Some 160 runners and walkers took steps Sept. 18 to connect to protect.
They participated in the third annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 5K fun run near the ChildWise building off Vincent Drive.
Sally Rebecca DeWitt, 37, of Huntsville, was among the morning’s participants. “My family are veterans. I’ve lost an aunt to suicide and I’m here to walk for awareness and help prevention,” she said.
“I love that this is happening. It’s a tough topic that needs a lot of support.”
Before the start, Garrison Commander Col. Erin Eike introduced Maj. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, Army Materiel Command deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations.
“We’re here together, to rally together, and let us all know that we can seek help,” Lawrence said.
Carolyn White, employee assistance program coordinator for the Army Substance Abuse Program, served as this year’s race coordinator. “Connect to Protect” is the slogan for the Army Suicide Prevention Program.
“It was fantastic,” White said of the event. “Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, the energy and the morale is what this event is all about because we’re here to connect to protect.”
Social Sharing