 536 0626 or e-mail AFRC.PHAP@us.af.mil.