FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The installation buzzed with energy as Soldiers, family members and Army professionals gathered for the 5K Cosplay Fun Run at 5 a.m. today at Warrior-Sentinel Fields officially kicking off Suicide Prevention Month, a campaign to foster connections and promote mental well-being within the military community.
The event began with a speech from Brig. Gen. Richard Appelhans, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence & Fort Huachuca, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal connections in preventing suicide.
"Good morning, team, and thanks for the motivation this morning," Appelhans said. "We are gathered here today to kick off Suicide Prevention Month, an event meant to bring people together. The best tool we have for preventing suicide is our connection with others."
Appelhans and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Townsend, command sergeant major, USAICoE, underscored the significance of the monthly campaign by signing the Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation.
The signing served as a formal commitment from the highest levels of leadership, affirming the installation's dedication to tackling the issue of suicide head-on and set the tone for the entire month, reminding everyone that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility that starts at the top.
"No matter your rank, your position, or your experience, you can make a significant impact in someone else's life through your attitude," Appelhans said.
"By caring about the people around you, recognizing the signs of suicidal ideation, or simply understanding when your peers are having a tough time, is what this month is all about.
"Suicide prevention is an enduring effort, so I ask that you always take a moment to think about how your actions and attitude impact the people in your life," he stressed.
The theme for this year's Suicide Prevention Month is "You Are a Light in Somebody's Life" which highlights the critical role relationships and interpersonal connections to family, friends and community play in prevention.
“Today's 5K fun run was more than just a morning of physical fitness,” said Alicia Tucker, suicide prevention coordinator and event organizer. “It was a rallying cry for the Fort Huachuca community to come together for suicide prevention. As we move through this month, let us all remember the importance of connection and the impact we can have on the lives of those around us.”
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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.
Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.
We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.
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