FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 1, 2011) -- Fort Rucker officials welcome the community to join local icon, Sgt. Ted E. Bear, by donning the designated color of yellow to show support of the Army's September observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

The Army Substance Abuse Program, the Chaplain's Office and the ACS Family Advocacy Program have teamed to sponsor various educational events throughout the month to raise awareness about the causes of suicide and suicide prevention techniques through presentations and strategically placed displays, according to ASAP officials.

ASAP will also provide yellow ribbons to Soldiers, Family members and civilians. Units and organizations should call ASAP at 255-7509 to get ribbons.

"This year's campaign theme is 'Shoulder to Shoulder--Building Resilience in the Army Family' and officially kicks off for Soldiers Sept. 7 at 6 a.m. on Howze Field. There Maj. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general, will offer his comments on the importance of the program to the Fort Rucker community," said Traci Dunlap, ASAP clinical case manager.

In addition, suicide awareness displays of a single pair of white combat boots will be placed at Lyster Army Health Clinic Tuesday and Wednesday, at Bldg. 5700 Sept. 12-14, and at the post exchange Sept. 15-16, according to Alleane Clark, risk reduction program coordinator,

"The display signifies that even one loss of life to suicide is one too many," Clarke said.

Accompanying the displays will be Ask, Care and Escort -- ACE -- cards.

Clarke said, "ACE is an Army suicide prevention training program which instructs battle buddies and leaders to:

'Ask' Soldiers if they are thinking of committing suicide; if the Soldier answers 'yes,' then to take proper 'Care' of that Soldier (by listening, etc.); and then to 'Escort' the Soldier to chain of command help, behavioral health or the chaplain."

Sept. 26, ASAP will present "Why People Die from Suicide," featuring guest speaker Dr. Thomas Joiner, Florida State University. Joiner will offer a morning session from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and an afternoon session from 2-4 p.m. at the post theater.

Sept. 28, ASAP will present two sessions of "Negotiating the Maze, What You Need to Know About Army Suicide Prevention," featuring guest speaker Donald Schuman, ASAP manager. Schuman's sessions run from 8:30-10:30 a.m., and 2-4 p.m. at the post theater.

"Presentations are free and open to the public and will offer two hours of continuing education units for licensed professional counselors and social workers," Dunlap said.

For more information on CEUs, call Janet Rawls at 255-7010. All units must call Traci Dunlap at 255-7089 to reserve seats and to receive credit for the sessions.