FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Helen Pridgen was devastated when she learned her 25-year-old son had taken his life. Her world shattered, the Columbia woman decided to pick herself up and share her experience as a way to help others and begin the healing process.

Pridgen, who lost her son Clay to suicide 10 years ago, will be the guest speaker for Fort Jackson's National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 5-11.

"Life can be tough. It is harder for some, but we can help each other through it," said Pridgen, chairwoman for the South Carolina Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "I am deeply honored to come on post and share my experiences. I do this as a way to honor my son's life."

Pridgen will speak 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sept. 7 and Sept. 10 at the Post Theater. During the event, Soldiers will be asked to sign a pledge that they will never give up on life.

In addition to the speaking engagement, a host of other events are planned for National Suicide Prevention Week at Fort Jackson. The theme of this year's activities is "Shoulder to Shoulder: I will Never Quit on Life."

"Our whole purpose this year is to get people to choose to live," said Ernestine Richardson, alcohol and drug specialist for the Directorate of Human Resources. "We want to focus on those who choose every day to keep on pushing and living."

Suicide rates in the Army jumped to a record 160 cases last year, according to the Army News Service.

"Suicide prevention begins in Basic Combat Training," said Chaplain (Maj.) Monica Lawson, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment. "We let them know they are valuable not only as Soldiers, but as individuals."

Battle buddies are used as a first line of defense in suicide prevention, Lawson said, and can be an invaluable relationship in determining if Soldiers are depressed.

"For some entering BCT, it is something they have dreamed about their whole lives, but when they get here it isn't what they expected," she said. "A battle buddy is always with a Soldier and can determine when something is wrong."

Soldiers are given ACE cards (an acronym for Ask your buddy, Care for your buddy and Escort your buddy) during BCT in an effort to prevent suicide.

"It is something Soldiers can carry around if they get confused on what to do if someone is talking about suicide," Lawson said. "It helps us help the Soldier."

Although battle buddies can be an excellent way to monitor a Soldier's mental well-being, the command group also plays a vital role.

"Let us help you. All of us are trained in ways to help, either your chaplain or drill sergeant," Lawson said. "Soldiers know that even though their drill sergeant is yelling at them, they can still go to that drill sergeant and know he or she will take care of them."

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

Sunday through Sept. 11 - Static displays, flyers and suicide prevention resources at Moncrief Army Community Hospital, the Strom Thurmond Building and Main Post Exchange.

Tuesday - The Army Substance Abuse Program staff will hand out suicide prevention warning signs and risk factor cards at Gates 1 and 2.