Wingmen, supervisors key to suicide prevention Published Dec. 17, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- 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 co-workers during this time of year where individuals may be at greater risk of isolation or suicidal tendencies. "Through the holiday season, supervisors should ensure they know who is away from home for the first time, make sure they won't be alone and educate them on how to access the support available if they need it," said Tech. Sgt. Heather Green, 31st Medical Operations Squadron. "They can also show that they care by listening and ensuring personnel get linked up with the right helping agency." Green stressed that strength in all areas of fitness: mental, physical, social and spiritual, is critical for mission readiness and personal well-being. Additionally, there are countless programs available to meet the needs of Airmen and their families. Some of the helping agencies include: Chaplain Corps, Military and Family Life Consultants located at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Mental Health Clinic, Suicide Prevention hotlines or an individual family health provider. The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers classes to equip members with skills to manage things like budgeting and car buying. The Family Advocacy Program offers anger management, new parent support, marriage counseling and other prevention based programs. Recently, Gen. Philip Breedlove, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, released a commentary titled "Every Airman a Sensor." The motto encourages everyone in the Air Force to be on the lookout for Airmen in distress. "Now more than ever, there is nothing more important than being there for friends, coworkers and family members who need help," Breedlove said. "You are the key." Green encourages Airmen to ask for help if they feel they need it. "Reach out to co-workers, friends, family, supervisors, first sergeants, commanders, chaplains, Military and Family Life Consultants or the Mental Health Clinic," she said. "1-800-273-TALK is a Suicide Prevention Hotline that connects you to a veteran's counselor who understands the military life. You don't have to go through this challenge alone and people genuinely want to help." To help Airmen realize they aren't alone, Team Aviano will host its first 'Storytellers' Resiliency Event, with a free lunch Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the La Bella Vista Club. The event will consist of eight Airmen talking about personal tragedies and hardships they've overcome since joining the military. They will discuss adversities like sexual assault, alcoholism, suicide, living in the Congo during genocide, the loss of a 5-year-old child and being diagnosed with cancer at age 19. A wounded warrior will also speak about his deployment and the injuries he sustained. "Suicide prevention is the responsibility of the entire Air Force community," said Green. "Seeking help is a sign of strength; it demonstrates good judgment, and ultimately supports the mission. Smart Airmen seek out help when they need it and great wingmen know when to encourage their peers to get help." The Air Force published a new instruction for suicide prevention, Air Force Instruction 90-505, that provides targeted training requirements to bolster the wingman concept and equip supervisors with skills to intervene. The most visible change will be a quarterly offering of face-to-face suicide prevention training here at Aviano. For more information, contact your local Mental Health Clinic.