February Suicide Information

The Army released suicide data today for the month of February.  During February, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides:  three have been confirmed as suicides and eight remain under investigation.  For January, the Army reported 16 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers.  Since the release of that report, 11 have been confirmed as suicides and five remain under investigation.  For calendar year (CY) 2012, there have been 27 potential active-duty suicides:  14 have been confirmed as suicides and 13 remain under investigation.  Updated active-duty suicide numbers for CY 2011:  166 (157 have been confirmed as suicides and nine remain under investigation).

During February, among Reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were three potential suicides (three Army National Guard and no Army Reserve):  none have been confirmed as suicide and three remain under investigation.  For January, among that same group, the Army reported six potential suicides (five Army National Guard and one Army Reserve).  Since the release of that report, four have been confirmed as suicides and two remain under investigation.  For CY 2012, there have been nine potential not on active duty suicides (eight Army National Guard and one Army Reserve):  four have been confirmed as suicides and five remain under investigation.  Updated not on active duty suicide numbers for CY 2011:  116 (80 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve); 113 have been confirmed as suicides and three remain under investigation.

 “Leaders across our Army recognize that the health of our soldiers, Army civilians and family members is a top priority.  We remain committed to doing what is needed to care for our most precious asset -- our people, thereby ensuring a healthy and resilient force for the future,” said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, vice chief of staff, U.S. Army.  “We must maintain our shared focus and continue these most important efforts in the days ahead.”

Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Trained consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and pressing “1” for military members and veterans or by visiting their website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .

The Army’s comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Program information is located at http://www.preventsuicide.army.mil .

Army leaders can access current health promotion guidance in newly revised Army Regulation 600-63 (Health Promotion) at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_63.pdf and Army Pamphlet 600-24 (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention) at http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p600_24.pdf .

Suicide prevention training resources for soldiers, leaders, Department of the Army civilians, and family members can be accessed at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/training_sub.asp?sub_cat=20 (requires Army Knowledge Online access to download materials).

Information about Military OneSource is located at www.militaryonesource.com or by dialing the toll-free number 1-800-342-9647 for those residing in the continental U.S.  Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource website for dialing instructions for their specific location.

Information about the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program is located at http://www.army.mil/csf .

The Defense Center for Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) Outreach Center can be contacted at 1-866-966-1020, via electronic mail at Resources@DCoEOutreach.org and at http://www.dcoe.health.mil .

The website for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is http://www.afsp.org , and the Suicide Prevention Resource Council website is found at http://www.sprc.org/index.asp .

USS Missouri Welcomes Distinguished Visitors

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

USS MISSOURI, At sea (NNS) -- Distinguished visitors participated in a four-day embark aboard Virginia-class submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780), as it operated in the Atlantic Ocean, March 9.

The guests gained an appreciation and awareness of the capabilities of the Missouri as it transited from the Navy's Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center in the Bahamas to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia.

"As the first Senior Executive Service member to hold the new OPNAV N9I position, it was of great value to me to come to sea on the USS Missouri to see firsthand all the capabilities that are resident in this awesome warship," said Deputy Director Warfare Integration (N9I) Mike Novak.

Visitors witnessed the enhanced capabilities of the Virginia-class platform as the submarine transited through the oceans' depths. They also gained an appreciation for the submarine's enhanced sensor and ship's control capabilities, as well as a better understanding of what the platform provides to the nation's defense. Attack submarines provide offensive and defense capabilities to include: insertion of Special Forces, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2 hosted the distinguished visitors and discussed what Missouri's latest certification means not only to the submarine force, but to the nation's defense.

"After USS Missouri's commissioning and her impressive completion of its post-shake down availability the submarine is at a major transition point in the ship's life and is ready to go into harm's way in the defense of our nation," said Breckenridge. "It's an exciting time to be in the submarine force as USS Missouri joins the active fleet to assume her rightful position in defense of our nation."

Two academic leaders from Yale University also participated in the embark and reflected on the engineering marvels the agile platform provides and the takeaways they can bring back to the university for the benefit of their future scholars and new Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps class.

"The two biggest impressions I will share with my students and colleagues are that the Virginia-class submarine is an incredibly impressive engineering platform for the submarine force, and that the skill, dedication and commitment of the officers and crew are inspiring," said Paul Van Tassel, professor of engineering, Yale University.

Navy Capt. Glenn Kuffel, assigned to the Force Development office in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, discussed his personal takeaways from his embark experience.

"These boats have a great utility across a variety of missions in defense of our nation and our national security interests," said Kuffel.

Army Maj. Glen Clubb, an advisor for the deputy assistant secretary of defense for plans in OSD policy said experiencing life aboard a submarine provides a unique perspective.

"Books will not do it, one must have an experience like this to fully appreciate the capabilities provided by the submarine force," said Clubb.

On the final night aboard Missouri, the visitors witnessed a rite of passage when three officers and two enlisted Sailors received their dolphins granting them the right and honor to be called "submariners."

"It's a major milestone and first impressions mean a lot in the submarine force," said Lt. j.g. Joseph Innerst, one of the five submariners who received dolphins. "When you're submarine qualified you demonstrate the technical knowledge in all warfare capabilities."

Breckenridge praised the crew for the accomplishments and congratulated those who received dolphins.

"To the fighting men of USS Missouri, I'm very proud of you and wish you the best in all your endeavors," said Breckenridge.

Prior to the visitors' embark, Missouri successfully completed their operational certification and was deemed ready for tasking, which prepares the submarine and its crew for deployment. Cmdr. Tim Rexrode, Missouri's commanding officer reflected on the submarine's certification and reaching this pivotal milestone.

"The certification is the final testing of the ship in order to enter the Navy's deployment preparations," said Rexrode, who added that Missouri is the first Virginia-class submarine to complete its post-shake-down availability from General Dynamics Electric Boat six weeks early which directly supports the Navy's submarine force.

"When we partnered earlier on during our availability it delivered USS Missouri six weeks early and enabled us to support fleet exercises, which in turn provided the opportunity for other submarines to support major naval fleet exercises," said Rexrode.

NMPDC Recognized by Special Olympics

By Cynthia Hilsinger, Navy Medicine Professional Development Center Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Navy Medicine Professional Development Center (NMPDC) headquartered at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda received the Special Olympics Special Friend Award March 13.

Olivia Hunter, program manager for the Naval District Washington Community Service Program, presented the award to Capt. Lee Cornforth, NMPDC commanding officer; Hospital Corpsmen 1st Class Arnel Galapir, an NMPDC maxillofacial prosthetic technician, and Elizabeth Patterson, NMPDC endodontic leading petty officer, during an all hands ceremony held at Memorial Auditorium at NSA Bethesda.

"It's quite an honor to stand up here and hear about all the services our members commit to the community," said Cornforth. "I could not be more proud of the NMPDC team. Their work in the local community is making a difference."

The Special Olympics Special Friend Award recognized the time and encouragement NMPDC volunteers gave during the Special Olympics bowling tournament held Feb. 24 at a Hyattsville, Md., bowling alley. The Sailors were dressed in uniform while they escorted and coached 132 children from nine local elementary schools.

"The children were excited to see the uniforms," said Banias, the NMPDC command community coordinator who helped to organize the event. "We tried to motivate them to do better and give them the can-do-it spirit."

Sailors kept track of the children's scores, kept them safe during the competition, and kept the schedule of the tournament.

"It's so important to have the active duty member there," said Hunter. "It brings a lot of energy. You haven't seen anything until you see a Special Olympics victory dance."

Navy Medicine Professional Development Center is part of the Navy Medicine team, a global healthcare network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

National Guard scores a recruiting 'slam dunk' at University of Wisconsin

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

Soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard earned a victory in the recruiting arena Sunday, as more than 200 University of Wisconsin students took to the courts to participate in a National Guard 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Camp Randall Sports Complex.

Olympic gold medalist and NBA player Tom "The Hammer" Hammonds joined forces with the National Guard and local recruiters to host a day of friendly competition and to inform the college-aged students of the benefits of joining the National Guard.

"I'm here to tell you that the National Guard is a tremendous option in your life," Hammonds said. "You can start off in life going forward instead of backward."

Sunday's tournament has been deemed a success by tournament officials - generating more than 230 participants and 55 appointments to talk to a recruiter on-site or down the road. A site team visited the campus two weeks in advance to promote the event and, overall, the visit to Madison produced nearly 600 qualified leads for recruiters to follow.

Hammonds as well as other event staff showed a motivational video synopsis of the National Guard and spoke about the many benefits of joining the Guard – such as paid tuition, work experience and serving their country.

Anya Covington, a senior forward for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, attended the 3-on-3 tourney to take part in the challenge - she left with a greater understanding of the National Guard.

"I completely respect the military - the discipline and the training," Covington said. "I feel like this event is really well done and I think the Guard is a great option for everyone."

1st. Lt. Johnny Simmons, Wisconsin National Guard recruiting and retention command, said he's been all but begging to get the tournament to Madison since he initially heard about it a few years ago.

"A lot of kids are intimidated to talk to recruiters in school, but in a venue like this, it's a relaxed atmosphere," Simmons said. "Usually we don't get these kinds of numbers in one day, listening to the message all at once."

The 3-on-3 program, in its third year, has traveled around the country - visiting more than 30 schools and communities in an effort to find quality "leads" and promote the National Guard's message to a nation-wide demographic of 17-24 year old college students.

"When all parties are fully engaged early in the program development and pre-promotion process and continue to be involved and collaborating during the tournament event, turnout is strong, the event atmosphere is fun, entertaining and educational ... for all who participate," said Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Merrill, the tournament program manager.

Some Wisconsin Guard recruiters feel they gained access to valuable territory because it's the first time in recent memory the recruiters have had the opportunity to come onto the campus.

"The recent collaboration between National Guard Bureau, Wisconsin National Guard and the University of Wisconsin exemplified a successful 3-on-3 program," said Merrill.

The day started and ended with basketball in mind. Interwoven into this fun event was a message of patriotism and the National Guard.

Hammonds - a first-round draft pick in the NBA who played 12 seasons of professional basketball and won a gold medal with the 1986 U.S. National Basketball Team - said he likes being around basketball, but even more so when it's for a good cause.

"It means so much to me because of the students," Hammonds said. "I'm pro-National Guard for what the National Guard stands for - being able to affect lives in this country as well as abroad."

MCPON Attends Port Hueneme 70th Annual Seabee Ball, Visits Area Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas L. Rosprim, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) visited Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) area commands and attended the Port Hueneme 70th Annual Seabee Ball during a three-day fleet engagement March 8 through 10.

During his trip, MCPON(SS/SW) Rick D. West toured facilities and spoke to Sailors stationed at China Lake, Port Hueneme, and Point Mugu, California.

While at China Lake, a topic brought up by local Sailors concerned their location and the challenge of finding recreational activities in the area.

"I'm not sure you understand how lucky you are here shipmates," said West. "Get out there and explore the mountains that surround you or take this opportunity to further your education. Ensure you are taking advantage of all these opportunities."

More than 800 Sailors stationed at Port Hueneme, the majority of them Seabees, arrived at the base theater March 9 for an all-hands call, leaving standing room only at the facility. What was lacking in seating was made up by enthusiasm in the room. At the end of the call, MCPON called for motivation with one word, Hoorah.

"Take that enthusiasm that you just gave me to your work sites every day, more importantly take it out there to those fields, wherever you are, whether it's in Afghanistan, Africa, you name it; make a difference," said West. "You've got that call; that can-do attitude. Do it every day, work your butts off. I love you guys. I love the Navy Seabees. Hoorah!" said MCPON. "Hoorah!" they answered back.

During a Chief Petty Officers call at Point Mugu, a Reservist complimented the active duty Sailors stationed there for embracing Reservists but raised concerns about the divide between active and Reserve he has seen elsewhere.

"Since 9/11, I do not even talk active and Reserve; I talk Sailor," said West. "I feel we have done many things to close the gap. For example, it used to take three or four months to transition from active to Reserve and Reserve to active, now it typically takes three or four days."

The trip concluded with a trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Air Force One Pavilion for the Port Hueneme 70th Annual Seabee Ball, where MCPON was the guest speaker.

"Every single Seabee needs to be ready to do what is necessary, and from where I stand, I can see you absolutely are," said West. "As always, your 'Can Do' spirit will drive you through any challenges our Navy faces, and you will continue to be a prime source for expeditionary engineering forces."

Fleet engagements are intended to provide senior leadership with a frontline assessment of Sailors and what they are doing in the fleet.