Military psychologist helps provide care for reservists

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Cheryl L. Foster
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  With the new mission changes, the 919th Special Operations Medical Squadron gained a new requirement for a deployable psychologist.

Major William Hill is the first military mental health asset in 919th Special Operations Wing. When service members have issues, be it at home or down range, Hill can help them find a solution.

"We owe it to one another to take care of ourselves and to seek expert help when appropriate," said the 14-year veteran.

Hill is responsible for keeping the troops mentally ready to deploy and help those with concerns to get back to a mission-ready state of mind. The goal is to keep members psychologically fit now, so they can have less stress when they are deployed.

"I'm here to help Airmen regain control of their life and help get it to a place where their can go downrange and have the peace of mind that lets them focus on the mission and on looking out for their wingmen and battle buddies," said Hill.

As a behavioral health consultant, he works with squadron commanders, first sergeants, physicians, and Airmen to navigate the health care maze to get the care Airmen need, when they need it.

Hill can assist with issues ranging from problem solving to marital strife to suicidal thoughts. Typically, mental health is not something that can be treated in just one weekend a month. He will be able to set service members up with treatments at a Veterans Affairs hospital, a Vet Center, or a civilian doctor.

"Major Hill not only brings his military training to bear but, as suicide prevention coordinator for the VA, provides a wealth of unique medical expertise to this wing," said Col. Robert Bruckner,919th SOW vice commander. "We're fortunate to have him on our team."

Hill does not diagnose mental disorders and will not notify anyone in the 919th SOW about the appointment unless they report thoughts of harming themselves or someone else, report drug or alcohol abuse, or are otherwise not suitable for deploying.

Suicide prevention and awareness are major concerns to Hill as he is not only the wing suicide prevention officer, but his civilian job is suicide prevention coordinator in Southeast Louisiana for the VA.

"If you're having thoughts of suicide or harming others, you should call the Military Crisis Line or 911, or go to the nearest ER," said Hill, a clinical psychology doctoral degree holder. "Suicidal thoughts, like chest pains - are a medical emergency - and both are treated immediately in the closest emergency room."

Hill is available for appointments on reserve weekends. He can be contacted in his reserve office at 850-883-4973. He can be contacted anytime during the month via commander or first sergeant for guidance on seeking care.

"Major Hill, and military psychologists and mental health professionals in general, are tremendous force multipliers and are vital to the special operations mission," said Bruckner. "Although they can be critical in providing reactive health care to our at-risk Airmen, they are perhaps most valuable as proactive professionals that help keep our members healthy and able to focus on the mission at hand."