Recognition

Army:  Fort Campbell, Kentucky

The Fort Campbell Suicide Prevention Program consistently provided resources and information at monthly town hall meetings, partnered with Behavioral Health to distribute 3,800 gun locks, and collaborated with the base exchange to distribute a gun lock with each firearm purchase.  Program staff also organized a “Light Up the Night” vigil honoring those lost to suicide, a Suicide Prevention Month Fun Run, and a performance by VETTED, the first Nationally recognized wounded warrior band.  The senior commander supported the program, requiring every company to have two Ask, Care, Escort Suicide Intervention Tier 2 instructors.  The program coordinator trained 2,825 soldiers and conducted additional sessions at in-process briefings. 

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Army National Guard:  North Dakota Army National Guard

In support of the “Connect to Protect” campaign, the North Dakota Army National Guard held 35 events across eight cities.  They partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, and the North Dakota Governor’s Office to create a proclamation that was signed by the Governor and Secretary of State.  The command partnered with the American Foundation on Suicide Prevention to provide support and continuing education opportunities to their staff to increase better understanding of protective factors and recognition of warning signs.  These partners used their social media platforms to amplify the campaign to reach an extensive audience.  The team also produced a podcast, supported a gubernatorial proclamation, and reached over 3,000 community members at events.  The command provided lethal means safety at all events and provided gun locks.  Through their events, they reached 3,000 people in 8 cities and had a social media following of more than 1500 users.  They were engaged and hosted town halls where they discussed suicide prevention. 

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Army Reserve:  84th Training Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky

The Fort Knox 84th Training Command developed and implemented Project BASELINE, a framework
for incorporating prevention tools, health and wellness resources, and leadership priorities into their program.  Their efforts used the Army Reserve’s Integrated Prevention Advisory Group, Health of Force, and the Ready and Resilient programs as guiding frameworks.  The Command conducted over 36 training events, hosted five major events during the 2024 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and published three Ready and Resilient newsletters.  Command resource fairs included representatives from Family Programs, Psychological Health Program, Chaplaincy, Safety, Veterans Affairs, and the Force Protection Office.

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Marine Corps:  Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina

The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort base community created and launched a campaign to raise suicide prevention awareness using social media, posters in high-traffic areas, and event-based resource packets.  Community events included a Jingle Bell Fun Run, HITT the Cycle, and a Safety Fair/100 Days of Summer.  They also collaborated with the local community, creating a “22 Too Many” campaign, which changed the speed limit on a local street to 22 mph, and the new speed signs included information on the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.  This effort was based on a 2013 Veterans Affairs report that stated 22 veterans die by suicide each day.

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Navy:  Navy Information Operations Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas

The Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) developed the Suicide Prevention Peer Advocate Program (SPAA) where Sailors in suicide prevention skills to support peers in crisis are called Peer Advocates (PA).  Navy PAs have enthusiastically taken on the momentous task of helping those struggling with suicide regardless of uniform or unit.  The impact of these PAs has spread beyond the command.  On multiple occasions they have identified Service members with thoughts of suicide through social media or from acquaintances.  In the past year, a sailor was identified by a social media post at risk for suicide and a PA contacted them, tracked down their leadership and stayed in contact with them until help arrived.  In 2024, the NIOC Texas team provided direct support to 8 Commands:  5 Navy; 2 Air Force; and a Marine Corps unit, in their efforts to create their own PA program that meets the specific needs of their Commands.  SPAA has been so successful that their program was presented at the 2024 Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Conference and the Commander, Naval Installations Command Suicide Prevention Webinar series.

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Navy Reserve:  Electronic Attack Squadron 209, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington

The Electronic Attack Squadron 209 (VAQ-209), known as the “Star Warriors,” led from the front on suicide prevention, becoming one of the first commands at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to join the “Green Ribbon” team in October 2023.  The Green Ribbon initiative identifies trained sailors who serve as peer-level support resources helping to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.  By the end of Fiscal Year 2024, seven sailors were certified team members in suicide prevention through safeTALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) training.  The VAQ-209 hosted 5 safeTALK workshops for 75 participants and held an “All Hands” event for 121 personnel.  The squadron also created goal-oriented and peer-supported teams to help Service members set and achieve personal and team goals.  The “What Piques Your Interest” groups helped reinforce connectedness.

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Air Force:  Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

Eglin’s Integrated Prevention and Resilience Office (IPRO) team implemented comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives during fiscal year 2024, directly supporting 20,000 personnel members across 9 wings and 169 units.  The IPRO team held 12 training courses with 98 facilitators, a 90 percent increase from the previous year, including an installation-wide safeTALK training educating more than 700 personnel in advanced suicide alertness techniques and Peer Support training for 54 volunteers.  These efforts enhanced warfighter readiness through targeted programming reaching nearly 100,000 military members, family members, civilians, contractors, and retirees.  Eglin also hosted the Catalyst of Growth Summit with 200 attendees, focusing on connections and resilience.  When planning, the team considered all units' schedules and included the entire community, including children of military members at the youth center and the Air Force families at events.

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Air Force Reserve:  Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia

The Dobbins Care Campus team reached more than 2,200 community members across 21 squadrons and units.  Programming included events like the Family Day Helping Agencies Fair, The Art of Storytelling, and the Mental Health Fair.  The team raised funds and created a central Care Campus location with classrooms, a coffee bar, and a food pantry.  Care Campus partnered with community organizations and participated in 27 events across the state.

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ARMY: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord program hosted guest speaker David Bartley, who shared his experience with seeking help for mental health issues. They also held two 5k runs; over 1,500 Service members participated in the Fill the Ruck 5k run. The team focused on training in 2022-2023, including ACE, REACH, REACH-S, and ACE-SI Tier 1, as well as adding an Active Listening Class into the Newcomers Orientation.

 

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD: GUAM ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, GUAM

The Guam team distributed flyers to 528 personnel and reached over 14,000 social media followers with tools and resources QR code. The program held its fourth annual “Combat the Holiday Blues” campaign to foster connections, which included a Coffee with the Command and Staff, a spirit week with a variety of themed days, and a cookie swap at the Christmas Command Information Brief. In 2023, they held a Self-Care Challenge Week and brought in inspirational speaker Kevin Hines to share his story of hope, healing, and recovery.
 
 

ARMY RESERVE: DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT COMMAND, ALABAMA

Deployment Support Command's suicide prevention program focused on building resiliency and support among their Service members. They held events focused on onsite enrollment in VA Healthcare, resiliency, and financial training, and over 100 free educational programs through a partnership with Syracuse University.

MARINE CORPS: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point held two leadership summits for 80 senior leaders and trained 25 substance abuse officers. They held resiliency training for 300 Marines and 108 first responders using a work and life cycle approach. The program held a Star Wars-themed events to raise mental health awareness the week of May the 4th. They also distributed over 300 gun locks and worked with Sexual Assault Prevention and Response staff on training.

NAVY RESERVE: NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATTALION EIGHTEEN, CALIFORNIA

The Navy Reserve program experienced multiple waves of deployments and a change of command. They held a family picnic and resource fair for their community during the change of command, which ensured all Reserve members could attend. The program held pre- and post-mobilization training for deployed Service members, which included suicide prevention, alcohol and substance misuse awareness, and reintegration. Following deployments, the team conducted post-deployment transition training for Service members.

AIR FORCE: MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA

The Air Force recipient program certified 10 safeTALK trainers, three ASIST trainers, and 404 personnel in the safeTALK program. They used virtual reality suicide training to improve skills and increase engagement. They also created a “Postvention as Prevention” leader’s training, evaluated an eCheckUp To Go-Well Being Self-Assessment, and held a Chalk the Walk event. In October they held the third annual Miles for Life race in which 22 teams participated.

AIR NATIONAL GUARD: 175TH WING, MARYLAND

The 175th Wing ran a local campaign in conjunction with Connect to Protect titled “Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable.” It focused on how to manage uncomfortable feelings and times in life. They distributed color-coded suicide prevention training folders that included resources, a Stress Profiler, a “Steps to Get Help Flyer,” and emergency phone numbers. The folders were used in conjunction with a locally produced suicide prevention video and as part of promoting the “Go SLO” (Safes, Locks, and Outside the home) practice.

AIR FORCE RESERVE: AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND AT JOINT BASE, TEXAS

The Air Force Reserve Command hosted five episodes of the “Sword and Shield” podcast. They talked about spiritual resilience, sobriety, conflict resolution, resiliency integrators, and forgiveness. The command held a Mental Health and Resiliency Fair, a Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month 40,000-mile walk/run challenge, and a "We Care Day" in which volunteers with positive messages greeted people as they drove through the installation gates.

U.S. ARMY GARRISON, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY

The U.S. Army Garrison held a Safe Talk for Leaders, training for field hospital staff on stress management and building resilience and held a Resilience Olympics. The Resilience Olympics consisted of fitness challenges and promoted what the chaplain, Behavioral Health, and Physical Therapy departments had to offer. The event focused on building skills and connecting with one another.

GUAM ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, BARRIGADA, GUAM

The Guam Army National Guard held a virtual Chalk the Walk event, and every soldier completed a Suicide Prevention Month pledge in September 2022. Additionally, during the holidays they created a Combat the Holiday Blues Recipes and Traditions E-book that was shared throughout the community. In May they held a Self-Care Challenge that encouraged healthy eating, physical training challenges, and weekly meditation. Finally, Soldiers wrote 500 cards of encouragement and sent them to those struggling with mental health challenges.

MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP 12, IWAKUNI, JAPAN

Marine Aircraft Group 12 Iwakuni focused on training and events that inform the community while building connections and comradery among Marines, sailors, and families. Events include a bi-weekly resiliency huddle, a weekly Iwakuni Castle Run, and a Warrior Wednesday. Marine Aircraft Group 12 also hosted a potluck Thanksgiving so that every sailor and Marine had somewhere to go for the holiday.

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE SOCOM, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Naval Special Warfare SOCOM took a multifaceted approach to reach thousands of people within their community, including an art show about how suicide has affected the community, a look at suicide prevention as a leader, a Warrior Talk video series, and a motorcycle ride. They also focused on teaching spouses about warning signs of suicide and lethal means safety messaging.

United States Army Garrison White Sands Missile Range

White Sands Missile Range hosted school events combatting bullying, provided over 56 ACE - Ask, Care, Escort - training sessions to the workforce and soldiers, and a 2-minute commercial with the assistance of community members and Visual Information Branch to enhance suicide prevention efforts, among many other activities. You can read more about United States Army Garrison White Sands Missile Range.

Oregon Army National Guard

The Oregon Army National Guard held the first annual Walk for Suicide Prevention. The installation also held a Suicide Prevention Brief & Discussion with a teen panel; wrote, requested, and helped produce two video messages on suicide prevention; and participated in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) training. You can read more about the Oregon Army National Guard.

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort established a Suicide Prevention Planning Committee; set up suicide prevention resource tables at Troop Appreciations hosted by the Tri-Command Single Marine & Sailor Program; made social media posts to encourage Marines, Sailors and their family members to practice self-care; and provided Safe-Talk workshops facilitated by two chaplains. You can read more about Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans

The resiliency team at MARCORSPTFAC New Orleans, LA developed an enterprise wide mobile app, USMC Connect, to provide access to resources and to empower reservists to stay connected to their individual units outside of drill weekends. Launched in October of 2020, this reserve-centric app aims to increase feelings of connectedness. You can read more about Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans.

Cryptologic Warfare Group Six

Cryptologic Warfare Group Six held a walk for suicide awareness and prevention, which drew 203 participants. In November and December, the annual Ugly Sweater Campaign provided supportive resources. In Spring 2021, the installation held a CALM campaign on access to lethal means. Gun lock distribution has quadrupled since the campaign began. You can read more about Cryptologic Warfare Group Six.

Army Recipient for the 2019 DoD Suicide Prevention Month Recognition: Army Garrison Fort Lee

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee held eight major events during Suicide Prevention Month, including a #BeThere proclamation signing by senior Army and Marine leaders.

Marine Corps Recipient for the 2019 DoD Suicide Prevention Month Recognition: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s largest Suicide Prevention Month event was their kid and pet-friendly two-mile “Out of the Darkness” walk and virtual race.

Navy Recipient for the 2019 DoD Suicide Prevention Month Recognition: Navy Information Operations Command Georgia

NAVIOCOM GA held seven major events during Suicide Prevention Month, including a Support Our Shipmates (SOS) Buddy Walk and Suicide Prevention Pledge signing.

National Guard Recipient for the 2019 DoD Suicide Prevention Month Recognition: North Dakota Army National Guard

North Dakota Army National Guard hosted events and programs across the state during Suicide Prevention Month, including a live suicide prevention Q&A video stream with more than 1,000 views.