FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Fort Eustis participated in the Army-wide Suicide Prevention Stand-Down Day Sept. 27, providing awareness, support and hope for Soldiers and family members affected by stress, depression, and suicide.
The observance kicked off before dawn, as nearly 3,000 Soldiers emerged from the darkness at Murphy Field in a two-and-a-half-mile run or walk to begin the day. Following the run, Soldiers spent valuable "command time" with military and spiritual leaders, attending counseling sessions at the Regimental Memorial Chapel, and interacting with battle buddies in guided discussion.
The Fort Eustis Club hosted a Comprehensive Resilience Fair, featuring professionals from more than 30 support agencies and organizations across post and outside the gate, including chaplains, family advocacy, and mental health workers, offering not only information, but a helping hand and smiling face to troops in need.
Bob Delaney, a former National Basketball Association referee who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder during his time as a New Jersey state trooper, spoke to a packed house at Jacobs Theater later that afternoon. He detailed his gritty undercover assignment infiltrating the Mafia, and how the experience left lasting psychological effects on him long after he retired his badge.
"The things I went through, it's not altogether different from what many Soldiers experience spending so much time in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan," Delaney said. "That disruption in your life can eventually become your new normal, and that's what we need to overcome."
Maj. Gen. Bradley May, the senior commander of Army Element Eustis and deputy commanding general of Initial Military Training, shared his appreciation for "commandos" who have voluntarily thrust themselves into America's battles in his early morning remarks, reminding them of how invaluable they are to the country.
"As the defenders of freedom, I can't tell you how much our nation holds you in such high regard, and has such respect and admiration for you," May said to the troops. "You're the nation's most precious resource. We want to do everything we can to take the very best care of you.
"Shoulder to shoulder we stand up for life, and when we stand together, no one can defeat us."
May's message is one echoed by senior military leaders across the Armed Forces, and with just cause. A Sept. 27 Department of Defense report revealed 237 potential suicides across active-duty, Reserve and National Guard forces so far in 2012, with 139 confirmed as suicides.
Fort Eustis lost two Soldiers to suicide in 2011. To date in 2012, the post has suffered two confirmed suicides, with six cases still under investigation that could increase that number.
During his address to senior leaders at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno said the Army lost 283 Soldiers to suicide in 2011, but the rate in 2012 is higher than at this time last year.
"I equate that to a whole bunch of infantry squads. That's what I think about. How many infantry squads is that? A lot ... a lot," he said. "These are 283 Soldiers who raised their hands, who wanted to join an institution that is greater than themselves and they probably joined to prove themselves, maybe to move forward with their lives, or maybe they just wanted to fight for their country; 283 are too many, and the loss of one Soldier is one too many no matter what the cause may be."
"The Army's commitment to walk with families through their grief is sincere and genuine," said Col. Kenneth W. Stice, a chaplain in charge of strategic communications with the Office of the Chief of Chaplains.
"Those efforts cannot bring back their loved ones, but it really makes the difference to help them start the healing and growth necessary to go on with their lives.
"Classes don't prevent suicide," Stice said, but what they do is "prepare the battle buddy." He explained that classes can teach Soldiers and family members how to recognize signs of risk and how to react in order to save lives.
Few Soldiers understand the benefit of getting help better than Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cliff Bauman, a Soldier assigned to IMT's Basic Officer Leaders Course division at Fort Eustis. Bauman battled severe PTSD following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack on the Pentagon, where he had been working that day.
Beleaguered with guilt over not having been able to save others, he eventually attempted suicide, ingesting 20 sleeping pills. His brother, who is a nurse, found him at home unconscious and rushed him to the hospital, saving his life. From there, Bauman knew he needed to focus on getting help to overcome his issues.
It was through years of counseling and help from the Army's support system that Bauman recovered, and he now dedicates his efforts to helping Soldiers get the help they need to win the battle against crippling stress and suicidal thoughts.
"I feel it's important Soldiers do know that people go through dark places at any time in their life, and that's okay - it's part of life. If something traumatic happens to you, whether on the battlefield or even driving to work, know that some things you can't handle by yourself," he said. "Going to counseling didn't make me less of a Soldier, and didn't make me less of a man.
"If anything it made me a stronger Soldier and a stronger man, because now I can deal with those problems easier if and when they come up."
EDITOR'S NOTE: Are you or someone you love dealing with post-traumatic stress or having thoughts of suicide? Don't wait - get help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans seeking more information or assistance with PTS, suicidal thoughts or other support services can visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs Make the Connection website at
http://www.maketheconnection.net.