Wounded Warrior Ambassadors lead suicide prevention course at MacDill

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Fejerang
  • 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2), in collaboration with the 6th Air Refueling Wing First Sergeants council, conducted a LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST two-day workshop, May 11-12, 2021 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

The goal of ASIST is to provide Airmen tools and skills to help recognize if anyone may be thinking about suicide, review the immediate risks, talk to an Airman in the moment of their situation and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide as well as helping with key elements of an effective safety plan and self-care.

“As this was a civilian run course, students had the opportunity to discuss and engage with a diverse group,” said Master Sgt. Lordell Wilson, 6th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant and event coordinator. “Students in the class range from victim advocate crisis operators to Military OneSource individuals to other Airmen sharing their unique stories.”

Suicide prevention remains a top priority for the U.S. Air Force and Team MacDill. This workshop was lead by local AFW2 ambassadors that are trained ASIST leaders. Service members who attended gained valuable skills to fight this enemy.

“Suicide is more than a tragedy; it is the number one threat to our service members across the board,” explained Master Sgt. Mark Brown, 6th Force Support Squadron first sergeant and ASIST workshop student. “To truly fulfill the oath we took to our nation, we must do everything possible to thwart suicide whenever and wherever, for whomever we are able.”

ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop and is available for anyone 16 years of age or older. For more information on the U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program visit https://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/.