Exceptional Family Member Program helps Soldiers, Families keep focus - Not a career killer

By Teressa Quick Freeman, EFMP Coordinator Program ManagerMay 10, 2016

Bill and Connie Lukens
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Bill and Connie Lukens pose for a recent picture on Fort Stewart. Col. Lukens (Ret) served over 30 Years in the United States Army and is now serving as the ACS Director at Fort Stewart. "Having a Family Member with Special Medical needs will not s... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Lukens Accident
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

There are a number of misconceptions about The Exceptional Family Member Program or EFMP. EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program designed for Soldiers who have Family Members that require special medical or educational services, based upon a diagnosed physical, intellectual, or emotional need. Enrollment in EFMP ensures that the needs of exceptional Family Members are being met. When the needs of Families are met it alleviates the stress on our Soldiers allows them to better focus on mission completion and readiness.

The predominant myth surrounding EFMP enrollment is that, "enrolling in EFMP will hinder my career" or that the program is a, "Career Killer." Because of these myths, some Soldiers refrain from enrolling in the program not realizing that in fact, quite the opposite is true. We see in our office daily, Soldiers that are enrolled in EFMP whom are senior enlisted or higher ranking officers and have never suffered any hindrance to career progression.

Bill Lukens, retired Colonel, currently serving as the Director of Army Community Service has had his own experience with the EFMP program. I was privileged to interview him about his experience with EFMP and he shared two touching stories with me.

His first experience was helping a Warrant Officer when his Family was stationed at Fort Stewart. They had a child diagnosed with sickle cell disease, which is an inherited blood disorder that requires constant supervision, and the child also needed a cochlear implant to improve the child's hearing. The EFMP files had not been updated prior to the Families arrival here. As Marne 1 at that time, Lukens was able to get his orders curtailed and his Family sent back to Fort Lewis Washington (Madigan) where they were able to obtain the necessary services and support for the Family Member. The Family however could not get the care they needed while the reassignment was coordinated … causing a great burden on them. Working properly … EFMP would have prevented the Family from being assigned where care was not available.

Lukens' second experience with EFMP was far more complicated. In 1994, his wife, Connie, was involved in a car accident that almost claimed her life. He was a Major at that time and he had to enroll in the EFMP program. The process of enrollment then, is the same as it is now, hassle free. His enrollment in the program helped him connect with the doctors and specialists his wife needed for reconstructive surgeries, as well as therapists and counselors; all who helped them to rehabilitate her and rebuild their life. During this time Lukens continued his career in the Army and the Family was able to PCS eight more times.

While stationed in Hawaii, his orders were curtailed due to lack of medical services for Connie. She needed two total knee replacements, so the Family was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia where she was able to obtain the care she needed. The change in orders to support his Spouse did not hinder him in any way. Enrollment in the EFMP program simply ensured that the Family did not get stationed in an area where Connie could not receive proper care.

The EFMP program has evolved since Lukens was an active-duty officer. For instance, when he was active duty the respite care program did not exist. Now, that program is a tool used by many Families enrolled in the program to offer Caregivers some much needed rest and an opportunity to practice self-care so that they can offer the best possible service to their Family Members who need constant care. Although it was first designed as a relief tool for some Soldiers and their Families it is an essential tool for Families in critical situations.

In conclusion, Lukens speaks passionately concerning the services they received while being enrolled in the EFMP. Although the program is mandatory for Soldiers, Lukens chooses to view the program as an incentive to assist in supporting Families and, for everyone who believes being enrolled in EFMP is a: "Career Killer," in 1994 he was a Major, and in 2012, he retired a Colonel.

For questions about enrolling in EFMP, contact Winn Army Community Hospital EFMP office at 912-435-6505.

For question about community support services at Fort Stewart call 912-767-5058 or Hunter Army Airfield, 912-315-6816.