Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Patriot
Vol. 4, No. 34
Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, September 20, 2013
You are not alone: September, Suicide Prevention Month
U.S. Air Force photo/graphic by Senior Airman Ashlee Galloway
By Senior Airman Ashlee Galloway Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
There is a predator looming over the United States Armed Forces, stealing lives of honorable servicemembers every year. It is not concerned if you have a family at home, whether you're male or female - if you just started your career or just finishing it. "Suicide is a massive problem that is affecting the total force of the military," said Maj. Daniel Michel, 628th Mental Health Flight Commander clinical psychologist. "We don't need to focus on just getting our total force through a training program; we need to change the Air Force and military culture on how people view suicide. Make them see and feel comfortable about discussing the topic so co-workers know when things aren't right; that is the essential factor in eliminating this." In 2012, there were 98 suicides in the Air Force, including active duty, pending active duty, Air National Guard, Reserve and civilian work force, there have been 63 in 2013. "It's a factor that not only affects the individual but it affects families, friends and co-workers as well," said Michel. "I believe people just don't know the correct avenues to get away from this problem, they feel suicide is their only way out, and it's not." There are many avenues throughout the military that can help assist service members and their families, avenues that can help someone mentally, physically, spiritually or even socially. But people have to take that step, that leap of faith and go. "There are a lot of people and hotlines you can contact
UEI COUNTDOWN 74 Days Begins December 2, 2013
Weekend Weather Update JB CHS, SC
Friday, September 20 Mostly Sunny
(10% precip)
High 87º Low 67º
Saturday, September 14 Mostly Cloudy
(10% precip)
High 86º Low 70º
Sunday, September 15
Thunder Storms (70% precip)
High 81º Low 71º
regarding suicide prevention," said Michel. "You can contact us here at mental health, the Behavioral Help Optimization Program, the National Suicide Prevention lifeline via phone or text, and www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for an online web chat." If you feel as though your problems pertain to more physical features and are down about your weight, or "don't believe you are fit for fight" then you can talk to the Health and Wellness Center or base fitness center. The HAWC and fitness center can offer advice to help Airmen reach their fitness goals. "We offer a wide variety of programs at the HAWC," said Nikki Conley, Health Promotion manager. "We have relaxation and sleep deprivation classes, DVDs and books on meditation and yoga, nutrition and weight management classes that focus on behavior and how to change your daily habits and even classes that help you pass your physical fitness test with the aim of working on strength training and running." Help does not end there. If you feel spiritually depressed, there are chaplains on base who can speak with you and offer full confidentiality. "Chaplains are the '911' of the military when it comes to suicide counseling," said Maj. Daniel Thompson, 628 Air Base Wing chaplain. "One of our key assets that differs from other organizations is we have 100 percent privilege communication when someone comes to us about suicide ideation. We as chaplains have absolute protection for service members, therefore, offer unbridled support." Moving to different bases constantly can take a toll on service members and their families mentally and socially. If you
are having trouble meeting new people or making new friends, then the Single Airmen Initiative or Navy Liberty Program are great places to start. "Our goal with SAI is to foster a strong culture mission and sense of community for single Airmen," said Eryn Pope. "The program focus on the single Airmen, but this program is open to everyone. Anyone can sign up for any activities and events we may have. By providing events where Airmen can interact with one another and leadership, we hope to make a better quality of life for each individual and make them better in life." Whether you fall under the mental, physical, spiritual or social pillar of CAF, there is help out there for you, something for everyone to take part in that will help them find themselves and show them their purpose here on this earth. Ask for or find help, you are not alone. Contacts • Mental health on Joint Base Charleston Air Base: 843-963-6852. • Mental health on JB Charleston Weapons Station: 843-794-6450. • Behavioral Help Optimization Program on JB Charleston AB (BHOP): walk-in or call appointment line at 843-963-6880. • National Suicide Prevention lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 • Help via SMS message: 838255 • Visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more informtion or if you would like to web chat with an individual
Maj. Gen. Martin visits Charleston, speaks with 628th Airmen By Capt Frank Hartnett Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Frederick Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, conducted a two-day visit of Joint Base Charleston Sept. 16 and 17, touring the base, as well as concluding his visit by hosting an All Call in the JB Charleston - Air Base Theater. The commander's visit included tours of the Airman and Family readiness center, the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron and Joint Base mission partners including the 841st Transportation Battalion, Army Strategic Logistics ActivityCharleston, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston and Navy training units. During his stay, Martin held an All Call with personnel from the 628th Air Base Wing and gave insight into his leadership style, values and observations of JB Charleston. "When I took command I explained that I had two points that I wanted to make," said Martin. "First, is my thankfulness; I'm thankful for the opportunity for Chief Stone and I to be here in this great Air Force with people such as yourself, to be in this position and serve all of you." The general continued, "Second, is partnerships, and I share an African proverb, 'If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together.'" He explained the importance of teamwork and partnership building. "If you want go far, build capacity and sustain it, so that when you are gone that it will continue, then you better go together."
Martin also commented on the link between the military and off-base community at Charleston. "There's no stronger community support to this wing, and that's because of the great Airmen we have, and the veterans that we have, and the families we have – you all get involved in your communities." The commander took on a more personal tone, when he explained to the audience that faith, family and friends have shaped who he is, how he leads and the decisions he makes. "Why do I value faith? It defines my character, beliefs and values. It's yours to determine, but as humans I believe it's a part of us." He added, "You may not have a spouse, but we all have a family. We come into the service from a family and we will leave the service to return to our families and those are enduring values. Keep those bonds strong with those who know you best." During the All Call, the commander tossed a football into the audience, asking each member where they were from, what they do and why they joined the Air Force. He used the opportunity to remind Airmen of the benefits of service. "Hopefully you can say 'I am doing something important for our military'," said Martin. "You can go home and say I am doing something for my country, getting an education, learning a job, I'm growing and developing, I'm respected and respecting of others." Before concluding, Martin offered his thoughts on the importance of JB Charleston. "Charleston is one of the most important joint bases, take great pride in the fact that you are a part of a significant capability of the United States
military," said Martin. "Whether its sea, rail or air, it happens at Charleston, South Carolina."
U.S. Air Force photos / Senior Airman Ashlee Galloway
Maj. Gen. Frederick Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, speaks to 628th Air Base Wing personnel during his visit Sept. 17, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The commander's visit included tours of the Airman and Family readiness Center, the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron and Joint Base mission partners including the 841st Transportation Battalion, Army Strategic Logistics Activity - Charleston, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston and Navy training units.
Notice: Joint Base Charleston Personnel Use 794 when calling the Weapons Station
All Weapons Station calls must now be dialed using 794-xxxx for commercial and DSN. This is a base wide change. The prefix for local calls is 99, DSN is 94, and the prefix for long distance calls is 98.
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