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Soldiers honor Suicide Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrew Guffey
  • 210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Walson Medical Support Element honored suicide awareness month by planting two oak trees at JB MDL, Sept. 24.

"These two oak trees we are about to plant symbolize the strength of our servicemembers," said Col. Mark Wilhite, commander of Walson Medical Support Element. "These trees will grow side-by-side and will be resilient like our Soldiers."

The theme for this year's suicide prevention month is "Shoulder to Shoulder: I will never quit on life." Suicide prevention week was Sept. 5 through Sept. 11; however, the Army has expanded its observance to the entire month.

Over the past few years, the Army has allotted more and more resources toward preventing suicide among our troops.

"Providers are on-site so people can get the help they need," said Lt. Col. John Shaffer, head of the behavior health section at Walson Medical Support Element. "If today's leaders don't have the time to listen to the troops, they don't need to be leaders."

One leader who set aside time on his day off was Sgt. Sharief Cole; a civil affairs specialist from Piscataway, N.J. Cole volunteered his time and equipment to disc jockey the event.

"It's the civil thing to do for our troops," he said. "Being aware of these resources helps servicemembers out. It's very important when stress builds up that they can get help."

The day's activities closed out with a ceremonial walk to Willow Pond for refreshments and karaoke.

Shaffer explained that the walk represents the bond between servicemembers looking out for each other, just like everyone should do, especially during suicide prevention month.