JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Members of JBSA took part in a 5k run as part of the 4th annual Run/Ruck for Life Sept. 16 at the Gillum Fitness Center to spread suicide awareness and build camaraderie in the community.
“There are definitely people out there who don’t have a reason to get out of bed and really question why they’re here,” said Brig. Gen. Heather L. Pringle, 502 Air Base Wing and JBSA commander, before the 5k. “This is why you are here to bring each other together and to make it a better place. I really appreciated you coming out, raising awareness and being together.”
The Run/Ruck for Life is a three-part series that was held between the three installations and more than 140 participants took part. JBSA-Randolph hosted a 5K family bike run Sept. 9 while at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, there was a 5K Ruck and Food Drive Sept. 10.
“All the evidence demonstrates pretty conclusively that when people within communities know one an other well and have substantive relationships with one an-other, well-being increases and health risk behaviors, which include suicide, reduce,” said Maj. Dan Cassidy 502nd ABW and JBSA suicide prevention program manager. “We hope that this run, in addition to other events held throughout the year, puts the joint base community more and more in the habit of getting out on the weekend and being in the company of one another.”
The JBSA-Lackland event took runners and walkers through a 5K trail with motivation poster spread throughout the track. The event also had a kiosk offering informational pamphlets along with details on the different resources and programs available.
If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, contact the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and remember the acronym ACE; ask your wingman, care for your wingman and escort your wingman. Additional information can be found at http://www.af.mil/Suicide-Prevention/.