Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Larsen | Soldiers acting in the 'Second Chance' play reenact a casualty notification during a...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – Throughout the month of September, the 1st Armored Division is reinforcing its commitment to the suicide awareness and prevention program by expanding resources and encouraging Soldiers to stay connected, hosting events at the Muleskinner Dining Facility; the ‘Out of the Darkness, Into the Night’ walk; and multiple iterations of Second Chance, a suicide awareness play performed by Fort Bliss Soldiers.
As of Sept. 25, the Army Suicide Prevention Program reported 199 Soldiers have died by suicide in 2025, up from 189 at this time last year. At Fort Bliss, leaders and advocates believe the rise underscores the need for early intervention, stronger connections and creative approaches to training.
For Russell Jordan, a Fort Bliss Army Substance Abuse Program coordinator and director of the play Second Chance, standard training wasn’t enough.
“PowerPoints weren’t getting through,” Jordan said. “Soldiers were distracted, and the message of suicide prevention wasn’t sticking. That troubled my spirit, so I created something that Soldiers could see, hear and feel.”
Jordan explained that he wrote Second Chance to move Soldiers from their head to their heart and back again, helping them realize that they are their brother’s keeper and have a responsibility to recognize risk factors in the Soldiers to their right and left. The play brings those challenges to life, portraying struggles with relationships, financial stress and career setbacks, the same issues Army officials identify as leading contributors to suicidal ideation.
According to Marguerite Warren, the U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Bliss suicide prevention coordinator, those stressors often overlap.
“When a Soldier tests positive for a controlled substance, they typically face adverse action,” Warren said. “That can mean losing rank and pay, which causes financial hardship. That hardship can strain relationships and work performance, leaving the Soldier overwhelmed and hopeless.”
These consequences are part of military policy aimed at maintaining discipline, Warren said, but are why prevention training must be more than a check-the-box requirement. Fort Bliss uses the Army’s Ask, Care, Escort – Suicide Intervention program, which includes both introductory workshops and an intensive three-day course that certifies Soldiers to lead suicide prevention efforts within their units.
Enrollment for ACE-SI Tier 1 and Tier 2 is conducted quarterly in accordance with AR 600-92. Tier 1 is open to sergeants and above with no prerequisites or nomination packets required, and course information is shared through communication channels for units to distribute directly. Tier 2 is also held once per quarter, open to sergeants (with an approved exception to policy) and above. Soldiers must be nominated by their commander or supervisor, who submits a packet for review before enrollment. Units may contact the Fort Bliss Suicide Prevention Program office for scheduled dates and planning.
“With [command teams] getting behind [this training], I can say the command teams here on [Fort] Bliss care,” said Warren. “If you lose one soul, if you lose one Soldier, that [is] one Soldier too many, and you carry that with you.”
Lt. Col. Caroline Cruz, commander of Special Troops Battalion, Division Sustainment Brigade, said her commitment to prevention is deeply personal.
“My daughter attempted suicide about a month before she left the Army,” Cruz said. “I couldn’t change what her leadership [was unable to identify], but I use that experience as my drive every day to pay it forward for Soldiers. Our goal is to reach them early, make them aware of resources, and build a culture of trust before they make a permanent decision to a temporary problem.”
Cruz said she encourages leaders at every level to move beyond formal requirements and genuinely connect with their Soldiers on a personal level, stressing that such relationships can reveal warning signs before it’s too late.
“Trust starts at the company level,” Cruz said. “Command teams must earn that trust by caring, leading with heart and truly knowing their people.” Jordan echoed that message, stressing the difference between compliance and commitment.
“Compliance is holding a stand-up or assigning trainers,” Jordan said. “Commitment is doing everything in your power to empower people and let them know they’re not alone.” Since 2013, Jordan said Second Chance has reached more than 125,000 Soldiers across Asia, Europe and the United States. Some of the most powerful feedback, he added, comes years later when Soldiers share how the performance changed their perspective.
“Suicide doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private or a general,” Jordan said. “The play helps people see invisible struggles clearly, so if they hear or see something, they’re prompted to act.” As part of the Army’s broader prevention effort, Fort Bliss leaders encourage Soldiers and families to use resources such as the Military and Family Life Counseling Program, Military OneSource, embedded behavioral health clinics and chaplains.
“September is Suicide Prevention Month, but this isn’t a one-month effort,” Cruz said. “This is an everyday battle to remind Soldiers that it’s okay to not be okay and that help is always here.” Service members, veterans and family members in crisis are urged to dial 988 and press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7.
Division leaders encourage Soldiers and families to use resources such as the Military and Family Life Counseling Program, Military OneSource, and embedded behavioral health clinics. Chaplains, medical professionals and unit leadership remain on call to assist those in crisis.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2025 13:41 |
| Story ID: | 550447 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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