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The Morning of Hope
By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Cat Campbell
NORFOLK, Va. — More than 20 USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors attended the Hampton Roads Morning of Hope walk at Mt. Trashmore on Sept. 8. The Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Group, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that sponsors the Hampton Roads Morning of Hope and that is a bereavement group for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide.
“The Morning of Hope event is a morning of awareness, remembrance and celebration,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Justin Knighton, one of Ford’s suicide prevention coordinators (SPC). “[It’s] awareness of mental health issues, depression and suicide; remembering those who lost their lives to mental health issues and depression leading to suicide, and celebrating good mental health and support through community.”
Knighton’s involvement in suicide prevention and being a SPC stems from a personal experience.
“I myself attend several [suicide awareness and remembrance events] every year due to my long history as a trained intervention specialist and also having lost my mother to suicide a couple years ago,” said Knighton.
Cmdr. Michael Amedick, Ford’s command chaplain, is another big supporter for the Morning of Hope.
“Morning of Hope is the largest suicide prevention event in Hampton Roads and one of the largest in the country,” said Amedick. “The event seeks to promote good mental health, raising awareness of depression as a treatable disease and suicide as a preventable tragedy, and is a great way for Ford Sailors to observe suicide prevention month.”
One Ford Sailor that attended the Morning of Hope expressed his appreciation in other attendees sharing their memories and stories about loved ones they had lost to suicide.
“Being a part of the Morning of Hope is very uplifting and eye-opening,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Doland Miller. “It’s an opportunity to support those that have either lost loved ones through depression and suicide, as well as those that are fighting depression. You get to meet some wonderful people and hear stories about their loved ones. Hearing those memories and talking with those people has always been a moment I look forward to.”
Knighton stresses that help is always available to anyone who needs it and is seeking it.
“It is important for everyone in any mental state to be aware of the type of support available, not only through the Navy, but also through the community in which we all live,” said Knighton. “Bottom line is that we are here to help and are always available, and always wanting to assist those who need it. Myself, my fellow SPCs, the chaplains, medical and several other resources in our local area are ready, willing and able to assist anyone seeking help.”
For more information, and to see other resources that are available, contact your departmental Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2018 15:43 |
| Story ID: | 304431 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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