October is National Work & Family Month Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Master Sgt. James Branch 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- With the demands of today such as work related travel, deployments and extended work hours due to employers accomplishing "more with less," it's important that members successfully balance military, work and family. Although October has been set aside to observe National Work & Family Month, a 2003 unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate, the concept should be practiced every day of the year. Being a member of the Air Force Reserve often comes with the challenge of balancing these three areas, also known as the Reserve Triad. According to Angela Pedersen, 94th Airlift Wing Airman & Family Readiness director, communication is a key factor in maintaining that balance. "Communication is vital to everyone's success when balancing family, civilian and military careers," she said. "Military members can often feel like they are being pulled in all three directions at the same time. Most want to equally honor their commitments. The best way to avoid conflicts is through consistent communication." Master Sgt. Ernest H. Farmer, mental health technician for the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and the Psychological Health Advocacy Program here, says from the viewpoint of a Traditional Reservist, maintaining the balance can be a delicate juggling act. "Family life is valued time," said Farmer. "For many it's a time for sharing love, getting to know one another and establishing family values and customs." "Work for many people consists of performing duties required by an employer," he added. "As a reservist, mission training requirements such as Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs), Professional Military Education (PME), Fit to Fight, Career Development Courses (CDCs) and deployments consume a lot of time that would be allotted for family or other work." Farmer relates the delicate juggling act to a presentation he recently gave at Yellow Ribbon, a reintegration program that promotes the well-being of reserve members and their families by connecting them with resources throughout deployment cycles. "As we multi-task our lives, stressors creep in and rob our time," said Farmer. "Some of the common stressors are employment issues, financial matters, relationship issues and illness, to name a few. It's like juggling balloons inflated with air. Keeping each one afloat requires great effort and timing. When more stressors or balloons are added, eventually one will hit the floor." "While stressors can't be eliminated, they can be minimized," Farmer added. "You can lighten your load sometimes by asking those around you for help." The Department of Defense has contracted agencies such as Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Consultant Program to provide Airmen and their families with non-medical short-term counseling when needed.. Air Force members and dependents can get information on both of these agencies by contacting their base Airman and Family Readiness office. "If you are in urgent need, you can call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 and speak to counselor on the phone, or set up free counseling in your local area," said Pedersen. "It's important that you talk to a professional when dealing with stress." TriCare members can use Behavioral Health Care by calling 1-800-700-8646. "The impact of dealing with family, work and military life will affect each member differently," said Farmer. "Honest and open discussion is usually the best way to minimize potential problems." Local members can refer to the Psychological Health Advocacy Program (PHAP), offered by Air Force Reserve Command. Lt. Col. Christine Englemann is the case facilitator for Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and rest of the southern region. Contact her by phone at 678-655-5084 and by E-mail at Christine.Englemann@us.af.mil.
