September is Suicide Prevention Month. Always keep in mind our team members take care of each other!

1. Team,
Each year, The U.S. Army sets aside September to place emphasis on suicide awareness and
prevention, an issue that requires everyone’s vigilance and undivided attention. As a command, we will
be focusing on suicide prevention training in the coming days and weeks.
Suicide prevention starts with the command teams. I have seen the difference a positive command
climate makes in regards to suicide prevention as I have traveled throughout USAREC. I am proud this
supportive atmosphere has allowed our Soldiers to ask for the help they need, preventing tragic losses.
No one will be stigmatized for seeking help --- no matter what help is being sought. It takes courage and
strength to ask for help and it takes the same to intervene on behalf of someone who isn’t making good
decisions.
Suicide prevention doesn’t stop at the command teams. We need to look out for our buddies to the left
and right of us. While our Commanders and senior NCOs are responsible for creating a Command
climate supportive of those who need help and are seeking it, they need your help--your team members
and your friends need YOU.
Always keep in mind our team members take care of each other! Make sure you know the avenues
available for help so you can act without hesitation. Continue to refresh your memory with the suicide
prevention training provided by the Army.
Everyone in this Command must know they always have someone to turn to when help is needed. Ask
your buddy, care for your buddy, and escort your buddy through the chain of command if you believe
anyone in your Team may have some suicidal symptoms. Suicide prevention is about Soldiers taking
care of Soldiers. Our ranks need to know that no Soldier stands alone—or is without hope. The USAREC
Family is ready, willing, and able to help them overcome any challenge.
Active engagement by everyone helps to minimize the risk of suicide within the Army to stop this tragic
and unnecessary loss of human life. Suicide prevention is everybody’s business in the Army and in this
command.
Army Strong!
MG David Mann
CG, USAREC