Photo By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Bryson | Soldiers make their way through a cloud of colorful paint dust as they embark on an...... read more read more
Rapid Support Teams Up with Fort Eustis Community for Suicide Prevention Awareness
FORT EUSTIS, Va.– Soldiers from the 597th Transportation Brigade, U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS), “Rapid Support,” teamed up with community members to raise awareness during the 2025 Fort Eustis Behavioral Health Clinic’s Suicide Prevention Month 5K Color Run/Walk and Resource Fair held at Anderson Field House on Monday, September 22, 2025, here. Service Members, family, volunteers and Army community organizations joined in the effort to spread the message of suicide prevention, providing morale support and showering participants with colorful powdered paint as they made the trek across the installation.
The Army’s Suicide Prevention Program’s mission is to provide training and support to keep all members of the community aware of risk factors, warning signs and available resources to encourage intervention– all of which lead to increased resiliency for Service members, civilians and family members.
This year’s theme “We are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect,” emphasizes the role strong, positive relationships play in preventing suicide.
In a published statement regarding the theme, Sgt. Maj. Of the Army Michael R. Weimer stressed the importance of connecting with others and working together to prevent suicide:
No one serves alone, and no one should struggle alone. Whether a physical or emotional battle, we are one team. This profession is a team sport.
-Sgt. Maj. of the Army Micheal R. Weimer
Master Sgt. Ence Spann Jr., Rapid Support operations, who participated in the color run and briefed the Rapid Support team on suicide prevention during the 597th’s daily operations brief throughout the month, said awareness events are important because they introduce Soldiers to resources– and their community, before they ever find themselves in crisis.
Spann said these connections make it easier to reach out when they or someone they care about is in trouble.
“We all need someone whether we admit it or not,” said Spann. “In the Army, we learn everyone is a safety… on the range, down range, in the motor pool– we need to learn to apply that to mental health as well.”
“Everybody’s a safety,” Spann added. “Look to your left and your right and take care of your buddies.”
And while the focus of the Color Run was Suicide Prevention Month, the event also provided a platform for broader community discussions on mental health and brought awareness to various resources and services on and off post.
Sgt.1st Class Derek Oxendine, 597th and Center for Initial Military Training Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Sexual Harassment /Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) installation team member, provided a resource booth and helped orchestrate the event with the Joint-Base Langley Eustis Suicide Prevention team.
He explained the importance of the post “No Wrong Door” policy, which links prevention services here on post–which is crucial, because often individuals struggling with one issue find it intruding into other areas of their life, contributing to stress or mental health problems elsewhere.
“Joint Base Langley-Eustis strives to ensure that a consistent “No Wrong Door” policy is promoted for the wellbeing of Soldiers, DA Civilians, and Family members,” said Oxendine. “This dedication ensures immediate, compassionate support and seamless referrals across the vast installation resources.”
Oxendine stressed this compassionate support creates a culture of trust, accountability, and holistic care that ensures every individual gets to the “right door” – and connects to the help they need.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2025 14:18 |
| Story ID: | 551398 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Rapid Support Teams Up with Fort Eustis Community for Suicide Prevention Awareness, by SSG Elizabeth Bryson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
