JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"Actions speak louder than words" and "there's no time like the present" are two phrases that explain how I believe we should both lead and take care of our Airmen.
According to Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force, "Airmen want a sense of community, and sound Air Force policy can help foster it. But it is leadership at the local level that probably does more to fulfill that need ... we shouldn't underestimate the impact of simply reaching out to our fellow Airmen."
The Wingman Stand Down 2010 allowed us to discuss the rise in suicides and become more aware of just how tragic this absolutely unnecessary loss of life is. Sometimes we can prevent a suicide just by talking to our Airmen, especially when our actions and leadership style create an environment where Airmen feel comfortable talking because they know we're listening. Once we create that environment, we can more easily recognize changes in behavior and have a better chance of noticing when something is affecting our Airmen. Doing these things allows us to take action and get people help when they need it.
The May 2010 Air Force Key Talking Points sum it up best: "Know your people. Supervisors, co-workers, friends and family are the critical first line of defense; medical professionals are available and eager to assist."
Now is the time to act. We cannot afford to lose even one Airman because we didn't take action at the first sign of trouble. Yes, not everyone who is contemplating suicide exhibits the behavior we're taught to look for, but getting to know our people so that we recognize a change in behavior or personality offers us a better chance to save a life.
Suicide can happen to anyone, even to those who seem to have the perfect life and who are thought of as model Airmen. Many people assume we only have to worry about our young enlisted Airmen, but two senior master sergeants recently took their own lives. Although we tend to focus on Airmen, we can't forget that spouses, dependents and others we love are sometimes at risk and need our help.
As I write this, I can't help but remember the day I found out my father took his own life. I also remember the suicide that occurred at my last duty assignment. Every suicide, especially those we could have helped prevent, is a tragedy and affects everyone left behind. I truly hope no one else has to go through this, whether it's a relative, acquaintance or Airman in the unit who chooses this irreversible path.
Again, now is the time to act; there really is no time like the present.