Photo By Janice Erdlitz | Members of the Fort Rucker Army Substance Abuse Program speak with guest speaker U.S....... read more read more
Lyster Army Health Clinic Behavioral Health Department hosted U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Dwyer for a Suicide Prevention Month event focused on building resilience. Col. Dwyer, a seasoned leader and combat veteran, spoke to Soldiers at the Fort Rucker Post Theater on September 25, sharing firsthand insights into developing mental fortitude and navigating the challenges of military life.
During the presentation, Col. Dwyer shared a pivotal moment from his third deployment to Afghanistan in 2006. An enemy ambush and a rocket-propelled grenade resulted in life-threatening injuries, costing him his left eye and left hand. His story powerfully exemplifies resilience and overcoming adversity. “When people ask why I stayed in the military,” Dwyer remarked, “there are many reasons, but two stand out: I want my children and my Soldiers to know it’s not okay to quit doing what you love just because it’s hard; and I am privileged to serve alongside men and women willing to sacrifice for our nation and for each other. That’s the most valuable thing I can imagine.”
As the event’s guest speaker, Dwyer emphasized that even in the face of significant hardship, recovery and strength are possible through utilizing available support. He highlighted the importance of proactive engagement in suicide prevention, stating, “We all have to be part of the process, be engaged as human beings, and constantly check on our battle buddies.” He challenged attendees to connect with others, lead with empathy, and actively care for those around them – to “be there, be present.”
He concluded the event with three key takeaways to build resilience:
1. Build a strong support network: Surround yourself with positive people and be the kind of positive person others want to be surrounded by.
2. Find your purpose: Live each day with intention and a sense of meaning (happiness is a byproduct of living your purpose).
3. Maintain a sense of humor: Don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy the things that make you laugh.
Dwyer offered encouragement to those struggling, emphasizing, “There is always hope, and no matter how bad it gets, we cannot lose if we get back up.”
Capt. Marissa Caid-Loos, a member of the Behavioral Health Department at Lyster remarked, “Hearing Col. Dwyer speak today reinforced the idea that resilience is the number one protective factor when it comes to suicide prevention, which starts with proactively building connections and seeking support. His experience showed us that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship but about having the strength – and the support network – to get back up.”
In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, the Lyster Army Health Clinic Behavioral Health Department conducted a comprehensive series of events throughout September. These efforts were designed to enhance resilience and promote help-seeking behaviors.
“While today’s event with COL Dwyer marks the end of Suicide Prevention Month, the Lyster Army Health Clinic Behavioral Health Department remains committed to fostering a supportive environment and providing resources for our Soldiers, families, and staff year-round,” concluded Caid-Loos.
Dwyer currently serves as the Commander, Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, Special Warfare Medical Group at Fort Bragg.
Additional resources on resilience and suicide prevention:
• Lyster Army Health Clinic: Behavioral Health Department: https://lyster.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Mental-Health
• Military One Source: Visit www.militaryonesource.mil or call 1-800-342-9647
• Veteran Crisis Line: Call, text, or chat with the Veteran Crisis Line which provides free support for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and all veterans. Call: 988 and press 1 or Text: 838255.
• Chaplains and Military Family Life Consultants
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 13:38 |
| Story ID: | 549715 |
| Location: | FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Suicide Prevention Starts with Building Resilience, by Janice Erdlitz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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