Team Edwards commence with suicide prevention month activities

  • Published
  • By Jet Fabara
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As part of the Air Force initiative to promote awareness during Suicide Prevention Month, Team Edwards held its first awareness activity Sept. 11 with a 5k run at the Rosburg Fitness Center.

This event was held with the collaboration of the Suicide Prevention Program manager and the Helping Agencies in an effort to raise awareness for suicide prevention, but to also honor the victims of 9/11.

"As Col. Eric Leshinsky, [412 Mission Support Group commander,] pointed out, suicide is a serious problem. When it affects one, it affects us all. It was also a way to commemorate 9/11 as a base," said Capt. Laura Pfledderer, Suicide Prevention Program manager and Family Advocacy officer.

Approximately 280 people showed up to the 5K run, according to Pfledderer. All participants received a free Suicide Prevention themed t-shirt for participation. Pfledderer also noted that the t-shirts given out during the event could be used, later in the month, to receive free bowling, discounted golf and discounted meals.

"It was overwhelming to see so much leadership, Airmen and family members partake in this run," said Pfledderer. "It really showed what a strong force we have here at Edwards."

In addition to this 5k run, the Suicide Prevention Program committee is hosting two additional events to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

"There will be free bowling event on Sept. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be a discounted golf round and lunch on Sept. 29," Pfledderer said. "For those who did not receive a t-shirt, due to the shortage, we will still honor the free and discounted events."

The Helping Agencies at Edwards includes ADAPT, Airman & Family Readiness Center, the Chapel, Civilian Health Promotion Services, Drug Demand Reduction Program, Employee Assistance Program, Equal Opportunity, Family Advocacy, Mental Health, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and the Inspector General.

For more information about future activities for the remainder of the month, call 661-277-5291 or 661-277-5292.