JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. – Responsible fun and good times were the themes as Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) hosted the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) "101 Days of Summer" Barbecue on July 18.
The event brought together Soldiers, civilians, and families for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and readiness education.
The "101 Days of Summer” is the period from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend and according to the U.S. Army Readiness Center, remains the most dangerous time of year for off-duty mishaps. The ASAP BBQ served as a key touchpoint to engage the community on the importance of responsible decision-making and risk mitigation while enjoying the warm weather.
"We provide prevention services to educate service members on the dangers of engaging in excessive alcohol use, abusing prescription drugs and illicit drug use,” said Valerie Silver, ASAP’s Prevention Specialist.
Substance abuse prevention is only one of ASAP’s many functions. The program also provides suicide prevention training and offers drug testing services for individuals and units.
“We teach an annual suicide prevention class called ACE: Ask, Care, and Escort, to ensure everyone knows how to check on their coworkers and loved ones,” said Silver. “We also ensure the integrity of the Army’s drug testing program, to ensure there’s no tampering with specimens, and they’re properly shipped to the lab.”
This event was designed to promote proactive leadership and to empower Soldiers and civilians to make smart decisions. The highlight of the afternoon was, of course, the barbecue itself. Attendees enjoyed burgers, hot dogs and refreshments, along with good music and karaoke. But amidst the good times, the message of safety remained front and center.
“Today is about summer safety and awareness,” said Silver. I talked about the dangers of alcohol abuse while driving, swimming, and just making sure everyone has a safe summer.”
ASAP representatives were on hand to offer resources and promote the importance of planning ahead. Whether it's ensuring a designated driver is selected before a night out or using ride-share applications, the program emphasized that responsible choices are critical to preserving the force.
The event also tied into broader summer safety themes frequently championed at JBM-HH, such as backyard barbecue safety, proper fire extinguisher use, and the prevention of heat casualties.
By combining safety training with the relaxed atmosphere of a summer cookout, JBM-HH continues to strengthen its community relationships. The ASAP 101 Days of Summer BBQ boosted awareness while engaging partners through food and fun, ensuring that everyone on the installation is equipped for a safe and healthy summer season.
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