A fully-armed U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacifi c Ocean, Sept. 23. Through air refueling operations, U.S. Air Force and allied aircraft have the capability to eliminate threats and promote security across the Indo-Asia-Pacifi c region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier) By Cheryl Pellerin by ours, and would lose any arms race Defense Media Activity or confl ict that it initiates.” 9/26/2017 - WASHINGTON — Air Commitment to Defense Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Th is fl ight was in response to North Bombers, Guam and Air Force F-15 Eagle fi ghter Korea’s escalatory launch of intercon- escorts from Okinawa, Japan, fl ew in tinental ballistic missiles on July 3 and international airspace over the waters July 28, intermediate range ballistic east of North Korea, Sept. 23, Defense missile launches over Japan on Aug. Department spokesman Army Col. 28 and Sept. 14, and a nuclear test on fighters Rob Manning said, Sept. 25. Sept. 2, Manning said, all of which In a show of force, Manning told violate many U.N. Security Council Pentagon reporters, the aircraft fl ew resolutions. north of the Demilitarized Zone, North Korea must choose to stop the farthest north any U.S. fi ghter or isolating itself and stand down its fly in bomber has fl own off North Korea”s nuclear weapons program, the colonel coast in the 21st century, underscoring added. the seriousness of North Korea’s “reck- “As always, our commitment is to less behavior.” the defense of our allies and our part- He added, “Th e United States seeks ners and remains ironclad,” he said. only the peaceful denuclearization of “We are prepared to defend ourselves international the Korean Peninsula and the end of and our allies from an attack,” Manning threatening actions or provocations by said, “and are prepared to use the full North Korea. Th e Kim regime’s actions range of capabilities at our disposal airspace will continue to be grossly overmatched against the threat from North Korea.” east of (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Smoot) ^A B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force North Korea Base, South Dakota, prepares to take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 23. 2 SAMURAI GATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 The Airman’s guide to suicide prevention By Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 9/24/2017 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Tur- key — As September arrives and summer gives way to fall, changes are all around us. Leaves turn from their summer shades of green to rusty shades of reds, yellows and oranges. Th e warm nights are ushered in by cooler temperatures, and stores begin to set up their autumn displays. Fall is a time that is loved by many, and for most, a time of celebration and cheer to welcome the winter season. However, for some who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, it can be a time of intense sadness and depression. While Suicide Prevention Month is observed across the U.S. in September, all Airmen have a duty to be true Wingmen to their peers 24/7, 365 days a year. It includes getting to know our fellow Air- men, from the newest shop mate to the most senior one. It means being aware of what is going on in their lives, support- ing them through diffi cult times, recog- nizing the signs of suicidal thoughts and taking action. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Kristan Campbell) Suicide: Why it’s A Problem For many troops, the topic of suicide havioral Health Optimization Program supportive. In today’s military, Airmen are expect- can oft en feel like the elephant in the (BHOP), the on-base Military Family “My fi rst advice is to seek help before ed to be well-rounded, resilient wartime room that no one wants to talk about – and Life Counselor (MFLAC), men- it gets to the point of having suicidal fi ghters. Because of this, seeking help can but with so many deaths, it is a growing tal health clinic and support from unit, thoughts,” said Barnes. “Suicide aware- sometimes be viewed as a weakness. concern in today’s ranks. friends and family. ness and being knowledgeable is para- “I like to say that Airmen are normal “Mental illness does not discriminate,” Reaching out for help is never a sign of mount to preventing and intervening in people put into abnormal situations,” said Maj. Charles Holt III, 39th Medical weakness, but one of strength, resilience, a possible suicide. You’ve got to know said Chaplain Maj. Martin Barnes, chap- Operations Squadron director of psy- and a step towards recovery. yourself, so you can take that training lain assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing. chological health. “It doesn’t pick certain Your Role in Suicide Prevention you are given and engage others.” “We’re asked to do things that the com- people out and it’s not because you just Suicidal behavior can stem from a Finally, if a person expresses suicidal mon person, outside the force, isn’t asked didn’t build up enough character over multitude of factors including fi nancial desires, never leave them alone. Escort to do. Alongside a high operations tempo, your life. worries, relationship and marital issues, the individual to a chaplain, behavioral it can allude to so many professional and “It doesn’t create a wound or an injury legal and disciplinary problems, or be- health professional, or military care pro- personal stressors in an Airman’s life.” that you can see a lot of times, but that havioral health disorders. vider. Th e DOD reported 110 deaths due to doesn’t make it any less real,” Holt ex- Some of the symptoms of suicidal be- “When you see those red fl ags, get that suicide in the fi rst quarter of the 2016 plained. “Th is is something that’s treated havior include: person away so you can ask them how calendar year alone, accounting for only through a medical model, the same way · depression they are doing,” Barnes said. “Know the a portion of the 466 total deaths due to physical injuries are.” · talking about death or wanting to die people around you so that you can en- suicide last year. Th at number rose to 127 In order to understand and address · hopelessness gage them in a way that is meaningful to deaths in the third quarter, and of that this problem, the DOD is committed to · little interest in work or other activities them. Ask them directly, are you think- number, 82 were active duty members, approaching suicide prevention, inter- · withdrawal from family and friends ing about hurting yourself? What’s going 18 were Reserve members and 27 were vention, and postvention with a wide · anxiety on? How can I help?” Air National Guard members. range of holistic resources. · low self esteem Every Airman has a responsibility “Trying to lead this fast-paced life- “Th e Chaplain Corps is always here,” · changes in appearance to step in and be a good wingman. Re- style with added pressures can lead to explained Barnes. “We are a nonjudg- · substance abuse member that just one person can mean negative stressors snowballing and spi- mental ear in your corner, here to listen · making arrangements or giving away the diff erence between life and a possible raling out from there,” Barnes said. “Air- without having to worry about being possessions death. men are engaged mentally and physically judged or labelled. No matter what, Air- If you notice any of these behaviors in If you or someone you know is contem- on a regular basis, but it’s important for men will always have a buddy, no matter somebody else, take the matter seriously plating suicide, the National Suicide Pre- them to engage the spiritual pillar as well. how lost and alone they may feel in the and ask them if they are having thoughts vention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273- Th at preventative piece is so important to world.” of suicide or self-harm. Encourage them TALK (8255) and Military OneSource at spiritual wellbeing.” Some additional resources are the Be- to talk about it, actively listen, and be 1-800-342-9647 for help 24 hours a day. Published by Eight Co., Ltd. a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 18th Wing. The civilian en- terprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Contents of Samurai Gate are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Depart- ment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political af- filiation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For commercial advertising, inquiry, send an email to [email protected] Offi cial Kadena Air Base inquiries: [email protected] DSN:634-3813 SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 SAMURAI GATE 3 Tropic ACE fi nding fueling solutions U.S.