JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
More than 4,500 participants attended the 8th annual Out of Darkness suicide awareness walk held at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Sept. 7.
The event, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Hampton Roads community, raised awareness and assisted in suicide prevention aid.
Prior to the walk, members directly affected by suicide gave emotion-filled details of their experiences. Some lost family members and others almost lost themselves until a failed suicide attempt offered them the chance to seek help.
Participants ranged from Service members from all military branches stationed in the Hampton Roads area, to grandparents, children and pets, all walking for the same cause.
Some participants honored their loved ones by wearing T-shirts with photos while others hung photos of loved ones on a remembrance wall with emotional messages attached.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caitlin Gillaspie, Air Combat Command command center emergency actions controller, attended the event for the first time this year and was deeply impacted.
"Hearing personal stories from people who have been affected by suicide and hearing the chaplain read off names of people that have committed suicide made me realize how common suicide is," said Gillaspie. "I have lost multiple family members and friends to suicide and this is my way of remembering them and hoping it helps someone else."
As a leading national nonprofit organization, the AFSP uses all proceeds to benefit individuals diagnosed with mental disorders or impacted by suicide. The AFSP is exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Neco Johnson, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning noncommissioned officer in charge, assisted in organizing a group from Langley Air Force Base to attend the walk.
"I enjoy the sincerity of the program. There is love and support for victims' family members and individuals currently battling depression," said Johnson. "There were professional counselors on site who volunteered their time to provide on-the-spot assistance to anyone who needed it."
According to the AFSP, family and friends can help by watching for warning signs including depression, substance abuse, anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, family history of a suicide attempt, serious medical conditions or stress.
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Sarah Whiddon, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy officer, volunteered as a counselor during the walk.
"I had the opportunity to listen to stories of survival and strength," said Whiddon. "The military is not immune to suicide and depression and unfortunately we have lost troops and family [members] to suicide. An event like this provides awareness, support and strength for military members and their families."
While Whiddon, Johnson and Gillaspie all participated for their own personal reasons, they had a common desire to bring awareness to suicide.
Johnson also felt the walk built strong ties between Service members and the local community.
"Military members face the same issues as community members," said Johnson. "It is very important we support our community just as they show their support for us. Our goal is to reach those who are in need of help and to make as many people as possible aware of the effects of untreated depression."
Any individuals suffering from depression or considering suicide should contact Joint Base Langley-Eustis' various resources. For Langley AFB, contact Mental Health at 764-6840, Military and Family Life Consultants at 284-4365 or a Chaplain at 764-7847. For Fort Eustis, contact Mental Health at 314-7558, Family Life Consultants at 878-3638 or a chaplain at 878-1317.