FORT IRWIN, Calif.- "We are engaged in a war and the third leading cause of death is suicide," Fort Irwin/National Training Center Commanding General Brig. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams told those gathered at the Aug. 23 Community Services Council meeting as he prepared to sign a proclamation declaring September "Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month" at Fort Irwin and the NTC.

In July there were 32 suicide deaths reported Armywide, which is more than one a day and more than the number of Soldiers killed in combat in Iraq, Brig. Gen. Abrams said, adding that "We didn't have any at the NTC thankfully."

Even though September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month across the Department of Defense, it is something that leaders need to focus on throughout the year, he said.

Leaders need to help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for those who need help, he said.

"Soldiers and Family Members need to know it is not a sign of weakness to seek it. It is a sign of sign of strength," Brig. Gen. Abrams said. "It's OK to seek help."

At least one suicide at Fort Irwin was prevented in the past six months because the Soldier's chain-of-command was well-informed and identified the Soldier as high-risk, he said, adding that a call from the Soldier's lawyer to the installation's Emergency Operations Center led to the Soldier's life being saved after a suicide attempt.

"The chain-of-command has to be turned on and paying attention," Brig. Gen. Abrams said. "The challenge is: 'Are you going to take action or are you going to pretend it doesn't exist''" Each one of us is worth the effort."