Washington, D.C. — The Defense Department (DOD) has recognized eleven military installations and commands for their outstanding efforts in suicide prevention from September 2022 through August 2024. During a ceremony at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes on September 19, 2024, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks commended these units for their commitment to addressing the root causes of suicide and supporting those at risk.
“Today’s ceremony highlights all of your contributions,” Hicks said. “The honored teams reflect the wide-ranging and cutting-edge approaches the department is taking to save lives and address root causes.”
The eleven recognized installations include:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (Army)
- Guam Army National Guard, Guam (National Guard)
- Deployment Support Command, Birmingham, Ala. (Army Reserve)
- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (Marine Corps)
- USS Makin Island, Naval Base San Diego (Navy)
- Naval Construction Battalion 18, Port Hueneme, Calif. (Navy Reserve)
- MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. (Air Force)
- The 175th Wing, Warfield Air National Guard Base, Md. (Air National Guard)
- Air Force Reserve Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas (Air Force Reserve)
- Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. (Space Force)
- Coast Guard Base Kodiak, Alaska (Coast Guard)
These installations and commands have been recognized for implementing programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide proactive, life-saving interventions. Hicks highlighted that these initiatives are making a significant impact by reaching individuals before they reach a crisis point.
“Suicide prevention isn’t just about mental health,” Hicks emphasized, adding that the department is taking a comprehensive approach to reducing suicide risk across the ranks.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has made suicide prevention a cornerstone of his “Taking Care of People” initiatives, enhancing access to mental health care and introducing new strategies aimed at improving service members’ well-being.
“The Defense Department remains steadfast in its commitment to suicide prevention, and it’s going to take the dedication of everyone—from top leadership to local commands—to make a difference,” Hicks said.
These eleven installations serve as examples of how focused efforts can lead to meaningful progress in combating the challenges of suicide within the military community.–News Desk