LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Kenneth Norman, a Military Family and Life Counselor (MFLC) at Little Rock Air Force Base, was recently recognized and awarded the Department of the Air Force Child and Youth Programs Hero Award for his outstanding work providing Airmen and families with a friendly face, safe outlet and professional support.
While the award recognizes his dedication to those he serves, Norman said his role is ultimately about helping people recognize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
“We all need help. That doesn't mean you're helpless, there's just things that you can't figure out on your own,” Norman said. “Sometimes you need a little assistance, and that's what we're here for.”
MFLCs provide confidential, non-medical support to service members and their families as they navigate a variety of personal and everyday challenges. Their goal is to give individuals a safe place to talk through what they are experiencing and, when necessary, connect them with additional resources.
In addition to individual and couples counseling, MFLCs can support military communities in other ways. Leaders can request unit briefings or grief counseling to help members process a loss or other difficult events, making the program a resource not only for individuals and families, but for units as a whole.
Assistance can look different for everyone. Airmen or families may seek MFLC support for specific concerns or may simply need a place to talk through what they are experiencing.
“We can't shy away from what's going on,” Norman said. “We can address it and acknowledge it to reduce the power.”
Norman stated that one of the biggest barriers to seeking support is that people often wait until a problem has become overwhelming before asking for help. Seeking support does not require formal counseling. Individuals can use the program to discuss concerns and identify resources.
“It could be something simple, or if it's extreme, let's still talk it out, figure it out, and you go back to your normal day,” Norman said.
Services provided through the MFLC program are confidential and are not reported to a service member’s command or recorded in official records.
The support available through the MFLC program extends beyond service members. Similar resources are available to military children through schools and other community programs, allowing families to seek assistance in environments where they feel most comfortable.
Those interested in the MFLC program’s services can contact (501) 941-6686 or visit the Military and Family Readiness Center to schedule an appointment or learn more about available resources.