Station hosts fun run to raise suicide awareness

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

09.21.2013

Story by Cpl. Joseph Karwick 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan - Marine Corps Community Services sponsored the ‘Into The Light’ Suicide Prevention five- Kilometer Fun Run/Walk that began behind IronWorks Gym aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Sept. 21, 2013, to raise awareness toward the issue of suicide and its effects on military personnel, civilians and families.

September is the declared month for suicide prevention awareness, with the color yellow designated for suicide prevention.

“Today is the second annual suicide prevention run,” said Heather Payne, Marine Corps Community Services substance abuse prevention specialist. “We are here trying to get the awareness out for suicide prevention as far as warning signs, risk factors and just join together as a base to make sure the awareness is out there.”

With more than 103 participants and 16 volunteers, the event drew plenty of attention from station residents.

“I was running for suicide awareness,” said Lance Cpl. Mason McGerry, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron administrative specialist and suicide prevention run participant. “I want to help bring attention to all those poor souls out there who are depressed, considering suicide or have attempted it. It’s an important event because there are a lot of people out there who might need support; so it is important that we let everyone know, who is thinking about hurting or killing themselves, that they are not alone; and there is support out there for you.”

With a recent rise in suicide for military members, Payne stressed the importance of reaching out to those in need.

“It is important because everybody deals with suicide somehow and we don’t know who here is dealing with it, as far as them dealing with suicide personally or they have had people in their own life commit suicide, so we want them to know there are people out there who care,” said Payne.

To those who are dealing with suicide, whether upon yourself or the loss of another, there are plenty of resources and people who are willing to assist and listen.

“We are here,” said Payne. “You can call the chaplains, a friend, come over to the behavioral health clinic in building 411 and we are here to help and we will listen. Remember, if you see someone who is dealing with suicide, please don’t take it upon yourself, call the professionals, but remember, just being that listening ear is the key thing, because you never know what someone is dealing with on the inside.”

• Date Taken: 09.21.2013
• Date Posted: 09.29.2013 21:08
• Story ID: 114446
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP