309th Maintenance Wing stands down to talk about suicide awareness

  • Published
  • By Barbara Fisher
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Members of the 309th Maintenance Wing took a three hour stand-down from regular work duties Wednesday during both day and swing shifts to talk about suicide awareness, prevention and workers' concerns.

The stand-down was directed by 309th MXW commander Brig. Gen. John Cooper after he learned Tuesday of the death of another member of the 309th.

In recent weeks, there has been local media coverage about suicides of Hill AFB members. In some of that coverage, the 309th was singled out as a unit with a particularly high number of suicides. The unit has experienced seven suicides since July 2008 when General Cooper arrived to take command.

So even though the cause of death of the member has not been determined, General Cooper decided to stop production and directed all wing members to gather in small groups with their supervisors and managers to have an open discussion about suicide - risk factors for it and where to go to get help.

"I wanted to let them know that production is not more important to me than they are," General Cooper said. "I wanted them to become aware of suicide warning signs and to ask them to watch out for each other and communicate with each other."

Rather than meet in one large group, General Cooper directed that immediate supervisors and management meet in small groups with their people. They were given information to discuss with their employees about the risk factors for suicidal behavior and how to reduce the likelihood of suicide.

Employees were also offered the opportunity throughout the stand-down to meet with trained wellness advocates positioned in six conference rooms throughout the wing. These advocates provided additional information on suicide and resources to help those experiencing problems. In these hourly sessions, the advocates encouraged employees to open up about issues such as conflicts at work, equal opportunity complaints and health issues.

"We emphasized to every group that there are more lives saved every day by normal people talking with each other than there are saved in emergency rooms," said Rita Roybal, one of the Ogden Air Logistics Center's eight Wingman Advocates. "We want people to be engaged and happy to be at work. We want them to feel safe here, so that if they are experiencing financial issues, health or relationship problems, they can come here and feel safe."

Another topic during the stand-down was the results of the recent Q-12 survey, or climate assessment survey, that wing members were asked to complete. Employees were asked to have open and frank discussions about the results and to begin addressing how to work as a group to come up with ways to make changes.

"We were surprised to learn that one area where we need to work on was recognition for our employees," said Ms. Marlene Wright, the wing's director of staff. "Not wing award-type recognition, but how we recognize the person who works right beside us each day. Maybe it's as simple as saying, 'You did a good job on that today,' or 'Thanks for your help.'"

Feedback on the day's events has been good, Ms. Roybal said. She and other advocates have had calls from people who have told them they are struggling every day, and they have talked with five who were contemplating suicide.

"I wasn't surprised," Ms. Roybal said. "People want to talk to someone. If you're struggling, it's important to know there's somewhere to turn. We want to help you find that place. We want work to be a safe place for you."

The wing plans another similar event as part of their annual Wingman Day June 25. Typically that day includes a barbecue, sporting events and a classic car show. This year's event will include another morning of face-to-face discussions about how to make improvements in the 309th MXW.

"I want to improve communication within the wing," General Cooper said. "I want employees and management to open up and talk to each other. If anyone needs or wants help, we'll make sure they get the help they need."