4th Fleet Staff Remembers Victims of Suicide

By Lt. Cdr. Tom Gordy, 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT NAVAL STATION, Florida (NNS) -- Sailors and civilians of U.S. Fourth Fleet staff gathered to remember shipmates, family and friends who had fallen victim to suicide in a ceremony on Sept. 11.

"Since the beginning of the year, fifty of our shipmates have fallen to suicide. That is fifty too many," said Yeoman Chief Petty Officer Yvonne Rodriguez, the Command's Suicide Prevention Coordinator who organized the ceremony. "We all know someone who was a victim, so we must remember to act."

The ceremony included a moment of silence followed by a prayer offered by Surface Forces Atlantic Staff Chaplain Lt. Cdr. Alan Cameron, and comments by 4th Fleet's Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Cdr. John Liddle.

Liddle reflected on the significance of Sept. 11 for all citizens as well as the imperative everyone has to ACT (Ask, Care, Treat) if a shipmate is perceived to be enduring personal struggle or difficulty.

"We need to care enough to ask and we need to care enough get help for our shipmates." said Liddle. "Suicide shouldn't be a permanent solution for problems or issues that could be transient with appropriate care, counseling and treatment."

Participants signed a banner with 50 yellow ribbons in remembrance of victims of suicide. The banner was placed on a tree outside 4th Fleet headquarters as a reminder to command staff to ask, care and seek treatment for shipmates who may be contemplating suicide.