News

IRO kicks off National Suicide Prevention Month at Ramstein AB

by Senior Airman Thomas Karol
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
September 15, 2023
Russel Jordan, a U.S. Army Substance Abuse Program and Risk Reduction Program manager, talks to the audience about a suicide awareness play at Ramstein Air Base, Sep. 7. The play, titled “Second Chance,” is used to represent real world scenarios where recognizing the signs of potential suicide could save lives. Photos by Airman Trevor Calvert

The 86th Airlift Wing Integrated Resiliency Office hosted a kick-off event to begin National Suicide Prevention Month at Ramstein Air Base, Sep. 7.

The observance month kicked off with a play called ‘Second Chances,’ which is designed to help service members and civilians understand the warning signs of self harm and what they can do to help.

“We set up this play as a way to give the base population a valuable lesson and do it in an entertaining way,” said Lashanda Palmer, 86th AW violence prevention integrator. “This play will help service members recognize the signs and red flags of self harm and what they can do to help.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marquita Allen, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa non commissioned officer in charge of communications and administration, and U.S. Army Sgt. Christina Simpson, 30th Medical Brigade supply sergeant, act in a play about suicide awareness at Ramstein Air Base, Sep. 7.

The event was an opportunity to highlight the resources available to help service members and their families and increase understanding of the effects of self harm and how individuals can help those in need.

“We often turn to the arts and humanities as a medium to portray difficult topics such as suicide,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jamil Musa, 86th AW deputy commander. “Many of us have been touched by this subject and for those who have not this is a great way to sympathize with those who have.”

The actors in the play were U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force active duty members and helping agencies were also present during the event to answer questions.

Clayton Harrison, Adolescents Support and Counseling Services contractor, acts in a play at Ramstein Air Base, Sep. 7. U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen acted in multiple showings of the play, “Second Chance,” to raise awareness for suicide and other mental health struggles in the military.

“The true intended message to me is the classic saying of see something, say something,” Palmer said. “You may have people in your office that may be thinking about hurting themselves and we need an environment of connectedness and inclusivity. If we can have more of that there would probably be less suicides in the Air Force in my opinion.”

For additional information or resources please contact the 86th Airlift Wing Integrated Resiliency Office located at building 2102 or call DSN 480-1422 or +49 637-147-1422. Additionally contact the Nation Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-237-8522.

Clayton Harrison, Adolescents Support and Counseling Services contractor, acts in a play about suicide awareness at Ramstein Air Base, Sep. 7. The name of the play was “Second Chance,” where a U.S. Air Force Senior Airman character in the play receives punishment for driving under the influence and domestic abuse, and then commits suicide. Later in the play, the character has a second chance at life to show how actions taken by peers can help save someone from taking their own life.
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