FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Suicide is alive and breathing, just like me and you," Sgt. Kemosi Evans said during a Suicide Prevention and Awareness Open House Sept. 20 at Army Community Service.
Evans shared stories of Soldiers in his unit and his family history as a step toward removing the stigma and bringing attention to the issue of suicide in the Army.
"We've had several within the brigade that have either attempted or actually committed suicide and a lot of them were close friends of mine," Evans said. "One colleague ended up getting shot. We'd just returned from overseas. He'd held an MP at gunpoint with his own weapon. He was crying out for help and no one recognized it."
A second Soldier shot himself in his barracks room. A third Soldier, only days from returning home for leave during a deployment, also succeeded in shooting and killing himself.
Evans said suicide also touched every member of his family. He'd attempted twice. "My second time was after I came in the Army after my divorce. It tore me apart." His 20-year-old younger brother and mother also attempted suicide, unable to manage their situations.
"I've heard it said that suicide is not chosen, it happens when someone's pain exceeds the resources for coping with that pain," said Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III, commander U.S. Army North and Fort Sam Houston, during his remarks. "It can be characterized as someone piling weights on your shoulders and at a certain point any one of us can collapse."
He said last year there were 239 deaths attributable to suicide, the third leading cause of death among Army personnel.
"In addition to the personal tragedy, that is combat power out of the force we cannot afford to lose. Beyond the confirmed suicides, there were over 1700 attempted suicides during the past year."
Swan said that suicide combined with accidental deaths from risky behavior resulted in more Soldiers dying from their own actions than from the actions of enemies on the battlefield last year.
Chaplain (Capt.) Jeffrey Masengale presented several programs the Army offers to help Soldiers deal with suicidal thoughts and actions. He said at the buddy level Soldiers are trained to use an "ask, care and escort" or ACE protocol with those at risk.
He also discussed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training or ASIST and showed "Shoulder to Shoulder: I Will Never Quite on Life," a video featuring testimonials of Soldiers who received help for psychological distress or assisted others in need. The video stressed the importance and success of suicide intervention through reaching out.
Evans said he took several years to reach out for professional help because he was embarrassed, convinced that suicidal thoughts were a sign of weakness. But after he found his mother with an extension cord wrapped around her neck, he said he began attending suicide classes in earnest and talking with his chaplains.
"Suicide is not a weakness. You can actually better yourself from it and be stronger from it and make a positive gain for everyone else instead of following through with it. You can utilize the story of what you've been through. Everyone has that chance they just need to see it," Evans said.
He said that Soldiers with suicidal thoughts have a way out no matter what. "They can pick up the phone and talk to somebody."
Evans said the Army has started down the right path providing help and recognition of suicidal tendencies.
"Especially here, where I am stationed, everyone cares. We have to take the time to make that step and talk to somebody. That's my vow. I am going to help as much as I can."
Guest speakers Larry Grosskopf, Ph.D. a neuropsychologist from San Antonio State Hospital, discussed coping strategies for dealing with and overcoming the pressures Soldiers face after deployment; and Chief Bill McManus, chief of police of the San Antonio Police Department, discussed the military's role as an integral part of the San Antonio community.
"I would guess that 99 percent of you have known someone that took their life or attempted to take their life," said Brig. Gen. Manuel Ortiz Jr., deputy commanding general, U.S. Army South, during his closing remarks.
"Those that I have personally known that took their lives haunt me because I feel that I could have helped them if only I had the tools to pick up on those signs, symbols or key words," Ortiz said, adding that attending workshops and seminars improves first-aid skills to help others with suicidal thoughts.
He said suicide is preventable, especially when others show concern and care for fellow Soldiers.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month by the U.S. Army.
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