1-151st ARB walks 'Out of the Darkness'
10.14.121-151st ARB walks 'Out of the Darkness'
Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan, JFHQ Public Affairs
COLUMBIA, S.C.--Soldiers of the 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB), South Carolina Army National Guard, supported their community and spent a day focusing on suicide awareness last weekend. As part of the Army wide Suicide Stand Down, the battalion held a day of classes teaching about suicide prevention and the available services for those in need, followed by a walk “Out of the Darkness,” at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, S.C., Oct. 14, 2012.
Lt. Col. James Fidler, commander of the 1-151st ARB said, “Our team put a lot of hard work and creative energy into our unit's Suicide Stand Down Day. We learned about the "Out of the Darkness" walk in downtown Columbia, S.C. at the River Front Park which is an awareness walk sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”
Fidler continued, “The theme for our Stand Down Day is ‘Shoulder to Shoulder, We Stand up for Life’. Along the route we have placed 70 signs in remembrance of the 70 National Guard Soldiers who have taken their lives during the past year. These signs also include suicide statistics and messages that tell a story that will heighten awareness and remind our Soldiers of the resources that are available to them. The walk will be a time of fellowship and unity as our entire unit walks ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with our battle buddies.”
Chaplain (1st Lt.) John Denny, chaplain for the 1-151st ARB, arranged the walk for the battalion to not only to help and support their Soldiers, but to show their support for the community “Out of the Darkness” walk.
Denny said, “I want the Soldiers of the 151st to get three important things from today’s briefs and unit walk. First is an awareness of how serious this issue is. Suicide, or thoughts of suicide, happen more often than most people realize and no one talks about it. The second is if we were to ask people to raise their hands, more of us have been affected by suicide than what we believe. The third is an understanding that there are resources available. Should you be struggling or someone you know is struggling, do something and get involved.”
“I don’t know if most people understand what it means to be in a dark area of your life. A lot of times outsiders just say, ‘Get it together,’ but when you are in that downward spiral of depression it is not that simple. It is important to understand that most times people just need someone to care. The majority of people contemplating suicide can have their minds changed and the smallest effort of help can stop the spiral,” added Denny.
Fidler said, “Statistics tell us that during the hour long period that it will take our unit to complete the course three people in the United States will take their own lives. Again, I expect this walk to raise awareness, remind our Soldiers that their battle buddies will stand shoulder to shoulder with them during their time of crisis and that they do have hope and a way out of whatever situation they are facing.”
Sam and Rebecca Hopper came to McCrady to share their story of suicide with the battalion. The Hoppers lost their son, Matt Preacher, to suicide in 2009. Matt was in the Army, serving with the 3rd Infantry Division. He had done two tours in Iraq and he had trouble adjusting to civilian life after he got out of the Army. Rebecca said, “I think it is great that the Army is getting rid of the stigma over asking for help, making it easier for Soldiers to talk about their issues and having resources available.”
The Hoppers led the walk at McCrady. “It felt great to have the battalion behind us,” said Rebecca. “Knowing they were there to support us. It was an honor to be here and I am very proud of our military.”
Capt. Jonathan Norris, commander of B Company, 1-151st ARB said, “Today brought out conversations that we had never had before. It got almost everyone talking and sharing their experiences and how they worked through difficult situations.”
“The leadership in this command genuinely cares deeply for the Soldiers and family members that sacrifice so much for the freedoms we all enjoy. We have and will continue to exhaust all efforts to create an environment that reduces stigma for those that need help and connect them with the resources that are available for them to get that help,” said Fidler. “We are fortunate to be part of a state that is second to none in Soldier care.(South Carolina Adjutant General) Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr. and his staff have done a tremendous job in providing the personnel, resources, and training to insure that we as commanders have tools and options available to truly help our service members and families.”
