BJACH Hosts Second Annual Dog Walk for Suicide Prevention Month

FORT POLK, La. —More than 60 Soldiers, family members, and 35 dogs gathered at Warrior Hills Golf Course Sept. 20 for Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital’s second annual “Pawsitive Steps” Dog Walk in honor of Suicide Prevention Month and National Service Dog Month.

Col. Patrick Miller, BJACH commander, thanked participants for spending their Saturday morning supporting an important cause.

“This is a special occasion,” Miller said. “Every one of us has been impacted by suicide in one way or another — we all know someone we love, or someone connected to us, who we’ve lost. Our pets are part of the healing and coping process for many of us and today reminds us that we are a family — even an extended family with our dogs.”

Army leaders have emphasized the important role pets can play in prevention and resilience efforts. In the article Dog Jog for Life, Russell Jordan, Army Substance Abuse Risk Reduction Program manager, wrote, “Our pets, often overlooked in discussions about suicide prevention, serve as lifelines of support. They offer comfort, companionship, and unwavering empathy when we need it most.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Larry D. White II, BJACH senior enlisted advisor, encouraged attendees to enjoy the morning, stay safe, and take time to connect with one another. He also presided over a lighthearted moment, honorarily promoting BJACH’s facility dog, Sunny, to Master Sergeant.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Waltz, behavioral health noncommissioned officer in charge and Sunny’s handler, emphasized the event’s purpose.

“Events like this are how we lower suicide rates — by supporting each other, our formations, and our Families,” Waltz said. “Along the walk route, participants can stop to read suicide prevention signs that dispel myths, share facts, and highlight risk factors.”

Mental health advocates agree that service dogs play a crucial role in resilience and suicide prevention.

In a WellBeing International article titled, Veteran Suicide and the Benefits of Service Animals, by Andrew and Kathleen Rowan (March 26, 2025), the authors note that “service dogs do help reduce the symptoms of PTSD and potentially address the current Veteran suicide crises.” The article also cites research showing that the human-animal bond provides social support, reduces isolation, and helps mintage suicide factors.

At the conclusion of the walk, every dog received a certificate of “PAWticipation” signed by Miller, thanking them for their loyalty, unconditional affection, and the joy they bring to the community.

The event reinforced BJACH’s commitment to reducing suicide within the ranks by encouraging connection, sharing resources, and reminding the community that help is always available through the Military & Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.