FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI), observed their Suicide Stand Down Day on Sept. 20.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. The theme for this year's observance is "A Healthy Force is a Ready Force."
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III directed an Armywide stand down for today, after the release of figures indicating 38 Soldiers killed themselves in July. That is the highest monthly number since the Army began keeping records in 2009 and a significant jump from 24 potential suicides in June.
This increase in suicides has prompted leaders throughout the Army to focus even more in our greatest asset -- our Soldiers.
HHBN observed the Suicide Stand Down a week early due to an ongoing field training exercise that is scheduled through Wednesday. The theme for the Suicide Stand Down is "Shoulder to Shoulder, We Stand Up for Life."
Soldiers started their morning with an accountability formation behind the division's headquarters building. After a word of encouragement from the battalion commander and a prayer from Chaplain (Capt.) Martin H. Chang, HHBN chaplain, Soldiers went on a 5K run, accompanied by friends and Family Members.
"Today our focus is Suicide Stand Down," said Lt. Col. Patrick N. Kaune, HHBN commander. "We have seen suicide in our own formation. We know the impact it had on us in terms of readiness and those we love."
Good units recognize challenges and confront them, Kaune said.
"We are a great unit," he said. "Use this day to better yourself and learn how to stand up for your mountain buddy."
According to Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, U.S. Army chief of staff, the Army has some of the most combat-seasoned professional forces in the nation's history.
While our Soldiers remain "the strength of our nation," the long-term high level of operational demands has placed significant stress on the all-volunteer force.
In response, the Army implemented the Comprehensive Soldier Family Fitness (CFS2) program to help leaders enhance unit readiness and to support the ability of Soldiers, Families and Department of the Army civilians to meet the demands of military life.
Following these guidelines, HHBN Soldiers from the highest-ranking officer to the lowest-ranking enlisted Soldier met at the battalion's motor pool to receive training.
Unit-level leaders conducted training on a variety of subjects throughout the all-day event. Soldiers received training on the Army Substance Abuse Program, spiritual fitness, resiliency, suicide prevention and awareness, and Ask, Care and Escort (ACE) training.
The unit-level training also included the videos "Beyond the Front" and "Shoulder to Shoulder."
"This is great training," said Sgt. Maj. Theon Hart, Division Surgeon's Office sergeant major. "Educate and follow up repeatedly, just like the Army Values, until all Soldiers understand the importance of taking care of their mountain buddy."
At the end of the day, HHBN Soldiers learned that seeking help when it is needed is a sign of strength and not weakness, and that the quicker you get help, the quicker you'll get back into the fight.
Social Sharing