Malmstrom recognizes suicide prevention month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Everyone can use a helping hand from time to time. Life can be a rollercoaster and throw its curve balls, but with the help of a confidant and some sound advice, nothing is impossible to overcome.

September is national Suicide Prevention Month. During this time, light is shed on the 24/7, 365-day responsibility we all have as wingmen to support one another. For some, the hardships they may be going through can seem unending and they may feel like there is no hope. It is our job as Airmen and wingmen to help those in need, however we can.

The wingman concept applies to almost every aspect of our lives. As brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers and especially as Airmen, it is our duty to lend a hand when someone can use it.

"The Department of Defense has no more important responsibility than supporting and protecting those who defend our county," said Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense. "That means we must do everything possible to prevent military suicide.

"As we observe suicide prevention month, the entire DoD community - service members, civilians, members of our families and leaders at every level - must demonstrate our collective resolve to prevent suicide, to promote greater knowledge of its causes and to encourage those in need to seek support," he continued. "No one who serves this country in uniform should ever feel they have nowhere to turn."

While on station, help can come in many forms; from meeting with a chaplain to talking with a trusted supervisor. There a many avenues to seek advice for an individual or colleague who may be in a hard place. 

During an all call at Malmstrom Air Force Base's auditorium, a word of encouragement was given from a special individual who's had his fair share of obstacles to overcome.

Retired Lt. Jason Redman, U.S. Navy SEAL, spoke with a group of Team Malmstrom members about his 21-year career as a SEAL team member in the Special Forces. He shared about courage, leadership, teamwork, overcoming severe wounds and persistence in the face of impossible odds.

During his career, Redman completed three deployments to South America where he conducted numerous counter-drug missions. In July of 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan and contributed to fighting the global war on terror.

He has deployed to Fallujah and Iraq, and served as Mobility Force Commander and Assault Force Commander for over 40 direct action missions throughout western Iraq.

On September 13, 2007, while on a mission to capture a high value Al Qaeda target, Redman and his team came under heavy machine gun fire. He was shot twice in the arm and once in the face. From that moment on, he has been on the long road to recovery and has been driven to share what helped him along the way.

"People always ask me 'how do you stay so positive? How do you keep driving through? What's your secret?'" Redman said. "Here it is, always remember that in life ultimately you will hit walls. You will hit that mountain of adversity. You will make a mistake. You may make a bad call and your strength will fail you, but regardless of the overwhelming odds or the opposition in your path, you always have the opportunity to overcome because it's your attitude that will affect the outcome."

Every battle is different. Not every battle is fought on a battlefield with mortars crashing down around you and the sound of gunfire burning your ears. For many, their battles are fought in their minds and against overwhelming emotions.

As friends, coworkers and family members, the most important thing we can rely on is the support of the people around us. Seeking help is a sign of strength and there are avenues to help those who may be struggling.

"Always remember that our most valuable resource is each other," Hagel said. "When one of us faces a challenge, we all must stand together. By fighting as one team, we can and we will help prevent suicide."

For more information and resources, visit the Air Force Suicide Prevention website at www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/suicideprevention

Additional resources are available, including the Military Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255 and the Vets4Warriors peer support chat line at 855-838-8255. Online resources can be accessed at www.militarycrisisline.net and www.vets4warriors.com.