Suicide Prevention Means Watching Out for Each Other

From DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Watching out for each other every day is a collective responsibility for the Defense Department's military and civilian workforce, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Sept. 2 in a message marking DoD's observance of Suicide Prevention Month.

Here is the text of the secretary's message:

To the men and women of the Department of Defense:

Preventing military suicide is one of DoD's highest priorities, and something I'm personally committed to as Secretary of Defense. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we must rededicate ourselves to actively working not only every month, but every day to fulfill our collective responsibility to watch out for each other and take care of each other.

Human beings are fragile, and suicide is a complex and devastating event that affects us all. The painful loss of life and its heartbreaking aftermath spread beyond the individual and immediate family, taking a toll on fellow service members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and society itself. While preventing suicide takes all of us working together, it begins with a personal commitment.

When someone is going through challenges and comes to you for help, it doesn't make them weak. It means they're strong, because asking for help when you need it takes courage and strength. What we need to remember what our entire country needs to remember is that these brave individuals shouldn't be avoided or stigmatized. They need to be embraced. Whether you're a service member, a veteran, a DoD civilian, or a friend or family member of someone who is, you have the power to make a difference. It only takes one person to ask one question or make one call and that single act can save a life.

If you need help, if you know someone who is, or even if you just need someone to talk to, contact the Military Crisis Line via phone, online chat, or text message. Just call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1; visit http://www.militarycrisisline.net; or text 838255. It's free, easy, confidential, and trained professionals are always there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The battle to prevent suicide cannot be waged on a single front. It will only be won if we stand together and take every opportunity in our homes, at our duty stations, and in conversations with friends and mentors to support each other and be there for those in our communities who need our help. By fighting as one team, we will help prevent suicide.

JTF-Bravo on the leading edge in Central America

by Capt. Steven Stubbs
Joint Task Force Bravo

9/2/2014 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  -- As the U.S. government puts more emphasis on Central America and pays more attention to the security issues facing the region, the mission of Joint Task Force-Bravo remains critical and is the leading edge of the Department of Defense's efforts not only in the area but in the western hemisphere, Dr. Rebecca B. Chavez, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said Thursday during her final stop here in Honduras.

"The Department of Defense views Central America as a priority region," Chavez added. "As part of our strategic vision of partnerships, we want to focus on willing partners and we see Honduras as one of those willing partners and want to continue moving the relationship forward."

Chavez considered visiting the task force as one of her priorities during her trip to the region. She engaged with JTF-B leadership and ate lunch with personnel to gain a different perspective of the ongoing operations at Soto Cano.

"I've always understood the importance of the mission here, but actually seeing it and meeting with our service members really brought home the significance of what they do every day," Chavez stated. "It is very valuable for me to hear the perspectives of the people who are working with the Hondurans on a day-to-day basis and learn about their outlook on the potential of this growing relationship."

The western hemisphere policy-maker also gained first-hand knowledge of the multiple missions performed by the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, 612th Air Base Squadron, Joint Security Forces, Medical Element, Army Forces Battalion and Army Support Agency through a dynamic command tour.

In fulfilling the missions of building partnership capacity and providing humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, Chavez considers Joint Task Force-Bravo as ambassadors to the Central American countries.

"I see here a true partnership between U.S. forces and Hondurans but JTF-Bravo is also an essential tool in advancing broader defense cooperation. This task force is a key Department of Defense ambassador not only to Honduras but to Central America through building partner capacity efforts and humanitarian assistance which supports our strategic vision in the region."

Before departing Soto Cano Air Base, Chavez echoed her appreciation to the men and women of Joint Task Force-Bravo as they perform their duties in this all too important mission.

"When there is a crisis in this region, whether it is an earthquake or hurricane, who responds first? It's the folks of JTF-Bravo. Not only is it vital to help our partners, it also sends an important message to the Central American countries letting them know that you are there for them."

As the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Chavez oversees security strategy and policy issues involving the countries of the hemisphere as well as U.S. government funding of hemispheric defense cooperation programs and the integration of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Southern Command for Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Pacific Air Commandos return to New Zealand

by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

8/14/2014 - WHENUAPAI Air Base, New Zealand  -- 

Members from the 353rd Special Operations Group and the New Zealand Defense Force participated in Exercise Balance Net from July 17 until July 31 in Whenuapai, New Zealand.

 

"This exercise marks the first time in almost three decades that the 353rd SOG has come to New Zealand to train side by side with our counterparts in the New Zealand Defense Force," said Lt. Col. Shane Vesely, 1st Special Operations Squadron Commander.  "From the U.S. and New Zealand maintainers coming together to keep the planes in the air to our loadmasters and riggers sharing new techniques on preparing and executing air drops, we leave New Zealand knowing that we have created lasting bonds that will enhance our interoperability in both future more complex exercises and real-world full-spectrum operations."

 

During the 2-week exercise, MC-130H Combat Talon II aircrews from the 1st Special Operations Squadron worked with their counterparts from the 40th Squadron, the Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H and Boeing 757 squadron.  Whether dropping personnel and cargo or flying low-level missions through the south island terrain, pilots, loadmasters, maintainers and riggers took every opportunity to learn from one another.

 

"I've worked with Americans all over the world, but never have I actually worked with them in New Zealand," said Sgt. Rodrigo Arriagada, a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules air loadmaster.  "Most of the time, the Americans show us how they do things, but this time we also got to show them our procedures and techniques.  It's nice to hear that they are taking some different ideas back and implementing them."

 

While there are differences between the two militaries, there are also similarities that the maintainers used to save time and money. 

 

When a second propeller change was needed on the U.S. aircraft, the New Zealand maintainers stepped up to provide backshop repair capabilities needed to aid our maintainers eliminating the need to replace the prop.  Together the two countries were able to provide a quick-turn repair fixing the prop in a matter of hours as opposed to days. 

 

"Because we have the same H model aircraft and our books are based on the U.S. technical orders, there is a universal language," said Leading Craftsman Mike West, aircraft technician with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

 

"The New Zealand maintainers were extremely helpful," said Staff Sgt. Bryson Asato, 353rd SOMXS, aerospace propulsion craftsman. "They stayed late to help us out. They helped us fix the prop, so we didn't have to request another one or send the prop to Yokota for repair."

 

While the mission was completed over the course of the two-week exercise, lasting friendships were also created demonstrating the importance of joint and combined exercises.    

 

"New Zealand is a small country.  We enjoy the opportunity to meet new people," said Arriagada. "It's also about showing our appreciation to the Americans.   They have always been really friendly showing us around when we are in America, so it's nice to return the favor." 

COMUSAFE talks headquarters reductions

by Capt. Sybil Taunton
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

9/2/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- In line with the Secretary of Defense's direction to cut 20 percent of Air Force headquarters budget, and with the creation of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa has lost approximately 346 positions from its unit manning document.

Gen. Frank Gorenc discussed these reductions during a USAFE-AFAFRICA commander's call, Aug 29.

Approximately 226 positions will be reduced to support establishment of the AFIMSC, and 10 positions will be reduced to support additional workload consolidation to Air Force Personnel Command. Roughly 110 positions have been eliminated for the required headquarters reduction, and some of these positions are not currently filled.

"It is really important for people to understand that these are positions that have gone away and not people," said Gorenc. "The Air Force has already approved funding to keep civilian and host nation employees in affected positions through Fiscal Year 15, and military personnel will remain in place until their Date Eligible for Return from Overseas [DEROS]."

With the combination of transferred and eliminated positions, the USAFE-AFAFRICA headquarters staff is losing a total of 23 percent of its officer positions, 27 percent of enlisted billets, and 23 percent of the civilian positions.

"Our Manpower team is currently conducting a survey to evaluate the impact of these reductions," said Gorenc. "As we collect this data and you realize you can no longer do the job you are being asked to do, then let us know and we will fix it."

To reduce the need for involuntary separation measures for civilian personnel whose positions have not been transferred, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Pay Incentive options will be available. All efforts will be made to place civilian personnel whose positions have been eliminated and do not qualify for VERA/VSIP.

"We want to assure everyone involved with this process that we remain committed to mitigating the impact during this transition, and I will be as transparent as possible with the things we are doing," said Gorenc.

A town hall led by the 86th Force Support Squadron, Civilian Personnel flight chief, was held recently for those civilians in identified positions. Briefings were given and followed by a question and answer session to ensure everyone was fully informed.

Affected civilian personnel are encouraged to schedule appointments with the 86th Force Support Squadron human relations specialists to discuss specific options and details associated with their positions.

"Iron Nickel" Full-Up, Round Ready

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan J. Batchelder, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), in coordination with Naval Munitions Command Detachment Sasebo, conducted a three-day ammunition onload while anchored near Command Fleet Activities Sasebo, Aug. 27-29.

While anchored, Peleliu safely took on more than 1,200 pallets of conventional ordnance in support of its mission with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based in Okinawa, Japan.

"Safety is foremost," said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Joe Skelton of Peleliu's Weapons Department. "It is very important that we stressed to everyone involved that we are not in a rush. We conducted several safety briefs, checklists and [safety checks] on equipment to make sure we were operating at the safest level possible."

In keeping with Peleliu's excellent safety record, Skelton pointed out what it takes to conduct such a large evolution, both, efficiently and safely.

"Quality Assurance Safety Observers (QASO) were present at every movement point, whether it was below decks in the cargo holds or in the hangar and vehicle decks, ensuring everyone is following safety precautions," said Skelton. "If there was not a QASO present, ammunition did not move, period."

Once the ammunition was onboard, aviation ordnancemen assigned to Peleliu were tasked with the staging, handling and stowage of more than 900 tons of ordnance.

"To complete a task of this magnitude is really rewarding," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Brian Hopkins. "When ammunition onloads happen, all of our hard work, dedication and preparation really show. Knowing we played a vital role in the safe and expeditious onload of ordnance in direct support of our mission and getting Peleliu ready to do what we do, is an accomplishment that we will never forget."

The teamwork and coordination between Peleliu's many departments over the course of three days resulted in a successful and safe evolution that moved more than 1.8 million pounds of ordnance to support sustained operations during Peleliu's deployment.

"Our motivation, dedication and attention to detail were proven during the grueling three days of Peleliu's ammunition onload," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Darien Phelps. "Everyone played a vital role in the completion of our mishap-free evolution. We truly watched one another's backs, kept one another motivated and ensured we all finished as a team."

Skelton stressed the importance of effective communication and planning between all of Peleliu's departments and divisions.

"All of the ship's departments played a role in one form or another," said Skelton. "Peleliu came through and worked together like a 'well-oiled machine'."

Peleliu is on its final regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region before decommissioning early next year.