09/29/2023
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response professionals attended a SHARP Training Summit at Hale Koa, Hawaii. The purpose of the summit was to discuss how to modernize the program and have leaders and SHARP professionals use the information to network and connect with one another about implementing changes.
09/29/2023
Like many service members, Wess Brown, a retired U.S. Army sergeant, saw a lot during his time in the Army and some of his experiences led him to consider death by suicide. However, he found a dedicated therapist to help, and now he is helping others face similar struggles. According to Commander Jeff Showalter, a clinical psychologist, “Being able to tell if a person is at risk starts with knowing and connecting with that person.”
09/29/2023
The Army concluded its Facility Investment Plan wargame, which prioritized funding for construction and renovation projects. Senior leaders representing Army major commands reviewed real property assets and inventory from barracks and work centers to quality of life facilities, such as child development centers, dining facilities and fitness centers.
09/29/2023
If there is a lapse in appropriations commissions, commissaries will continue full operation up to 60 days. "We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the impact of any budget decisions on our patrons,” says John Hall, DeCA director and CEO, in recognition of the commissary benefit to the military’s well-being and quality of life.
09/28/2023
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin released a memo directing urgent actions to address death by suicide in the military community, building upon two years of significant work toward suicide prevention across the Department of Defense.
09/28/2023
In a recent Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness webinar, Leslie Weirich shared her story of loss and recovery in one second of hope.
09/28/2023
Teane Smith, senior security specialist, HQDA, DCS, G-2, Personnel Security Branch, expresses the importance of Soldiers’ mental health and offers assurance that “seeking professional care for mental health concerns will not jeopardize your security clearance, consistent with Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information.”
09/28/2023
Much has changed for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) over 31 years, including product selection, technology for front-end checkouts and other key grocery functions. However, what remains constant is DeCA’s mission to deliver a commissary benefit that improves the military members' quality of life by saving them money on their groceries.
09/27/2023
Those stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys recognized Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in September while committing to suicide prevention all year long.
09/27/2023
During a mindfulness paint session at the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Center, Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division used creativity to express their emotions. Representatives from the Fort Drum Suicide Prevention Program and the Family Advocacy Program led the activity in support of Suicide Prevention Month.
09/27/2023
Picatinny Arsenal officials hosted an after-work event for installation employees, military Families and community partners. Dianne Grossman, mother of Mallory Rose Grossman, a 12-year-old who took her own life after being bullied at school, told her daughter’s story. Picatinny Arsenal’s Employee Assistance Program coordinated the event and provided information from Ganaya Palmer, director of Suicide and Prevention, Mental Health Association.
09/27/2023
Better Opportunities for Single Solders, or BOSS, programs give Soldiers the opportunity to get away from the stresses of military life by venturing into their communities to help relieve feelings of depression and isolation.
09/27/2023
The Community Life Program (CLP) and Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Housing Office are always there when Families have concerns about their housing and offer services to Families during the move-in and move-out process. DPW’s mission is to maintain the installation’s infrastructure and environment.
09/26/2023
Twenty-one Soldiers and DA Civilians from various organizations recently completed the 80-hour Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Foundation Course at the Mallette Training Facility. Participants are taught to take a proactive approach when helping victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
09/25/2023
A standout program to prevent suicides in the military community is the Suicide Care, Prevention and Research Initiative at the Uniformed Services University. The initiative designs innovative primary, secondary and tertiary services interventions for service members, for those experiencing suicidal thoughts and for service members following a suicide-related event.
09/22/2023
The DOD awarded 17 Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP) grants from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, totaling $100 million. DCIP funds help states and communities make infrastructure enhancements that support military value, provide training for cadets at independent cover educational institutions, improve installation resiliency and offer Family quality-of-life benefits at local installations.
09/22/2023
The speaker at a Fort Gregg-Adams Virginia Suicide Prevention Awareness Month event says reaching out and connecting with others in the community can provide support and prevent feelings that could lead to death by suicide.
09/22/2023
Newly arrived service members, Families and Civilian employees assigned to Puerto Rico participated in the Fort Buchanan newcomers briefing at the installation Community Club. The event, hosted by the Fort Buchanan Army Community Service program, introduced critical community resources that make transitioning to Puerto Rico an enjoyable experience.
09/22/2023
During Fort Stewart’s housing town hall meeting, residents discussed their concerns so leadership know what residents need to maintain a high quality of life in all on-post communities.
09/21/2023
Known as the “Guardian of the Golden Gate,” Kevin Briggs is a former California Highway Patrol sergeant who dedicated 23 years to serving the public, including individuals grappling with death by suicide.
09/20/2023
Many are familiar with the resources available for suicide prevention, but we all need more education on the tools and other means available to assist those coping with the loss of a family member, friend or coworker who has taken their life.
09/20/2023
Gold Star Mothers and Families’ Day honors those who bear the unimaginable weight of the loss of a Soldier, Marine, sailor or airman who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our country’s freedom. As members of a grateful nation, we owe a debt we can never repay.
09/19/2023
September is Suicide Awareness Month. Read the author’s powerful account of the tragic loss of her brother and of her commitment to helping others.
09/18/2023
Good mental health is critical to handling the challenges of everyday life, so it is equally important to find ways to promote and maintain it. For U.S. Army 1st Lt. Morisa McAulay, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, practicing martial arts like jiujitsu is how she fortifies her mental health.
09/18/2023
Army Staff Sgt. Quartrail Tucker, 39th Transportation Battalion, is spending this month training other Soldiers about suicide prevention in the theatrical production Second Chance.
09/13/2023
The Defense Department is adjusting how much service members pay in childcare fees for the 2023-24 school year to reduce the burden on lower-income Families and comply with Executive Order 14095.
09/13/2023
Suicide is a significant public health issue that affects individuals, families, communities and society at large. Indeed, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vevek Murthy, linked suicide to what he called an epidemic of loneliness and isolation in a May health advisory that urges a national strategy to advance social connection.
09/13/2023
September marks Suicide Prevention Month, and the Fort Sill community is united in raising awareness and fostering a culture of care.
09/13/2023
One life lost to death by suicide is one too many. To illustrate this, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital hosted a community-wide Suicide Prevention Month open house at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana.
09/12/2023
Nalu, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, has worked with Tripler Army Medical Center’s Child and Family Behavioral Health Service and Pediatric Specialty clinic since March 2023. Before Nalu was matched with the center, he trained as a hospital facility dog with Assistance Dogs of Hawaii. The dogs provide children and adults with disabilities independence and enhance their quality of life.
09/12/2023
This year the Defense Department selected U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, in Kaiserslautern, Germany, as the Army recipient of the 2021-22 DOD Suicide Prevention Recognition Program. The installation developed events and activities to promote suicide prevention, education and resources and to encourage service members and their Families to reach out and seek help.
09/11/2023
Fort Knox, Kentucky, officials will roll out a series of activities to get the community talking about Suicide Prevention Month.
09/08/2023
Participants in the Honor Bead Run assemble at the Yucca Trail in White Sands Missile Range every September to promote Suicide Prevention Month, raise awareness and provide prevention resources. This event demonstrates that people are the U.S. Army and Installation Command’s number one priority.
09/08/2023
U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention program hosted a four-day training symposium in Garmisch, Germany.
09/07/2023
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and this year’s theme, “You Are a Light in Somebody’s Life,” focuses on the importance of maintaining interpersonal connections with Family and friends. Your light could be what stops someone from taking their life.
09/07/2023
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program raises morale by providing single Soldiers with recreational activities, community service projects and other avenues to improve their quality of life as they serve their country. The program also addresses suicide, sexual assault and sexual harassment, offering activities to reduce these problems that single service members in particular contend with.
09/07/2023
To better care for service members and their Families, the Defense Department is offering them a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to help cover expenses such as childcare, elder care and summer camp.
09/06/2023
To honor the many dedicated military installations for their exceptional efforts to increase suicide prevention awareness and engagement, the Defense Department held its annual Suicide Prevention Recognition Ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon.
09/06/2023
The Army kicks off Suicide Prevention Month in September by unveiling several important new resources to bolster Army Suicide Prevention Program implementation across the force.
09/05/2023
A symbolic butterfly release, signifying hope, transformation and the strength that comes from unity and community, culminated Picatinny Arsenal’s observance of International Overdose Awareness Day.
09/05/2023
The Army Substance Abuse Program is holding a virtual 5K walk or run to promote self-care and to highlight resources in support of Suicide Prevention Month.
09/05/2023
The installation buzzed with energy as Soldiers, Family members and Army professionals gathered for the 5K Cosplay Fun Run at Warrior-Sentinel Fields, officially kicking off Suicide Prevention Month, a campaign to foster connections and promote mental well-being within the military community.
09/01/2023
On her first visit to Fort Riley, Kansas, the Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th secretary of the Army, met with Soldiers and leaders of the 1st Infantry Division. During her tour she discussed ongoing installation developments and observed a training exercise with Estonian Defense Forces.
09/01/2023
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Department of Behavioral Health team is hosting a multiday Rock Painting and Stories of Hope event at which patients, staff and their families will paint rocks and write messages of hope to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
09/01/2023
As part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, the Army has approved a policy empowering Soldiers to request a mental health evaluation through a commander or supervisor in accordance with the Brandon Act. The Army’s new Brandon Act policy will allow Soldiers to confidentially seek help through their leaders in the rank of staff sergeant or above, and it will charge leaders to connect Soldiers with resources quickly and confidentially.
