Wright-Patt Suicides Lead to Stand Down

I really don't have much to say on this other than it's important that folks are aware of the sad circumstances surrounding military suicides.

Suicides prompt Wright-Patterson stand-down
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 30, 2009 17:54:17 EDT
DAYTON, Ohio — Officials at Ohio’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base are taking the rare move of planning a day for airmen to talk about suicide prevention instead of performing normal duties.

Base spokesman Daryl Mayer says the one-day “stand-down” scheduled for Tuesday follows four deaths in six months.

Mayer says two deaths were apparent suicides, and two others under investigation occurred in similar circumstances. The most recent death was Monday, when the body of an active-duty airman was found in her dormitory room.

Commanders call the rarely used stand-downs to highlight important issues to airmen under their command. (link)

As a Wright-Patt alum, this story hits close to home. The command structure is to be commended for recognizing that something's amiss here and attempting to do something about it. If folks are determined to do it, they're going to do it. But if this stand down helps people recognize warning signs and--if they're suicidal--leads them to get help, then it's worth it.