Joint Base San Antonio > News

DOD's 2025 budget request provides 4.5% raise for service members
March 12, 2024 — The Defense Department laid out details of its $849.8 billion budget request, which is expected to fund operations during fiscal year 2025... MORE

Deputy Defense Secretary underscores DOD's commitment to suicide prevention
September 7, 2023 — The Defense Department remains relentlessly committed to the health and welfare of the total force, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said... MORE

Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, holds a sign reading, “You Matter” for Airmen entering the installation Sept. 9, 2022 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

Brandon Act aims to improve mental health support
May 8, 2023 — The Brandon Act aims at improving the referral process for service members seeking a mental health evaluation and allowing them to seek help confidentially, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said... MORE

The Brandon Act written over a backround of green circles with patches of stars and stripes and the link text: Health.mil/BrandonAct.

Secretary of Defense presses ahead with recommendations from suicide prevention committee
March 17, 2023 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has implemented the first of the recommendations made by the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee to address and prevent suicide in the military... MORE

Operation Resiliency aims to counter veteran suicides
December 15, 2022 — Operation Resiliency seeks to take advantage of the bonds forged in combat to help end the epidemic of suicides among U.S. veterans... MORE

Men dressed in casual clothing share a hug.

Active duty suicide rate drops; Austin says more work needed
October 21, 2022 — The Annual Report on Suicide in the Military for 2021 shows a decrease in the suicide rate for active duty service members and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stresses the Department of Defense will not stop working to address the root causes of this issue... MORE

Tough Conversation: Suicide, mental health awareness
December 23, 2021 — Brig. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, the 502d Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Casy Boomershine hosted their “Tough Conversation” forum Dec. 14, 2021, where they discussed suicide awareness and mental health issues with 12 JBSA-Randolph members... MORE

DOD: Suicide prevention is ongoing issue for all personnel
October 27, 2021 — The health and well-being of service members, Department of Defense civilian employees and families is paramount for force readiness, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. on Oct. 25... MORE

Following report, DOD to redouble suicide prevention efforts
October 1, 2021 — Due to the "troubling" findings from the Defense Department Annual Suicide Report, the DOD will redouble its efforts to provide care and resources for all who need it and will work to reduce stigmas and barriers to care, the secretary of defense said... MORE

Commentary: Listening and leadership can save lives
July 28, 2020 — Tech. Sgt. Daniel Rakowski knows what it feels like to lose a friend to suicide and never wants to experience it again. In 2012, a friend who had recently separated from the Army died by suicide. Rakowski saw firsthand how the Soldier’s death so deeply affected those around him – his family, his friends and Rakowski himself... MORE

Lt. Col. Scott Christensen, 331st Training Squadron commander, holds a positive message of support at a base gate during the morning inbound commute as part of their new initiative, “We Care,” at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Brooke Army Medical Center Soldier ready to run to raise suicide awareness
May 21, 2020 — Sgt. 1st Class Maité Bengoa, the enlisted advisor to the deputy commander of health readiness at Brooke Army Medical Center, is prepared to run for a good cause... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Maité Bengoa (kneeling in blue running shoes), the enlisted advisor to the deputy commander of health readiness at Brooke Army Medical Center, and the members of her team, called “Don’t Get in a Van with Strangers,” pose before a practice run.

Volunteers show commuters ‘We Care’ at JBSA-Lackland entry gates
December 19, 2019 — If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please go directly to the Mental Health Clinic or to your closest emergency room. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Above all -- you matter and your Air Force Family cares about you. ... MORE

37th Training Wing military and civilian members hold positive messages of support at base gates during the morning inbound commute as part of their new initiative, “We Care,” at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Dec. 18, 2019. The initiative involved 37th Training Wing military and civilian members spending the morning at various gates letting each person know that they stand together in support of those struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide by holding a positive message of support and handing out over 400 candy canes. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please go directly to the Mental Health Clinic or to your closest Emergency Room. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Two days could mean a lifetime to a Wingman
August 6, 2019 — Airmen can find the courage to help from Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, a suicide intervention skills training offered every month at Joint Base San Antonio. ASIST helps participants become more willing, ready and able to intervene with someone at risk of suicide... MORE

Armando O. Franco, wellness team lead, Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, instructs unit and service members during an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training session, July 31, 2019, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The training is a two-day interactive workshop that teaches suicide first-aid initiatives.

Your Life Matters with Kristen Christy
February 19, 2019 — The Joint Base San Antonio community is invited to meet with military spouse Kristen Christy, 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year, as she shares her personal experiences on the rippling effects of suicide and hope. ... MORE

The JBSA Community is invited to meet with military spouse Kristen Christy, 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year, as she shares her personal experiences on the rippling effects of suicide and hope.