Spartans stand shoulder to shoulder to prevent suicide

Photo By Sgt. Calab Franklin | Lt. Col. (retired) Jason Roncoroni, a veteran and mental health advocate speaks to a group of Soldiers during a 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division suicide prevention event Dec. 1, 2017, at Fort Stewart Ga.  Behavioral health specialists used the backdrop of a car show to engage participants in conversation surrounding suicide.  The prevention event  included a guest speaker, personal testimonials, musical entertainment, Fort Stewart food trucks, and more  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

12.04.2017

Story by Pfc. Calab Franklin 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Soldiers and civilians assigned to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield gathered to promote awareness and offer resources to help prevent suicide on Dec. 1, at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Medical professionals from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team and Fort Stewart embedded behavioral health specialists, used the backdrop of a car show to engage participants in conversation surrounding suicide.  The prevention event  included a guest speaker, personal testimonials, musical entertainment, Fort Stewart food trucks, and more.

The guest speaker was Lt. Col. (retired) Jason Roncoroni, a veteran and a mental health advocate.  Lt. Col. Roncoroni was previously the garrison commander of Hunter Army Airfield.  During his 2015 retirement speech he moved the audience by highlighting his struggle in coping with stress.  Roncoroni now uses his story to help and inspire those who deal with similar challenges.

“I use my platform to be very honest about my experience and what I went through with my combat stress, moral injury, and combat trauma,” said Roncoroni.  “Total health is important, and I don’t think you can have that without the mental, spiritual, or emotional components. As the culture is changing, and as we start to embrace this overall approach on health more openly, the condition and wellness of our Soldiers and their Families is going to improve.”

Maj. Selina Jeanise, the 2nd ABCT Surgeon, talked about how the behavioral health team wanted to do something different for the Soldiers, giving them an opportunity  to connect socially in a healthy yet fun way.

    “The social setting gives the Soldier's time to build conversation in a very natural and relaxed environment while still educating and informing about suicide prevention. This gives us a chance to show the Soldiers what resources are available to them both in and outside of the military.” says Capt. Brooke Wirtz, 2nd ABCT Behavioral Health Officer.
    Many Soldiers came to show support of fellow brothers and sisters in arms who have a hard time taking the first step towards help.

Spc. Ethan Yates, a medic with Charlie Company, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd ABCT performed a rap song about his personal experiences, and the importance of reaching out for help. He talks about how a suicide hotline responder saved his life just by talking to him. To show others a way to take the first step towards help, Yates repeats the suicide hotline number (1-800-273-8255) several times in his rap.

         “I was so scared of how people I know would think of me if I told them how I felt. Talking to someone who was a complete stranger was easier, as soon I opened up to her I was completely relieved” said Yates.

• Date Taken: 12.04.2017
• Date Posted: 12.05.2017 17:27
• Story ID: 257573
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US