Air Force Link News

Department of the Air Force family suicide prevention training now available

DoD News — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 11:24:00 GMT

The new online training video, Equipping Family Members to Help Airmen in Distress, aims to build and strengthen relationships and connectedness among family members and loved ones.

Beer 30 for 30: An ADAPT story

Airman 1st Class Rhonda Smith — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Staff Sgt. Hersey, a recovering alcoholic, went through the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment program this past year.

CMSAF Wright joins Little Rock AFB Airmen for Wingman Day

Staff Sgt. Dana J. Cable — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:01:00 GMT

Wingman Day was the culminating event for the first phase of the 19th Airlift Wing’s Resiliency Campaign Plan.

CMSAF emphasizes human connections at Hanscom all call

Mark Wyatt — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright spoke about resilience and leadership topics during a town hall Sept. 6. More than 400 Airmen from Hanscom AFB, as well as other invited Airmen from geographically separated units, listened as Wright touched on those topics and answered questions.

Around the Air Force: Resiliency stand down / New GPS satellite

Staff Sgt. Anastasia Tompkins — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 12:51:00 GMT

In today's look around the Air Force Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright, talks about resiliency as the service announces a stand down day for all wings, and Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, completes testing of a new satellite. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Anastasia Tompkins)

Running with faith: an Airman’s journey to redemption

Jamal Sutter — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Six years later, Keel is not only alive, but is in as good of a space, mentally and spiritually, as he’s ever been, he said. Since that dark moment in July 2013, the Reserve Airman has a new outlook on life altogether, and he owes it all to running.

Misawa AB recognized by DoD for Suicide Prevention for the second year in a row

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr. — Fri, 17 May 2019 17:10:00 GMT

Misawa Air Base, Japan was recognized for a second year in a row as the top Air Force installation during Suicide Prevention Month, at a ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, May 15.

Air Force psychologist considers social media’s role in suicide prevention

Peter Holstein — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 19:08:00 GMT

Social media connects us to more people than ever before, but these contacts may not be the type that help build resiliency. Strong interpersonal connections play a critical role in suicide prevention. Used correctly, social media can be an important tool in the suicide prevention toolbox for commanders, friends, and family.

Be there, be aware: Help prevent suicide

DoD News — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 18:59:00 GMT

When we focus on our health, it’s easy to pay attention to physical health versus mental well-being. Ignoring mental health concerns like anxiety and depression can lead to worsening symptoms and more serious issues. For some people, these issues may include an increased risk of suicide.

Connection saves lives: Be there to help prevent suicide

Peter Holstein — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 15:39:00 GMT

You can make a difference for someone struggling with suicidal thoughts with as little as eye contact and a friendly smile, an arm around the shoulder, or a kind word at the right time.

Suicide Prevention Month: How one person can make a difference

Katie Lange — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:30:00 GMT

Thoughts of suicide are not necessarily something people explicitly announce to the world, which means loved ones often have no idea that their friend or family member is contemplating it. But there are signs and risk factors, and while somebody might think they can’t make a difference by themselves, that’s wrong. Experts say that’s sometimes all it takes.

TRICARE shines a light on suicide prevention awareness

DoD News — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:30:29 GMT

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for Americans, and military veterans make up 20 percent of suicide deaths each year. TRICARE works with the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, the Department of Defense’s oversight authority to reduce the impact of suicide on Service members and their families, to provide mental health resources to all TRICARE beneficiaries.

The sun shines on Ironman

Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:45:27 GMT

Staff Sgt. Joshua Hull, the NCO in charge of the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard here recently accepted the challenge to compete at the IRONMAN Sept. 21, in Lake Tahoe, California.

Suicide prevention takes courage, communication, official says

Amaani Lyle — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:31:00 GMT

The Veterans Affairs Department has named September National Suicide Prevention Month, but the Defense Department continues its year-round, comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to address the issue of suicide in the military, a Pentagon official said Aug. 21.

Suicide prevention more than a month-long campaign

Jonathan Stock — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:00:00 GMT

All Airmen have a responsibility that last much longer than a one-month campaign. This responsibility extends beyond ourselves and includes our work environment, our families, friends, fellow Airmen and our communities. While Suicide Prevention Month is observed across the United States in September, the month-long event is a reminder of everyone's 24/7, 365-day responsibility to be a true Wingman.

CSAF to Airmen: Take care of each other

DoD News — Tue, 06 May 2014 19:53:12 GMT

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III touched on two topics in his latest message to Airmen calling on them to take care of each other.

Airman reveals personal resiliency amidst force shaping

Master Sgt. Matthew McGovern — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 18:44:00 GMT

It was 1999 and a young weather officer appeared to have everything going for him: a wife, Linda, two handsome teenage sons whom he adored, J.R. and Ryan, and a promising Air Force career for this prior-enlisted officer.

Distance proves no barrier for concerned wingman

Karen Abeyasekere — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:10:00 GMT

Previous experience working for a crisis prevention and intervention hotline helped an Airman from the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron here, save another Airman’s life.

Responder demystifies calling military crisis line for help

Terri Moon Cronk — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 20:46:00 GMT

When someone is in crisis and feeling despondent, reaching out for help is a stronger step to take than doing nothing, which can lead to a worsening state, a Military Crisis Line responder told American Forces Press Service Sept. 9.

Official notes progress in suicide prevention effort

Terri Moon Cronk — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:17:07 GMT

Making sure people know where to turn for help during a time of crisis is the continuing goal of the Defense Department's suicide prevention program, the Pentagon official in charge of the effort said here Aug. 30.