Military, Family Life Consultant lightens up lives at Seymour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Military and Family Life Consultant Program is now available at the Airman and Family Readiness Center here.

The program was created to help servicemembers, their families and significant others cope with problems such as relationship issues, anger management, relocation adjustments, etc., said Marilyn Roseborough, the Military and Family Life Consultant liaison here.

"We have a certified counselor here who is available for military members, military spouses, their children and significant others," Mrs. Roseborough said. "The consultant works with the Integrated Base Delivery service and other base organizations in helping find the best outlet for the person."

The program was established by the Department of Defense after their findings that increased deployments have heightened the stress placed on military families. The Mental Health Network signed a five year contract with the Air Force, and now has counselors at many bases around the country, according to the MFLC fact sheet.

The consultant is unique because they counsel not only military members, but also their spouses, children and significant others, who often need help after their loved one deploys, but who did not have a lot of options, until now.
"How do you just discard the person who loves a deployed Airman?" Mrs.Roseborough said. "Couples who are dating deserve help too."

While meetings are intended to remain confidential, MFLC are mandated reporters of child abuse, domestic violence and duty- to -warn situations. Also, the counselor is required to report any homosexual statements made by a military member to their unit, Mrs. Roseborough said.

The base Military and Family Liaison Consultant can be reached at (919) 722-2349 during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After duty hours, they can be reached by cell phone at (919) 440-2858.

"When a problem is small, we can fix it," Mrs. Roseborough said. "When it gets larger, you lose control. We just want to nip some issues in the bud, before they have to go to family advocacy."