The Missouri National Guard is planning a stand-down to deal with suicide prevention next month.
Suicide is such an important issue that the Guard is going to spend its October training weekend addressing prevention of it. State Chaplain Gary Gilmore says the discussion will focus on the impact suicide has on the Guard, on national preparedness, and on families.
Gilmore says four Guard members have killed themselves this year, part of a national problem that is seeing one military person a day commit suicide. He says some of the training will focus on indicators to watch for–situations that can set the stage for a tragedy—the loss of a job, continued poor economic situations, pending legal actions, or relationship issues, or a feeling that life is out of control.
He says it’s important other soldiers and family members know what to look for. And he says it’s important the Guard member recognize the same issues and understand there’s nothing wrong with seeking help.