Are you ACE'ing your wingmen?

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/22/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- September is when the U.S. observes Suicide Prevention Month and military members could be more at risk for suicide than others.

Long deployments far away from loved ones, leaving family behind, a new home and way of life, long work hours and the sights of a deployed location could all have an effect on an Airman.

The chaplains are here to provide any military member with advice, or they're just someone to listen.

"Everyone is entitled to feel down or be in a funk for a period of time due to personal hardships or circumstances. However, when that funk turns into thoughts of suicide or prolonged depression, it's important to get help," said Maj. Randy Croft, 100th Air Refueling Wing deputy chaplain. "The Air Force offers numerous agencies of care (i.e. mental health, psychologists, counselors and chaplains) for Airmen dealing with suicidal ideations, but the first line of intervention is almost always a friend or co-worker."

The Air Force recognizes that many Airmen could be at risk and has launched initiatives to help. One such initiative is RUfit (previously called Comprehensive Airmen Fitness) which focuses on individuals being more likely to be able to identify risk factors and seek help if required. It also focuses on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle and includes physical, mental, social and spiritual pillars.

Even people who take care of all these areas of their life could need help at some time.

There are many areas of a person's life that could increase the risk of suicide. These include money issues, family breakdown, loneliness, career problems and many more. Each person reacts differently when life throws challenges at them.

At times, just being able to talk to another person could help.

"We don't have to be experts in suicide prevention, but we can all take notice in our co-workers if something looks different. Engage with others who may be going through emotional or mental hardship, ask about their welfare, and show genuine care and support," Croft added. "I'm familiar with numerous Airmen who were struggling with thoughts of suicide, but received critical help only after a wingman or friend got involved and showed genuine concern."  

This intervention could lead to a very different outcome for someone who thinks they have no way out. Prevention could mean saving a life.

"Prevention begins with each individual working to strengthen and maintain their overall well-being across all (RUfit pillars), as well as being able to identify when they need help. A good wingman offers help knowing what resources are available, and follows up to stand by their side throughout a challenge," said Lt. Col. Kathleen Crimmins, Air Force Suicide Prevention manager. "Assisting Airmen to get help ... whether peer or professional is what a wingman does."

The Air Force also launched "ACE" - Ask your wingman, Care for your wingman, Escort your wingman. This could save a life of a colleague who thinks no one cares. Just a simple question could open the door for them to reach out, "How are you today?" could be all it takes to break down walls and start a conversation with someone who thinks they have no one to turn to.

"We can all make a difference by helping our wingmen understand they are not alone," advised Crimmins. "Sharing our stories and highlighting our own personal resilience and perseverance will let others know their Air Force family is behind them and those needing help are not alone."