3rd annual outing raises suicide awareness for hundreds

“We are coming together for life, for humans, to build relationships to give hope to one another,” said the event’s founder, Staff Sgt. Mikinee Moses, who volunteers as a suicide prevention hotline worker at North Central Mental Health Services in Columbus. “We want to encourage hope among our military and civilians here at Wright-Patt. Suicide is not a respecter of rank or position.”

Relationships start with a smile and a story, she said.

“The mission cannot be accomplished without our Airmen, both military and civilian. I encourage everyone to take a little time and support our greatest asset: Airmen from all walks of life,” Moses said. “It is extremely important for each of us to remember that we have to invest in one another and continue to build strong and healthy relationships that provide support and reassurance. We are created to have functional, healthy connections with others.”

She thanked the participants for standing “in solidarity for a cause that wrenches our hearts and leaves us speechless when we hear about suicide or have been affected by it. Know that there is a hole that doesn’t go away when suicide happens.”

Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski, Air Force Materiel Command commander, served as featured speaker of the “Let Hope R;se” event and thanked the participants for running and raising their awareness about suicide.

“Suicide is the result of a total loss of hope, but each of us has the chance to impact other people, in their workplace and by the things we do,” Pawlikowski said. “You may not know what to say or how to reach out – sometimes it’s hard to know when someone is struggling. But that simple act could serve as the hope that keeps something bad from happening.”

Col. Bradley McDonald, 88th Air Base Wing commander, spoke to the importance of the Wright-Patt family and taking care of each other during his opening comments.

“Our Air Force is about accomplishing the mission and taking care of each other,” McDonald said.

Capt. Gary Ellis, 88 MDG Mental Health Clinic/suicide prevention program manager, told the audience that their attendance signaled a commitment to the building of relationships.

“Your presence here today is a pledge you are going to continue taking care of one another,” said Ellis. “It starts today; take time to get to know each other. You are pledging to take care of your fellow Airmen and to treat one another as family.”

Ellis later emphasized the of-the-minute availability of the base’s Behavioral Health Optimization Program.

“There is no need to wait for an appointment at the Mental Health Clinic for immediate needs,” he said. “There is always someone available 24 hours a day. There is never a need to wait.”

Senior Airman Kristen Domke, assistant unit deployment manager, 88th Security Forces Squadron, knows first-hand how dark and overwhelming life can get. She said she is grateful her supervisor was so helpful after she made a suicide attempt several years ago while stationed at another base.

“It was amazing to see, in the Security Forces realm, how much people cared then, and how many fellow 88th Security Forces Squadron members are here today to support me and the cause,” she said. “We always want to make sure people are OK and that you are cared for, no matter what.”

She advises people who may not be in the best of mental health to seek help and talk to someone at the Mental Health Clinic.

Recovery is possible, she said.

“I was in the lowest of lows and my coworkers applied the wingman concept. That, combined with my faith and other help, has taken me to a good place and mindset where I can help others now,” Domke said.

“We have so many robust resources that are available at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base – use them so they become even more robust,” Moses said. “Suicide is 100 percent preventable.”

Also assisting with the event were the 338th Recruiting Squadron; Jason Cook (DJ Roomba); Sexual Assault Response Coordinator; Civilian Health Promotions; Green Dot Program; Outreach Specialist for the Air Force Reserve Psychological Health Advocacy Program; Chiefs Group; Company Grade Officers; First Sergeants; Chaplain’s Office; AAFES/Subway; and Bill’s Donuts.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help can be found at: