JB MDL members participate in Great American Smokeout Published Nov. 9, 2009 Health and Wellness Center Staff Report JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will celebrate the Great American Smokeout Nov. 19. The purpose of the Great American Smokeout is to motivate tobacco users across the country to quit smoking for one day. The annual event occurs on the third Thursday in November. Thinking about quitting? Perhaps, there is some hesitation. The Health and Wellness Center staff hopes to use the Great American Smokeout to motivate members of the JB MDL community to make the commitment to quit. "Even if you are not ready to quit now, use the day to get prepared for when you will quit for good." said Tech. Sgt. Melissa Bernardin, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the HAWC. Quitting for even one day will help raise awareness of habits and help identify the means needed to quit. According to the Air Force Corporate Health Information Processing Service, 23.6 percent of active-duty members use tobacco products. The HAWC team hopes to bring that number to zero. The best time to quit smoking is now. All JB MDL members are encouraged to stop by the HAWC to pick up a "Commit to Quit" bag Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Supportive literature and valuable referrals will be available to help understand tobacco addiction and motivate quitting. There is a lot of help available to quite using tobacco products. The HAWC staff stands ready to help. Call "Quitline" Assistance at (877) SAMMC-11 or visit www.sammcquitline.org. For information about the Great American Smokeout or programs available call the HAWC at 754-2462.