Little takes holistic approach to new role

Published Aug. 1, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The same way a pillar might need support after a storm, so might Airmen during times of struggle, and Grissom Airmen just got that additional support.

That support is in the form of Amy Little, who recently transitioned into her new role as the 434th Air Refueling Wing sexual assault and response coordinator and behavioral health support coordinator after initially being hired as the director of psychological health.

"In the Air Force reserve my position as a SARC also assumes the dual role as the BHSC," said Little. "In addition to dealing with sexual assault cases and sexual assault prevention, I also serve as a liaison to assist Airmen and Grissom personnel with behavioral health support and crisis response as needed."

Little, a licensed clinical social worker with an undergraduate in sociology and a master's degree in social work from Indiana University, approaches wellness using a holistic approach mirroring the Comprehensive Airman Fitness philosophy established by the Air Force.

A holistic approach is a form of wellness that considers the whole person's body, mind, spirit and emotions, explained Little. Similar to the pillars identified in the CAF, the holistic approach focuses on each area of an Airmen's needs to achieve individual wellness.

The CAF model provides a framework through which the Air Force can deliver relevant programs and services more effectively across the four pillars of fitness: physical, social, mental and spiritual. Each Airman can use those tools to achieve their individual wellness based on their own personal needs and the added guidance provided by Little.

"I believe that there are several different paths to wellness," she said. "I hope to offer creative approaches relating to the prevention and response to sexual assault, family, work, suicide prevention, combat and operational stress, and advocacy at Grissom."

Little, while new to the civil service, brings an array of tools from her 15-years combined experience as a school social worker and work in private practice settings.

"I am excited to be a part of multidisciplinary teams and work together to reach optimal well-being," added Little. "Just as we look at ourselves individually and all of the parts that make us whole, we can look at each squadron and the value of the individuals in our units that make the totality of Grissom whole."

Another critical role and part of total well-being needed to make Grissom whole, is that of the SARC. As Grissom's SARC, Little manages Grissom's sexual assault prevention and response program by educating Airmen and serving as the single point of contact for coordinating sexual assault victim care.

Little said she plans on taking a proactive approach to sexual assault by educating Airmen on sexual assaults issues and providing additional alternative methods of training.

"My goal is to provide sexual assault prevention training that goes beyond the annual training requirements," she added. "I want to actually change the climate by using proactive measures to prevent sexual assault."

What truly separates Little and makes her stand out as an asset to Grissom, in addition to her training and life experiences, is her compassion for social work.

"I think that I have always been a social worker at heart," she said. "I am amazed and encouraged at clients' strength and perseverance in the midst of life challenges and heartbreaks."

Little emphasized this love for social work in a childhood story she shared.

"I can remember being a little girl and empathizing with Kermit the Frog singing, "It Ain't Easy Being Green," she recalled. "When you are able to empathize you are able to put yourself in someone else's shoes.

"While it might not be your own personal challenge or something you personally experience you can still emphasize with people and work on their behalf as an advocate; there is a lot of therapeutic value in saying 'me too,'" added Little. "After almost 15 years in the social work profession, I can honestly say that I love what I do and the people I have met along the way,"

Little's office is located in the Airmen and Family Readiness Center in building 431 and can be reached at (765) 688-2040.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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