Suicide is Everyone's Business: Theme for Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Breckenkamp | A group of Navy Reserve members run in the 80th Training Command's Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run in Richmond, Virginia, Sep. 28, 2018. The event drew 27 service members and civilians at the Defense Supply Center Richmond to walk or run to raise awareness of the tragedy of suicide and to focus on prevention.  

RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES

09.28.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Breckenkamp 

80th Training Command (Reserve)

RICHMOND, Va. - Service members and civilians at the Defense Supply Center Richmond participated in the 80th Training Command's Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run in Richmond, Virginia, Sep. 28, 2018. Headquartered on the DSCR, the 80th TC held the event to raise awareness about the tragedy of suicide and to remind people that suicide is everyone's business.

Dr. Alvin Moore is the 80th TC's Suicide Prevention Program manager. He explained that suicide is not an isolated incident.

"We need to always look out for our coworkers, our friends, our family members," Moore said. "Notice when there are signs in a person's behaviors and habits, that if there's a change, you want to reach out to them."

As the 80th TC's Command Chief Warrant Officer, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Phillip Brashear said that losing one person to suicide is one too many.

"We lose part of our team if one person commits suicide, and that really hurts all of us," said Brashear. "Our goal is to have a complete team. We need to make a big deal about suicide prevention."

The event drew 27 people from the DSCR installation, including Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Williams. He believes participation in the 5K Walk/Run is critical in helping people who may be suicidal.

"This kind of event is great for creating awareness for all our Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Soldiers," Williams said. "They need to know they don't have to be alone and that they need to reach out for help. There is no weakness or shame in asking for help."

• Date Taken: 09.28.2018
• Date Posted: 10.03.2018 11:33
• Story ID: 295272
• Location: RICHMOND, VA, US