Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Guam Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve Deployment Support Command, Alabama, suicide prevention programs were recognized for outstanding contributions to their communities from Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023.

The awards, which will be presented by the Defense Suicide Prevention Office in a Pentagon ceremony in September, highlight the "Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach" work the organizations accomplished in support of soldiers, their families and Army civilians, while also promoting activities for the 2023 Suicide Prevention Month observance.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Jackie Young, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, expressed pride in the announcement.

"It's very validating," Young says. "It's very exciting to know that we're recognized for the hard work we've been putting toward this effort. We try to think outside of the box and do things that resonate with soldiers and have a positive impact."

Their most popular event is called "Fill the Ruck 5K," says Young. This is an annual event where participants travel a route and do different activities. They encounter different stations, where they have the opportunity to communicate, practice self-care and learn about various resources both on and off the installation. These activities are completed in teams with the purpose of enhancing team cohesion.

"By the end of the day, participants just grow together and build that communication, trust and connectivity they should have on a team," explains Young.

Young is supported by Army Substance Abuse Prevention program staff, including Carmen Rivera, ASAP Specialist. She says their contributions are crucial to achieving program goals in general and desired Suicide Prevention Month outcomes in particular.

"It was a team effort," Rivera says. "It's the staff; everybody on the team has the heart for this. They have the empathy for it - the compassion for it."

Young says these efforts also include programs like the Family Advocacy Program, Exceptional Family Member Program, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, financial readiness, Holistic Health and Fitness and support from Army chaplains.

"We include all these people who can help the soldiers and their family members overcome any of the struggles that they're having, whether it's in the moment or in the future," Young says.

She also explains: "We encourage everybody to make connections - not wait until there's a problem - to make connections from the start. We encourage building conversations and building connections; that's what makes us stand out."

Joint Base Lewis-McChord has a unique mission according to Derek Ferrell from Headquarters, U.S. Army Installation Management Command Suicide Prevention Program Manager. He explains that because of the soldiers and the capabilities present at the installation, unique problems arise, oftentimes requiring special attention.

IMCOM's role in Suicide Prevention is immense, according to Ferrell.

"IMCOM is trying to support commanders and the soldiers, Army civilians and family members at the installation across the enterprise, so it's an honor to be recognized for that hard work," Ferrell says.