By Tim Cherry
Staff writer
Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fort Belvoir workers will take a collective stand against suicide during the Army’s suicide prevention stand down day Sept. 27.

The stand down increases suicide prevention awareness and enhances resiliency and health to prevent future suicides in the Army.

In 2012, there have been 89 potential active duty-suicides with 48 confirmed and 41 under investigation, according to a U.S. Department of Defense news release. The same release confirmed 165 total active-duty suicides since 2011.

Milagros Frank, Directorate of Human Resources Suicide Prevention Specialist, said the day is an opportunity to honor brothers and sisters lost.

“The suicide prevention awareness and training will be the primary focus of all scheduled activities that day,” Frank said.

Frank and the Army Substance Abuse Program team will host a leader led discussion from 9-10:30 a.m. and prevention training at 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Wood Theater. The leader led discussion is open to Department of Army leaders and supervisors and garrison tenant organizations. The open forum will focus on risk factors for suicide and will include a group break-out session for leaders to conduct scenario based exercises.

The prevention training, a DA regulation 600-63 requirement for Soldiers and Department of Defense civilians, will cover risk factors and teach participants how to care for personnel dealing with personal issues.

“The goal is to get people to talk, engage, and become active listeners,” said Frank who encourages contractors and Family members to attend, as long as the schedule permits.

“If you ask the right questions and you have the right attitude, you can save a life.”

Community members can also hear Herschel Walker, former NFL running back and motivational speaker; share his struggles, pain and recovery from dissociative identity disorder.

His presentation is open to Fort Belvoir Soldiers, employees, and Families and will start with a biographical video depicting Walker’s life at 1:30 p.m. in the Fort Belvoir Community Center.

The former Georgia Bulldogs star, who won the 1982 Heisman Trophy and played 12 seasons in the NFL, has visited more than 60 military bases across the U.S. Walker wants military members to understand that no one should feel embarrassed about seeking help and treatment in dealing with personal issues.

Employees who miss the Army Suicide Prevention Training to attend Walker’s presentation, can make up the training by attending an hourly training session Sept. 25 -26 at Thurman Lecture Hall (Army Management Staff College behind the Garrison Command Bldg) 5500 21st, Bldg 247. The training occurs hourly from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.

The garrison will also host a make-up stand down day in October for people and organizations unable to participate in September. The date has not been determined.

The theme for the stand down is “Shoulder to Shoulder: We stand Up for Life.”

Frank hopes the day of training and discussions makes participants feel more comfortable and confident with approaching someone dealing with personal issues.

She said the training and discussion will also force participants to reflect internally on their thoughts and attitudes towards suicide. Whether accepting or disagreeing with the act, Frank said the sessions should help people set aside their beliefs and help people in need.

“At that moment, it’s about the person,” Frank said. “Come through to that person as someone who is reliable and easy accessible.”

For more information, contact Milagros Frank, Suicide Prevention Program Manager, at (703) 805-5529, or email at milagros.frank.civ@mail.mil.