JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Suicide claims more than 38,000 lives each year in the U.S., an average of one person every 13.7 minutes, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The U.S. military continues to struggle with high rates of suicide and depression. According to the Pentagon, more than 200 Service members committed suicide in 2012.
The Hampton Roads community will raise awareness and aid in the prevention of suicide during the 5th annual Out of Darkness suicide awareness walk at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 7, at 9:30 a.m.
The event is held annually, and last year more than 3,500 participants, including Service members from all military branches stationed in the Hampton Roads area, attended.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Neco Johnson, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning noncommissioned officer in charge, was one of last year's attendees.
"I originally went to get involved with the community," said Johnson. "I was so moved while listening to other people's stories. I didn't realize how emotional it would be and how many people are affected by depression and suicide."
Johnson was directly affected by suicide early in his Air Force career.
"My first supervisor in the Air Force committed suicide," said Johnson. "I was young and still new to the Air Force and I remember feeling disappointed and sad. I felt sorrow for his wife and two children and above all shock. He never displayed any warning signs or signs of distress. He hid it so well."
As building resiliency and raising suicide awareness is part of military training, Airmen and Soldiers may gain additional knowledge by participating in the event.
"I hope to gain even more knowledge about suicide prevention," said Johnson. "Having the knowledge is important but sharing it with others is the most important part."
The AFSP is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and connecting to individuals with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. All proceeds benefit the AFSP and are used to prevent suicide.
"Our mission is to contour the silence and shame that surrounds depression and suicide, and replace it with the knowledge that depression is treatable and suicide is a preventable tragedy," said Chris Gilchrist, who started the suicide support group 25 years ago.
Similar to the AFSP, Joint Base Langley-Eustis offers various resources to Service members and their families to include Mental Health, Family Advocacy, Military and Family Life Consultants, and many more.
According to the AFSP, warning signs include depression, substance abuse, anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, family history of a suicide attempt, serious medical conditions or stress.
Those interested in joining "Team Langley" at the Out of Darkness walk should meet at the bottom of the stairs at Mount Trashmore Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. Registration is not necessary to attend the walk; however, participants who register can enjoy a free breakfast. Registration is available at the event or online by visiting http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=47363