Suicide Prevention for Veterans

  • Published
  • By Charles Haymond
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

As a means to address this issue, the 55th Wing Chaplain Corps at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., opened its doors to pastors from the local Bellevue community in order to prepare them with strategies to help the veterans in their congregations.

During this briefing, speakers from 55th Wing organizations were able to share information that could guide these pastors in assisting the veterans in their churches, assisting in preventing suicides.

"The 55th Wing Chaplains recognizes the value of local church and spiritual leaders, and seeks to maximize their knowledge, skills and abilities to make a difference," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Farar, 55th Wing Chaplain.

In 2014, a VA Suicide Update listed a decrease in suicide rates for veterans who receive care.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Shauna Crim, 55th Wing mental health flight commander, said it was important for pastors to have a one-on-one connection with veterans in their congregations. This deeper understanding between veterans and pastors will allow the veterans to trust them enough to accept help.

"We need something deeper, more personal, more meaningful - we need you," Crim said, speaking to the pastors at the event.

The local pastors and other organizations in attendance said the briefing left them encouraged and armed with information to aid them in preventing suicides in their congregations.

"One of the ways to apply the information is to go over this information with church workers and leadership," said Fred Coleman, pastor of Bellevue Community Church. "Help them to be aware of the issue of suicide and give them some tools so they can assist the individual in getting the help they need."