Vol. 67 No. 40 Oct. 8, 2009 Word of the month: Respect Carson hosts suicide forum Story and photos by Sgt. Philip Klein lack of caring or effort, but a need to understand 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office how to maximize assets and resources to assist leaders and Soldiers in identifying the symptoms, Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding Perkins explained. general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas Joiner, the Carson, hosted a Suicide Prevention Forum at the Bright-Burton professor with the Florida State Elkhorn Conference Center Sept. 29. University Department of Psychology, outlined his Division and installation leaders, Department thoughts on the underlying causes behind suicide. of Defense civilians and regional topic experts Joiner, author of the book “Why People Die by gathered to discuss suicide prevention techniques Suicide,” explained his theory on the causes that and the effects self-destructive behavior have on enable individuals to take this irreversible step as units and Family members. a solution to their problems. Perkins opened the forum addressing the “The causes behind suicide are extremely leaders on the importance of the day’s event and common, but the outcome is rare,” said Joiner. emphasized the necessity for understanding the “Humans are hard-wired for self preservation, issues and building solutions. and death by suicide means overcoming this “The Army by definition is charged with wiring,” said Joiner. “How do people overcome doing very difficult tasks, whether at home or that sense of self preservation?” abroad,” said Perkins. “Our Soldiers have always Joiner outlined three facts which he said are stepped up and in the Army we have become very crucial to the development of suicide ideation. good at identifying tasks and dealing with them.” First, an individual must believe his life is a “Diagnosing the problem is the most difficult burden to those around them and that his death issue facing the Army — what is the problem, and will be worth more than his life. Simultaneously, how do we diagnose it?” said Perkins. they experience a sense of isolation, ostracism “This is a challenge that is not going away,” and alienation. he said. “If these two factors exist for long enough an The Army provides Soldiers and leaders with a individual might develop suicide ideation, which number of tools to end the epidemic, said Perkins. is very common, while the act itself is not,” he Programs such as Military OneSource provide said. “Lots of people have these thoughts at one counseling to servicemembers and Families on a time or another, but very few carry them through wide range of subjects, from behavioral health care to their tragic conclusion.” to marriage and financial advice, to assist leaders in The final factor is a lack of the innate fear of mitigating suicide within the ranks. death, said Joiner. Death is an inherent and The Army’s Ask Care Escort suicide inter- daunting notion for individuals but they can develop vention program and Fort Carson’s innovative a fearlessness of death through habituation, Mobile Behavioral Health Team, which provides training and repeated exposure to traumatic events. Dr. Thomas Joiner, the Bright-Burton professor with the greater access to care for brigade combat teams, “Prostitutes, self-injecting drug users and Florida State University Department of Psychology, explains are programs developed to confront the problem physicians all have a higher baseline for death by his theory of death by suicide to the senior leaders of the 4th aggressively. Infantry Division and Fort Carson at the Elkhorn Conference See Suicide on page 3 The problem of suicide does not stem from a Center Sept. 29. Retiree Appreciation Day set for Oct. 17 by Nel Lampe of the retiree community. A half-day of briefings, Retired Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano will also address the Mountaineer staff legal assistance, refreshments and discounts will be group, as will a representative from Fort Carson and provided to retirees who attend the Oct. 17 event. Evans Army Community Hospital commander. In appreciation and recognition of the service About 2,000 retirees and their spouses are expected. Following the session at McMahon, buses will retirees have given to their country, Fort Carson The event begins with briefings from 7-8 a.m. in shuttle attendees to the Special Events Center where annually conducts a “Retiree Appreciation Day” to McMahon Auditorium. A representative from See Retiree on page 4 provide updated information pertinent to the well-being Department of Defense Finance office will speak. II Military Community Happenings NN SS II DD EE Pages 8-9 Page 11 Page 29 2 MOUNTAINEER — Oct. 8, 2009 MOUNTAINEER Commander’s column Commanding General: Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins Garrison Commander: Suicide awareness for every day Col. Robert F. McLaughlin Commentary by issues (both military and civilian) and job-related issues. Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer: Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Bunch Any of these factors or any other stressor not mentioned Dee McNutt Warrior Transition Battalion should raise a red flag to anyone around a Soldier. Chief, Print and Web Communications: Roughly 10 percent of suicides occur during the Douglas M. Rule What comes to mind when you hear the word suicide? first six months of redeployment and 25 percent occur Editor: Julie M. Lucas What questions do you ask of yourself? between six and 12 months. Staff Writers: Rick Emert Do you wonder what you would go through if a What can you do as a Soldier, an NCO, and a leader Devin Fisher buddy or a family member committed to prevent suicide? Use the tools the Happenings: Nel Lampe suicide? Would you think, “Man, if I Army has given you to confront suicide, Sports Writer: Walt Johnson would have only known they were having listen to your Soldiers, and allow Soldiers Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall problems, I could have helped?” to talk with you about their problems. We are fighting declared wars in Recognize the warning signs. Be This commercial enterprise newspaper is Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of us are also hypersensitive during the first 12 months an authorized publication for members of the fighting a silent war; it is a battle from of redeployment, and remain vigilant. Department of Defense. Contents of the within for those who are struggling with Take every suicide gesture seriously Mountaineer are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or thoughts of taking their own lives. For most and act upon it. Punishment is not the the Department of the Army. Printed circulation of us, suicide is not an option, but for solution. Leaders provide support and is 12,000 copies. others, it seems a viable alternative to living get Soldiers professional help. The editorial content of the Mountaineer is the responsibility of the Public Affairs a life of hurt, depression or anger. Soldiers, you are at the ground level Office, Fort Carson, CO 80913-5119, Tel.: The Army has implemented many and a vital part of your battle buddies’ 526-4144. The e-mail address is programs to confront suicide, including the support network. If you notice your battle [email protected]. Applied Suicide Intervention Sustainment Bunch The Mountaineer is posted on the buddy having problems and you see a Internet at http://csmng.com. Training and Ask, Care, Escort. ASIST is a change in behavior, bring it to the attention The Mountaineer is an unofficial two-day program that provides Soldiers at all levels the skill of your chain of command immediately. It’s the right thing publication authorized by AR 360-1. The set needed to conduct suicide first aid intervention. ACE is a to do; you could save your buddy’s life by this simple act. Mountaineer is printed by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in simple, yet very effective tool to battle suicide. Anyone can NCOs must foster an environment that encourages our no way connected with the Department of the Ask a Soldier about his or her problems, show Care and Soldiers to bring their concerns to them. Focus on the 98 Army, under exclusive written contract with understanding, and Escort the Soldier to the right resources for percent of Soldiers who are doing what’s right. Do not Fort Carson. It is published 49 times per year. The appearance of advertising in this medical and professional help. Getting a Soldier who is suicidal assume that every Soldier is trying to get over on the system. publication, including inserts or supplements, to a trained clinical person can make all the difference. You could save a life. Every suicidal gesture is a plea for does not constitute endorsement by the Battlemind Training is another effective means to reduce help. Give them the help they deserve. Be approachable, Department of the Army or Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, of the products or suicide risk. Battlemind teaches mental toughness, instills and listen. Do not judge. Get your Soldiers to the services advertised. The printer reserves the self confidence, and helps reduce the stigma associated professionals who can provide the help they need. right to reject advertisements. with having post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic Officers provide the vision and create the operational Everything advertised in this publication brain injury, the unseen but very real wounds of war. shall be made available for purchase, use or environment. Ensure your training guidance includes tools patronage without regard to race, color, The Army also has established for NCOs to help identify and respond to situations that religion, sex, national origin, age, marital a three-phase Suicide Awareness involve suicidal gestures. Ensure your training environment status, physical handicap, political affiliation Training program.