March 20, 2014 Airman reveals personal resiliency amidst force shaping It was 1999 and a young weather officer appeared to have everything going for him: a wife, Linda, two handsome teenage sons whom he adored, J.R. and Ryan, and a promising Air Force career for this prior-enlisted officer.On the surface things appeared to be going well; however, pressure was mounting
Oct. 11, 2013 Military Researchers Working to Find New Suicide Treatments The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences established the Laboratory for the Treatment of Suicide-Related Ideation and Behavior in 2006 to work on developing new treatment methods for suicidal service members.The lab is led by Dr. Marjan Holloway, an associate professor of medical and
Sept. 25, 2013 Defense Department Conducting Review of Suicide Prevention Efforts The Defense Department has more than 900 different suicide prevention initiatives. Officials have been working to identify which ones reflect the federal government's new national strategy for reducing suicide.The Defense Suicide Prevention Office started its review last fall, and an interim report
Sept. 18, 2013 Mental health works to reduce suicides Suicide ends lives. Maxwell's mental health clinic hopes to save them. After two years of collecting data from more than 150 participants, joint research by mental health and civilian agencies continues to reveal new strategies to improve the quality of life of patients struggling with suicidal
Sept. 18, 2013 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year shine at gala The Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year earned praise at a dinner hosted by the Air Force Association as part of the 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.The award recognizes 12 outstanding enlisted service members for superior leadership, job performance,
Sept. 10, 2013 Responder Demystifies Calling Military Crisis Line for Help When someone is in crisis and feeling despondent, reaching out for help is a stronger step to take than doing nothing, which can lead to a worsening state, a Military Crisis Line responder told American Forces Press Service today.Tricia Lucchesi of Canandaigua, N.Y., said she encourages service
Sept. 5, 2013 Official notes progress in suicide prevention effort Making sure people know where to turn for help during a time of crisis is the continuing goal of the Defense Department's suicide prevention program, the Pentagon official in charge of the effort said here Aug. 30.In an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel,
Sept. 4, 2013 Message from Secretary Hagel on Suicide Prevention Month The Department of Defense has no more important responsibility than supporting and protecting those who defend our country and that means we must do everything possible to prevent military suicide. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, the entire DoD community - service members, civilians, members
Aug. 19, 2013 Bully Prevention Resources for Military Families Being the child of military parents has its rewards and its challenges. Military K-12 Partners estimates there are about 1.5 million children of military parents enrolled in U.S. schools. Many will have to move to new states, find new schools and make new friends at least twice during their
Aug. 13, 2013 59th MDW Outstanding Airman strives to make a difference A mental health technician from the 59th Medical Wing was recently recognized as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.Staff Sgt. Casey Anderson's achievement is another recognition added to her list as one of the command's outstanding enlisted Airmen of the year for 2013, Air Education and
June 13, 2013 Outreach Center Broadens Mental Health Resources Service members or anyone who bears the invisible scars of post-traumatic stress now have high-tech access to online resources to fight stress, depression and other psychological health concerns, a Defense Department official said here yesterday.The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological
May 15, 2013 TV announcements illustrate signs of suicide risk Officials at the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have produced three public service announcements to help families and friends recognize the signs of potential suicide in veterans and service members.The television announcements have aired since April on the Pentagon Channel and American
April 26, 2013 Senior leaders testify on health of personnel programs Air Force senior leaders, along with counterparts from each of the services, testified about the current state of military personnel programs before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee April 24.Daniel B. Ginsberg, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and Lt. Gen.
April 3, 2013 Airman saves friend's life half a world away Most Airmen have accomplished computer-based suicide prevention training and are familiar with the "typical" scenario - a bold Airman asking the right questions to someone who isn't acting "right." In these training modules, the interaction is almost always in person, face-to-face. But, as one
March 27, 2013 Diamond Sharp Airmen: Cardinal counselor *This feature is the nineteenth in a series of Air Commando spotlights at Cannon. The Airmen being highlighted are recent Diamond Sharp award winners. Diamond Sharp is a monthly program where Airmen are recognized by wing leadership and first sergeants for their hard work and achievements. Military
March 13, 2013 Military substance abuse research progresses, doctor says Defense Department officials are developing research-based methods to curb substance abuse among service members, their families and veterans, a senior DOD medical official said here March 11.Dr. Michael E. Kilpatrick -- the deputy director for force health protection and readiness programs in the
Feb. 25, 2013 National crisis hotline connects call to Robins Mental health professionals here were recently able to reach out to a military member in crisis - with a phone call through the national Veterans Crisis Line. The toll-free number was accessed by a former Robins Airman while en route to a new duty location. Counselors routed the call to the
Feb. 21, 2013 Mental health flight commander wins AF-level award Maj. Michael McCarthy of the 82nd Medical Group was named the Air Force's Biomedical Clinician Category III Officer of the Year for 2012 in an announcement last week.McCarthy, who is the mental health flight commander, was thrilled to receive the award, which was mostly for his work as the Air
Dec. 17, 2012 Wingmen, supervisors key to suicide prevention While many think of the holidays as a time to relax and be surrounded by family and friends, some feel isolated and alone during this time of year - especially Airmen spending their first holiday season away from home.Supervisors and wingmen are encouraged to keep a close eye on their friends and
Nov. 9, 2012 Through Airmen's Eyes: Chief discusses how family, pet help PTSD issues (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Coming back from deployment, Airmen face the home-station work environment, reintegrating with family and settling back into day-to-day life.What