FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Regimental Memorial Chapel hosted a Suicide Prevention Symposium in the assembly room at Fort Eustis March 29 as part of the Unit Ministry Team's annual training.
The training, led by U.S. Army Chap. (Col.) Kenneth Bush, 733rd Mission Support Group senior chaplain, helped religious counselors become better at dealing with military personnel who are dealing with thoughts of suicide.
According to Bush, there have been several suicides at Fort Eustis in the past two years. While Eustis' numbers are below the percentage compared to other Army installations, one suicide is one too many.
In response, the chapel designed the symposium to bring together suicide prevention team members to meet each other, discuss their respective roles and find ways to improve approaches to suicide prevention and inspire more dialogue in the future.
"There is a benefit for the team members to meet one another face-to-face," said Bush. "We hope that everyone involved will learn something about the resources available."
Members from post organizations, including the Behavioral Health Clinic, Army Substance Abuse Program and Military Family Life Consultant, also attended the symposium to discuss the levels of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse and how chaplains can continue coordinating treatment with their leadership.
While some Soldiers are aware of the available avenues, many servicemembers, especially those that have served longer terms, are unfamiliar with the medical and spiritual services provided.
Chaplains and chaplain assistants from various units received and provided information on making suicide prevention more readily available for Soldiers, family members and civilians across Fort Eustis.
"We are doing everything we can to improve awareness, and let the Soldiers know that there are outlets," said Staff Sgt. Guillermo Bellver, 733rd MSG religious support organization NCOIC.
"Suicide prevention is a team effort," said Maj. Tom Allen, 7th Sustainment Brigade chaplain. "It was a neat symposium, and it taught me stuff I didn't know."