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Ruck march, candlelight vigil held to recognize Suicide Prevention Month

Team Hill members place flags during a Suicide Prevention Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. Throughout the day and during the march, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Team Hill members place flags during a Suicide Prevention Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. Throughout the day and during the march, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

A runner nears the finish line during a Suicide Prevention Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

A runner nears the finish line during a Suicide Prevention Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo b y R. Nial Bradshaw)

Master Sgt. Jared Barrett places a flag during a Suicide Awareness Prevnetion Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. Throughout the day and during the ruck march/run, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Master Sgt. Jared Barrett places a flag during a Suicide Awareness Prevnetion Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. Throughout the day and during the ruck march/run, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

(Left to right) Master Sgt. Albert Lamboy, acting first sergeant for the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, helps his son Malachi place a candle during a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout the day and during the vigil, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

(Left to right) Master Sgt. Albert Lamboy, acting first sergeant for the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, helps his son Malachi place a candle during a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout the day and during the vigil, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

(Left to right) Master Sgt. Albert Lamboy, acting first sergeant for the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, his son Malachi, and Capt. Carly Lazos, 75th Air Base Wing, place candles during a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout the day and during the vigil, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

(Left to right) Master Sgt. Albert Lamboy, acting first sergeant for the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, his son Malachi, and Capt. Carly Lazos, 75th Air Base Wing, place candles during a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout the day and during the vigil, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

Airmen gather for a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout the day and during the vigil, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

Airmen gather for a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout the day and during the vigil, Airmen placed flags in remembrance of a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

Airmen do pushups during a Suicide Prevention Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Airmen do pushups during a Suicide Prevention Month 5K ruck march/run at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 25, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Technical Sgt. Sean Hazelip, F-22 System Program Office, addresses Airmen gathered for a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Hazelip shared a personal story about a time he reached out to an Airman in distress and realized after the meeting that even the smallest of kind gestures can matter to those who are suffering or in crisis. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

Technical Sgt. Sean Hazelip, F-22 System Program Office, addresses Airmen gathered for a Suicide Prevention Month candlelight vigil Sept. 26, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Hazelip shared a personal story about a time he reached out to an Airman in distress and realized after the meeting that even the smallest of kind gestures can matter to those who are suffering or in crisis. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Todd Cromar)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Members from Team Hill gathered at the Warrior Fitness Center track and field Sept. 25 to participate in a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month 5K Ruck March/Run and candlelight vigil.

The ruck started with 22 push-ups honoring the 22-a-day mission, followed by a moment of silence. The event’s theme “Not all weight is visible” represents the burden we all carry through personal and professional stressors, for this reason there is no set ruck weight.

Flags were placed throughout the day on the field in remembrance a family member, friend or coworker who died by suicide. A candlelight vigil culminated the day’s events at the field with military and civilian Airmen sharing personal stories of reflection.

“Often, people think that when we say seek help that means walking in the door of mental health and for some reason you hear, ‘there goes my career,’” said Julie Pinchak, “I want you to know and to really hear me when I say seeking help from any of the professionals available can save careers, save relationships, and most importantly lives.”

If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text 741741. If it's an emergency, dial 911.