REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-- Army Contracting Command and the Expeditionary Contracting Command headquarters staffs participated in a variety of events here as part of their Suicide Prevention Stand Down.
The suicide stand down was part of an Army-wide mandate to educate individuals on how to recognize warning signs and to educate them about those programs available to help them.
ACC and ECC conducted their event Oct. 10 instead of the Army-wide date of Sept. 27 in order to keep contracting officials free to complete fiscal year-end contracting activities.
"Suicide continues to be a challenge for our Army family," said Maj. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, ACC commanding general. "It's a devastating and senseless loss when one of our own, whether a Soldier, a family member, civilian or contractor dies by suicide."
According to Army statistics more than 237 Soldiers have potentially taken their lives so far this year. The stand down is part of the Army's push to step up its resilience training to combat the problem.
"I am asking each one of you to make a difference in someone's life," Nichols said. "I encourage you to take the time to get to know your friends, co-workers and buddies a little better. Recognize the signs of someone that may need your help. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact a chaplain, call the National Suicide Prevention helpline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
"Remember, no one is alone," she said. "Shoulder-to-shoulder, we can all remain Army strong."
ACC's observance featured a suicide prevention and resiliency discussion led by Chap. (Lt. Col.)Charles Fields, followed by a health fair and teambuilding events.
The day started with a Suicide Prevention and Awareness bike ride in which military participants stopped at historic sites along the way and listened to Mikhael Weitzel, ACC historian, describe the location's historical significance.
The command later gathered for a potluck lunch, followed by a chili, pulled pork barbecue and dessert cook-off.
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